HIMALAYAN PLEASURE: DARJEELING & SIKKIM
Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
Areas Covered: DARJEELING/GANGTOK (SIKKIM)/DOOARS
Itinerary
Day 01: DARJEELING 90 KMS, 3 hrs Drive
Arrival at Bagdogra Airport (IXB). You’ll be received by a Himani Himalaya Treks & Tours guide who will escort you to the waiting vehicle. Your guide will brief you regarding the necessary details of the journey as you take a pleasant drive along the Bengal plains and gradually climb from 120 m to 2150 m. Stop at Kurseong, a beautiful hill town enroute Darjeeling, for a cup of complimentary Darjeeling tea. After a nice stop continue towards Darjeeling which is about an hour’s drive.
Darjeeling is a famous hill town known famously for its Tea, the Orange Pekoe. Also adding to the reputation is the beautiful panoramic view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world standing proudly at 8586 m
In Darjeeling, check into hotel. If time permits take a stroll along the Chowrasta and the Mall in the evening. Overnight in Hotel
Day 02: DARJEELING
Tiger Hill: Early morning excursion to Tiger Hill * for the spectacular view of sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzonga and Singalila Range. When weather’s clear it’s also possible to see the Nepal, Bhutan & Tibetan Himalayas.
Yiga Choling Monastery: Enroute Yigacholing Ghoom Monastery. This monastery is the oldest in the area built in 1850 and belongs to Gelugpa sect or the Yellow Hat of Tibetan Buddhism.
Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast continue sightseeing of Darjeeling.
Puttabong Tea Estate/ Happy Valley Tea Estate: Visit one of the famous tea gardens in Darjeeling to experience the production of the famed Darjeeling Tea.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: TRSHC was founded in 1959 by Mrs. Thondup, the sister-in-law of HH Dalai Lama. Presently it houses handicraft work stations run by aged Tibetan residents of the refugee center. It also has a monastery, old age home, crèche, and a sales emporium to showcase and sell the beautiful artifacts made by the residents of the center.
HMI & Zoo: The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute with an adjacent Zoo is a must visit when you’re in Darjeeling. The HMI houses facts and figures of all the mountaineering ascents of the Himalayas including those of Tenzing Sherpa and Edmund Hillary, the firsts on Mt. Everest. The institute now has a new Museum building showcasing rare information on the Himalayas. Visit the Zoo to see exotic animals like the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf and other rare species of the Himalayas.
In the evening, take a stroll along the Mall and Chowrasta. Overnight in Hotel
Day 03: DARJEELING – GANGTOK (SIKKIM) 102 KMS, 5 hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to Gangtok, Sikkim. The drive takes you along the beautiful tea plantation from 2000 m to 450 m where you meet the River Teesta, the biggest river system in Sikkim and Darjeeling. The highway to Sikkim stretches along this picturesque river. The route to Gangtok enters through the East border of Sikkim called Rangpo. After completion of entry permit formalities, stop at Rangpo for lunch.
Continue drive to Gangtok.
Gangtok (1700 m) is a beautiful modern city perched on the top of a hill which flows all along its west face. The main market area, M.G. Road, is a series of green buildings that line a 1 Km stretch. The first half of the market stretch is ‘only pedestrians’ broadwalk. An evening walk along M.G. Road is highly recommended. Overnight in hotel
Day 04: GANGTOK
After breakfast drive to Rumtek. The 24 km drive takes you along the terraced rice fields and villages.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center: is the official seat of the Karmapa, the chief abbot of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The old monastery was originally constructed in 1960s in this auspicious area that was gifted by the 11th Chogyal of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal to the 16th Karmapa. The construction of this grand monastery began during the 80s. Currently, it houses many rare relics and objects in its building including the Vajramukut belonging to Duseum Khenpa, the first Karmapa. Also, visit Golden Stupa, the reliquary of the 16th Karmapa.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Founded under the initiation of the erstwhile Gyalmo of Sikkim, Hope Cooke Namgyal, this important seat of learning and museum houses rare relics and objects of the Mahayana Buddhism, including centuries old Thankas.
Enchey Monastery: Perched on the top of the hill of Gangtok, this monastery is an important place of worship for the locals. Recently renovated, the monastery houses statues of Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava and Chenrizig Avalokiteshwara. Also, paintings of Green Tara with its 21 manifestations adorn the walls of the monastery.
Directorate of Handicrafts: This is a governmental scheme and effort to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim. Involving youths from Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities, the Government of Sikkim sponsors their vocational education in this center while giving them trainings in different fields of arts and crafts. Visit the center’s museum and emporium.
Flower Show: Next to the White Hall, this small nursery, green house, and sales outlet houses different types of seasonal flowers from the Himalayan state of Sikkim. The best time to visit here is during the Spring when the Orchids are in full bloom.
Stroll the M.G. Road in the evening. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 05: GANGTOK – PHUENTSHOLING 240 KMS, 7 hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to Phuentsholing, the border town of Bhutan. The drive takes approximately 7 hrs. This is an interesting hilly drive along the Teesta river which gradually takes the plains with its green meadows of tea plantations that looks like ‘Green Desert Dunes’. This region is also famously known as the Dooars and has played a significant role during the era of ‘Silk Route’.
After completion of immigration formalities in the Indian side of the border, enter Phuentsholing where your Bhutanese guide will be waiting to receive you.
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Himalayan Pleasure: Darjeeling & Sikkim
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Areas: Darjeeling, Kurseong, Gangtok, Rumtek, Dooars
Activities: Monastery tours, Tea Garden tours, Tiger Hill excursion, City tours, … |
Services Yes & No
Cost Includes
- Pick up & Drop
- All land transfer by comfortable deluxe private vehicle (Toyota Innova)
- All sightseeing as per Itinerary
- Standard Rooms at 4 star / Heritage properties on MAP (Bed, Breakfast & Dinner) on Twin Sharing basis
- Guide Charges
- Entrance fees
- Govt. Taxes
- Complimentary Mineral Water during the tour (500 ml/person/day)
Cost Excludes
- Beverages & Table Drinks
- Laundry, Telephone bills, Tips & all expenses of personal nature
- Insurance
HIMALAYAN PLEASURE: DARJEELING & SIKKIM
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Areas Covered
DARJEELING/PELLING/KEWZING/GANGTOK, RUMTEK, TSANGU LAKE(SIKKIM)/DOOARS
Itinerary
Day 01: DARJEELING 90 KMS, 3 hrs Drive
Arrival at Bagdogra Airport (IXB). You’ll be received by a Himani Himalaya Treks & Tours guide who will escort you to the waiting vehicle. Your guide will brief you regarding the necessary details of the journey as you take a pleasant drive along the Bengal plains and gradually climb from 120 m to 2150 m. Stop at Kurseong, a beautiful hill town enroute Darjeeling, for a cup of complimentary Darjeeling tea. After a nice stop continue towards Darjeeling which is about an hour’s drive.
Darjeeling is a famous hill town known famously for its Tea, the Orange Pekoe. Also adding to the reputation is the beautiful panoramic view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world standing proudly at 8586 m
In Darjeeling, check into hotel. If time permits take a stroll along the Chowrasta and the Mall in the evening. Overnight in Hotel
Day 02: DARJEELING
Tiger Hill: Early morning excursion to Tiger Hill * for the spectacular view of sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzonga and Singalila Range. When weather’s clear it’s also possible to see the Nepal, Bhutan & Tibetan Himalayas.
Yiga Choling Monastery: Enroute Yigacholing Ghoom Monastery. This monastery is the oldest in the area built in 1850 and belongs to Gelugpa sect or the Yellow Hat of Tibetan Buddhism.
Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast continue sightseeing of Darjeeling.
Puttabong Tea Estate/ Happy Valley Tea Estate: Visit one of the famous tea gardens in Darjeeling to experience the production of the famed Darjeeling Tea.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: TRSHC was founded in 1959 by Mrs. Thondup, the sister-in-law of HH Dalai Lama. Presently it houses handicraft work stations run by aged Tibetan residents of the refugee center. It also has a monastery, old age home, crèche, and a sales emporium to showcase and sell the beautiful artifacts made by the residents of the center.
HMI & Zoo: The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute with an adjacent Zoo is a must visit when you’re in Darjeeling. The HMI houses facts and figures of all the mountaineering ascents of the Himalayas including those of Tenzing Sherpa and Edmund Hillary, the firsts on Mt. Everest. The institute now has a new Museum building showcasing rare information on the Himalayas. Visit the Zoo to see exotic animals like the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf and other rare species of the Himalayas.
In the evening, take a stroll along the Mall and Chowrasta. Overnight in Hotel
Day 03: DARJEELING – PELLING (SIKKIM) 90 KMS, 5 hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to Pelling, Sikkim. The drive takes you along the beautiful tea plantation from 2000 m to 450 m where you meet the River Rangeet, the second important river system in Sikkim and Darjeeling. The highway to Pelling stretches along this picturesque river. The route to Pelling enters through the West border of Sikkim called Rammam. After completion of entry permit formalities, stop at Jorethang / Legship for lunch.
Continue drive to Pelling.
Pelling (2100 m) is a beautiful small town perched on the top of a hill and commanding a majestic view of the Khangchendzonga massif.
In Pelling visit:
Pemayangtse Monastery: An important seat of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim, the Pemayangtse Monastery (the Sublime Lotus) was founded by the 2nd Chogyal of Sikkim in the early 18th century.
Rabdentse Ruins: The palace ruins of the 2nd Chogyal of Sikkim, Tenzing Namgyal, which is at present excavated and renovated by the Archeology Authority of India. A bird’s eye view of West Sikkim is mesmering from here, including that of Tashiding Monastery.
Sangacholing Monastery: A half hour hike to this monastery perched on the top of the hill overlooking the Darap valley, is recommended during the morning hours. When the weather is good, the view of Khangchendzonga massif is overwhelming. Overnight in hotel
Day 04: PELLING – KEWZING 40 KMS, 2 hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to Kewzing.
Kewzing is a beautiful village resting on the west face of the Rabong hill. A village home stay here is recommended to experience a mystic, rural life of Sikkim. The home stay will provide you a ‘real life’ familiarity of the rustic Himalayan hospitality and way of life.
One can also hike around the village and completely be at bliss with nature.
Overnight at home stay.
DAY 05: KEWZING – GANGTOK 70 KMS, 3 hrs Drive
Gangtok (1700 m) is a beautiful modern city perched on the top of a hill which flows all along its west face. The main market area, M.G. Road, is a series of green buildings that line a 1 Km stretch. The first half of the market stretch is ‘only pedestrians’ broadwalk. An evening walk along M.G. Road is highly recommended.
Enroute visit:
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center: is the official seat of the Karmapa, the chief abbot of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The old monastery was originally constructed in 1960s in this auspicious area that was gifted by the 11th Chogyal of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal to the 16th Karmapa. The construction of this grand monastery began during the 80s. Currently, it houses many rare relics and objects in its building including the Vajramukut belonging to Duseum Khenpa, the first Karmapa. Also, visit Golden Stupa, the reliquary of the 16th Karmapa.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Founded under the initiation of the erstwhile Gyalmo of Sikkim, Hope Cooke Namgyal, this important seat of learning and museum houses rare relics and objects of the Mahayana Buddhism, including centuries old Thankas.
Do- Drul Chorten: This huge chorten was constructed in 1946 by Trulshik Rinpoche to ward off evil and calamities plaguing Sikkim at the time. The chorten has a statue of Dorji Phurba, the protector deity and a manifestation of Guru Rinpoche.
In the evening take a stroll along the M.G. Road. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: GANGTOK – TSANGU LAKE 35 KMS, 3 hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to:
Tsangu Lake: The 35 km drive takes you along the mountainous road to this holy lake which rests at an altitude of about 3600 m and near the Indo-China/Tibet border. The lake remains frozen throughout the winter.
Drive back to Gangtok from the day’s excursion to Tsangu and visit:
Enchey Monastery: Perched on the top of the hill of Gangtok, this monastery is an important place of worship for the locals. Recently renovated, the monastery houses statues of Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava and Chenrizig Avalokiteshwara. Also, paintings of Green Tara with its 21 manifestations adorn the walls of the monastery.
Directorate of Handicrafts: This is a governmental scheme and effort to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim. Involving youths from Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities, the Government of Sikkim sponsors their vocational education in this center while giving them trainings in different fields of arts and crafts. Visit the center’s museum and emporium.
Flower Show: Next to the White Hall, this small nursery, green house, and sales outlet houses different types of seasonal flowers from the Himalayan state of Sikkim. The best time to visit here is during the Spring when the Orchids are in full bloom.
Stroll the M.G. Road in the evening. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 07: GANGTOK – PHUENTSHOLING 240 KMS, 7 hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to Phuentsholing, the border town of Bhutan. The drive takes approximately 7 hrs. This is an interesting hilly drive along the Teesta river which gradually takes the plains with its green meadows of tea plantations that looks like ‘Green Desert Dunes’. This region is also famously known as the Dooars and has played a significant role during the era of ‘Silk Route’.
After completion of immigration formalities in the Indian side of the border, enter Phuentsholing where your Bhutanese guide will be waiting to receive you.
|
Himalayan Pleasure: Darjeeling & Sikkim
|
|
Areas: Darjeeling, Kurseong, Pelling, Kewzing, Gangtok, Rumtek, Dooars
Activities: Monastery tours, Tea Garden tours, Tiger Hill excursion, City tours, Village home stay, village hike, Day excursion to Tsangu Lake,.. |
Services Yes & No
Cost Includes
- Pick up & Drop
- All land transfer by comfortable deluxe private vehicle (Toyota Innova)
- All sightseeing as per Itinerary
- Standard Rooms at 4 star / Heritage properties on MAP (Bed, Breakfast & Dinner) on Twin Sharing basis
- Village home stay at Kewzing
- Day Excursion to Tsangu Lake
- Guide Charges
- Entrance fees
- Govt. Taxes
- Complimentary Mineral Water during the tour (500 ml/person/day)
Cost Excludes
- Beverages & Table Drinks
- Laundry, Telephone bills, Tips & all expenses of personal nature
- Insurance
HIMALAYAN PLEASURE: SIKKIM FOUR JEWELS TOUR
9 Nights/10 Days
This tour is designed to give you a lovely holiday in the ‘Four Jewels’ of Sikkim, i.e. its East, West, North and South zones, or districts. The once independent kingdom, famed for its beauty and simplicity has its charm still intact. The modern democratic government has been very proactive towards tourism development in the area and has opened its once ‘controlled’ district of the North, comprising of Lachung and Lachen areas. One of the highlights of this tour is stay in the four district centers of East, West, North and South zones.
Day 01: GANGTOK (EAST) 120 Km, 5 hrs Drive
Arrival at Bagdogra Airport (IXB). You’ll be received by a Himani Himalaya Treks & Tours representative who will escort you to the waiting private vehicle. Later drive to Gangtok along the Bengal plains. The highway runs parallel the beautiful Teesta River, the biggest river system in the regions of Sikkim and Darjeeling. This leisurely drive takes about 5 hrs.
Gangtok (1660 m) is a beautiful modern city perched on the top of a hill which flows all along its west face. The main market area, M.G. Road, is a series of green buildings that line a 1 Km stretch. The first half of the market stretch is ‘only pedestrians’ broadwalk. An evening walk along M.G. Road is highly recommended. Overnight in hotel
Day 02: GANGTOK
After breakfast drive to Rumtek. The 24 km drive takes you along the terraced rice fields and villages.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center: is the official seat of the Karmapa, the chief abbot of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The old monastery was originally constructed in 1960s in this auspicious area that was gifted by the 11th Chogyal of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal to the 16th Karmapa. The construction of this grand monastery began during the 80s. Currently, it houses many rare relics and objects in its building including the Vajramukut belonging to Duseum Khenpa, the first Karmapa. Also, visit Golden Stupa, the reliquary of the 16th Karmapa.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Founded under the initiation of the erstwhile Gyalmo of Sikkim, Hope Cooke Namgyal, this important seat of learning and museum houses rare relics and objects of the Mahayana Buddhism, including centuries old Thankas.
Enchey Monastery: Perched on the top of the hill of Gangtok, this monastery is an important place of worship for the locals. Recently renovated, the monastery houses statues of Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava and Chenrizig Avalokiteshwara. Also, paintings of Green Tara with its 21 manifestations adorn the walls of the monastery.
Directorate of Handicrafts: This is a governmental scheme and effort to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim. Involving youths from Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities, the Government of Sikkim sponsors their vocational education in this center while giving them trainings in different fields of arts and crafts. Visit the center’s museum and emporium.
Flower Show: Next to the White Hall, this small nursery, green house, and sales outlet houses different types of seasonal flowers from the Himalayan state of Sikkim. The best time to visit here is during the Spring when the Orchids are in full bloom.
Stroll the M.G. Road in the evening. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 03: GANGTOK – LACHUNG (NORTH) 124 Km, 6 hrs Drive
We will be seeing the breathtaking landscapes of the northern part of Sikkim. Our drive takes us through lush green bamboo thickets intermingled with tropical flora and we arrive at the historical place of Kabi Lunchog, where the Lepchas and Bhutias made their brotherhood treaty.
Later we pass scattered villages and terraced paddy fields. En route we will cross the Rang Rang Bridge, which is said to be one of the highest bridges in Asia. As we advance towards Lachung the landscapes turn even more beautiful as we encounter magnificent waterfalls cascading down steep mountain walls. Overnight in Hotel
Day 04: LACHUNG
This day we visit Shingba Rhododendron sanctuary set at 3650 m. Here we find different varieties of Rhododendrons and Pines. Yumthang is also rich in sulphur springs and even the Chogyals of Sikkim made their own bathing huts here during their reign. The air starts to get cooler as you enter the valley, with towering peaks closing in from all sides.
Day 05: LACHUNG – LACHEN 47 Km, 1 ½ hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to Lachen.
Lachen is a distinctive Bhutia village situated at an altitude of 2750 m. From the Lachen Monastery one can have a beautiful view of the surrounding hills and countryside. The region is slowly emerging as a prime tourist destination with the help of UNDP. Overnight in Hotel/Lodge
Day 06: LACHEN – MANGAN 56 Km, 2 hrs Drive
After breakfast proceed for half day’s excursion to Thangu & Chopta Valley. Later drive to Mangan, the head quarter of North district of Sikkim.
In Mangan, visit a traditional Lepcha house at Namprikdang, 8 km away from Mangan.
Day 07: MANGAN – NAMCHI (SOUTH) 77 km, 3 hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to Namchi, the district head quarter of South zone. En route visit
Temi Tea Garden: The one and only tea estate in Sikkim, producing some really fine quality of black tea.
Samdruptse: where a 135 ft tall and unique statue of Guru Padmasambhava sits. It is said to be the tallest statue of the Guru in the world.
Day 08: NAMCHI – GEYZING (WEST) 76 Km, 3 hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to Geyzing, the district head quarter of West zone.
Also visit:
Tashiding Monastery: Built in the early 18th century by Sempa Chenpo, one of the three monks who met in Yuksam. Every year on 14th – 15th of the first Lunar month, there’s a ‘sacred water’ festival of ‘Bum Chu’ held in this monastery which is attended by Buddhist pilgrims from Nepal, Bhutan and other parts of the world. Tashiding Monastery is also famous for ‘Thong – Wa – Rang – Dol’, a holy stupa which is believed to purify beings from just a ‘mere sight’.
Pemayangtse Monastery: An important seat of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim, the Pemayangtse Monastery (the Sublime Lotus) was founded by the 2nd Chogyal of Sikkim in the early 18th century.
Rabdentse Ruins: The palace ruins of the 2nd Chogyal of Sikkim, Tenzing Namgyal, which is at present excavated and renovated by the Archeology Authority of India. A bird’s eye view of West Sikkim is mesmering from here, including that of Tashiding Monastery. Overnight in Resort
Day 09: GEYZING
After breakfast visit:
Sangacholing Monastery: A half hour hike to this monastery perched on the top of the hill overlooking the Darap valley, is recommended during the morning hours. When the weather is good, the view of Khangchendzonga massif is overwhelming.
Kechodpalri Lake: Believed to be a ‘wish fulfilling’ lake, from very top of the hill it looks like a Buddha foot. Although surrounded by thick forest cover, there isn’t a single leaf floating on the surface of the lake, as they are swiftly picked up by birds. Overnight in Resort
Day 10: GEYZING – PHUENTSHOLING 250 Km, 7 hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to Phuentsholing, the border town of Bhutan. The drive takes approximately 7 hrs. This is an interesting hilly drive along the Teesta River which gradually takes the plains with its green meadows of tea plantations that looks like ‘Green Desert Dunes’. This region is also famously known as the Dooars and has played a significant role during the era of ‘Silk Route’.
After completion of immigration formalities in the Indian side of the border, enter Phuentsholing where your Bhutanese guide will be waiting to receive you.
*All HIMALAYAN PLEASURE TOURS ARE TRADEMARK OF HIMANI HIMALAYA TREKS & TOURS
