9Days Best of East India
Price from NZD 3107 / AUD 2796 per person on twin sharing basis + Domestic flights from NZD 270 / AUD 243 per person
Kolkata – Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Gangtok – Kolkata
This trip starts in the legacy of British India with an introduction to Kolkata, the capital of British India till 1911 and traditionally known as the centre of art, music and literature in India. Then continue on to the mountains, visiting the origin of world’s best Tea – Darjeeling, with its panoramic views of Himalayas, tea gardens, Buddhist monasteries and colonial past, continue to visit arguably the most beautiful Indian state of Sikkim.
Tour Highlights: Kolkata City & Museum Tour, Ghoom Monastery, Thorpa Choling Monastery, Dodrul Chorten & Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery
Day 1: Arrive Kolkata
On arrival in Kolkata and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Kolkata (B)
Full day tour visiting the India Museum with its Italian architecture, Howrah Bridge, the most famous symbol of Kolkata, Victoria Memorial, a splendid architectural structure in white marble, and St Paul's Cathedral.
Day 3: Kolkata – Bagdogra - Darjeeling (B/D)
Transfer to airport for a flight to Bagdogra. On arrival, drive on to Darjeeling and the afternoon at leisure.
Day 4: Darjeeling (B/D)
City tour of Darjeeling including a visit to Ghoom monastery and the magnificent statue of Maitreya. Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre where you can see Tibetan craftsmen making traditional items like carpet, woollen boots, wood carvings and leather goods.
Day 5: Darjeeling (B/D)
Day at leisure to discover Darjeeling on own.
Day 6: Darjeeling - Kalimpong (B/D)
Drive to Kalimpong and the visit Tharpa Choling Monastery, belonging to the Gelugpa sect followed by a visit to flower nurseries. Drive back to Darjeeling in the evening.
Day 7: Kalingpong - Gangtok (B/D)
Drive to Gangtok and afternoon tour visiting Dodrul Chorten and Enchey Monastery. Also, visit the Research Institute of Tibetology and Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom; it is a centre for promoting and keeping alive the traditional arts and crafts, a veritable storehouse of exquisite carpets, blankets and shawls in Lepcha weaves.
Day 8: Gangtok (B/D)
Enjoy an excursion to Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Kagyupa order, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Afternoon, visit Tashi viewpoint which offers an enchanting view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolch.
Day 9: Gangtok – Bagdogra - Kolkata (B)
Transfer to Bagdogra Airport to connect flight to Kolkata. Depart or extend stay in India by choosing various add on tours we offer.
Private program - can start any day of the week and can be customised