Treasures of Northeast India
Package Inclusions
Overview
Tour Itinerary
Arrive at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). Meet your driver and drive through the Teesta River valley to Kalimpong (approx. 2.5–3 hours / 75 km). Check into your hotel. In the late afternoon, take a relaxed stroll through the bustling local market and explore local flower nurseries known for their exotic orchids and cacti. Overnight stay in Kalimpong.
After breakfast, explore Kalimpong’s highlights: take in panoramic Himalayan views from Deolo Hill, visit the historic Dr. Graham’s Homes estate, and admire the succulent collection at Pine View Nursery. Visit Zang Dhok Palri Phodang (Durpin Monastery) before beginning the picturesque mountain drive to Gangtok (approx. 2.5 hours / 75 km). Check into your hotel and spend the evening enjoying the pedestrian-only MG Marg for cafes, curio shops, and local dining. Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Set out on a morning excursion to the sacred, high-altitude Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake, 12,400 ft) and the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple. (Optional: Nathula Pass on the Indo-China border can be visited subject to Indian national permit quotas and weather). Return to Gangtok by mid-afternoon for rest and leisure. Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Dedicate a day to Gangtok's spiritual and natural landmarks. Visit the hilltop Enchey Monastery, Do Drul Chorten Stupa, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to view rare Buddhist art and manuscripts. Continue downhill to visit the historic Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Karma Kagyu order, followed by Banjhakri Falls. Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Depart Gangtok after breakfast toward West Sikkim (approx. 4.5–5 hours / 125 km). Stop en route at Ravangla to explore the serene Buddha Park, home to a massive 130-foot statue framed by the snowy peaks of Mount Narsing. Continue onward to Pelling, check into your hotel, and take in the sunset views over Mount Kanchenjunga. Overnight stay in Pelling.
Begin the morning visiting the holy Khecheopalri Lake (the wish-fulfilling lake) and the gushing Kanchenjunga Waterfalls. In the afternoon, explore Pemayangtse Monastery—one of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries—and walk through the forested ridge to the Rabdentse Ruins, the ancient royal seat of Sikkim. End the day at the Pelling Glass Skywalk adjacent to the towering Chenrezig statue. Overnight stay in Pelling.
Depart West Sikkim and cross back into West Bengal along hillside slopes to the "Queen of the Hills," Darjeeling (approx. 3.5–4 hours / 75 km). Check into your hotel. Spend the late afternoon taking in the heritage atmosphere around Chowrasta and Mall Road. Overnight stay in Darjeeling.
Rise early (approx. 4:00 AM) to head up Tiger Hill for sunrise vistas over Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest. On the return drive, stop at the Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery. After breakfast at your hotel, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (renowned for Red Pandas and Snow Leopards), and the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Overnight stay in Darjeeling.
Spend a relaxed morning visiting a historic tea garden (such as Happy Valley Tea Estate) to learn about orthodox tea processing and participate in a tea-tasting session. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional steam "Joy Ride" on the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) or explore local handicrafts at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre. Overnight stay in Darjeeling.
After breakfast, check out and drive downhill through Mirik/Kurseong tea estates to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station (approx. 3–3.5 hours / 70 km) for your onward journey.
