Main Info
| Route | BAGDOGRA – DARJEELING – GANGTOK - TSOMGO LAKE - GANGTOK - BAGDOGRA DEPARTURE |
| Duration | 06 Nights / 07 Days |
| Route | BAGDOGRA – DARJEELING – GANGTOK - TSOMGO LAKE - GANGTOK - BAGDOGRA DEPARTURE |
| Duration | 06 Nights / 07 Days |
Upon arrival in Bagdogra you will be met by our representative in the arrival hall with a placard of your name, he will then drive with you to Darjeeling and help with hotel check in formalities.
Darjeeling: Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snowcapped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.
Overnight at hotel.
Early morning visit Tiger Hill for sunrise.
Tiger Hill: It is 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see beautiful sunrise and the Himalayan Range like Kanchendzonga, Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a majestic sight.
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel and go for the toy train ride up to Ghoom then visit Ghoom Monastery (Subject to operation of this train & availability of the seats)
Toy Train: The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in 1881, labors at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a bygone era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal. Based on its unique features, it is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind.
Ghoom Monastery: This is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Lord Buddha which is 15ft.in height.
Proceed for a city tour in the afternoon.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Closed on Thursdays): The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give training to learn Mountaineering and other adventure sports related to mountaineering and in that Institute one can see equipment etc. used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay and Everest Museum having complete details on Everest .Attached to institute one can visit Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.
Tibetan Self- Helf Centre or Refugee Centre (Closed on Sundays) This institute is run by Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can see making of Tibetan Carpets, Leather work, Paintings and Wooden work etc.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel followed by excursion to Mirik Lake.
Mirik Lake: It is newly started hill station in West Bengal and situated 48 kms west of Darjeeling near Nepal border with a facility of boating at Mirik lake which is 1.25 kms long. It is a semi-artificial lake. Drive from Darjeeling to Mirik is via natural forest & tea garden. The main tourist area, Krishna-Nagar, is south of the lake. A 10-minute walk takes you to Bokar Gompa, home to Mahayana monks. One can catch the sunrise and sunset from Rameetay Dara.
Overnight at Hotel.
After Breakfast drive from Darjeeling to Gangtok.
Gangtok: At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19TH century and has undergone rapid development since then. The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and variety of Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight.
Rest of the day free.
Overnight at Hotel.
After Breakfast head for Sightseeing of Gangtok visiting Rumtek Monastery/Do Drul Chorten, Tibetology (Closed on Saturday/Sunday & Govt. Holidays), Enchey Monastery & Cottage Industry (Closed on Saturday/Sunday & Govt. Holidays)
Rumtek Monastery: 24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe –inspiring Rumtek Monastery, the world Dharma chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from the world over. Opposite the entrance to the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel studded Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness the xvi Gyalwa Karmapa. According to legend, it is believed that after years of meditation, the first Karmapa was said to have been visited by ten thousand fairies who came to congratulate him each of whom offered a strand of her hair as a gift. These were said to have been woven into a black hat, which was passed down and is still at the Rumtek Monastery today. It is said that unless held on to by the wearer (who of course, cannot be anyone else but the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly away.
The Do Drul Chorten, built to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the Jhang Chub Chorten, built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee, a great spiritualist and interpreter of Buddhism. Near the Chorten are housed two giant statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Amidst a serene surrounding of oak, birch and ash lies the unique organization established in1958. Built in traditional style, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. The Institute also has a retail outlet where related books and commercially produced religious art and craft of Tibet can be bought.
The Enchey Monastery: Perched on a ridge above Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is nestled within lush woods with a spectacular view of Gangtok town. Built in 1910 on the site of the hermitage of the great tantric saint, Lama DrutobKarpo, who was renowned for his powers of levitation, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism.
Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts: This Directorate was set up to promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with beautiful hand woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can not only purchase these items here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favourite item here is the choktse a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable pack.
Overnight at hotel
After Breakfast excursion to Tsomgo Lake & back.
Tsomgo Lake: 35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet is the beautiful Tsomgo Lake, which freezes over in winter. The lake derives its waters from melting snows off the surrounding mountains. Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s waters. Fishing is totally prohibited and all are requested not to dirty the environs of the lake to maintain its sanctity.
Evening as leisure
Overnight at hotel
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra. Upon arrival Bagdogra transfers you to Bagdogra Airport to board your flight for onward destination.