Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a small town situated in a hilly region. It was gifted to British-India in 1935 by the King of Sikkim on a grant of Rs. 3000 but later annexed to India. This beautiful hill station remained a favorite of the British during their long stay in India. Darjeeling has charms of an old era, the toy train heading its way from Siliguri slowly upward on the hills. The tea from Darjeeling is known throughout the world for its excellent taste & flavors.

Places of Interest:
Himalayan Zoological Park: Exhibiting some of the rarest variety of Himalayan fauna including Snow Leopard, Red panda etc.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: World famous of which the Everest hero Tenzin Norgay was one of the founding members. It houses a rare collection of historic monuments from various expeditions.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: This center established for the rehabilitation of Tibetan Refugees. You can find wide range of Tibetan handicrafts items for sale.
Tiger Hill: The unique sunrise view from this point at 8000ft is excellent.
Tea Gardens: various tea gardens welcome visitors. Here one can have an experience of how the world best tea is plucked & manufactured.
Cultural & Trekking Itineraries

Tea Tour [Duration :7 Days]

Say Darjeeling, and your listener is bound to reply tea. The association is well deserved. Darjeeling produces the world's most aromatic variety of tea. The unusual mixture of soil, altitude, sunshine, rainfall and the character of the people help Darjeeling produce the most fragrant of teas. Thus, good Darjeeling tea is indeed the champagne of teas.

It was around 1834 when Lord William Bentinck appointed a committee "to consider the question of importing seeds and plants from China; to decide upon the most favorable localities for growing them..." Around 1835 seedlings and tea seeds were distributed to various parts of India, mostly in the hilly regions of the country.

The local people soon learnt the trade and continued to work in most of the factories. Some Europeans like Dr. Grant, The Barnes Brother, Capt. Masson, Capt. Samler, Mr. Smith. Dr. Brougham, Mr. Martin, Mr. James White, Mr. George Christison as well as a local resident Mr. Bhagatbir Rai were some of the pioneers of Darjeeling tea, planting and manufacturing tea in different parts of Darjeeling. By 1866 Darjeeling had 39 tea estates covering about 405 hectares.

Mr. W. O'Brien Ansell, a very competent engineer, further helped the growth of the tea industry in Darjeeling by using the first power driven tea roller and tea sorters. He was also the first engineer to survey a hydro-electric scheme for the electrification of Darjeeling town and he installed turbines on many tea estates of the Darjeeling. By 1872 this completely revolutionized tea manufacture.

By the 1960s a lot of replanting was done. By 1966 Tea Research Association had opened the Colonial Proving Station, making clones of selected plants for selective re-plantation. Visits to the tea plantations and factories allow a wonderful insight into the current and past history of this famous export.

Itinerary

Day 01 Bagdogra to Kurseong
Arrival transfer from Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri to Kurseong - 'the land of the white orchid'.

Day 02 Makaibari Tea Estate - Jungpana Tea Estate (Kurseong)
After breakfast visit to Makaibari Tea Plantation by walk. The owner of this tea plantation - Mr. Raja Banerjee will give a brief description about 'Organic' Darjeeling Tea. After lunch visit to Jungpana Tea Estate and back to hotel.

Day 03 Kurseong to Darjeeling
Transfer from Kurseong to Darjeeling. It is 32 kms and will take about an hour and a half drive. After lunch visit to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see the red pandas and the snow leopards.

Day 04 Tukvar Tea Estate - Happy Valley Tea Estate (Darjeeling)
After breakfast visit to Tukvar Tea Estate. In this tea plantation one can interact with the workers. On the way back visit to Happy Valley Tea Estate. After lunch walk around the colorful town of Darjeeling.

Day 05 Darjeeling to Mirik. Okaity Tea Estate - Tharbu Tea Estate - Gopaldhara Tea Estate
After breakfast transfer from Darjeeling to Mirik. On the way visit to Okaity Tea Estate, Tharbu Tea Estate and Gopaldhara Tea Estate. All these tea plantations produce one of the best qualities of Organic Darjeeling Tea. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 Mirik to Rangli - Rangliot Tea Estate
After breakfast transfer to Rangli - Rangliot Tea Estate. Afternoon visit to the tea factory. Overnight at the tea estate bunglow.

Day 07 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station for onward flight.

Singalila Trek - I Duration : 14 Days
Grade : Moderate

This trek takes you along the famous Singalila ridge. Singalila is a prominent spur of high ground that lies at the southern end of a long crest, which runs down from Kanchenjunga itself. The trek along this ridge going through small settlements is renowned for being one of the most scenically rewarding in the entire Himalaya from the mighty Everest in Nepal, to the revered Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and the legendary Chomolahari in Bhutan.

Itinerary

Day 01 Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Fly into Bagdogra from Delhi or Kolkata and drive 90 km to Darjeeling (2134 m); the world famous tea state. Rest of the day free at leisure
(Overnight Stay in hotel)

Day 02 Darjeeling (2134 m)
Very early morning proceed for excursion to Tiger Hill to witness the Sun rise over Mt. Kanchenjunga Range of mountains. Return to Darjeeling visiting Ghoom Monastery enroute. Enjoy Toy Train ride (now a World Heritage entity). Afternoon sightseeing of Darjeeling.
(Overnight stay in hotel)

Day 03 Darjeeling – Maneybhanjang (2000m) – Tonglu (3070m)
Early 30 km drive to a village, Maneybhanjang and start trek. The trail starts with a rather steep climb as we move to reach the Singalila ridge. Passing a small hamlet, Chitrey, the trail leads us to Tonglu. If the weather is clear you could be treated to a spectacular sunset on the Kanchenjunga range. (Overnight Camp)

Day 04 Tonglu - Kalpokhari (3100m):5 hrs walk
We proceed to a village, Tumling and the trails zigzag into Nepal and back to India regularly. We enter the Singalila National Park and then descend 6km to Gairibas. The trail climbs up back to the Singalila ridge rather steeply and we again follow the ridge till we reach Kala Pokhari, literally meaning “Black Lake”. (Overnight Camp)

Day 05 Kalpokhari – Sandahphu(3640m): 3 hrs walk
We proceed via Bikhey Bhanjang (poisonous valley) and the last 5 km of the trail is a steep ascent till we reach Sandakphu. Sandakphu is a window to one of the finest view of the snowy mountains, from the mighty Everest in Nepal, to the revered Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and the legendary Chomolahari in Bhutan. From here Everest is just 144 km as the crow flies. The whole snowy range of Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal, about 320 km in length, a wonderful square mass of mountains looking like a wall of snow, is visible, but the gigantic height and breadth of touring Kanchenjunga, with its attendant peaks, Kabru, Jannu and Pandim dominate the scene. (Overnight Camp)

Day 06 Sandakphu- Molley (3000m): 5 hrs walk
After breakfast we start on the trail on the ridge towards Molley. As we walk along we can view the beautiful valleys of both India and Nepal with Kanchenjunga on our right and Everest on our left. For about 4 km the trail is flat and finally there is a long steady climb to Sabargram (about 5 km further away). To break the long walk to Phalut, a slight detour has been made and after a small descent we reach Molley, about 2 km off the road. Molley means gobar, shit of cowswhich is applied to floorings in a village and was once a camping ground for shepherds. The vegetation is Alpine, with an undulating ripple of dwarf rhododendron bushes and shrubs of poisonous aconite. (Overnight Camp)

Day 07 Molley – Phalut (3605m): 3 hrs walk
The trail at first climbs back to join the main trail and after some descent there is a 3 km steep ascent to Phalut which is an important view point on the trail. Phalut forms the junction of Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal. The hills are all bare and from here Kanchenjunga is only 48 km as the crow flies. (Overnight Camp)

Day 08 Phalut – Rammam (2560m): 5-6 hrs walk
Early morning walk to the view point to see the sunrise. The route ahead is certainly not for anyone with weak knees for it descents1200 mts in 15 km but this descent is through a most wonderful forest. The trail is well trodden and the bamboos and furs is ultimately replaced by deodars and pines in a day’s wonderful walk. The low hills are covered with moss-laden trees, different varieties of rhododendron, silver firs, pines, spruce, chestnuts, oaks, giant magnolias and hemlocks. We reach a small village of Gorkhey at 2390 mts and then Samanden a beautiful village hidden between two valleys; hence this area is also called ‘Lost Valley’. A further 8 km walk ahead lies Rammam. (Overnight Camp)

Day 09 Rammam – Rimbik (2286m): 5 hrs walk
The trek ahead is beyond the forest, but the pleasures are different. There are small villages constantly passing through till we reach the trekker’s hut at Siri Khola which is built overlooking the river. The trail after math is flat till we reach the last camp at Rimbik. Rimbik, which is a Lepcha word means ‘ Ling-gip’ i.e ‘place where there is a swing’. At last we are amongst modern facilities where we finally get to loosen our tired limbs. A hot shower a good clean room and change of cloths make us feel happy that only civilization can give. (Overnight Hotel)

Day 10 Rimbik - Pelling (2000m): 6 hrs drive
Drive throughRammam, Lodhoma,Kaijele, Jhepi, Bijanbari, Goke, Jorethang and Pelling.(Overnight Hotel)

Day 11 Pelling – Gangtok (1800m): 6 hrs drive
Drive to Gangtok, the present day capital of Sikkim. On the way visit Bon Monastery which was built by Lama Yung Drung Tsultrim to spread the teachings of Lord Tonpa Shenrab Mibo. The Bon religion was founded eighteen thousand and fifteen years ago by Lord Tonpa Shenrab and was the principal religion of Tibet before the arrival of Buddhism. (Overnight hotel)

Day 12 Gangtok
Full day sight seeing. Excursion to Rumtek Monastery and Research Institute of Tibetology. After lunch, visit Govt. Institute of Cottage Industry (Handicraft Centre), Flower Show and Enchey Monastry. Evening walks to the local market. (Overnight hotel)

Day 13 Gangtok - Kalimpong (1220m): 4 hrs drive
Kalimpong is a small sleepy hill resort where people come to relax. Afternoon half day city tour which includes Durpin Monastery and flower nurseries. Evening walk around local market. (Overnight hotel)

Day 14 Kalimpong – Bagdogra: 4hrs Drive
Transfer to Bagdogra airport. Fly to Kolkata or Delhi/ Drive to Bhutan border

Singalila Trek - II Duration : 7 Days
Grade : Moderate

The trek along the Singalila ridge going through small settlements is renowned for being one of the most scenically rewarding in the entire Himalaya. The trek takes you to Sandakphu (3640m) which is a window to one of the finest view of the snowy mountains, from the mighty Everest in Nepal, to the revered Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and the legendary Chomolahari in Bhutan.

Itinerary
Day 01 Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Fly into Bagdogra from Delhi or Kolkata and drive 90 km to Darjeeling (2134 m); the world famous tea state. Rest of the day free at leisure
(Overnight Stay in hotel)

Day 02 Darjeeling (2134 m)
Very early morning proceed for excursion to Tiger Hill to witness the Sun rise over Mt. Kanchenjunga Range of mountains. Return to Darjeeling visiting Ghoom Monastery enroute. Enjoy Toy Train ride (now a World Heritage entity). Afternoon sightseeing of Darjeeling.
(Overnight stay in hotel)

Day 03 Darjeeling – Maneybhanjang (2000m) – Tonglu (3070m)
Early 30 km drive to a village, Maneybhanjang and start trek. The trail starts with a rather steep climb as we move to reach the Singalila ridge. Passing a small hamlet, Chitrey, the trail leads us to Tonglu. If the weather is clear you could be treated to a spectacular sunset on the Kanchenjunga range. (Overnight Camp)

Day 04 Tonglu - Kalpokhari (3100m): 5 hrs walk
We proceed to a village ,Tumling and the trails zigzag into Nepal and back to India regularly. We enter the Singalila National Park and then descend 6km to Gairibas. The trail climbs up back to the Singalila ridge rather steeply and we again follow the ridge till we reach Kala Pokhari, literally meaning “ Black Lake”. (Overnight Camp)

Day 05 Kalpokhari – Sandakphu(3640m): 3 hrs walk
We proceed via Bikhey Bhanjang (poisonous valley) and the last 5 km of the trail is a steep ascent till we reach Sandakphu. Sandakphu is a window to one of the finest view of the snowy mountains, from the mighty Everest in Nepal, to the revered Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and the legendary Chomolahari in Bhutan. From here Everest is just 144 km as the crow flies. The whole snowy range of Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal, about 320 km in length, a wonderful square mass of mountains looking like a wall of snow, is visible, but the gigantic height and breadth of touring Kanchenjunga, with its attendant peaks, Kabru, Jannu and Pandim dominate the scene. (Overnight Camp)

Day 06 Sandakphu- Rimbick: (2286m) - Darjeeling:
6 hrs walk/drive 4 hrs
The trail is downhill till Siri Khola and then a flat walk up to Rimbik. Drive back to Darjeeling.

Day 07 Darjeeling – Bagdogra: 4hrs Drive
Transfer to Bagdogra airport. Fly to Kolkata or Delhi

Organic and Fair Trade Village Tour Duration : 8 Days Mineral Spring Sanjukta Vikash Sanstha
Mineral Spring Sanjukta Vikash Sanstha (Mineral Spring United Development Collective) comprise of two major villages, Harsing and Mineral Spring. It has an altitude of 6500 feet to 3300 feet above mean sea level. The villages have two major rivers Rungdung and Ghattee flowing through them. The rivers originate from the Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also the catchment for Darjeeling town.
Mineral Spring is in the east side of Darjeeling town and is almost 15-16 km from the town.
One can either trek or 4W drive down to Mineral Spring. The alternative trek route from 3rd mile or 6th mile forest villages through Rangaroon Forest is enjoyable for nature lovers.

The villagers of the 14 hamlets within Harsing and Mineral Spring established “Mineral Spring Sanjukta Vikash Sanstha”(MSSVS) in 1996 which today has over 450 house hold members. The process was facilitated by a local NGO DLR Prerna www.darjeelingprerna.org
MSSVS has been Certified Organic since 2001, in national and international standards. MSSVS is also a producer partner of Fair trade Labelling Organisations International since 2003.

The farmers practice traditional agriculture by growing mandarin oranges, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, tea and vegetables. Dairy products especially milk is also a major source of income. The agricultural practices are being enhanced with inputs on Organic Farming and Permaculture.
MSSVS tea is sold by Equal Exchange, Alter Eco, DWP in the International market.
MSSVS is one of the few multi-cropping Organic Certified and Fair trade Labeled small farmers collective in India.
Students from National and International Universities have undertaken research on MSSVS some receiving their Ph. D.
Certified Perma culture Design Courses have been conducted in Mineral Spring since 2005 by Rico Zook an International trainer and practitioner www.ricoclime.com. Internal Control and Regulations Systems of organic farming are also held regularly. The trainings have an added dimension of home stays for the participants.

Itinerary
Day 01 Arrive Bagdogra Airport and then transfer to Darjeeling. Over Night at Hotel

Day 02 Early morning excursion to Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery and back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast visit to Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Himalayan Zoological Park. After lunch Joy Ride by Toy Train up to Ghoom and back. Later in the evening walk around the colourful town of Darjeeling. Over night at hotel.

Day 03 Drive Darjeeling to 3rd mile and then walk to Ragagoong. A walk of about 2 – 3 hrs downhill. Afternoon lecture on organic tea and interaction with mothers group organization. Over night at tents.

Day 04 Walk to Aambotay. A walk of about 4 hrs. Aapbotay is part of Sanjukta Vikash Cooperative at Mineral spring, Dabaipani Gram Panchyat, Bijanbari block. In the afternoon lecture on organic farming on the village farm. Over night at tents.

Day 05 Morning visit to agriculture farming on Ginger harvest. After lunch visit to an organization to witness bamboo weaving. Later in the evening cultural programme. Over night at tents.

Day 06 Morning transfer to Darjeeling. After lunch transfer to Triveni Tourist Lodge. Evening lecture on Darjeeling and Sikkim and later bonfire on the river bed of Teesta and Rangeet. Over night at Tourist Lodge.

Day 07 Morning river rafting on the river Teesta and then continue drive to Kalimpong. PM visit to a Tibetan Monastery, Flower nursery and walk around the local bazaar of Kalimpong. Over night at hotel.

Day 08 After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra Airport for onward flight/Drive to Bhutan border

Monastic Tour [Duration : 10 Days]

Itinerary

Day 01 Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Arrive Bagdogra Airport from Delhi or Kolkata and drive 90 km to Darjeeling (2134 m); famous worldwide for tea. Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Darjeeling (2134 m)
Early morning proceed for excursion to Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga range of mountains. Return to hotel visiting Ghoom Monastery (Yiga Choling)on the way
The Yiga Choling Monastery belonging to the Gelugpa Sect was built in 1850 by a Lama Sherap Gyatsho and contains a 15 feet high statue of Maitrey Buddha. This Monastery is the first monastery of Darjeeling.
After breakfast visit to Dali Monastery and Aloobari Monastery. After lunch visit to Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre and Bhutia Busty Monastery. Evening walk around the colorful town of Darjeeling.

Day 03 Darjeeling – Gangtok (1700m): 4 hrs drive
Drive to Gangtok. Rest of the day free at leisure.

Day 04 Gangtok
After breakfast excursion to Rumtek Monastery and Research Institute of Tibetology. After lunch, visit to Govt. Institute of Cottage Industry (Handicraft Centre), Flower Show and Enchey Monastery. Evening walk around the local market.
The Rumtek Monastery belonging to the Karma Kargupa Sect is certainly the largest monastery is Sikkim. Built in 1960 by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa the Rumtek Monastery has its origins in Tibet .It now functions as the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre. Located within the complex is the Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies. The centre houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects. The Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple is located on a hilltop above Gangtok . This Monastery rebuilt in 1910 belongs to the Nyingmapa order and was once the hermitage site of Lama Drupthob Karpo, a Tantric Master.

Day 05 Gangtok
Full day excursion to Phodong and Labrang Monastery.
Phodong Monastery in North Sikkim is 28 kms from Gangtok belong to the Kargyupa Sect. The original monastery has been rebuilt and is today one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim. It possesses the old mural paintings and has around 260 monks.
The Labrang Monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa Sect which is one of the oldest sect in Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 06 Gangtok – Pelling (2100m): 6 hrs drive
After breakfast drive to Pelling the second oldest capital of Sikkim. On the way visit Bon Monastery.
The Bon Monastery was built by Lama Yung Drung Tsultrim to spread the teachings of Lord Tonpa Shenrab Mibo. The Bon religion was founded eighteen thousand and fifteen years ago by Lord Tonpa Shenrab and was the principal religion of Tibet before the arrival of Buddhism.

Day 07 Pelling
Excursion to Tashiding Monastery.
The Tashiding Monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order, was built in 1717 and is on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong and the Rangit river. The main monastery was built by Pedi Wangmo during the reign of Chakdor Namgyal, the third king of Sikkim. There are many Chortens (stupas) dedicated to some Chogyals (Kings) and some religious personalities of Sikkim. It is believed that even a slight glimpse of the monastery cleanses all sins.

Day 08 Pelling
After breakfast visit to Pemayangtse Monastery, Sangacholing Monastery and the Ruins of Rabdentse Palace.
The Pemayangtse Monastery, built in the 17th century is the most important monastery of the Nyingmapa order .On the top floor of the monastery there is a wooden sculpture depicting the Mahaguru's Heavenly Palace 'Sangthokpalri'. This masterpiece was completed by the late Dungzin Rimpoche, who took 5 years to craft it single handed.
Considered the oldest in Sikkim, Sanga Choling means 'the island of esoteric teaching'. Gutted by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of the original clay statues.
The Rabdentse ruins was the second capital of Sikkim and was established in the late 17th century by the second Chogyal (King).It was abandoned towards the end of the 18th century because of the threats posed by the surrounding countries. The scenic view from the top of the ruin scanning across deep valleys to the mystic heights of Kangchenjunga ranges, is something to be etched in memory.

Day 09 Pelling – Kalimpong (1220m): 4 hrs drive
After breakfast transfer to Kalimpong. Afternoon visit Durpin Monastery (Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery), Thongsa Monastery and Tarpa Cholling Monstery. Evening visits to nurseries and local markets.
Consecrated personally by the Dalai Lama in 1976, the Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery contains the Kanguyar, in 108 volumes, brought by the Dalai Lama when he fled Tibet. This monastery lies nestled on Durpin Hill which offers a panoramic view of Kalimpong.
The Thongsa Monastery or Bhutanese Monastery which was built in 1692 and is considered the oldest in this area.

Day 10 Kalimpong – Bagdogra: 3 hrs drive
After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra airport, Bhadrapur Airport or Phuentsholing (Indo-Bhutan border).

Dzongri Trek Duration : 10 Days
Grade : Moderate

A very popular trekking route in West Sikkim, the trek is through an exclusive and bewitching forest and tiny Tibetan settlements for an unforgettable close up view of the mighty Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks.

Itinerary

Day 01 Bagdogra – Gangtok (1800m) : 5 hrs drive
Fly into Bagdogra from Delhi or Kolkata and drive to Gangtok the capital of Sikkim. Rest of the day free at leisure
(Overnight Stay in hotel)

Day 02 Gangtok
Full day sight seeing. Excursion to Rumtek Monastery and Research Institute of Tibetology. After lunch, visit Govt. Institute of Cottage Industry (Handicraft Centre), Flower Show and Enchey Monastry. Evening walks to the local market. (Overnight hotel)

Day 03 Gangtok – Yoksum (1780 m): 6-7 hrs drive
Drive to Yoksum - The oldest capital of Sikkim. Yoksum is the base for Dzongri Trek. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 04 Yoksum – Bakhim, (2800m): 7 hrs walk
The first day of trek starts at Yoksum. The trail undulates through moss laden forests of oak, chestnut, pine, firs, magnolia and rhododendron. It is really a botanist‘s paradise. Some of the animals that are found at various altitudes on this trail, are the Himalayan brown bear, black bear, barking and musk deer, sambar, marble cat, Tibetan antelope, wild goats and red pandas. The trail crosses 2 side streams over sturdy wooden bridges slowly descending through the dense forest and crossing the Prekchu river. Then after an hour’s ascent up the opposite bank the forest opens up at Bakhim. (Overnight Camp)

Day 05 Bakhim - Dzongri (4030m): 5-6 hrs walk
The trail leads us to a tiny Tibetan village of Tsoka and it ascends right amidst an exclusive and bewitching forest of rhododendron to break the tree line at Deorali (4000m) (highpoint) decorated in auspicious prayer flags. From here you can get spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, Sinolchu, Kabru, Pandim, Jopino, Kokthang, Talung and Narsing. The trail now rides the forest covered in yellow and violet rhododendrons before descending slightly to Dzongri. (Overnight Camp)

Day 06 A day at Dzongri
A day at Dzongri to explore around and acclimatization. Wake-up tea at 4 am and climb Dzongri view point (one hour) gaining 200m for an unforgettable close up view of the mighty Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks. After breakfast excursion up to Dzongrila pass. (Overnight Camp)

Day 07 Dzongri – Tsoka (3005): 4 hrs walk
Return back to Tsoka. (Overnight Camp)

Day 08 Tsoka – Yoksum: 6 hrs walk
Return back to Yoksum. (Overnight stay in hotel)

Day 09 Yoksum - Khecheopalri Lake – Pelling (2000 m)
Drive to Khecheopalri Lake .This unusually tranquil lake, surrounded by verdant forest is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. Drive to Pelling. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery. (Overnight stay in hotel)

Day 10 Pelling - Bagdogra
Transfer to Bagdogra airport. Fly to Kolkata or Delhi

Cultural Tour - I [Duration :7 Days]

Itinerary

Day 01 Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Arrive Bagdogra Airport from Delhi or Kolkata and drive 90 km to Darjeeling (2134 m); famous worldwide for tea. Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Darjeeling (2134 m)
Early morning proceed for excursion to Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga range of mountains. Return to hotel visiting Ghoom Monastery on the way. Enjoy Toy Train ride (now a World Heritage entity). Afternoon sightseeing of Darjeeling.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 Darjeeling – Gangtok (1700m): 4 hrs drive
Drive to Gangtok. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 Gangtok
After breakfast full day sightseeing of Gangtok visiting Rumtek Monastery and Research Institute of Tibetology. After lunch, visit Govt. Institute of Cottage Industry (Handicraft Centre), Flower Show and Enchey Monastery. Evening walk around the local market. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 Gangtok – Pelling (2100m): 6 hrs drive
After breakfast drive to Pelling the second oldest capital of Sikkim. On the way visit Bon Monastery which was built by Lama Yung Drung Tsultrim to spread the teachings of Lord Tonpa Shenrab Mibo. The Bon religion was founded eighteen thousand and fifteen years ago by Lord Tonpa Shenrab and was the principal religion of Tibet before the arrival of Buddhism. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 Pelling – Kalimpong (1220m): 4 hrs drive
After breakfast visit to Pemayangtse Monastery, the second oldest monastery of Sikkim and then continue drive to Kalimpong. Evening visit to Dzong-Dog-Phelri Monastery flower nurseries and walk around the colorful bazaar of Kalimpong.

Day 07 Kalimpong - Bagdogra
After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra airport or Bhadrapur Airport for onward flight or to Phuentsholing (Indo-Bhutan border).