India Holidays
Darjeeling
and Sikkim: The Trip to Shangrila
Day
01: Delhi /Calcutta - Bagdogra (Flight)
Bagdogra
- Gangtok (Drive 4 - 5 hrs):
AM: Transfer to the domestic
airport to board the flight to Bagdogra. Met on arrival by an High Points
representative and drive to Gangtok. This is the capital of Sikkim, and
it is situated on a ridge above the Ranipul River at a height of 1520m/4986ft.
The views are spectacular, across to Mt. Kangchenjunga and the peaks on
the Singalila Ridge between Nepal and Sikkim. On arrival check in at the
scenic Martam Resort, about 45 minutes away from the hustle and bustle
of Gangtok. PM: At leisure to explore the surrounding hills.
Day
02: Gangtok:
AM: We commence our tour
with a visit to the famous monastery of Rumtek which is the seat of Gyalwa
Karmapa, head of the Kagyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The sect was
founded in the 11th century, and the present monastic site was established
in 1740. PM: After lunch, we will drive into Gangtok. Explore the Institute
of Tibitology which has a collection of almost 30,000 volumes on diverse
subjects like astrology, philosophy, magic and religion. Later visit the
Orchid Sanctuary which has over 200 species of temperate and intermediate
orchids on beautifully landscaped grounds. Our next stop is at the Ipecac
Gardens which have a large collection of indigenous plants of Sikkim. Over
night at the Martam Resort.
Day
03: Gangtok - Kalimpong (Drive):
AM: After breakfast, drive
to Kalimpong which is about 3hr drive from Gangtok. The drive is mostly
along the beautiful Teesta river with lush green fields of the famous
large Sikkimese Cardamoms as well as Golden Rice. We will take the route
via Mongpoo and explore its unique Cinchona plantation and Quinine factory,
and we will look for wild orchids on the way. After lunch we drive towards
Kalimpong, crossing the Teesta River. We will drive through dense forests
of Teak and Sal trees.
Overnight at Hotel Himalayan
which is associated with many historical events and famous personalities
like Prince Peter of Greece and Heinrich Harrer. In the 1920's it served
as the base for Everest expeditions.
Before
the Chinese take over of Tibet, the pretty hill town of Kalimpong was the
center of India's wool trade with that country. Tibetan caravans wended
their way down from the Tibetan plateau to trade wool for manufactured
goods. Today Kalimpong is a holiday resort famous for its fabulous mountain
views, bird life, and pretty walks in the hills. It has become a center
for orchid and cactus nurseries, and exports these plants all over the
world.
Day
04: Kalimpong:
AM: Guided tour of the magnificent
towering monastery of Durpin which has a commanding view of Kalimpong town
and the surrounding regions. If the weather is clear we will see the ranges
of Kanchenjunga and also some of the peaks in Bhutan.
PM: At leisure to explore
the quaint town on foot. We may visit a Lepcha home to experience the culture
and lifestyle of these simple peace-loving people.
Day
05: Kalimpong - Sandakphu (Drive): AM: After breakfast a half-day
drive to Sandakphu, which is situated at an altitude of 3658m/12000ft.
Sandakphu has a small tourist hut with basic facilities which we will use
as our base to explore the fabulous views from the famous Singalila ridge.
Day
09: Sandakphu – Darjeeling (Drive):
Wake up before dawn to watch
the sun rise over the entire Eastern Nepal Himalayas and the Sikkim Himalayas,
from Everest in Nepal and Kanchenjunga in Sikkim to Chomolhari in Bhutan.
After breakfast, drive to
Darjeeling (2134m/7000ft).
The
mighty Kanchenjunga, third highest mountain in the world, towers above
this charming town like a gigantic ship floating upon a sea of clouds.
In the distance, Mt. Everest retains its aloof beauty. The town itself
is a typical Indian "hill-station", catering mainly to a large
influx of plains people escaping the summer heat. There is "The Mall",
of course, a promenade with `fashionable' stores alongside and Kanchenjunga
playing hide & seek in the skies above. The lower regions of the town
are teeming with colourful tribesmen trading their products in the busy
market. The town is surrounded by picturesque tea-plantations.
Day
07: Darjeeling:
AM: Ride on the famous toy
train of Darjeeling. A 45 minute ride towards Ghoom railway station which
used to be the second highest in the world (now it is 5th highest). Visit
Ghoom Buddhist Monastery with its image of the Maitreyi Buddha (future
Buddha). We will also explore the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center to see
the excellent handicraft work on carpets, woolen goods, woodwork, leatherwork
etc. made by refugees from Tibet. Later drive to the famous Himalayan Institute
of Mountaineering and its museum of famous Himalayan expeditions. Adjacent
to it is a high-altitude wild life park with a good selection of Himalayan
animals and birds. PM: Drive to one of the tea estates of Darjeeling to
see the plucking and processing of the famous Darjeeling Teas.
Day
08: Darjeeling - Bagdogra (Drive). Bagdogra – Delhi/Calcutta (Flight)
AM: After breakfast drive
down apx. 3 hrs to Bagdogra and transfer to the airport to board the flight
to Delhi or Calcutta.
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