Hill Stations in Eastern Himalayas

★ Travel Different: Early in the morning, we will set off to the Tiger Hill to catch the wonderful sunrise view. Standing on this 2,500-meter-high hill, you will be amazed by the magnificent view of the sea of clouds, which is gradually gilded by the dazzling sunlight. After enjoying the spectacle, we will then drive back to the hotel and have breakfast.

Sightseeing Activities: Next, our guide will take you to enjoy a retro toy train ride to Ghoom, where we will visit the Ghoom Monastery to get a glimpse of the Tibetan Buddhism by its colorful architecture and the giant Maitreya Buddha statue.  Afterwards, we will drive back to downtown Darjeeling.

In the afternoon, we will begin the Darjeeling exploration with the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday). Here you will learn about the Himalayas and the great mountaineers. Next, we will go to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (closed on Thursday), where you can enjoy a variety of lovely animals, such as the red panda. Finally, we will end the day with a visit to the Tibet Self Help Center (closed on Sunday), which is filled with exquisite Tibetan handicrafts.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Private Car Transfer to Pelling (75 km; 4 hours): After breakfast, continue our trip to Pelling, a hill station located at an altitude of 2,150 meters. After a comfortable drive, we will reach the hotel and check in.

Afternoon Sightseeing: After a break, we will visit the 300-year-old Pemayangtse Monastery dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism. With the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the three-storey monastery, painted with beautiful colors, will round off this visit in a peaceful ambience. After several minutes’ walking, we will see the Rabdentse Ruins, which is an ideal place for history enthusiasts. Rabdentse was once the capital of Sikkim Kingdom, but now the palace complex lies in ruins. After the visit, our guide will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we will start a road trip to Gangtok. The rough mountain road will take most of the day, and the scenery along the way is very beautiful. After arriving at the local hotel and checking in, you can spend the rest of the day on your own in the serene natural beauty.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sightseeing Activities: Spend the day exploring the Tibetan culture and Buddhism of Gangtok deeply. Our first stop is the Rumtek Monastery, the first monetary in Sikkim that built in traditional Tibetan style. Next, our guide will lead you to venture into the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (closed on Saturday/Sunday & Govt. Holidays), a Tibetan museum exhibiting the religious art of Tibetan Buddhism.

In the afternoon, we will proceed to the Enchey Monastery, a 19th-century Buddhism monastery with golden cupola and multicolored carvings. At last, we will visit the Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts (closed on Saturday/Sunday & Govt. Holiday), a popular destination with a large collection of local artwork and handicrafts which will feast your eyes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Private Car Transfer to Kalimpong (75 km; 3.5 hours): In the morning, our guide and the driver will escort you on a road trip to Kalimpong. Upon arrival, we’ll check into the well-prepared hotel and take a break.

Afternoon Sightseeing: After lunch, we will head to one of the city’s highlights, the Flower Nurseries, where you’ll enjoy a variety of flowers and immerse yourself in the delightful fragrance. Afterwards, the guide will take you to visit three Tibetan Buddhist monasteries: the Zang Dog PalriFo-Brang Monastery keeping 108 volumes of the Kangyur, the tranquil TharpaCholing Monastery, and the Thongsa Gumpa with a history of more than 320 years. After visiting these holy Buddhist sites, we will drive back to the hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Departure Note: At the end of this journey, our driver will serve you with a private car transfer to the Bagdogra Airport for your homebound flight. Wish you a smooth trip home! Please feel free to contact us if you would like an extension trip in India or to other destinations around the world.

Meals: Breakfast