The East India Odyssey

Duration: 11Days / 10Nights
Places Covered:Calcutta - Kolkata - Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Kalimpong - Pemyangtse - Gangtok

Day 01: Arrive Calcutta/Kolkata
You will be met on arrival at Calcutta International Airport and transferred to the hotel. Calcutta, the most important gateway to Eastern India is also the city where the East India Company first set up their base in the 17th century. Afternoon a sight-seeing tour of Calcutta visiting the Victoria Memorial, Birla Planetarium, Fort William and the Eden Gardens.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 :Calcutta/Bagdogra/Darjeeling
After breakfast, transfer to Airport in time to board flight for Bagdogra. Bagdogra, located about 100 kms from Darjeeling is the nearest airport for Darjeeling. Darjeeling at an altitude of 2134m facing the Himalayas dominated by Mt. Kanchenjunga, was the summer resort of the British, and now one of Eastern India's most popular Hill stations. Meet ans assist upon arrival and transfer to Darjeeling and check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 : In Darjeeling
A very early start to the day for an excursion to Tiger Hill, to witness the beauty of the sun rise over the Himalayas. On the way back visit Ghoom Samten, Chholing monastery & Darli monastery. After late breakfast, leave for a guided tour of Darjeeling town visiting the Mountaineering Institute, Zoo, Rope Ways, Tenzin Rock, Tibet Handicraft Centre and the Tea gardens.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Darjeeling - Kalimpong
After breakfast drive to Kalimpong (51 kms/ 1.5 hrs). Stunningly situated between two ranges of hills, Kalimpong's natural setting is enhanced by the many nurseries that flourish amidst this rich climate. Visit Zangdophelri monastery, with its elaborately carved 3D mandala, or model of the universe. Also visit Dr. Graham's Home, started in 1900 by a Scottish missionary, who along with his wife, dedicated their lives in building up this beautiful complex for the education & care of orphans & other deprived children, the Thapa Choling monastery, Thongsa monastery and Durpin Dara which towers over Kalimpong & affords a breathtaking view of the plains rolling down to Siliguri.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 : Kalimpong - Pemyangtse
Drive to Pemayangtse (66 kms/ 2 hrs). Pemayangtse - Sikkim's early capital, dominated by a magnificent monastery. Located in the western part of Sikkim, Pemayangtse is a small but important Buddhist pilgrim centre. It is a beautiful place surrounded by natural splendour of Eastern Himalayas. Pemayangtse offers fascinating views of the mighty Kanchenjunga peak that overlooks the town. For the adventure lovers, there are many hiking and trekking trails in the vicinity of Pemayangtse. The region around Pemayangtse was once the stronghold of Nyingamapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism who established the state of Sikkim with major centres near the present-day Pemayangtse. At that time, the kingdom of Sikkim included, besides the modern state of Sikkim, areas of Tibet, Bhutan, and some areas in Himalayan foothills including Darjeeling. That power is not there now, but the remnants of this glorious past are enough to signify its importance. Pemayangtse enjoys a pleasant Alpine climate with short and mild summers and cold winters.
Visit Kundragling, Sikkim's only Bon monastery: Bon is the pre-Buddhist faith of the Himalayas that is still practiced in some regions.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 : Pemyangtse
A part of the Eastern Himalayas, Pemayangtse is rich in natural beauty as well as in the cultural and religious wealth acquired over centuries. The Pemayangtse Monastery is the seat of Nyingamapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Guru Padamsambhava in the 8th century. Sangacholing Monastery, another monastery in Pemayangtse, is a 40-minute walk up the town.
Also visit Khecheopalri Lake - located at 24 kms from Pemayangtse, this lake is also known as the wishing lake. This unusually calm lake, located in the midst of a dense forest is considered to be very holy and no water sport or other activities besides prayers are allowed around it. The vicinity of the Lake is an ideal place to find the Lepcha Houses and their communities. Later visit Pelling - situated around 3 km from Pemayangtse at an altitude of around 2,100 metres above sea level, Pelling is an important tourist destination of Sikkim. The place offers some great views of mountain ranges.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 :Pemyangtse - Gangtok
Proceed by road to Gangtok (117 kms/ 3 hrs). The capital of Sikkim is a thriving center of Tibetan Buddhism, with several active monasteries that can be visited. Sikkim is also a world-class center for the cultivation of exotic orchids. Visit the Rumtek monastery en-route. The ancient Rumtek monastery was built in 1717 but didn't survive for long. It was built again by Gyalwa Karmapa in the year 1960 and followed the architectural designs of the monastery in Tibet, from where the Karmapa had come. The monastery is also characterised by the structure covered with murals, Tibetan paintings, Tankhas and frescoes. The monastery is also the largest in Sikkim, sprawling over a wide area. Continue drive to Gangtok and check in at the hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day is at leisure and free.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Gangtok
After breakfast at the Hotel proceed with a sightseeing tour of Gangtok visiting Research Institute of Tibetology, Dodrul Chorten - one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, Sa-ngor Chos-Tsog Centre - a Tibetan refugee monastic institution, Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms, Tashi Viewpoint - offering a superb view of Kanchenjunga, Enchey monastery, Ganesh Tok & Hanuman Tok. Overnight at the hotel

Day 09 : In Gangtok
After breakfast proceed with a short excursion tour to Phodong Monastery. Located at a distance of 28 kilometres North of Sikkim, the Phodong Monastery is another must visit in your excursion. This is regarded as the most beautiful monastery of Sikkim. It has around 260 monks and some old mural paintings. Many people come here to visit the temple during the festival time.

Day 10: Gangtok - Bagdogra - Calcutta
In time transfer to the Bagdogra airport to board your flight for Kolkata. Meet and assist upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure and free for independent activities.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Depart Calcutta
In time transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination. End of our services.