Grand East Himalayan Tour (05 Days)

Duration: 07 Nights - 08 Days
Locations: Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Pelling - Gangtok - Kalimpong

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Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Bagdogra - Darjeeling (100 Km / 3 Hrs)
Upon arrival our representative would meet & assist you at the Airport. Later proceed to Darjeeling. The 100 km distance will be covered in approximately 03 hrs. On arrival we assist you to check in at our Hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Darjeeling (B, D)

Day 02: Darjeeling
Located at an altitude of 7000 ft., Darjeeling, one of the most reputed hill stations in the Indian Subcontinent, is nestled in the towering snow-capped mountain ranges, dominated by the almighty Kanchenjunga (Alt. 8598m).

Early morning we visit Tiger Hill (Alt 8500m) to view the sunrise. Then we return to our hotel en route visiting the Ghoom Monastery, the most famous one of the region, built in 1875. Next is a Toy Train ride from Ghoom to Darjeeling. After breakfast visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Tibetan Refugee Camp & Market. Lunch is suggested at the hotel. Afternoon visit to Museum, Botanical Garden and Tea Gardens within 20 km.
Overnight Hotel - Darjeeling (B, D)

Day 03: Darjeeling - Pelling (115 kms/ 3 hrs)
Today we drive to Pemyangtse (Pelling). On arrival transfer to hotel. Later proceed for sight seeing tour of Pemyangtse Monastery, The Rabdentse palace ruins, Sangacheoling Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake & Sing Shore Bridge.
Overnight Hotel - Pelling (B, D)

Day 04: Pelling - Gangtok (130 km - 04 hr)
After breakfast we drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, located on a ridge overlooking the Ranipul River. Its name implies 'High Hill' and the place is ever so famous for snow clad Himalayas, Rhododendron flowers, Orchids & rare Butterfly species, the Red Panda, traditional ethnic culture and a distinctive cuisine. On arrival we assist you to check in at our Hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Gangtok (B, D)

Day 05: Gangtok
Today we visit Himalayan Zoological Park also known as Bulbuley. It has paved cement path that passes by fenced open air enclosure housing the Red Pandas, barking deer & bears in a semi natural habitat. Next Government Institute of Cottage Industries (GICI), which produces crafts in authentic Sikkimese designs. Hand woven Tibetan carpets sprout dragons in natural dyes, Sikkimese-style tables called Choktse are expertly carved & colored in red & gold. Also explore Lal bazaar, melody of colour. Various ethnic groups from different villages gather to haggle, bargain, gossip their wares. We will also visit includes Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which promotes research of the language and traditions of Tibet and contains one of the world’s largest collection of books & rare manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism.
Overnight Hotel - Gangtok (B, D)

Day 06: Gangtok - Kalimpong (90 Km / 3 Hrs)
Today we drive to Kalimpong, an incredible stunning backdrop of towering snow capped peaks. This exotic town of beautiful people, mystical & enchanting, with a rare ethnic blend of hill people. It also houses several Buddhist monasteries which hold a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures. It was ruled by Bhutan for 155 years & was annexed by the British only in 1865, after which it flourished as a centre of wool trade with Tibet. Here Buddhism rubs shoulders with Hinduism & Christianity. Gumpas, unusual churches, temples & missionaries coexist in a jovial society.

Later we visit Thongsa Gompa also known as the Bhutanese Monastery. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong & was founded in the year 1692. Though the old structure was destroyed by the Gorkhas, it was rebuilt on the same site. Next visit the Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, which is on the Durpin hill & is famous for the Tibetan wall paintings. It also has a religious debating society along with a school of Tibetan medicine. Later we visit Tharpa Choeling Monastery founded in 1937 & belongs to the Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect of Tibetan monastery. This Monastery houses many old scriptures & literary works. Next Dr Graham's Home, mission school was founded by Scottish missionary Dr. John Anderson Graham in 1900. The purpose of the school was to educate children of the tea garden workers & poor labourers. We also visit few nurseries around town.

Overnight Hotel - Kalimpong (B, D)

Day 07: Kalimpong: Excursion of Lava (40 Kms, 01 Hrs)
Today we take the Excursion tour of  Lava is a small village that is situated in the Kalimpong district of the state of West Bengal. The place is well renowned for its beauty and it attracts nature enthusiasts and adventure buffs. The town is situated at an altitude and this makes it a perfect place for many outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking and climbing. There are several trekking routes in the nearby forests and these are worth exploring. The people of the village still follow a traditional lifestyle and they are friendly and welcoming.

The place is said to be a haven for bird watchers and numerous species of migratory birds can be seen in the area. Some of them include the rusty bellied short wing, blue robin, fulvetta, finch, wren babbler and many more rare birds. The forests of the region are relatively untouched and they are teeming with wildlife and these include the black bear and barking deer. There are several picnic spots in the region and these are ideal for spending the day in the outdoors. You can also visit the old Buddhist monastery that is located amongst the hills of Lava.
Overnight Hotel - Kalimpong (B, D)

Day 08: Kalimpong (65 Km / 1½ Hrs) - Bagdogra departure
Today we drive back to Bagdogra airport to board flight to Kolkata. Farewell and tour ends.