Quick Escape – Sikkim & Darjeeling

After clearing immigration and customs, our representative will meet you at the receiving area and escort you to your hotel.

(Airport Pullman Hotel - Deluxe Room)

Early this morning fly to Bagdogra Airport, servicing Darjeeling and Sikkim. After arriving and clearing security, you will begin a spectacular two-hour drive to Kalimpong. Kalimpong, formerly a terminus point for the mule trains from Tibet, is now a relaxed and quiet “hill station.” Standing at an altitude of 4,500 ft., Kalimpong is a stunning sight, where flowers scent the air, the Relli river meanders down the valley of lush green hills and glimpses of the snow-capped Himalayas enchant. Life here is varied and colorful thanks to a variety of ethnic groups who make their home here while living in peace and harmony. The monastery on top of the hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

(Mayfair Himalayan Resort; B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive three hours to Gangtok. At an altitude of 5,700 ft., surrounded by monasteries and orchids, Gangtok is truly a traveler’s delight.

In the afternoon hike or drive to Enchey Monastery. Perched on a ridge above Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is nestled within lush woods with a spectacular view of town. Built in 1910 on the site of the hermitage of the great tantric saint, Lama Drutob Karpo, who was renowned for his powers of levitation, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism. The vantage point of the monastery also offers beautiful panoramic views, which also include Kanchenjunga.

This evening you will be treated to a traditional Sikkimese dinner.

(The Norkhill - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

You will have a full day to explore this mountain town. Begin with an early morning stroll through the spice and vegetable bazaar—a great opportunity for portrait photography. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Set amidst a serene surrounding of oak, birch and ash trees, this unique organization was established in 1958. Built in traditional style, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana Buddhism and the language and traditions of Tibet. It has one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. Adjacent to the Institute are two exquisite stupas, built to commemorate the victory of good over evil. Near the Chorten are two giant statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim.

Afterwards, you will be driven to the outskirts of Gangtok to visit the awe-inspiring Rumtek Monastery, the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karma Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from the world over.

(The Norkhill - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

Today you will begin your drive west to Darjeeling with an overnight en route stop at Pelling. Here, visit Pemayangtse (sublime lotus) Monastery, one of the oldest in the State of Sikkim. With unobstructed views of the Kanchenjunga massif from Pelling, sunrise and sunset are especially spectacular.

(Chumbi Mountain Retreat; B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive to Darjeeling. Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 7,000 ft. “Dorje Ling,” or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchenjunga rising higher than all the others. Darjeeling is perhaps the most fabled of the hill stations of the British Raj, as it was here that the British rulers escaped the summer heat of the plains. Its streets zigzag, with no two houses built on the same level, and is a beautiful and intriguing place, still steeped in British Indian influence.

(Mayfair Resort; B, L, D)

In the early morning, visit Tiger Hill, located just eight miles from Darjeeling. Here, you will take in a stunning sunrise and watch as the entire Himalayan range, including Kanchenjunga (the third highest mountain in the world) turns golden. It is truly a majestic sight (subject to weather conditions). On the way back from Tiger Hill, stop at Ghoom Monastery, the oldest monastery in the area. Built in 1875, you can see the image of the 15-foot-high Mythey Buddha.

Also visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute that was started in Darjeeling soon after Tenzing Norgay climbed Mt. Everest. Mountaineering and the Institute houses a museum featuring equipment used by Mr. Norgay to climb Everest.

(Mayfair Resort; B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra airport for your flight to Delhi, where you will rest for a few hours before your connecting flight home.

(B)