North Bengal is often called the gateway to the Eastern Himalayas, as this is where you begin the magical journey into the heart of the beautiful mountains of the North East. There is much to see and experience here, from visiting popular monasteries, tea gardens, and most hiking up the tiger hill to watch the sun rise over Mount Kanchenjunga – world’s third highest mountain peak.

The beauty of the North East and the Eastern Himalayas is way above other destinations, primarily for the fact that many of its locations are still not as commercialized as other parts of India. People here are extremely warm and it is an experience in itself to spend some time here observing the locals carrying on with their day to day life.

We take you from Darjeeling in North Bengal to Kalimpong, another beautiful hill town in North Bengal. On the fourth day you enter Sikkim, through the picturesque and popular town of Gangtok. This trip is bound to get you interested in exploring the vistas of North East India beyond these towns.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY 01: Arrival NJP/ Bagdogra to Darjeeling (Approx. 65 KM – 2.5 Hrs Drive)
Reach NJP/Bagdogra and start your tryst with the mystic hills of the Eastern Himalayas as you proceed to Darjeeling replete with tea gardens and lush greenery around you. As you reach your first destination, check in to the hotel. You have the day to explore your surroundings and return to the hotel in the evening for an overnight stay.

DAY 02: Darjeeling
Today early morning at around 4 AM we head towards the famous Tiger hill to watch the mesmerizing sunrise view over the mountain top of Kanchenjunga. We spend some time here capturing beautiful shots and then return to the hotel, and on the way back we pay a visit to Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop, an engineering marvel, and also a memorial ground for Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army who laid down their lives for Indian Independence in 1947.

Post breakfast it’s time to head out and get a feel of the Darjeeling locales such as The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & PNZ Zoological Park (both closed on Thursday) Tenzing Rock, Tibetans Refuge Centre (closed on Sunday), Tea Garden (outer view). Spending the evening around the famous Mall road to experience shopping and night life is highly recommended. Come back to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay.

DAY 03: Darjeeling to Kalimpong (48 KM - 2 Hrs Drive)
Post breakfast we leave for another quaint town in the hills of North Bengal, called Kalimpong. It is a bustling bazaar town boasting great Himalayan views, colonial architecture and renowned for its nursery industry and indigenous cottage cheese industry. The small town with fresh air and greenery is good for leisurely walks around the military cantonment area .Check into the hotel and later during the day visit The Dello hills, Flower/Orchid Nursery, Dr. Grahams Home - oldest educational centre for the entire North East belt, Mangal Dham and Buddhist monastery. Come back to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay.

DAY 04: Kalimpong to Gangtok (80 KM - 3 Hrs Drive)
This day takes you from the hills of North Bengal to the capital city of Sikkim – Gangtok. It is an extremely pleasant journey with rugged mountains for backdrop. Reach your destination, check in to the hotel and freshen up. After a bit of rest, head out to explore the town. Visit popular spots like the Botanical Garden, Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, among others. You could spend the evening exploring the nightlife or resting in the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 05: Excursion Visit Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir (Timing Will Depend the Issuance of Permit)
This day will be spent undertaking a short excursion to Tsomgo Lake, which is at an altitude of 3780 meters. This lake with an average depth of 50 feet is the highlight of this tour. You go up a winding road through the mountain to reach the lake. There are optional yak rides available here. Post this you could visit Baba Mandir, which is a shrine made in the memory of Sepoy Harbhajan Singh. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 06: Gangtok to NJP / IXB
Have your breakfast and leave for NJP or IXB for the return journey back home.