Delhi - Bagdogra – Darjeeling

Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport, you are met by our local representative and you are driven towards Darjeeling. At a moderate altitude of 4860 feet, you come to Kurseong, the place of the white orchids. Kurseong offers the first view of the mountain range in the north behind the Ghoom ridge. The climb continues to Toong, Sonada and Ghoom, the highest rail road station in the world at 7400 feet, and then descends to Darjeeling. The bright colors of flowers that grow beautifully and effortlessly and everywhere will warm even the coldest of hearts as will the sight of chubby cheeked children walking to and from schools in the middle of nowhere. Check in hotel and take rest for the day. (Drive 3 hrs) Overnight in Darjeeling .

Darjeeling

Early in the morning excursion to Tiger Hill. On the way back visit YigaCholing Monastery at Ghoom. The monastery houses the statue of Maitrya Buddha. Later in the day visit Padmaja Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan Welfare Centre.Evening free to visit the Chowrasta Mall.Overnight in Darjeeling. Tiger Hill is about 12km from Darjeeling and is famous for sunrise and view of the mountains. You have to get up at 4am to make it there in time for sunrise. Mount Khanchandzonga sparks brilliantly as the first rays of sun kisses it. The mountain changes color in what is a pretty darn amazing sight. It is the third highest mountain in the world and Everest is viewable in the distance. YigaCholing Monastery (Ghoom Monastery) is located in Ghoom near Darjeeling town. The Yiga-Choeling monastery belongs to the yellow Sect of Buddhists who worships a 15 feet statue of the 'coming Buddha', Maitreya, built in 1875 by Lama SherabGyatso. No visit to Darjeeling is complete without a visit to Ghoom, which is six kilometers away from the main town. Padmaja Zoological Park: Even if you don't believe in keeping animals in captivity, Darjeeling Zoo is worth visiting because they protect endangered species, including some of the most unusual animals in the world. Amongst these are Red Pandas, Siberian Tigers, Yaks, Snow Leopards and Himalayan bears. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary on 28 May 1953. The institute has an interesting Everest Museum and also offers some mountaineering and adventure courses. Situated on the JawaharParvat, the institute is famous for its unique collection of mountaineering equipment and findings. Tibetan Welfare Centre: The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre was started on October 2, 1959, following the dramatic escape of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, thousands of Tibetans fled into the neighboring countries to live as free human beings. The production of handicrafts continues to be our main activity. Tibetans in the Center are engaged in production of rugs and other handicrafts.Chowrasta : Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants is taken to be the heart of the town. Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. This place is an open place and free from vehicular movements from where one can watch the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take charm of walking at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place of the Mall Road.

Darjeeling – Pelling:

After breakfast drive about 5 hours to Pelling and check in to the hotel. Later visit Pemayangtse monastery. Overnight in Pelling . Pelling : Pelling is perched on a narrow ridge at an altitude of 2,150m, with spectacular and close-up views of Kanchendzonga. It is also the base from where trekkers undertake treks in West Sikkim. It therefore sees more tourists and there is quite a few hotels here. Two wonderful monasteries of Pemayangtse and Sangchoeling stand at the opposite ends of the village. Pemayangtse monastery: Pemayangtse Monastery is 120 km from Gangtok at the altitude of 7000ft. The monastery sublime lotus is the premier monastery in Sikkim. It is the oldest monastery here and houses priceless thankas, icons, Buddhist texts, paintings and frescos. Built on the 18th century AD, this monastery follows the Nyingmapa sect of the Tibetan Buddhism. On the top floor of the temple, there lays the Architectural Design of Heaven called the Zangdoplari. It's a masterpiece art crafted single handedly out of wood by the late DungzimRimponche and photography is prohibited. The walls of this area are hundreds of years old and are original and on vegetable paintings.

Pelling – Rabangla:

Today after breakfast, you will have about 2½ hours drive to Rabangla. En rout visit the Tashiding Monastery and The Bonn Monastery. After breakfast today you will have a drive about 3½ hours to Rabangla, en route visit Tashiding Monastery and later check in to the hotel. Overnight in Rabangla. Tashiding: This tiny village is home to TashidingGompa monastery, founded in 1641 NgadakSempaChempo, one of the three lamas who performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal or the king of Sikkim. The main monastery is perched majestically atop a heart shaped hill, accessed by walking steep uphill. The monastery is said to have been constructed on the site blessed and mediated by Guru Padmasambhava in 8th century. The mural work inside are very spellbinding. Behind the monastery, there are dozens of chortens (stupa), including the Thong-Wa-rang-Dol literally meaning wash away the sins by mere sight. The Bumchu festival, one of the most important traditional Sikkimese festival is held here is held here in on 14th and 15th day of the first lunar month (usually in February or early March).Lamas open a sacred pot of water and make the predictions about the coming year. Many devotees come get the blessing of the holy water. Rabangla : Also spelt Ravangla has a spectacular setting on the road between Gangtok and Pelling. There are stupendous views across western Sikkim, with views of Ralang, Tashiding, Pemayangtse andSangacholing monasteries, against the back-drop of snowcapped peaks. The town itself is fairly small with road workers and some Tibetan settlements. However, due to its location, Ravangla is usually clouded and misty and views are difficult to see. About 13 kms downhill is a peaceful Old Ralang monastery, established in 1768. The monastery belongs to Karma Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Slightly above that is the new Ralang monastery built in 1995 with lots of monks.

Rabangla - Gangtok

Today after visit to RalangGompa and the Buddha Park drive about 3 hours to Gangtok and check in to hotel.Overnight in Gangtok.RalangGompa :RalangGompa (monastery) is situated in the southern part of Sikkim. It lies at a distance of approximately 6 km from Ravangla. There is a story attached to the construction of the monastery. After the fourth Chogyal came back from his pilgrimage, the Karmapa performed the Rabney (blessing). As per the ceremony, he threw grains from the Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet (the main seat of Karmapa). The ground where the grains fell, eventually, became the site for the Ralang Monastery. The monastery belongs to the Kagyupa order. One of the most significant as well as the most blessed monasteries in Sikkim, Ralang also serves as the residence of approximately one hundred monks. The period of 1975-1981 saw reconstruction work being carried out in the monastery. Then, in 1995, a new monastery, known as PalchenChoeling Monastic Institute", was built. Constructed by the 12th GyaltsabRimpoche, the monastery still retains the genuine Tibetan architecture. One of the major attractions of the RalangGompa of India is its amazing collection of paintings.

Gangtok:

Today you will have a full day sightseeing tour in Gangtok that includes a famous Rumtek Monastery, Institute of Tibetology which has a collection of rare Buddhist manuscripts and artifacts from Tibet, Dodrul Chorten, Tsuklakhang (Royal Chapel), Cottage Industries, flower exhibition and LingdumGompa. Overnight in Gangtok. Rumtek : Rumtek (Alt. 1500m) is located 24km away and on the hill, opposite of Gangtok. The monastery is currently the largest in Sikkim. It is home to the community of monks that practice Karma Kagyu lineage. The original building was first built by 9th Karmapa in 16th century. It was later reconstructed by the 16th Karmapa and inaugurated in 1966. The sacred items and relics were brought from Tsurphu, Karmapa's seat in Tibet, and installed here. A Golden Stupa contains the relics of the 16th Karmapa. Opposite that building is a college for Higher Buddhist Studies. Surrounding Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center is the stupa walkway, where monks, pilgrims, and visitors alike perform kora. Rumtek was at the center of the Karmapa controversy with a lengthy battle being played out in the Indian courts. Two rival organizations, both supporting different candidates for the 17th Karmapa claimed stewardship of the monastery and its contents. Institute of Cottage Industry: Also known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, the institute was started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans, it has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products are produced and exhibited for sale. Note: (Closed on Sundays, all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd unforeseen holidays) Institute of Tibetology : This internationally acclaimed center of Tibetan Studies & Research houses a vast collection of rare Buddhist books, manuscripts and over 200 Buddhist icons. About a kilometer downhill from the main market of Gangtok, amidst a small forest of oak, magnolia and birch trees stands the Institute of Tibetology. The building accommodating the Institute is an example of Tibetan architecture. It is world-renowned and is one of the few of its kind. It has one of the world's largest collections of books and rare manuscripts on the subject of Mahayana Buddhism plus many religious works of art and incredible finely executed silk embroidered Thangkas. Do-Drul Chorten : Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) encircled by 108 prayer wheels built by late TrulsiRimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945-46. This is one of the most important and the biggest stupa found in Sikkim. Inside this stupa, there are complete mandala sets of DorjeePhurba (BajraKilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics (Holy Books), complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious objects. Around this Chorten, there are 10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke the Buddhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). LingdumGompa (Monastery): This monastery is situated on the Rumtek-Ranka-Gangtok road at Lingdum, about 45 minutes drive from Gangtok. The complex is a fine example of Tibetan monastic architecture. The present GharwangRimpoche is the XIIth successive incarnation of ZurmangGharwang.

Gangtok- Tsomgo Lake- Nathula pass- baba Mandir excursion

Full days’ excursion to Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass and the Baba mandir.Overnight at Gangtok.

Gangtok- Kalimpong:

Today, drive about 3 hours to Kalimpong. Later visit TongsaGompa and Sangdokphalri Monastery. Overnight in Kalimpong. Abutting the state of Sikkim, Kalimpong is set in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas at an altitude of 1250m above sea level. The most fascinating aspect of Kalimpong is its calm ambience with magnificent views of the towering snow-crested mountain ranges. The Buddhist monasteries, the churches and the temples, all combined, give rise to an exceptional religious aura which is truly commendable. The town is an ethnic mix of hill people and maintains the age-old tradition of hospitality. The Nepalis are the predominating community in the town. The other ethnic groups are Lepchas, Bhutias, Pradhans, Sherpas, Rais, Yamloos, Damais, Kamais and the Limbus. Overnight at Kalimpong.TongsaGompa, or Bhutanese Monastery. We visit TongsaGompawhich is the oldest monastery in the area and dates back to 1692. SangdokphalriMonastery was built in the mid-70s at DurpinDara Hill and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama. The gompa is worth a visit for its impressive wall paintings in the prayer room, and a rare three-dimensional Mandala upstairs. The mountain views are amazing from DurpinDara Hill.

Kalimpong – Bagdogra:

After breakfast transfer to the Bagdogra airport in time for onward journey.