Kolkata to Darjeeling - 11 days
FROM USD $3,199
From bustling Kolkata, India’s vibrant capital of culture, to the astounding beauty of Darjeeling and surrounding Sikkim, with its verdant tea plantations, Himalayan vistas and Buddhist monasteries - take the road less travelled on this captivating 11 day journey.
Day 1: Kolkata
Once you arrive into Kolkata you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Kolkata or relax at the hotel. Overnight - Kolkata
Day 2: Kolkata
The graft of a European city
imposed on an Asian landscape lends Kolkata a
bewitching blend of colour, charm and excitement. The
city is a compelling medley of ancient and modern with
its skyscrapers and Raj-era architecture. It’s colourful,
effervescent and overflowing with life and tradition.
Enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to the imposing Victoria Memorial. Opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921, this vision in marble is often called the “Taj” of the British Raj. We also visit the New Market – a bazaar on Chowringhee Road, the stately Indian Museum founded in 1814 and the oldest and largest in India, St Paul’s Cathedral and the extraordinary Marble Palace which houses paintings by Rubens, Titian and Reynolds. Overnight - Kolkata (B)
Enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to the imposing Victoria Memorial. Opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921, this vision in marble is often called the “Taj” of the British Raj. We also visit the New Market – a bazaar on Chowringhee Road, the stately Indian Museum founded in 1814 and the oldest and largest in India, St Paul’s Cathedral and the extraordinary Marble Palace which houses paintings by Rubens, Titian and Reynolds. Overnight - Kolkata (B)
Day 3: Kalimpong
Kolkata - Kalimpong. Early this morning enjoy a visit to the famous flower market near Howrah Bridge, followed by a boat ride on the Hooghly River. Later, fly to Bagdogra. From here, a drive to Kalimpong - a remote hill station set among the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the stunning Himalayas.
Kalimpong’s attractions include three monasteries including Tharpa Choeling, Tongsa and Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang, a handful of ancient churches and a colourful bazaar area known as Tenth Mile bulging with Tibetan and Buddhist curios and handicrafts. Kalimpong is also renowned for its horticulture, with some 50 nurseries devoted to orchids and many other flower varieties. Overnight - Kalimpong (B, L, D)
Kalimpong’s attractions include three monasteries including Tharpa Choeling, Tongsa and Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang, a handful of ancient churches and a colourful bazaar area known as Tenth Mile bulging with Tibetan and Buddhist curios and handicrafts. Kalimpong is also renowned for its horticulture, with some 50 nurseries devoted to orchids and many other flower varieties. Overnight - Kalimpong (B, L, D)
Days 4 - 5: Gangtok
Kalimpong - Gangtok. We drive north to Gangtok. Owing to its proximity to the Tibetan border, the capital of Sikkim is steeped in Tibetan culture. Characterised by mists, fluttering prayer flags, painted
roofs and pagoda-styled houses, a rich cultural heritage,
friendly people coupled with excellent views of the
entire Kanchenjunga Range from many points in the
city, Gangtok is scenically beautiful.
On day 5, enjoy an excursion to the Rumtek Monastery followed by a sightseeing tour of Gangtok, including the Namgyalak Institute of Tibetology. The afternoon is free to relax or explore. Overnight - Gangtok (B:2, L:2, D:2)
On day 5, enjoy an excursion to the Rumtek Monastery followed by a sightseeing tour of Gangtok, including the Namgyalak Institute of Tibetology. The afternoon is free to relax or explore. Overnight - Gangtok (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 6: Pelling
Gangtok - Pelling (Pemayangtse). Continuing
to Pelling via Tashiding, enjoy an afternoon visit to the
lofty heights of the hallowed Pemayangtse Monastery -
one of the principal monasteries in the state of Sikkim.
Founded in the 17th century, the monastery, which has
been reconstructed several times, is the main centre
of the Nyingmapa sect, established in the 8th century
AD. The followers of the sect wear red caps rather than
the yellow ones worn by monks in other monasteries.
Near the monastery, there are the traditional austere
dwellings of the monks. Breath-taking scenery can be
witnessed from the vantage point; carpets of alpine
vegetation and numerous waterfalls lining the hillsides
which are sometimes covered with a blanket of snow. Overnight - Pelling (B, L, D)
Days 7 - 9: Darjeeling
Pelling - Darjeeling. The journey continues to Darjeeling. Home of Darjeeling tea and with a panoramic backdrop of the awesome Himalayan snow-clad peaks. Early on day 8, enjoy a drive to Tiger Hill to witness sunrise over the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga; followed by a visit to Ghoom Gompa (monastery), sightseeing back in town and a visit to a real tea estate.
Day 9 is free for you to explore Darjeeling your way. See some Buddhist monasteries or visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, a training school for mountain climbers. Its museum features memorabilia from the first ascent of Everest. It is also worthwhile taking a stroll through town. Owing to Darjeeling’s proximity to Tibet, the town also has a Tibetan Refugee Centre comprising care for the young and old and craft workshops that produce carpets, leather work and other Tibetan curios, hunt for a bargain or simply go trekking! Overnight - Darjeeling (B:3, L:3, D:3)
Day 9 is free for you to explore Darjeeling your way. See some Buddhist monasteries or visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, a training school for mountain climbers. Its museum features memorabilia from the first ascent of Everest. It is also worthwhile taking a stroll through town. Owing to Darjeeling’s proximity to Tibet, the town also has a Tibetan Refugee Centre comprising care for the young and old and craft workshops that produce carpets, leather work and other Tibetan curios, hunt for a bargain or simply go trekking! Overnight - Darjeeling (B:3, L:3, D:3)
Day 10: Kolkata
Darjeeling - Kolkata (via New Jalpaiguri). Later this morning, the journey continues to New Jalpaiguri, from where you board the Darjeeling Mail train to Kolkata. In air-conditioned first class sleepers, travel in style. Overnight - Train (B)
Day 11: Kolkata
On arrival, enjoy a transfer to our hotel where a day-use room is available for your comfort. The remains of the day is at leisure. Included evening transfer to airport.
Bhutan Breakaway
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Bolt-on a 7 day Bhutan Breakaway! Come to the Kingdom of Bhutan! Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan has for centuries remained cautiously aloof from the rest of the world. Opening its doors to the world in 1974, Bhutan's incredible scenery & hospitable charm has been revealed to travellers hungry for new experiences. |
Tour Details
- Starts in: Kolkata / Ends in: Kolkata
- Departs: any day of the year
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:9, Lunch: 7, Dinner: 7
- Hotel Rating: Superior
- Tour Guide: Yes (for locally included sights)
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