| Day 1 - Flight to India (Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travellers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to your Hotel.
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| Day 2 - Delhi - Bagdogra (by air) - Pemayangtse (about 80 km)
Today we leave Delhi and enter into Sikkim. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. Sikkim, in the East Himalayas is sandwiched between Nepal to its West and Bhutan to the East. In the North is Tibet/China. Sikkim has so rich of flora, fauna and a diverse ethnic and cultural population as no other state in India. We drive through the forests and tea gardens and proceed to our today's destination Pemayangtse (The perfect Sublime Lotus). We visit the headquarter of the Nyingama sect in Pemayangtse. |
| Day 3 - Pemayangtse
Day at leisure. |
| Day 4 - Pemayangtse - Gangtok (about 120 km)
The capital of Sikkim 'Gangtok' lies on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool river. Gangtok ("High Hill") lies at an altitude of 1760 m. Gangtok is surrounded by the mountains, especially from Kangchendzonga range. We visit Tsuk-la-Khang, the royal chapel which is standing on a high bridge. This is the major place of worship and has a large and impressive collection of scriptures. We also visit the institute of cottage industries which is an attraction as a wide range of local handicrafts in Lepcha style are produced here. |
| Day 5 - Gangtok Excursion: Enchey monastery
Today we drive to the monastery of Enchey. This monastery is believed to be 200 years old. The monks of this monastery belong to the Mahayana Buddhism. After the visit of Enchey monastery we proceed to Martham Village-Resort, where we have afternoon at leisure. Here one can have nice walks or have a ride on the local horses of this area. |
| Day 6 - Gangtok Excursion: Rumtek monastery
Today we visit the unique Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop which was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. Here we will see the biggest collection of Tibetan scripts and an excellent collection of rare Tankhas, bronze and cult objects. We also visit orchid Sanctuary which is laying south of the institute. This Sanctuary contains over 450 indigenous species. Sikkim is considered paradise for orchid lovers. After the visit of sanctuary we walk through the bazaar of Gangtok through the area of old palace and visit the monastery Gylwa. The main attraction of our excursion remains today the monastery of Rumtek. Rumtek monastery was built as a true copy of a Tibetan monastery in recent years. Rumtek is the headquarter of Red hat sect of Tibetan lamaistic Buddhism. |
| Day 7 - Gangtok - Darjeeling (about 100 km)
After the breakfast we proceed north of the state through the coniferous forests and terraced tea gardens and arrive in Darjeeling. Darjeeling (place of the thunderbolt) have spectacular scenery. Due to its altitude of 2134m and soothing temperature in Summer Darjeeling has become a famous hill resort in India. By clear weather we can enjoy the impressive or unforgettable views of Himalayas. |
| Day 8 - Darjeeling Excursion: Tiger Hill
Very early in the morning we drive to Tiger Hill (around 11 km.,1 hour) to enjoy the sunrise at the Tiger hill. Tiger hill (2590 m.) is the highest point in this area. There is a breathtaking view of the sunrise on Kangchendzonga. Mount Everest (8842) is also visible on a clear day. The moments of sunrise from Tiger Hill are described by most of the visitors as unforgettable. In the afternoon we explore Darjeeling and its surroundings. We visit the village Lablong and the institute of mountaineering where we get the detailed information about the natural surrounding and its habitants of this area. |
| Day 9 - Darjeeling - Bagdogra (about 100 km) - Delhi (by air)
Through the wild Tista valley we drive back to Bagdogra. In the afternoon we fly from Bagdogra to Delhi. The rest of the day at leisure. (opportunity for the last shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel) After Dinner we leave the hotel for the Airport. |
| Day 10 - Flight Back Home
Around midnight flight to home destination. |
