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Duration -09 Nights / 10 Days (Tour of
the Darjeeling / South Sikkim)
Destination - Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Pelling -
Gangtok - Kalimpong - Bagdogra
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Day 01 : Arrive Bagdogra & Drive to Darjeeling
Pick- up by a NAC Maruti Van from Bagdogra Airport to be taken to
Darjeeling (7100 Ft), the "Queen of the hill stations" , its
name derived from "Dorje-Line" which means the place of "Dorje",
the mystic thunderbolt. Covering a distance of 88 kms over a drive of 3.5
hrs along winding roads ,its an experience of unforgettable beauty. Check
in at hotel.
Day 02 : In Darjeeling
Start the day at 4am with an early morning trip to Tiger Hill (7800 Ft)
to catch the sunrise from behind the majestic Kunchenjunga range. On the
way back visit the Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop. Back to the hotel
for breakfast. After breakfast proceed for a half day sightseeing of the
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoo, Tenzing Rock, Labong Race Course,
Tea Garden, Tibetan Refugees Self Help Centre & Rope-way. Back to the
hotel by 3pm. Take a walk to "Chowrasta" the centre point of the
Mall area. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Darjeeling to Pelling
Proceed by 8am to Pelling (6800 Ft), a 72 kms drive taking 4 hours via
Jorethang to the Land of the Pristine and unspoilt natural beauty - Sikkim
, with alpine landscapes and thick luxuriant forests, rivers in torrent
and peaceful lakes. Arrive at Pelling & checkin at Norbu Gang Resort.
This is one of the closest points to the Khanchenjunga range & one can
see it upfront touching the sky from Pelling.
Checkin at your hotel, relax a while then proceed to The Pemayangtse
Monastery (7021 Ft), 2.5 kms from Pelling. Built during the late 17th
century, it is one of the oldest & most important monasteries of the
Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. Even today, it is only the monks of
this monastery who enjoy the title of 'Tasang' or pure monks. The
monastery follows the Mindroling tradition & has 108 monks. The main
attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri , the
celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava, built by Serdup L Dorje Rinpoche in
1971. Back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 04 : In Pelling
Leave early for the Khecheopalri Lake, also called the "Wish
Fulfilling Lake". It lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags &
forested hills. Then to Yuksom (5800 Ft) . This is the first capital of
the Kingdom of Sikkim & the coronation site of the first Chogyal.
Evidence of the enthronement ceremony can still be seen in the form of
stone seats and the footprint of the Head Lama on a stone. The stone
throne constructed for the great event stands today at Norbugang which has
been declared a Heritage site.
If you have the time & energy, trek up to the Dubdi Monastery at
Yuksom. This is a 30-35 mins trek into the forest negotiating steep
slopes. It was built in 1701 after the consecration ceremony of the first
Chogyal. It is an ideal place for Lamas seeking meditation and recluse.
Dubdi means "the Hermit's cell". On the return stop to see the
Khangchendzonga water falls. Back to the Resort by evening.
Day 05 : Pelling to Gangtok
Depart by 8am for Gangtok (5500 Ft) for a 4 hour journey (112 kms) via
Ravangla (6800 Ft) , a small township & transit point to various
destinations in South & West Sikkim, situated at the base of Meenam
Hill (10300 Ft). A visit to the Tibetan Refugee Settlement Camp just above
the town which houses the Kheunpheling carpet centre where one can buy
fine Tibetan style woollen carpets. Lunch at Ravangla & then a
fleeting visit to the Bon Monastery at Kewzing, 5 kms from Ravangla which
is one of its kind in Sikkim, a symbol of the determination of the
community to preserve their religious traditions.
Enroute
visit the Rumtek Monastery , 24 kms from Gangtok was built in 1960 by His
Holiness the Late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa & this is a replica of the
original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tibet, a must see for every visitor, the
seat of the "Kagyu Order" . Behind the Monastery is the lavishly
decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies which attracts
students from the world over. Here one can find the most unique religious
scriptures & art objects of the world.
Arrive at Gangtok (5500 Ft) Check in at you r hotel and day for Relax or
walk to the mall. Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 06 : In Gangtok
After breakfast proceed to Tsomgo Lake (12,210 Ft), a 40 km drive which
takes 2.5 hrs. This lake is located very close to Nathula Pass which is
the entry point to China termed as the "Silk Route & remains
frozen for most parts of the year. Legend has it that the Lamas use to
forecast the future by studying the colour of the lakes waters. Enjoy the
surroundings, majestic snowy peaks which feed the lake and the clean fresh
air. Back to Gangtok by 3pm for a late lunch. Evening free for leisure or
go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts. Evening back to the
hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 07 : In Gangtok
After an early lunch, take a half day sightseeing trip to The Handicraft &
Handloom Showroom, which promotes traditional arts & crafts, a
veritable storehouse of exquisite carpets, blankets, shawls in "Lepcha
" weaves ; The Flower Show which contains over 200 species of orchids
set amidst a beautiful landscape; Enchey Monastery- built in 1910 on the
site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Drutob Karpo, known for his
flying powers, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of
Tibetan Buddhism ; Nam Nang VP/Ropeway ; Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) which is
one of the most important stupas of Sikkim, built by the head of the
Nyingma order- Trullshi Rimpoche in 1945. It contains rare details of
Dorji Phupa, Holy Books, Mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels ;
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology built in 1958 in traditional style, a
renowned worldwide centre for the study of the Mahayana Buddhist
philosophy & religion, a treasure house of rare "Thankas",
statues, over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art Back to the
hotel by evening.
Day 08 : Drive Gangtok to Kalimpong
Leave the hotel by 7.30 am to reach Melli by 9am, a drive of 59kms, the
starting point of the rafting on the Teesta river. The white water gushing
past, a breath of fresh air, freezing water below, jutting rocks/boulders,
all of it sets the Adrenalin soaring. It's a ride you will never forget.
Rafting a stretch of 11 kms over a period of 1.5 hrs, a hot cup of tea
greets you at the 29th Mile. Savour the tea with some hot snacks, change
into dry clothes & proceed to Kalimpong (4000 Ft) also called the
garden of flowers. This town has almost everything- scenic beauty,
flowers, greenery, waters, mists, clouds etc.. A drive of about 20 kms,
reach Kalimpong in time for a late lunch.
Check in at your hotel and day for rest . overnight at hotel.
Day 09 : In Kalimpong
After breakfast proceed for a half day sightseeing of Durpin Hill (which
has the famous Zong Dog Palri Fo- Brang Monastery which belongs to the
same Buddhist sect as the present Dalai Lama) , Jelapla View Point, Pine
View Point, Chitra Bhanu & Kalim Temple, Dr Graham's Homes complex
with its historic church & well maintained grounds founded in 1900 by
Rev. Dr. J A Graham, a Scottish missionary, Delo Hill (5556 ft) appears to
be the roof- of- the- world, is the highest point in Kalimpong. Delo also
has the town's picturesque water reservoir. Then on to Mangal Dham Temple
constructed in memory of the late Guru Shree (108) Mangal Dasji and
dedicated to Lord Krishna, Kalimpong Arts & Crafts Centre, Nature
Interpretation Centre (Forest Museum).
If you are in Kalimpong on a Wednesday/Saturday, walk down to the "Haat
Bazaar" or local market - a place where villagers from all nearby
villages come & sell/display their wares (right from handicrafts to
food items). The market starts early morning by 6-7am & is on till
4pm. This is a unique extravaganza typical to rural regions, a cultural
experience you will never forget. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at
Kalimpong.
Day 10 : Kalimpong to Bagdogra / NJP
After Breakfast Depart to Bagdogra/NJP.
The Himalayas are not mere rocks and snows
but an ubfailing storehouse of adventure and beauty.
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You may not be a pilgrim at first hand but
you'll soon become one as you arrive here!
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Accommodations that come coupled with
galvanising environs for a stay of its kind...
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