Glimpse of North East

Journey through the enchanting hills of Northeast India where colonial charm meets Himalayan grandeur and Buddhist mysticism. This comprehensive tour takes you from Darjeeling’s world-famous tea gardens and magical sunrise at Tiger Hill over Mount Everest to Gangtok’s vibrant Buddhist monasteries and sacred glacial Tsomgo Lake. Experience the unique Indo-Tibetan culture of Kalimpong with its orchid nurseries and hilltop monasteries, witness spectacular views of Kanchenjunga (world’s third-highest peak), ride the heritage toy train, and explore the rich cultural heritage of this Himalayan paradise. Perfect for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts wanting to explore Sikkim and West Bengal’s hill stations.

• Day 1: Bagdogra Arrival – Darjeeling – Welcome upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport (New Jalpaiguri Airport in West Bengal, gateway to North Bengal hills and Sikkim, 16 km from Siliguri). Transfer to Darjeeling (Queen of Hills at 2,050 meters, former British summer capital, world-famous for Darjeeling tea, UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train, stunning Kanchenjunga views, colonial architecture, Tibetan Buddhist culture, mountaineering hub, pleasant climate year-round). Scenic 3-hour drive ascending through tea gardens and mountain roads. Check into hotel. Rest of day at leisure to acclimatize and explore local Mall Road. Overnight stay at hotel in Darjeeling.
• Day 2: Darjeeling – Local Sightseeing – Start your day early morning visiting Tiger Hill (highest point in Darjeeling at 2,590 meters, world-famous sunrise viewpoint offering views of Mount Everest (8,849 m) and Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) turning golden in first light, on clear days see five of world’s highest peaks, observation tower, best visited at 4:30 AM, photographers’ paradise). Return to hotel for breakfast. At 8:30 AM, visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (established 1954 honoring Tenzing Norgay who climbed Everest, museum displaying mountaineering equipment, expedition history, photographs, clothing used in Everest expeditions, training center for mountaineers, adjacent to zoo), P.N. Zoological Park (Padmaja Naidu) (high-altitude zoo specializing in Himalayan fauna conservation, houses rare species like red panda, snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, breeding programs for endangered species), Tenzing Rock (natural rock face used for mountaineering training, named after Tenzing Norgay, beginners’ climbing spot with safety equipment), Ropeway (cable car ride offering aerial views over lush tea estates, valleys, and Kanchenjunga range, connects North Point to Singla Bazaar, 8-minute ride covering 5 km), Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre (established 1959 preserving Tibetan culture and providing livelihood, handicrafts including carpets, woodwork, leather goods, thangka paintings, witness artisans at work, shop authentic Tibetan products), Tea Garden (world-famous Darjeeling tea plantations producing “Champagne of Teas,” see tea pickers at work, learn about tea processing, outer views of sprawling estates), Japanese Peace Pagoda (white Buddhist stupa built by Nipponzan-Myohoji promoting world peace, four avatars of Buddha, panoramic views of Darjeeling and mountains, serene meditation spot), Ghoom Monastery (oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery founded in 1875, houses 15-feet high Maitreya Buddha statue, Gelugpa sect, 300 Buddhist texts, prayer wheels, butter lamps, located at 2,438 meters on Ghoom Hill), and Batasia Loop (engineering marvel where toy train completes 360-degree spiral loop, war memorial honoring Gorkha soldiers in center with landscaped garden, views of Kanchenjunga, popular photography spot). Evening free for shopping at Mall Road or leisure. Overnight stay at Darjeeling.
• Day 3: Darjeeling – Kalimpong Sightseeing – After breakfast, transfer to Kalimpong (hill station at 1,250 meters, 50 km from Darjeeling, famous for orchids, Buddhist monasteries, churches, panoramic Himalayan views, education hub, colonial architecture, flower nurseries, relatively offbeat destination, pleasant climate). Check into hotel. Half-day tour of Kalimpong visiting Mangal Dham (Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Krishna, replica of Jagannath Temple, cultural center with Nepal-style architecture, beautifully maintained gardens, religious and cultural activities), Deolo Hill (highest point in Kalimpong at 1,704 meters, tourist lodge with viewpoint offering 360-degree panoramic views of Teesta River, Relli River valley, snow peaks including Kanchenjunga, ideal for sunrise/sunset, park with horses), Golf Garden (well-maintained park with mini golf, children’s play area, gardens), Durpin Dara Hill (viewpoint with Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery established by Dalai Lama in 1976, replica of Guru Rinpoche’s heavenly abode, panoramic views of Kalimpong town and Himalayas, army golf course nearby), and Pine View Nursery (famous nursery specializing in cacti with over 1,200 varieties and rare orchids, established in 1960s, exports plants worldwide, beautiful gardens, must-visit for plant lovers). Overnight stay at Kalimpong.
• Day 4: Kalimpong – Gangtok Local Sightseeing – Enjoy delicious breakfast and embark on adventure-packed journey to Gangtok (Sikkim’s capital at 1,650 meters meaning “hilltop,” cleanest city in India, blend of modernity and Buddhist traditions, hub for Himalayan tourism, vibrant MG Marg pedestrian plaza, Tibetan and Nepali culture, gateway to North Sikkim). Scenic 4-hour drive through mountains. Reach afternoon and check in at hotel. Later proceed for half-day city tour visiting Flower Exhibition Centre (showcasing Sikkim’s rich floral diversity including 600+ orchid species, seasonal flower exhibitions, annual flower show in April-May, beautiful displays of rhododendrons, primulas, anthuriums), Cottage Industry & Handicraft Centre (government emporium displaying traditional Sikkimese handicrafts including thangka paintings, hand-woven carpets, handmade paper, bamboo products, wood carvings, traditional choktse tables, witness artisans at work), Institute of Tibetology (premier research center for Tibetan studies established 1958, museum housing rare Buddhist manuscripts, thangkas, statues, ritual objects, one of world’s largest collections of Tibetan works, beautiful traditional architecture), Do-Drul Chorten (important stupa built in 1945, surrounded by 108 prayer wheels with complete Kangyur scriptures, contains relics and religious texts, colorful prayer flags, Nyingma monastery adjacent, peaceful spiritual atmosphere), Gonjang Monastery (small monastery with peaceful ambiance), and Banjhakri Falls (beautiful waterfall cascading 40 feet in Energy Park, depicts Jhakri (traditional shamanic healer) culture with sculptures and installations, landscaped garden, hanging bridge, recreational activities, popular picnic spot). Overnight stay at Gangtok.
• Day 5: Gangtok – Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir – After morning breakfast, embark on excursion to Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) (sacred glacial lake at 12,400 feet, 40 km from Gangtok, oval-shaped approximately 1 km long and 15 meters deep, considered sacred by Sikkimese people who divine future from lake’s changing colors, frozen completely in winter December-May, surrounded by steep mountains, yaks available for rides, Brahmi lotus flowers bloom in summer, Buddhist prayer flags, requires special permit) and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir (shrine at 13,200 feet, 12 km beyond Tsomgo Lake, dedicated to memory of Indian Army soldier Harbhajan Singh who died in 1968 near Nathula Pass, locals believe his spirit protects soldiers guarding Indo-China border, pilgrimage site where soldiers seek blessings before posting, bunker converted to shrine, emotional experience, Baba’s bed and uniform preserved). The lake is sacred to local people. Evening free at Gangtok for shopping at MG Marg (main pedestrian shopping street, vehicle-free zone, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, bookstores, benches, WiFi enabled, evening hangout spot). Overnight stay at Gangtok.
• Day 6: Gangtok – Airport – In the morning, after breakfast, check out and transfer to Bagdogra Airport. Say goodbye to the hills with fond memories of beautiful Northeast India.

• 02 Nights accommodation in Darjeeling
• 01 Night accommodation in Kalimpong
• 02 Nights accommodation in Gangtok
• Daily breakfast
• Both ways airport transfers
• Exclusive non-AC private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary
• Vehicle on point-to-point basis
• All permit fees & toll tax included
• Flight tickets

• Lunch, dinner, and any meals other than breakfast
• Entry fees to monuments and attractions
• Toy train ride tickets
• Ropeway charges
• Driver & guide tips
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance & GST