Day 01 Arrive Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata international airport at 9am. You will be met by our representative upon arrival & transfer to hotel. ( Check in time at hotels is 2 pm. Will request hotel for an early check in which shall be subject to availability at time of arrival)
Kolkata, the capital of the East Indian state of West Bengal is seen as the land of the intellectuals. It is also famous as the Land of Mother Teresa and Rabindra Nath Tagore. Communist in ideology and very politically aware, Kolkata was the capital of British India before Delhi assumed this position.
Kolkata developed from a fishermens’ village to become one of the largest cities in the world. The city symbolises creativity and vibrance with all the modern amenities available. Kolkata has adapted to the modern trends and techniques of the world but has not shed the leisurely life style and the calm of its hey days.
A city with strong cultural, literary and religious flavours, Kolkata acts as the gateway to the North-East
Afternoon city tour of Kolkata visiting the visit to Dalhousie square, Victoria memorial, & Kali ghat.
When Calcutta was the administrative centre for British India, BBD Bagh (Dalhouise Square) was the centre of power. On the north side of the square stands the huge Writers’ Building that dates back to 1880.
At the southern end of the Maidan stands the Victoria Memorial, the most imposing monument in the whole of Calcutta. The most beautiful relic of all those that the British left in India. Although it is no match to the magnificient ‘Taj’ that the British wanted to replicate or rather compete with, it still symbolises some good combination of European and Mughal architecture.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Kolkata – Bagdogra – Darjeeling
In time transfer to airport to connect flight to Bagdogra.
You will be met on arrival at airport & drive to Darjeeling.
Darjeeling is situated at an altitude of 7000ft and is a tourist paradise. One can spend a few days here marvelling at the tea gardens with the backdrop of the Khanchendzonga range or the many lovely sites in and around this town with a lot of character.
Evening walk around Darjeeling town.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 In Darjeeling
Tour starts early morning at 3.30am, gives one a once in a life time opportunity to view one of nature’s most thrilling sights-the sunrise view over the Himalayan panorama. Later you will visit the Ghoom Yiga Choling monastery and & enjoy the toy train ride.
Afternoon city tour of Darjeeling.
You will visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – one of the premier schools of mountaineering in the world with a museum; the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (famous for its snow leopard breeding programme), the Natural History Museum, Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, Dhirdham temple and the Darjeeling-Rangit valley passenger ropeway.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Darjeeling – Gangtok
Post breakfast drive to Gangtok.
Gangtok is the capital city Sikkim, the second smallest state of India. Famous for its many important monasteries, and for the picturesque views of the Himalayas, Gangtok is one of the important hill-station of the country. In Gangtok you can see a smooth blend of both tradition and modernity. Located at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, Gangtok houses some of the important Buddhist religious sites too. The existence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries and the un-spoilt natural beauty of Gangtok offers you a truly unique traveling experience
Upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 In Gangtok
Morning proceed for sightseeing visiting Rumtek Monastery, Flower Nurseries and Dro Dul Chorten and Enchey Monaster Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sundays) and Cottage Industry (closed on Sundays)
Rumtek Monastery’, also popularly known as ‘Dharma Chakra’ is one of the esteemed Buddhist religious destinations in Gangtok. Situated in East Sikkim about 24 kilometers from the heart of the city, Rumtek Monastery is the biggest Monastery of Gangtok. In this monastery monks perform all the sacred rituals including the practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage. As this monastery is located at the elevation of 5800 feet, the height renders the weather of this place to be very chilly and pleasant. Average temperature ranges between 13°c and 21°c. But winter is a rather cold season. During winter the temperature fluctuates around 8°c to 15°c. The golden Stupa that houses the precious relics of the Sixteenth Karmapa is the most auspicious and revered shrine of Buddhism here.
Acclaimed to be the most important Stupa of the state Sikkim, ‘Do Drul Chorten’ Stupa was built by Trulshi Rimpoche, the Head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in the year 1945. This sacred Stupa is crowned with an exorbitant gold gilded dome top which exhibits 108 prayer wheels (Mani-Lhakor). This highly esteemed Stupa is also characterized with complete Mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba, a set of Kangyur relics, complete Zung and other religious objects. The Chorten is surrounded by two majestic statues of Guru Rimpoche. Do Drul Chorten comprises a must visit religious and cultural habitat. Pilgrims from every corner of Sikkim arrive at this Chorten to pay homage.
Constructed in 1840 AD, Enchey Monastery brought the ambiguous Gangtok to a bright centre state. A very important religious seat of Nyingma order, this monastery is believed to have been built on the planes that were blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo, a tantric master recognized far and wide for his ability to fly. Enchey means ‘the solitary temple’. Situated about 3 kilometers from Gangtok, Enchey Monastery was initially built by a Lama as his resident. A legend says that this Lama flew to Gangtok from Maenam Hill. The present Monastery was built up in 1909 AD and is characterized by peculiar pagoda shaped roofs. Harboring the historical, cultural and religious heritage of Sikkim, this monastery houses many images and idols of Buddhist deities. On the 18th and 19th day of the last month of lunar calendar (The month of Falgun), a grand pooja is performed at the monastery. Every year in the month of January this monastery celebrates a regal festival. Thousands of Buddhist people arrive at the monastery to participate in the festival with unlimited joy and devotion. ‘Chaam,’ a distinct mask dance is an exclusive feature of this festival.
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is the quintessential asylum to learn the Tibetan traditions and culture. Considered amongst the Mahayana Scholars to be the highest throne of learning, this institute has become the prominent center for the study of Buddhist Philosophy and religion. Established in the year 1958, Namgyal Institute houses the world’s largest collection of rare manuscripts and books on the Mahayana Buddhism theme. The institute also harbors a museum where more than 200 Buddhist icons, Thangkas, antique paintings, Tapestries, Statues, Shrines, masks and other religious works of Tibetan Art are exhibited. The Institute also boasts of a mighty collection of more than 30,000 books, most of them in xylographs. Xylographs mean the document printed on wooden slabs. The translations of the original preaching of the Lord Buddha and discourses made by eminent Buddhist scholars from the entire world are also accommodated in this prestigious institute.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Gangtok – Kalimpong
Post breakfast drive to Kalimpong.
Kalimpong is a laid back small hill resort at 4,000ft, the hills around Kalimpong are a nature lovers delight. It is famous for its wonderful climate, orchid nurseries, great snow views, monasteries, colonial buildings and lovely excursions.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Afternoon visit Tharpa Choling Monastery, Tongsa Monastery, Durpin Dara, Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery, cactus nursery and an orchid nursery.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Kalimpong – Bagdogra – Kolkata & fly out
Morning drive to Bagdogra airport to connect flight for Kolkata & then to onward destination.
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