Eastern Charms: West Bengal & Sikkim

9 Days / 8 Nights

This short foray into the hills north of Calcutta is a great way to visit this part of India, perhaps as an add-on to another voyage in Rajasthan, or elsewhere in north-India. You’ll visit the compelling city of Calcutta, the iconic hill station of Darjeeling and, in Sikkim, get a glimpse of an entirely different culture altogether. The best time to undertake this trip is in October/early December, or from February through to April.

Duration: 8 Nights & 9 Days

Destination Covered: Kolkata – Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Gangtok

Tour Highlights
Darjeeling	Joy Train Ride, Tiger Hill, Tea Estate
Kalimpong	Flower Nurseries, Dello Hill
Gangtok	Tsongo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Institute of Tibetoloty
Kolkata	Flower Market, Potter’s Colony, College Street Book Market, Victoria Memorial

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Kolkata

On your arrival at Kolkata you will be welcomed by our local representative and then transferred to the hotel.
Day 2 : Kolkata – FLY Bagdogra - Darjeeling

Morning fly to Bagdogra. On arrival at Bagdogra airport you will be and introduced to your guide and driver, before making the 3 to 4 hours drive to Darjeeling. In the evening you can walk in the markets and soak up the atmosphere of this historic town.
Day 3 : Darjeeling

Morning take the short trip on the mountain railway to Ghoom and visit the monastery there. Later proceed for the sightseeing around Darjeeling including Batasia Loop - a marvel of railway engineering, Tea Estates, the Himalayan Mountaineering Training Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre. If you want to buy a carpet anywhere in India, this may be the most worthy place of all to do so- beautiful carpets are handmade to order by the refugee population here. Another ‘must’ in Darjeeling is a session of tea-tasting, likely to convert even the most seasoned coffee drinker to at least an understanding of tea!
Day 4 : Darjeeling - Kalimpong

An early start say around 4AM, to drive to Tiger Hill for the stunning sunrise over the eastern Himalaya, including views of Khanchendzonga, the 3rd highest mountain on earth. Return to your hotel for breakfast and a rest, before departing Darjeeling for the short drive to Kalimpong. Enjoy a relaxing evening on the terrace of your hotel with expansive views of the surrounding hills.
Day 5 : Kalimpong - Gangtok

After breakfast, take in some of the highlights of this picturesque town including Dello Hills, Dr Graham's Home for orphans, and Flower Nurseries. Later drive 4 to 5 hours to Gangtok in Sikkim state - an area known for its extravagant scenic beauty, this drive is among the most rewarding.
Day 6 : Gangtok

A full day around Gangtok and nearby Rumtek with sightseeing highlights including Tashi view Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, the Institute of Tibetology, and the serene and tranquil monastery at Rumtek. There is a striking contrast between the quiet of the monasteries and gompas on the Rumtek side and the bustle of busy Gangtok on the opposite side of the valley. Return to Gangtok where, in season, you can sample such quirky Sikkimese cuisine as nettle-shoot stew at a local restaurant.
Day 7 : Gangtok – Day Trip to Tsongo Lake

An excursion today to Tsongo Lake, reached by means of a military-maintained road which at times defies belief as it climbs and climbs into the soaring mountains. Finally at a height of 3720 metres above sea level you will reach Tsongo, an alpine lake set in an area of spectacular scenic beauty, This is the closest point that westerners can access to the Tibetan border, some 20km further on. While you are at Tsongo you can walk or ride a yak around the Lake- yaks may not be the most comfortable animals to ride but this is an unmissable opportunity! Return to Gangtok with free time in the afternoon to explore the fascinating bazaar on MG Road.
Day 8 : Bagdogra – FLY Kolkata

After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra for mid-afternoon flight to Kolkata. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel.
Day 9 : Depart Kolkata

As a contrast to the high mountains of Sikkim and Bengal with their space and lack of crowds, Kolkata could not be more complete. City tour starts with an introduction about the glory of Bengal, visit the unique wholesale market of flowers situation on the bank of River Ganges nearer to the famous Howrah Bridge. The drive pass the Heritage Buildings of Dalhousie Square, St. John’s Church, Mother Teresa’s house, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity followed by Victoria Memorial and Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Also visit the Marble Palace, Tagore Museum at Jorasanko, the Potter’s colony at Kumartuli and then a visit to the College street Book Market. If time permits visit Pincep Ghat.

Later in the evening you will be transferred to the airport to board the international flight for your onward journey.

FAQ

The best time to visit Darjeeling and Sikkim is from March to May and September to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

Must-see attractions in Darjeeling include the Batasia Loop, Tea Estates, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, Ghoom Monastery, and Tiger Hill for sunrise views.

In Gangtok, visitors can explore MG Road bazaar, visit Tashiview Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Institute of Tibetology, and Rumtek Monastery. Excursions to Tsongo Lake and nearby areas are also popular.

Travel between these destinations is usually by road, with scenic drives ranging from 3 to 4 hours depending on the route and local conditions.

Sikkimese cuisine offers unique dishes like nettle-shoot stew, influenced by local Tibetan and Nepali flavors. Visitors can try these at local restaurants in Gangtok.

Yes, visitors can shop for local handicrafts, carpets at Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre in Darjeeling, and explore markets in Kalimpong and Gangtok for souvenirs.

Pack warm clothing, especially if visiting in the cooler months, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a camera for capturing the stunning landscapes.

Tsongo Lake is at a high altitude (3720 meters), so visitors should be prepared for potential altitude effects and plan for acclimatization.

Tour packages to Darjeeling and Sikkim can be booked through local travel agencies or online platforms. Ensure the package includes transportation, accommodation, and guided sightseeing as per your preferences.

In Delhi, visitors can explore both Old and New Delhi, visit historical monuments like Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid, and experience the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk with a cycle-rickshaw ride.