Sikkim - Valley of Wonders Tour

01 Day: Arrive: Kolkata

Welcome to the memorizing land of India! Meeting and assistance on arrival at the Kolkata International airport, you meet our representative who welcomes and escorts you by ac car and transfers to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Rest of your day is free for relaxation. Incase if your arrival is by morning flight you may take a short sightseeing tour of the city or choose to just relax yourself. Overnight at the hotel in Kolkata.

Kolkata: Grown from mangrove swamps, Kolkata is the largest metropolis in India. Kolkata's role in the national economy is of crucial importance as the Gateway to Eastern India. Ships were the beginning of Calcutta's history & the river Hoogly was the key to the city's fortunes. Vishnupur is famous for the exquisite 17th & 18th century terracotta temples, Seat of classical music. The Stylized, "Bankura horse" symbolic of excellence in rural handicrafts is native to this district. Belur Math is a modern temple within the grounds of the Ramakrishna Mission. Dakshineshwar Temple, dedicated to Kali is built in the architectural style of Bengal.

02 Day: Kolkata

After a leisure breakfast, start your day with a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the High Court Building, built in 1872 and the oldest Catholic Church in Calcutta, St. Mary’s. The Howrah Bridge, built in 1943 – the bridge is crossed by approximately two million people every day; the Botanical Gardens, the oldest and largest of their kinds in India; Victoria Memorial: The symbol of Calcutta built between 1906 and 1921 at a cost of Rs. 7.5 million and is a reminder of the might of British India and has been often compared to Taj Mahal. It was conceived by Lord Curzon as both tribute to Queen Victoria and a triumphant depiction of her reign in India, St. Paul Cathedral, Indian Museum, Kali temple of Kalighat, Birla temple, Dalhousie Square & Tagore House. Overnight at the hotel.

03 Day: Kolkata – Bagdogra (By Air) – Kalimpong (75 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to the airport to board the schedule flight for Bagdogra. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Bagdogra Airport, and drive to Kalimpong, a quiet hill station in Eastern Himalaya. Kalimpong is famous for its Orchids & Nurseries and some of the rarest cacti & Orchids can be seen. Oak, Maple and Chestnut stretch up the ridge as far as the eye can reach. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Evenings if free for relaxation and individual activities. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Kalimpong: Situated at an altitude of 1250 meters it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under the big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga. Located on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River, is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Horticulture is also important to Kalimpong: it has a flower market notable for its wide array of orchids. Nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, contribute to the economy of Kalimpong.

04 Day: Kalimpong – Pelling (90 kms: 4 hrs)

After morning breakfast, check out from the hotel and take a half day sightseeing in & around Kalimpong covering Durpin Dhara, Zong Dong Palri Fo-Brong Monastery and flower & Orchid Nurseries and Kalimpong Market. Later drive to Pelling, located at an altitude of 6,800 ft, Pelling is a very small Himalayan Town in West Sikkim. Pelling is the nearest motor able point from Mt. Kanchendzonga, worlds 3rd highest peak, offers a good sunrise and all day long view of Kanchendzonga and the entire Eastern Himalayan range. On arrival in Pelling, transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Pelling, situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft. it offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. The Himalayas and the Kanchenjanga may be viewed at close quarters from Pelling. Pelling also forms the base from where trekkers and other peripatetic adventurers undertake the strenuous and arduous treks in West Sikkim.

05 Day: Pelling

After breakfast take a full day sightseeing in and around Pelling, visiting Changay Falls Singshore Bridge (Worlds 2nd highest hanging bridge) Dentam Bazaar – a beautiful Sikkimese village & Pemayangtse Monastery – the 2nd oldest monastery of Sikkim. Rimbi Falls, Sacred Khechodpalri Lake, the water in this lake is placid and crystal clear. Not even a leaf can be seen floating on the water surface, Kanchendzonga Falls & Rimbi Power Project. Also visit Rabdantsay Ruins which is the 2nd Capital of Sikkim & Sunset Point. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Pemayangtse Monastery: Pemayangtse monastery at an altitude of about 7,000 ft is situated about 6kms from Gyalshing town. It is the most important monastery of the Nyingmapa order and first built as a small temple in the late seventeenth century by Latsun Chembo. The monastery houses numerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are priceless because of their antiquity. On the top floor of the monastery there is a wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguru's Heavenly Palace Sangthokpalri. The main festival of the monastery is on the 28th and the 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar which normally corresponds to the month of February.

06 Day: Pelling – Gangtok (130 kms: 5 hrs)

Early morning after breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Gangtok. The drive is long but offers some scenic views of rivers, valleys, narrow gorge, falls and small towns. Our drive through Teesta bazaar is mostly along the beautiful river Teesta till we reach a small town of Ranipool, from where we gradually climb up for 30 mins towards the capitol of Sikkim. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, take a walk through the bazaar of Bangkok through the area of old palace and return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Gangtok: The capital city of Sikkim. The snow-capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga envelopes the town and offers spectacular view. Amidst the whipping prayer flags, brightly painted pagoda houses, hums of prayers in the background, coupled with smiling people against the beautiful scenic backdrop of the Gangtok, this truly becomes a place worth visiting. It is a heavily forested region bounded by the rivers Tista and Tolung, and surrounded by the mountain ranges of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Narsing, Simvo and Siniolchu. The Stupas, the monasteries, all reach out with full mysticism to attract a large number of people to this magical land every year.

07 Day: Gangtok – Tsongo – Gangtok (Excursion: 32 kms one way)

After breakfast take an excursion tour to Tsongo Lake one of the picturesque lake in Lap of Himalayans Mountains–The cool water of the lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty around and enjoy the Yak ride and Tibetans dish momo. Later drive back to the city, en route you may opt to visit Hanuman Toka temple of God Hanuman, worshipped by the Hindus. Besides offering prayers, one can enjoy the scenic beauty of Gangtok and Tashi View Point built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, this site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt.Kanchandzonga and surrounding hills. Return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Tsongo: It is literally known as "source of the lake” in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms. away from Gangtok, the capital of the state, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. It is also a home of brahminy ducks. It's cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic beauty around. A small temple of lord Siva is constructed on the lakeside. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May.

08 Day: Gangtok

After an early breakfast, take sightseeing tour of Gangtok, visiting Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop which was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. Here we will see the biggest collection of Tibetan scripts and an excellent collection of rare bronze and cult objects. Later visit Orchid sanctuary: This sanctuary contains over 450 indigenous species. Sikkim is considered paradise for orchid lovers. Also visit Banjhakari Water Park and Ranka Monastery. Later return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

09 Day: Gangtok – Darjeeling (100 kms: 4 hrs)

Early morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Darjeeling, Darjeeling is famous for tea gardens, magnificent view of the Himalayas, Kanchenjunga peak, beautiful valleys, trekking to high altitude and famous toy train. It is a superlative combination of fern-filled valleys, snow-capped peaks and tea-scented air. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for rest and relaxation and to enjoy the local surrounding. You can take a walk down the Mall road, famous for shopping. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.

Darjeeling popularly known as the "Queens of Hill Stations" offers a picturesque view of the Himalayan panorama. It is a superlative combination of fern-filled valleys, snow-capped peaks and tea-scented air. Until the beginning of the 18th century the Darjeeling belonged to the rajas of Sikkim. In 1780 they lost Darjeeling to Gurkhas. A series of wars were fought between the Gurkhas and East India Company, eventually leading to the defeat of the Gurkhas. Now after freedom Darjeeling had developed a lot and numerous tea gardens had been established. Its beauty attracts the tourist from all over the world.

10 Day: Darjeeling

Early morning take an excursion to Tiger hill to enjoy the breathtaking view of colour changes during sunrise over snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kanchendzonga Range. Return to hotel for breakfast; later take a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling visiting Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, and the monastery belongs to the Yellow Sect of Buddhists. Tibetan Self-Help Refugee Centre, established in 1959, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. Afternoon take Toy Train Joy Ride, heritage toy train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It's not about just the heritage and the history; it's also about experiencing one of the engineering marvels where many amazing loops and zig zags had to be created to negotiate the steep gradients in the mountains. After ride take walk towards hotel to enjoy the local surrounding. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

11 Day: Darjeeling – Mirik – Darjeeling (60 kms: One way: 3 hrs)

After breakfast followed by excursion tour to Mirik, this places is surrounded by lake, mountains, forests, flowers and it is a very peaceful place. Here there is floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy forever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest with thousands of Cryptomaria -Japanica trees clothe the slopes on the west. A 3.5 km. zigzag footwall takes you along the lake – a sleek foot bridge connects the garden on the east with the woods on the west. Alone or in company, you are sure to enjoy a boat-ride in the lake. Later drive back to Darjeeling, hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

12 Day: Darjeeling – Bagdogra (80 kms: 4 hrs) – Kolkata (By Air) – Hometown

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Bagdogra. On arrival, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Kolkata, on arrival drive international airport to board scheduled flight for Hometown. On departure, the tour concludes with the happy memories.