Eastern Charms: West Bengal & Sikkim

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.