Darjeeling, Kalimpong & Gangtok

Overview

Six days across the Eastern Himalaya, adding the quieter hill town of Kalimpong to the classic Darjeeling and Gangtok circuit. Begin with Tiger Hill at sunrise and a half-day tour of Darjeeling, then drive down to Kalimpong for Deolo Hill, Durbin Monastery, Dr Graham's Homes and its famous nurseries. Continue into Sikkim for Gangtok's monasteries and the Research Institute of Tibetology, and close with a full-day excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir.

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. 1

   Bagdogra Arrival – Darjeeling (70 km · 3½ hrs)

   Arrive at Bagdogra Airport, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand, meet our representative and drive to Darjeeling. At a height of 2,123 metres / 7,001 feet lies this land of breathtaking beauty — sloping tea gardens with spectacular views of Mount Everest, the Queen of the Hills. It is also home to the famous World Heritage train, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). Check into the hotel on arrival. Evening free to roam around the Mall or the local shopping centre. Overnight stay at Darjeeling.

2. 2

   Darjeeling Local Sightseeing (Half Day)

   Early morning at around 3:45 AM, drive to 8,000 feet / 2,440 metres through primitive forests of oak and magnolia to Tiger Hill, to view the sunrise over Kanchendzonga Peak (subject to clear weather). On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery, the Peace Memorial and Batasia Loop. Back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, the next round of sightseeing: a half-day city tour including Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday), the Ropeway, Tensing Gumpo Rock, the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre (closed on Sunday), a tea estate, the Natural History Museum (closed on Sunday) and the Peace Pagoda. Back to the hotel. Evening free to stroll around the Mall area or Chowk Bazaar. Overnight stay at Darjeeling.

3. 3

   Darjeeling – Kalimpong (65 km · 1½ hrs)

   After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kalimpong. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Kalimpong is a green destination at an altitude of 1,243 metres / 4,078 feet. It is a historical destination with a bustling market and colourful people, and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range. Check into the hotel, then drive for a sightseeing tour along a scenic road to the Forest Museum (closed on Thursday), Deolo Hill, Hanuman Mandir, Dr Graham's Homes, Durbin Monastery, Mangaldham and Pine View Nurseries (cactus only). Back to the Kalimpong hotel. Evening free to roam around any of the hundreds of nurseries or the local market area. Overnight stay at Kalimpong.

4. 4

   Kalimpong – Gangtok (75 km · 2½ hrs)

   After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Gangtok. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim — the 22nd state of India — is one of the most beautiful hill stations, with varied options for tourists. It is known for its monasteries, orchids, high-altitude lakes and butterflies, and has something for travellers of all ages. Check in at the hotel on arrival and take some rest, then proceed for half-day sightseeing visiting the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, the Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (Stupa), Enchey Monastery, White Hall and the Flower Show. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

5. 5

   Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir (Full Day)

   After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir (New), nearly 40 kilometres away. The lake is oval-shaped and nearly 50 feet deep, and is generally covered in snow for most of the year. It is home to Brahminy ducks and many migratory birds. Nearby is the sacred Baba Mandir, known to be a very holy site for all. Nathu La Pass, on the border with the Republic of China, is nearly 20 kilometres further and is an optional tour. Back to Gangtok. Evening free to roam around M G Road (the Mall) or the local shopping centre. Overnight stay at the hotel.

6. 6

   Gangtok – Departure (130 km · 4–5 hrs)

   After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction).

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