Fabulous North East
9 Days · 8 Nights
Rs. 20,400 / Person
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival and transfer to Darjeeling
Arrive at Bagdogra airport/ Jalpaiguri railway station/ Tenzing Norgay bus stand. Our tour representative who will assist you with a smooth transfer to Darjeeling. Set at 2050m up in the lap of Himalayas, Darjeeling is named as the 'Queen of Hills'. Owing to its exotic location, attractions and tourist spots the hill town is popular as a romantic honeymoon destination as well as family vacation spots in India. The prime highlights are Darjeeling Himalayan Railway- a UNESCO World Heritage Site and several tea estates. Upon arrival, check-in at a pre-booked hotel. You can opt either to relax at the hotel or choose to go shopping or for a leisurely walk. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 2 - Darjeeling local sightseeing (half day)
Start the day at pre-dawn. Around 3:45 AM proceed towards Tiger Hill. The lookout lies at the height of 8,500ft surrounded by natural beauty. Revel in the enchanting views of the sunrise over the snow-covered Himalayan ranges, especially Mt Kanchenjunga (world's third highest peak). Thereafter, on your way back to the hotel, visit the Ghoom Monastery, War memorial, and Batasia Loop. The Tibetan Buddhist Gompa, Ghoom is home to some lovely thangkas displayed on the walls and rare Buddhist manuscripts. Batasia Loop is scenic as well as a technically important point of the Darjeeling Toy Train. The scenic garden is home to War Memorial, built in order to pay tribute to the Gorkha soldiers of Darjeeling. Enjoy the views while you walk amid the scenic bliss. Later get to the hotel room, have breakfast and relax. Thereafter, proceed for local sightseeing in Darjeeling. Visit places including Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday), Passenger Ropeway, Tenzing and Gumbo Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, Tea Estate, Natural history museum (Sunday closed) and Peace Pagoda. The unmissable highlight of the day tour is Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park which is among the highest Zoos in India. It's the habitat of Red Panda, Siberian Tiger, and Snow Leopard and the endangered species of the Himalayan fauna. Later, proceed for a visit to the Tea Estate as Darjeeling has a quite reputation for varieties in teas of different flavors and tastes. Dating back to the British Raj, the tea gardens are scenic as well as historical sites. Next, board the Passenger Ropeway to enjoy a bird's view of the spectacular beauty of the town, tea estates, and the meandering River Rangeet. Check out the Bengal Natural History Museum- to take a look at marvelous exhibits of flora and fauna. Proceed to the last stop of the day, the Peace Pagoda. Designed by Nichidatsu Fujii, the simple structure is a symbol of world peace, to unite people of all caste and religion. Return to your hotel and relax. The rest of the evening is free for you, either you can relax or just stroll around. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 3 - Transfer to Kalimpong (48km/ 1 and ½ hr) & Sightseeing in Kalimpong
After a delicious breakfast, check-out from the hotel. Get assisted with transfer to Kalimpong. Overlooking the Teesta River, the amazing hill town is among the most beautiful places in North East India. Upon reaching Kalimpong, check-in at the hotel. Later get ready for sightseeing. The charming town of Kalimpong is set between Deolo Hills. Pass through scenic road to Forest museum (closed on Thursday). The sightseeing tour includes a visit to Deolo Hill, Hanuman Mandir, Dr. Graham Homes (school), Durpin Monastery, Mangaldham, and Pine View Nursery. Start the tour with a visit to the highest point of the region, Deolo Hills 1704 m above the sea level. Enjoy the picturesque views of the mountains, especially the Mt Kanchenjunga. Also, relish the taste of cherries cultivated here. Next, proceed for a visit to the Durpin Monastery in the lap of Durpin Dara hill. The monastery is known for two big cylinders each roughly 10ft high, on both sides. As you turn the cylinders by a crank, the lever is so arranged that a bell would ring on each turn. Also, rotate the row of prayer wheels for divine blessings. Among the best features of Kalimpong are the various attractive nurseries. Pay a visit to the Pine view nursery boasting of a great collection of cactus in entire Asia. The visit is incredible owing to the presence of cactus in the North-Eastern hills. After a well-spent day sightseeing, return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4 - Transfer to Pelling
Start the day with hearty breakfast at the hotel. After that pack your bags and check out from the hotel. Proceed by road towards Pelling, the next stop of your North East holiday. En route pass by the beautiful Sikkimese town of Jorethang. Heavenly scenery greets you upon reaching Pelling. Nestled amid spectacular views of Himalayas, at an altitude of 2072 m, the town is known for views of the snow-capped peaks of Pandim, Rathong, Kanchenjunga, and Siniolchu. The charming places to visit in Pelling include ancient Tibetan monasteries, pristine lakes, meadows of varieties of Rhododendron and orchids. On arrival, check-in at a hotel. Enjoy the comforts of your hotel as the rest of the day is free at your own leisure. Spend the evening strolling through the small town or explore the colorful markets. Here find treasures of hand-woven carpets, shawls and blankets in Lepcha leaves, Buddhist religious items, thangkas, traditional motifs, and paper products. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 5 - Local Sightseeing in Pelling (full day)
Breakfast at the hotel refreshes you early in the day. After you are done, get ready for sightseeing on a full-day excursion in Pelling. While the scenic beauty is the highlight of this charming town in North East India, important tourist spots are Rimbi waterfalls, Rimbi Rock Garden, Khecheoplalri Lake, Khecheopalri Monastery, Kanchenjunga waterfalls, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Rabdentse ruins. Start sightseeing with Khecheopalri Lake. Named among the holiest lakes in North East India as well as Pelling, the lake is revered by Buddhist as well as Hindu community. Known by names such as Kha-Chot-Palri, Wishing Lake and Sho Dzo Sho, it is a beautiful site with spiritual powers that soothes minds and souls. The lake is an important site on the Buddhist religious circuit in North East India, especially Sikkim along with monasteries. Later, proceed towards the Pemayangtse Monastery. Among the most beautiful Buddhist Gompas, this one is said to be founded by the Lama Lhatsun Chempo mainly for 'ta-sang' lamas (the purest of monks). Pay a visit to feel the divine bliss as well as explore Buddhist antique idols, scriptures, and sculptures. The seventiered painted wooden structure portraying Guru Rimpoche's Heavenly Palace, Santoplari is unmissable. The fascinating masterpieces are single-handedly crafted by Late Dungzin Rimpoche in almost 5 years. Next, visit the scenic Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, one of the famous tourist spots in Pelling. The sight of the cascading water from such a height offers pristine beauty. Move on towards the ruins of Rabdentse, declared as a monument of National importance by Archaeological Survey of India. Among the important tourist sites in Sikkim, Rabdentse come under Buddhist pilgrimage that starts from Yuksom at Dubdi Monastery, then Norbugang Chorten, Tashiding Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Sangachoeling Monastery, ending at Khecheopalri Lake. The ruins are accessible only after a 2km trek through dense jungles and snow-covered mountains. Return to the hotel for rest. The evening is free of plans. Opt to stroll through the town or explore the bustling bazaars. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 6 - Transfer to Gangtok
Today you will be proceeding towards the next destination of your North East holiday, Gangtok. After an unhurried breakfast, Check-out from the hotel and proceed by road. Among the most beautiful places in North East India, the capital city of Sikkim find its place. It is known for ancient monasteries, picturesque valleys and wonderful sanctuaries, and attractions. Owing to its treasure of so many monasteries it was formerly known as the 'land of monasteries'. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and freshen up. The rest of the day is at your own leisure. It is amazing to stroll through the town or shop at the local markets. The serene ambiance of the town refreshes your senses. It is replete with the bliss of the mountains, away from the hustle-bustle of cities. Explore the amazing markets in Mall Road. Take a look at handicrafts, especially fine things crafted from bone. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 7 - Local sightseeing in Gangtok (Full day)
Start the day with delectable breakfast at the hotel. Later get ready for sightseeing. Start with a visit to Rumtek Monastery, the largest Gompa in Sikkim. Visit the Saramsa Garden, a marvel known for the cultivation of fruits and flowers. Next, explore the Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for varied flora and fauna. Pay a visit to the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom Emporium, where there are amazing displays of artistic brilliance, especially Tibetan carpets, excellent handicrafts including Thankas, Choksee and locally-made furniture at very reasonable prices. Next, visit the Research Institute of Tibetology to seek knowledge of the religion and other fascinating aspects of Buddhism. Bow your heads at Do Drul Chorten (Stupa). In the majestic monastery find Kangyur relics (holy books) and other religious objects. The 108 prayer wheels here which are turned during worship ceremony while chanting 'Om Mani Padme Hum' is said to invoke Bodhisattva. Later, take blessings at Enchey Monastery. Built on the land blessed by Lama Druptab Karpo, the stupa belongs to Nyingmapa order of Vajrayana school of Buddhism. After you are done with sightseeing, return your hotel. Spend the day at leisure or enjoy a stroll through MG mall road. Check-out the markets bustling with treasures including handicrafts, locally made artifacts, Tibetan carpets, alpine cheese, Sikkim tea, black cardamom, shimmering jewelry, and other traditional outfits. Stay the night at the hotel.
Day 8 - Excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir (full day)
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast and proceed for a short trip to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. Among the most popular tourist attractions in Gangtok, 38 km from the city, Tsomgo Lake is regarded as holy among Buddhists. At 12,400 ft, amid the snowcovered mountains, the lake is fed by water from the melting snow from mountains. Legends say that the future is predicted by Lamas by studying the lake. Here you can indulge in yak or mule rides while enjoying the spectacular bliss. Lying close to the lake is the Baba Mandir. The pious shrine is nestled at 1300ft on the way to Nathula Pass. Referred to as the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, the temple worships Indian soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh. The martyr is believed to be a deity that protects the land and the people. After an amazing day, get back to Gangtok. The rest of the day is at your own leisure. Enjoy the serenity of the town on your own. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 9 - Departure from Gangtok to Siliguri (around 115km/ around two hours' drive)
The tour of North East India along with Kalimpong ends today. After breakfast, check-out from the hotel. Get assisted transfer to Jalpaiguri railway station or the Bagdogra airport, for your onward journey with fond memories.
Inclusions
- Accommodation using Base Category Double Room
- Meals specified as above
- All transfer and sightseeing by A/C vehicles with all India Tourist permit on point to point basis;
- All currently applicable taxes, however, any other tax as and when levied by the Government shall be extra
Exclusions
- Any meal unless specified above.
- Any Air Fare/ Train ticket.
- Any Guide Services.
- All entrances fees to monuments.
- Any activity
- Personal nature expenses like telephone / laundry bills etc.
- Airports tax and travel insurance etc.
- Services not specified above.