Nepal and Sikkim

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Emirates flight to Dubai. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu

Arriving into Dubai, connect onto the Emirates flight to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel on arrival. This afternoon take a walking tour of the old city visiting the temples and palaces of Durbar Square – an astonishing area of regal and religious architecture. End the day at the 2500 year old Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest and most important sites of worship in the city, before indulging in some local Nepalese food. (N)
Accommodation in Kathmandu: Yak & Yeti Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Dwarikas Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Kathmandu – visit Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Patan

Today explore some of Kathmandu’s most religious and important sites. Starting at the Pashupatinath temple complex, Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrimage site, discover the Royal Cremation Ghats. Continue to the nearby stupa of Bodhnath before driving outside of Kathmandu to visit the ancient city of Patan, capital of the Malla Kings. Known as the artistic and architectural centre of the valley, the beautiful square is home to an astonishing 55 temples and 136 monasteries. (B)
Accommodation in Kathmandu: Yak & Yeti Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Dwarikas Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Kathmandu – visit Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur

This morning visit the historic Changu Narayan temple which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated upon a hilltop at the eastern end of the Kathmandu valley, the temple is over 1,500 years old and offers a fine example of Nepalese pagoda architecture. Later that afternoon, visit the former capital of the valley, Bhaktapur, where you can experience historic Durbar Square and the Nayatpola Temple, the tallest pagoda-temple in Nepal. (B)
Accommodation in Kathmandu: Yak & Yeti Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Dwarikas Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Kathmandu to Bhadrapur – by air / Bhadrapur to Darjeeling – 130kms

After breakfast transfer to Kathmandu Airport and fly to Bhadrapur. From here cross the border into India and continue by car to the old Raj hill station of Darjeeling. Occupying an idyllic setting, surrounded by hills thickly covered by coniferous forest and terraced tea gardens, Darjeeling has stunning views of the enchanting Kangchendzonga range. (B/D)
Accommodation in Darjeeling: Mayfair Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Windamere Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Darjeeling

Today you are at leisure to relax and explore Darjeeling under your own arrangements. Highlights we recommend include a walk to Observatory Hill or a visit to the Bhutia Basti Monastery. (B/D)
Accommodation in Darjeeling: Mayfair Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Windamere Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Darjeeling

Before sunrise visit Tiger Hill which is famed for its spectacular views over mountainous peaks. Be inspired as the sun appears. Later that morning visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where you can view equipment used on the famous Tenzing-Hillary Everest climb. Other visits will be made to the Himalayan Zoo, Happy Valley Tea Estate and the Tibetan Self-help Centre. Later enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling Mountain Railway to visit the Yiga-Choling Monastery which was built in 1875 and houses famous Buddhist scriptures. (B/D)
Accommodation in Darjeeling: Mayfair Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Windamere Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Darjeeling to Pelling – 110kms

Today depart Darjeeling for the drive to Pelling. Today's journey today is very scenic and follows the twisting route of the rivers Rungeet and Teesta. En-route a stop will be made in Gyalsing, the capital of West Sikkim, to visit the Pemayangtse Monastery which is home to numerous exceptional murals and sacred works of art. After your visit, continue on to nearby Pelling and spend the rest of the day relaxing at leisure. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Pelling: The Elgin - Mount Pandim (or similar)

Day 9 Pelling

After breakfast visit Sanga Choling Monastery. Located on a ridge surrounded by rolling valleys, built in 1697, the monastery is believed to be one of the oldest in Sikkim. On a clear day enjoy the majestic the views. After your visit, return to Pelling on foot and in the afternoon visit the Sangchay Falls. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Pelling: The Elgin - Mount Pandim (or similar)

Day 10 Pelling to Gangtok – 170kms

This morning drive to Tashiding. There is a steep walk up the hill to enjoy views of this famous monastery. From Tashiding drive to Ravangla which offers panoramic views of Mt Kabru and Mt Marsing. Passing through paddy fields and small villages as you descend to the Teesta River before arriving in the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Gangtok: The Elgin - Nor-Khill (or similar)

Day 11 Gangtok

After breakfast travel to the Rumtek Monastery, the headquarters of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism. Built in the 1960s as a copy of the monastery they had fled in Tibet after the Chinese invasion, Rumtek is renowned for its beautiful monastic paintings and intricate woodwork. Later leave Rumtek and take a scenic walk across terraced fields to the Lingdum Monastery before returning by car back to Gangtok and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Gangtok: The Elgin - Nor-Khill (or similar)

Day 12 Gangtok to Kalimpong – 75kms

This morning depart Gangtok and drive to sleepy Kalimpong, a remote hill station set in beautiful mountain scenery which was for centuries one of the main meeting points on the trade route between the ancient ‘closed lands’ of Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. When you arrive, enjoy the fine views of Kangchendzonga and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Kalimpong: The Elgin - Silver Oaks (or similar)

Day 13 Kalimpong to Bagdogra – 80kms / Bagdogra to Kolkata – by air

After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Kolkata. Kolkata is the heart of eastern India. One of the forward-thinking intellectual capitals of India, the city has long been noted for its wonderful architectural landmarks – many of which date from the period of the British Raj. Kolkata is also known as the ‘soul of India’, one of the most populous urban areas on earth and an intensely human city. (B)
Accommodation in Kolkata: Oberoi Grand Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Kolkata

Today enjoy a guided tour of Kolkata where you will visit St John's Church, the Writers Building - now the seat of government, South Park Cemetery and the silver-domed General Post Office. You will also visit the famous white marble Victoria Memorial. Built in 1921 this impressive building is now home to a treasure trove of Raj relics. Finish the afternoon at the excellent Indian Museum, which is the country's oldest and largest museum. (B)
Accommodation in Kolkata: Oberoi Grand Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 Kolkata to the UK

Today transfer back to Kolkata Airport to catch the Emirates flight to Dubai. On your arrival connect onto the onwards Emirates flight to the UK. (B)

15 days from £3495 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £3495 per person

Itinerary: Nepal and Sikkim

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