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RETURN TO DARJEELING & SIKKIM
Day 1 London to Kolkata
Fly via Dubai with Emirates to Kolkata.
Day 2 Kolkata
Arrive into Kolkata and transfer by car to the Oberoi Grand Hotel.
Over the next two days tour this fascinating city with your local
guide. Full of holy men, gurus and street temples, Kolkata has been
called the soul of India. (B)
Day 3 Kolkata
Spend the day sightseeing in this fascinating city. (B)
Day 4 Kolkata to Bagdogra – by air
Bagdogra to Darjeeling – 90kms
Fly to Bagdogra from where you will be met and transferred to the
old Raj hill station of Darjeeling. Surrounded by tea plantations,
Darjeeling is a fascinating town with a distinctive mix of Buddhist
and colonial architecture. Stay two nights in Darjeeling at the Mayfair
Hotel. (B/D)
Day 5 Darjeeling
At leisure to relax and enjoy Darjeeling under your own arrangements. (B/D)
Day 6 Darjeeling
Before sunrise visit Tiger Hill from where the views extend across
an incredible assortment of peaks. Later visit the Himalayan Mountaineering
Institute, the Himalayan Zoo and the Tibetan Self-Help Centre. Also
take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to visit the Yiga
Choling Monastery at Ghoom. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Darjeeling to Pelling – 80kms
This morning leave by car for West Sikkim via tea gardens, following
the route of the rivers Rungeet and Teesta. Stop at Gyalsing, the
capital of West Sikkim, to visit Pemayangtse Monastery to view the
exceptional murals and sacred works of art. Continue on to nearby
Pelling to stay for three nights at the Norbugang Resort. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Pelling
This morning walk up to Sikkim’s oldest monastery the Sanga
Choling. Situated on a ridge and surrounded by valleys the views from
the monastery on a clear day are majestic. Walk back to Pelling and
in the afternoon visits the Sangchay Falls. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Visit Kheopalry Lake & Yuksum
Today, after breakfast, walk through the many small Sikkimese villages
to the crystal clear Kheopalry Lake, the holiest lake in Sikkim. From
the lake continue by car north to Yuksum, the first capital of Sikkim
where the first Chogyal, or King, was crowned in 1641. Visit the coronation
site and later return by car to Pelling. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Pelling to Gangtok – 170kms
Leave Pelling and drive up to Tashiding from where it is a steep walk
up the hill to enjoy views of this famous monastery. From Tashiding
the road climbs initially to Ravangla, offering panoramic views of
Mt Kabru and Mt Marsing. Descend to the Teesta River passing through
paddy fields and small villages before arriving in Gangtok, the capital
of Sikkim. Stay two nights at the Mayfair Spa Resort. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Gangtok
Drive out to the Rumtek Monastery which is noted for its beautiful
murals. From Rumtek it is a scenic walk across terraced fields to
the Lingdum Monastery from where it is a short drive back to Gangtok.
(B/L/D)
Day 12 Gangtok to Kalimpong – 75kms
Today drive to sleepy Kalimpong, a remote hill station set in beautiful
mountain scenery and strategically located on the old trade route
to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. Stay for two nights at Himalayan Hotel.
(B/L/D)
Day 13 Kalimpong
At leisure – there are several pleasant walks to enjoy around
Kalimpong. Places of interest include a variety of garden nurseries,
several interesting monasteries and Dr Graham’s Homes, started
by the missionary Dr Graham in 1900. Outside of Kalimpong the small
village of Lava is noted for its market and monastery. (B/L/D)
Day 14 Kalimpong to Glenburn – 30kms
This morning leave Kalimpong for the Glenburn Tea Estate a beautiful
plantation retreat situated on a hillside high above the banks of
the River Rungeet and with distant views of the mighty Kanchenjunga.
(B/L/D)
Day 15 Glenburn
to
Day 16 Glenburn
Over the next two days simply relax on the veranda of the Burra Bungalow,
visit the Glenburn tea factory or wander down to the riverbank where
your hosts can arrange a guided walk to a nearby village. (B/L/D)
Day 17 Glenburn to Bagdogra – 70kms
Bagdogra to Kolkata – by air
Today return to Bagdogra in good time to catch your onward flight
back to Kolkata and on your arrival stay overnight at the Oberoi Grand
Hotel. (B)
Day 18 Kolkata to London
This morning depart Kolkata by the Emirates Airlines flight via Dubai to
London. (B)
STAYING ON
Experience the Himalayan countries of Nepal or Bhutan. Easily reach by air from Kolkata, both offer beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. Traditional and charming, the little visited Bhutan, in particular, is a hidden gem that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Cruise the mighty Brahmaputra in Assam aboard the RV Charaidew or RV Sukapha operated by the Assam Bengal Navigation Company. Known for the National Parks that border the river, there are also temples, tea gardens and numerous tribal villages to explore in an untouched land of charming people and beautiful landscapes.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – RETURN TO DARJEELING & SIKKIM
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,640. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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