| # | Itinerary | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paro - Phuntsholing - Jaldhapara | At the morning drive to Phuntsholing. ➜ Stop at the Tanalungchu bridge, daringly spanning over the deep gorge. ➜ Visit o beautifully decorated Kharabandi gompa. From here you can clearly see how the Himalayas are swiftly raising from Indian plains. ➜ In the bizarre twin border town of Phuntsholing/Jaigon you will have lunch and while fixing your immigration formalities. ➜ Part goodbye to Bhutan and start drive to Jaldhapara, about 1 hour from the border. ➜ Accommodation in hotel and rest. |
| 2 | Jaldhapara - Kalimpong | Jaldhapara is one of the best national parks in West Bengal. Here you can see wild buffaloes, elephants, peacocks and most importantly one horned Indian rhino. The best chance to see this elusive animal is on the back of an elephant early in the morning. Even if you're not lucky to see the animal, the elephant ride through the dense jungle is a worthy experience. ➜ After breakfast, you'll drive to Kalimpong. The road goes through the tea gardens until it starts ascending to hills through the Teesta river. In Kalimpong you will visit busy bazaar, interesting Catholic Church of Mother Therese where Jesus is depicted as Tibetan Dalai Lama. ➜ Also visit Zangtopelri monastery on the hill top above the town, where spectacular prayer is held each evening. ➜ Overnight in hotel. |
| 3 | Kalimpong - Gangtok | Early morning drive to Sikkim's capital, Gangtok. Until 70s, Sikkim was an independent state, and it keeps it specifics until today. ➜ After lunch in town, visit to Namgyel institute of Tibetology with interesting display on Sikkim's distinctive way of practicing Buddhism. ➜ Also walk to Do-drul chorten stupa nearby. ➜ Evening exploration of posh Mahatma Gandhi Road in city center. ➜ Overnight in hotel. |
| 4 | Gangtok, excursion to Phodong monastery | We will drive north of Gagntok by scenic road with brief stop on Tashi viewpoint, Seven Sisters waterfalls and possibly other places. ➜ After about 2-hour drive, you reach to Phodong monastery. Visit the beautifully decorated temple and make stroll to another temple, the Labrang above. ➜ In between the two, explore the ruins of Tumglong palace, dating from 18th and 19th century. ➜ Drive back to Gangtok with stop at Kabi Lungchok, place where the indigenous Lepcha tribes and immigrant Tibetans signed peace treaty, marking the beginning if Sikkimese identity. ➜ In Gangtog visit to former royal temple Tsuglhakhang and peek at the former Sikkim ruler residence. |
| 5 | Gangtok - Darjeeling | In the morning, drive over the valley to Rumtek monastery. ➜ This is the headquarters of Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism, one of the major schools led by venerable Karmapa, the second most important Tibetan religious leader after Dalai Lama. ➜ Later undertake a brief hike through the Martam paddy fields. ➜ Continue to drive to Darjeeling. ➜ Reaching the destination in the evening. |
| 6 | Darjeeling | Walk to Chowrastha and walk to Observatory hill with Mahakal Hindu-Buddhist temple on the top. ➜ Toy Train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom. ➜ Then visit of Yiga Choling Gompa, small but beautifully painted Geluk monastery in Ghoom. ➜ Afternoon short hike through tea plantation down to the Happy Valley Tea Factory and factory visit. ➜ Finish sightseeing in charming Himalayan Zoo with many local species and Mountaineering institute museum commemorating Darjeeling's prominent role in climbing history. |
| 7 | Darjeeling - Bagdogra, departure | Early morning drive to Tiger Hill for sunrise with breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga. Depending on the situation, you might observe from the Tiger Hill itself or, if crowded, you can consider other spots like Dag bungalow or else. ➜ Then drive to Bagdogra for onward flight to your final destination. |
Tour variants, extensions and combinations:
- Going opposite way: It's also possible to start tour in Bagdogra and continue via Darjeeling, Gangtok and Kalimpong to Jaldhapara and conclude tirp in Bhutan. Please contact us for itinerary.
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Dzongri / Kanchejunga base camp trek: You can extend this tour by beautiful 9 to 10 days Kanchejunga base camp trek. It's full camping trek but don't worry, we can arrange very professional and reliable staff to help you. This is very special rarely done trek with stunning views which will make you understand why Kanchejunga is considered holy mountain of Sikkim.