Darjeeling, Sikkim and Kalimpong Tour

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

This week long trip to Sikkim and Darjeeling is one of the best trips in North east India. It combines the natural and cultural beauty of Sikkim and the age old appeal of Darjeeling as a hill destination will be the panoramic sites which surprises of all kind. Darjeeling These days Darjeeling is recognized as a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated at the elevation of 2,045m. Tea plantations are seen in abundance in Darjeeling which produces some of the world’s best teas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a world heritage site, is another attraction for tourists visiting Darjeeling. The rail connects Darjeeling with the plains of West Bengal. Darjeeling also offers splendid scenery of Eastern Himalayan ranges including Mt. Kanchenjunga which is easily visible from famous tourist spot Tiger Hill. Many tourists have the impression that Kalimpong is small and there is nothing much to see and do at hand, and tend to spend little time in this lovely hill town. Most are unaware that Kalimpong other than being a town is also one of the districts and is quite vast. There are numerous tourist places, attractions and activities in and around Kalimpong. Ranging from so many lovely viewpoints offering sweeping views of Kanchenjunga & Chola range as well as of river Teesta flowing between the towering mountains, great monasteries with awesome architectures, quaint temples, sprawling tourist complexes, numerous flower nurseries, parklands, famous missionary schools and more. In fact some can easily argue, and we can somewhat agree that there are more vantage points in Kalimpong than Darjeeling town to get views of Kanchenjunga snow peaks. There are some stretches in Kalimpong where such views will be on your direct eyesight for a long time as you drive along. Durpin Monastery also known as Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, it's located at the Durpin Dara Hill. As you enter the monastery, the first thing you will notice are the two large cylinders on two sides (each about some 10-ft high). You can turn the cylinders by a crank, and a lever is so arranged that a bell will ring at every turn. As common with most Buddhist monasteries, outside on the wall you will see a row of prayer wheels. Durpin monastery was constructed in 1972 by Hon. Dudjum Rimponche. There are rare Buddhist manuscripts on Tibetology inside called "The Kangyur" of 108 volumes. These were presented by Dalai Lama when he visited Kalimpong in 1956. He brought them from Tibet. Some idols inside were also brought from Tibet. Dalali Lama revisited Kalimpong on 29th May 1976 when he consecrated at Durpin Monastery. Apart from the mentioned cenotaphs, Kalimpong District have possession of beautiful places of tourist interests like Tharpa Choling Monastery – The Religious Center Of Buddhism, Thongsa Gompa – The Oldest Monastery, Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery – The Architectural Marvel, Mangal Dham Temple – Home To Samadhi Of Furu Mangaldas Ji, Hanuman Temple – The Tallest Statue Of God, Durga Mandir – The Peaceful Touch, Kali Mandir – The Impeccable Views, MacFarlane Memorial Church – The Scottish Structure, Pine View Nursery – The Exotic Flora, Nurseryman’s Haven – The Orchid Nursery , Shanti Kunj Nursery – The Exporters Of Cacti, Shahid Park – The Memorial Of Gorkhas, Rishi Bankim Chandra Park – The Scenic Landscapes, Neora Valley National Park – The Richest Biological Zone, Jelepla Viewpoint – The Splendid Views, Deolo Hill – The Highest Point, Crookety House – The European Architecture, Morgan’s House – The Old British Haveli, Lepcha Museum – The Cultural Centre, Nature Interpretation Centre – The Museum Of Environmental Hazards, Lava And Lolegaon – The Hidden Mountain Village, Tiffin Dara Viewpoint – The Trekker’s Delight, Lamahatta – The Serene Getaway and many more. Sikkim Pronounced as ‘Su-Khyim’ in local Lepcha language (the Lepchas are the original inhabitants of Sikkim) Sikkim a state located in northeast India. It shares border with China, Nepal and Bhutan. Sikkim is known as the garden of India because of its richness and abundance of floral diversity. It is believed that 25% of all the flowering plants of India are found in Sikkim. Sikkim is also home to Kanchenjunga (8586m), the world’s third highest peak. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Altogether 28 mountain peaks, more than 80 glaciers, 227 high-altitude lakes, five major hot springs, and more than 100 rivers and streams have been documented in Sikkim. Further a total of 5,000 species of flowering plants have been comprehended including 515 rare Orchids (Cymbidium), 60 Primulas (Primroses) species, 36 rhododendron species, and 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, and over 424 medicinal plants. According to legends, the Buddhist guru Padmasambhava visited Sikkim in the 8th century AD, and introduced Buddhism. One of world’s largest statues of Guru Rimpoche is situated in Sikkim including many monasteries and dzongs. Developed as the summer capital by the British during their colony in India, Darjeeling is the tourist as well as educational center of India. The major group of inhabitants of Darjeeling is Nepalese, Tibetan, Bengali and other ethno-linguistic groups. Gangtok capital city of the state Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake, Ranka monastery, Chorten Monastery – Tibetology, Namchee and Pelling are the must see destinations’ which can be explored with our Sikkim tour packages. Sikkim is a known destination which inspires the poets to write and the writers to frame their story, just with the rejuvenating breeze that soothes the soul. Live this experience of paradise with our Sikkim and Darjeeling tour packages. Be a part of a treasured travel story with us and relish our legacy to travel, explore and celebrate life. Visa & Permits for inflowing Sikkim vicinity. In addition to an Indian visa, foreigners must acquire inner line permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim, the permits can be obtained from all Indian missions, Tourism Office, New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism office, Calcutta and Sikkim Tourism Office, Siliguri on the potency of an Indian Visa. Foreigners are issued a permit for preliminary period of 15 days duration on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of Passport and Visa details along with two passport photos of applicants are made available. It can be extended for further 30 days of 15 days each. The extension of permits can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok, Superintendent of Police of North, South and West Districts. If you are visiting the interior regions, you also require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) OR Protected Area Permit (PAP) which is obtainable in Gangtok from the Police Check Post and Department of Tourism. Note: This permit is issued to local government registered travel agents only.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur which takes about 45 minutes. — You will then take a drive from Bhadrapur to Kakarivitta (Eastern Border town of Nepal). You will undergo with some custom formalities and then drive to Darjeeling by jeep which takes about four and half hours. Stay overnight at Hotel. Day 2: Darjeeling sight seeing. — Morning visit Tiger Hill to see the sunrise and also get the best view of the world's third highest mountain Kanchenjunga and other peaks. On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery Enshrining Maitreyee Buddha. After breakfast proceed for a ride in the famous toy train for half an hour. This day you visit Botanical Gardens, Observatory Hill, mountaineering institute to know the history and the equipment and used in the first conquest of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norge. Then you go to Zoological Park to see the Siberian Tigers. Visit Llamas, Himalayan Black Bear and Panda. Visit tea estates and Tibetan Refugee self-help centre for woolen carpet and leather products. Stay overnight at Hotel. Day 3: Drive from Darjeeling to Gangtok which takes about 3 and half hours. — You will drive through the breath taking downhill pitched road Maney Bhanjyang - Loptsu – Teesta. You will gradually drive to Rongpu the border between West Bengal and Sikkim. Beware: You are not allowed to spit on the road throw the wrappers of foods and chocolates and no smoking in public areas. You will have some custom duties to be fulfilled and then drive to Melli – Singtam – Ranipol – Tadong – and then to Gangtok. “A mountain of houses” Stay overnight at Hotel. Day 4: Sightseeing in and around Gangtok. The main places of interests are as stated below — Tashi View Point: From here, you could have a view of Mt Kanchanjunga and other peaks of the Himalayas. One can have an experience of the changes in colour of snows of the mountains there. Institute of Tibetology was established in 1958 to promote research on the language and culture of Tibet, as well as Mahayana Buddhism, it is the most prestigious of its kind in India. It has on display a vast collection of rare Tibetan, Sanskrit and Lepcha manuscript. The museum section, houses a number of exotic ritualistic chortens, brass bells, dorjis, rosaries and some very rare thanas. Today it is renowned worldwide center for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion. Rumtek Monastery is the sect of the Gyalwa Karmapa Lama. The monastery is a magnificent example of Tibetan Monastic art and was built by His Holiness, Gyalwa Karmapa, (a leader of the Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism). It is a close replica of the H.H. Karmapa's monastery at Tsorphu in Tibet and houses some of the world's most unique religious art objects. The sacred Tsomgo Lake (elevation 3780 m) is situated 38 km to the east of Gangtok amidst picturesque mountains.a a Tibetan Buddhist lamasery of the Nyingmapa order, is a 95 km drive from Kalimpong. Enchey Monastery is an important sect of the Nyingmapa order, this 200 year old monstary, atop a hill above Gangtok, was once the hermitage of Lama. Dripthob Karpo, a tantric master renowned for his powers of flying. The annual ritual dance is performed on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th Month of the Tibetan calendar corresponding to the month of December/ January. Deer Park: Embraced by gardens f flowers lies a beautiful Deer Park – an ideal place to be solitude, beside the Secretariat. Built to commemorate the Buddha’s reincarnation as a musk deer, it has a large fielded statue of Buddha under a beautiful canopy in preaching posture, a replica of the statue at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It is a popular viewpoint on the edge of the ridge. White Hall: Built in 1932 in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Sir Claude White. Situated on a ridge, it has historical value only. There is an officer’s club. Orchid Sanctuary: It is near Research Institute of Tibetology, where you can see many of the 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim. The best time to visit is April-May, July-August and October-November. There yet another collection of orchids produced by the Governmental Tissue Culture Department of Sikkim in Saramsa or Apeca Garden about 14 Kms. from Gangtok besides Ranikhola. This is this garden for the home of Sikkim’s many exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. Formed and maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an excellent recreational and beautiful picnic spot, and a swimming pool. Ganesh Tok: It is at an altitude of 6500 ft. above Gangtok and 7 Kms. There is a small temple of God Ganesha nested. Panoramic view of Gangtok, magnificent and breathtaking view of Khangchendzonga and Siniolchu can be observed and enjoyed from this spot on a ridge. A cafeteria serves hot tea, coffee and snacks. Hanuman Tok: It is at an altitude of 7200 ft., about 5 Kms. From Gangtok where there is a temple of God Hanuman. Panoramic view of Gangtok and adjoining hills and valleys with Khangchendzonga on the background can be seen from here. Sunrise can be observed from here. Night view of the Gangtok city lights is mood elevating. Tashi View Point is About 8 Kms. from Gangtok. It is a resting shed. Astounding view of Khangchendzonga and the Siniolchu Range is the main attractive of this point. The distant north Sikkim monasteries are also visible from this point along the North Sikkim highway. Do-drul Chorten (Stupa): Situated on a hillock, it is a five minutes drive from Gangtok town, Built by late Trulshik Rimpoche in 1946, head of the Nyingmapa order and the late Chogyal Tashi Namgyal in 1957 to invoke the Gods for the peace and tranquility in the State. Set of Kagyur holy books, relics, complete mantras, rare mandalas of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya) and other religious objects are found inside the Chorten. A small Chorten known as Jhang Chub is built beside the Phurba Chorten in memory of Trulshik Rimpoche who passed away in 1962. Few yards below the Chorten is the rock known as “DO-TA-PU” or “Stone Horse”. There is a monastery close by called “Guru Lakhang” with the state of Guru Padmasambhava and Guru Snong Zisil Gnen, the incarnated one of the first. Around the Chorten is installed the ‘180’ Mani-Lhakor or prayer wheels. The Chorten has the sacred topped stupa. Saramsa Garden: Also know as Ipecac Garden is about 14 kms from Gangtok, the home of Sikkim's most exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. The garden is know as Ipecac garden because of the plant Ipecac that is grown here. Established and maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an excellent recreation and picnic spot. Besides this plant, this garden also contains a wide variety of other flora including numerous types of orchids and medicinal plants. A large green house also accommodates many other species of plants. One has to take a taxi to reach this place. Stay overnight at Hotel. Day 5: Drive from Gangtok to Pemayangtse (Pelling) which takes about 4 to 4 and half hours. — The drive today will be through bank of perennial river Teesta and many beautiful places of tourist interests. Stay overnight at Hotel. Day 6: Free day for monastery visit and enjoy mountain views. — In the western district of Sikkim, Pemyangtse is a picture perfect destination. It offers a breathtaking view of the world's 3rd highest peak of Mount Khanchendzonga. The little place is home to a number of tourist attractions in Gangtok, namely Pemyangtse Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, located on a hilltop at a height of 6840 ft. Apart from it, there are many other monasteries Pelling like: Sangachoeling Monastery, Dabdi Monastery, Tashiding Monastery and so on. Stay overnight at Hotel. Day 7: Pemayangtse to Kalimpong — Drive from Pemayangtse to Kalimpong which takes about 5 to 6 hours.+ Stay overnight at Hotel. Day 8: Sightseeing in and around Kalimpong. — Kalimpong is a sleepy little town situated at an altitude of 1,200 m, some 50 km to the east of Darjeeling. Kalimpong, "The Stockade of the King's Minister" was once a bustling town on the trade route to Tibet. It once used to be the hub of the trans-Himalayan trade between India and Tibet when merchants used to ferry goods by mule caravan over the Jelepla Pass on the Sikkim - Tibet border. Although the trade route has closed down since the early sixties, the town still retains its tranquility and intrinsic charm. It enjoys the best climate in the region and is a favorite haunt of those in search of peace and serenity. It enjoys the best climate in the region, with dense forests of golden oak trees offset by the rich undergrowth of moss and lichen. Owing to its rich flora, Kalimpong is a blaze of colors throughout the year. The orchids of this region in particular are famous for their infinite variety as well as their delicate tints. Stay overnight at Hotel. Day 9: Drive from Kalimpong to Kakarivitta via Siliguri which takes about 4 hours. — You will then drive to Bhadrapur via Kakarivitta and fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur which takes about 45 minutes. — You will then take a drive from Bhadrapur to Kakarivitta (Eastern Border town of Nepal). You will undergo with some custom formalities and then drive to Darjeeling by jeep which takes about four and half hours.+