Eastern Himalayas.

Eastern Himalayas

A bit shorter version of Himalayan programmes still gives you the necessary sights of Himalayas. This programme has a mix of all possible greenery, mountains, spirituality, history and what not. Visits to Tiger Hill for splendid views of sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga, the third Highest Peak in the World, Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, P.N. Zoological Park, the Tibetan Refugee Centre, Japanese Temple, etc are few of the highlights.

The below itinerary is only a pilot programme to give you an idea on the destinations which could be covered within a certain period. It will be our pleasure to customise the programme to suite your interests, budget and duration. Please feel free to contact us for any such customisation and prices.

Day 1 : Bagdogra Airport – Gangtok (125 kms)

On arrival at Bagdogra Airport,you will be received by our Meet & Greet team to transfer to Gangtok. On arrival, check into hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel

Gangtok :Gangtok is located in the Shivalik Hills of the eastern Himalayan range, at an altitude of 1,437 metres (4,715 ft). Gangtok rose to prominence as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site after the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. Nestled within higher peaks of the Himalaya and enjoying a year-round mild temperate climate, Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim’s tourism industry. Today, Gangtok is a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning, with the presence of several monasteries, religious educational institutions, and centres for Tibetology.

Day 2 :Gangtok (Tsomgo Lake Trip) (45 kms one way)

In the morning, visit the highly revered Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft.) located 34 km from Gangtok city & Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial (located 52 kms from the city). Tsomgo Lake freezes completely during the winter and is much revered by the locals. Overnight at hotel.

Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim, India, some 40 kilometres (25 mi) away from Gangtok at altitude of 3,780 m (12,400 ft).The road to Nathu La passes the lake on north side. The Chinese border crossing is only some 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) east-northeast in a straight line, but some 18 kilometres (11 mi) by road.

Day 3 :Gangtok (Sightseeing)

After breakfast start for a half day city tour covering Rumtek Monastery, Dro-Dul Chorten, Research Institute of Teleology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom, and Flower Show. Overnight at Hotel.

Rumtek Monastery : A short drive from Gangtok will take you to Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. Built in 1960 by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa it is a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet, the seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, head of the Karmapa sub sect of Kargyudpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It now functions as the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre.

Do Drul Chorten : This is the biggest and the most important stupa in Sikkim. It is located near Gangtok. It is the most important tourist spot in the East Sikkim. This has been built in the year 1945 under the supervision of late TruslshiRimpoche. There are about 108 prayer wheels (Mani-Lhakor) in this chorten. There are some mantras have been engraved in these prayer wheels; by turning these prayer wheels, the devotees can read and chant these mantras. The renowned chorten has a gold-plated steeple.

Day 4 :Gangtok – Pelling (116kms)

This morning drive to Pelling (6800 ft.) on the way visit Ravangla with a short Tea break. One can enjoy the spectacular Eastern Himalayan Range from Pelling. On arrival check-in to your hotel & rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Pelling is today emerging as the second biggest tourist destination in the state after Gangtok. Although in itself it is little more than a strip of road lined with hotels, its main USP is the breathtaking view it offers of the Khangchendzonga and surrounding ranges, as well as the easy access it provides to tourist spots in the area.Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometre from Pelling, while a 40 minute walk on the hill opposite the monastery takes you to Sanga Choling monastery built in 1697, one of the first in the state. Pelling’s serene environment and picturesque setting is perfect for nice nature walks and small treks.

Day 5 :Pelling (Sightseeing)

After breakfast start for local sight seeing tour covering Rimbi Falls, Khangchendzonga water falls, Khachoedpalri Wish Lake, Back to hotel for lunch. After lunch visit Pemayangste Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Rabdantse View Point, Helipad Ground. Overnight at Hotel.

Khecheopalri Lake : Situated at a distance of 25 kms. from Pelling, it is considered to be one of the sacred lakes of the State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The Lake remains hidden under the rich forest cover. The birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.

Pemayangste Monastery : It is one of the oldest monasteries of the State. It was originally established by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the revered Lamas to have performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal (Monarch) of Sikkim. This ancient monastery belonging to the Nyingma Sect has been considered as one of the premier monasteries in the State. It has been entrusted with the task to perform all religious functions of the erstwhile monarch.

Khangchendzonga Waterfalls : About 28kms from Pelling and 5kms before Yuksam is Khangchendzonga Waterfalls which is situated at a sharp curve on the road side. The falls being very big in size and equally attractive through out the year, it has become one of the leading tourist spots in west Sikkim.

Rabdentse Ruins : About 3kms from Pelling and few minutes walk further down from Pemayangtse Monastery are the Rabdentse ruins the 2nd capital of Sikkim, founded by the 2nd Chogyal of Sikkim Tensung Namgyal in the year 1670. The site has been recently very fully excavated and restored by the Archeological survey of India .After the restoration one can now visit the king’s bed room , assembley hall and kitchen, Public courtyard and other palace guards’ room etc.

Day 6 :Pelling – Darjeeling (118kms)

This morning drive to Darjeeling (7,100 ft.) is one of the most magnificent Hill Resorts in the World. On arrival check-in to your hotel & rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

The name 'Darjeeling' came from the Tibetan words, 'dorje' meaning thunderbolt (originally the scepter of Indra) and 'ling' a place or land, hence 'the land of the thunderbolt'. This is the land of the muscatel flavoured Darjeeling tea revered by connoisseurs across the globe. This is the land of the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway where the century old miniature steam engine still chugs uphill vying for space with the fast disappearing Land Rovers. For foreign tourists, the main attractions are the cultural diversity (many Tibetan refugees moved here after Tibet was annexed by China and they co-exist with the descendants), the beautiful views (including the wonderful vista view of Kanchenjunga), a variety of trekking options, and the opportunity to cool down after a stint in the plains.

Day 7 : Darjeeling (Local Sightseeing)

Leave early morning (04.00 AM) to visit Tiger Hill for splendid views of sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga, the Third Highest Peak in the World. On your way back, visit places like Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop. After breakfast, sightseeing includes Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, P.N. Zoological Park (closed on Thursday), the Tenzing Rock, the Tibetan Refugee Centre (closed on Sunday), Tea Garden (outer view) and the Japanese Temple. Spend the evening walking around the Mall. Overnight at hotel.

Tiger Hill : Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.) and 13 kilometers from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over the "Kanchanjunga" and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here. The hesitant rays of the early morning sun paint these peaks in pale gold.

Ghoom Monastry : Built in 1875 by Lama SherabGyatso, this ancient monastery is said to have been blessed by the renowned TomoGesheRimpoche of Tibet. The specialty of this monastery is that it contains the statue of the 'Future Coming Buddha' known as Maitreye Buddha. The Monastery has also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts. You could visit the monastery on your return journey to Darjeeling from Tiger Hill.

Batasia Loop :The Batasia loop situated almost 5 km away from the town is a gigantic railway loop where the Toy Train makes a 360 Degree turn. It was basically built to make it possible for the Toy Train to cut the deep ascend. Strategically located the Batasia Loop offers a panoramic view of the Kanchanjunga Range.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute : The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir EdEdumund Hillary on 28 May 1953. The oldest mountaineering institute in the country carries out various mountaineering courses every year. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like NawangGombu(the first man to climb Everest twice) and LattooDorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute.

P.N. Zoological Park : Established on the 14th of August, 1958, the zoo was dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal on the 21st November, 1975. Considered as one of the best zoos in the country, it is the only centre that breeds the tibetan wolf in captivity. Breeding programmes for the endangered red panda, snow leopard and the siberian tiger are also carried out at PNHZP.

Tibetan Refugee Centre : After Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet, thousands of Tibetan refugees came to reside in India. Darjeeling too became a home away from home for the Tibetans in exile. To rehabilitate the community a ten-member committee was formed in Darjeeling to organize a rehabilitation centre which was known as "Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre". The centre was established on October 1, 1959 and the residents of the centre are today known for their handicrafts. The centre makes excellent carpets, woolen goods, woodwork, etc, which are famous across the globe.

Tea Garden : Happy Valley tea garden is located just a kilometer away from the main town and is situated along 18 Lebong Cart Road (very near to the District Magistrate's Office) and offers tourist a refreshing ambience far from the otherwise noisy town. One can soak in the ambience of the tea garden and take a walk through the carpeted garden. You can take a pony from the Chowrasta or merely walk down the hill to reach the factory. The garden is presently closed but the residents are running it through a cooperative.

Day 8 :Darjeeling – Bagdogra Airport

Like all good things, your holiday experience comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable experience. Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey!!

Package Cost Includes :
� 07 Nights stay at designated hotels as per itinerary
� Daily breakfast and dinner at all the hotels.
� English speaking local guides on Day 02,03,04,05,06 & 07 for sightseeing
� All transfers and sightseeing as per attached itinerary by excellent Chauffer driven SUVs
� All monument entries and park entry fees.
� Driver allowance, Parking, Fuel, etc.
� All taxes including government service tax

Package Cost Excludes :
Any meals other than those specified
� Any sightseeing unless otherwise specified
� Any train/ air fare which are not included in the package.
� Any Camera fee, Guide fee other than those specified, Toy Train Ride etc.
� All expenses of personal nature like soft/ hard drinks, Telephone/ Fax, Laundry, Tip etc.
� All other services not mentioned under package cost includes section.
� Prices are valid from 01 October 2011 till 31 March 2012 except during the Peak Season from 15 Dec 2011 till 20 Jan 2012