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Day 01
Bagdogra
/ NJP - Darjeeling |
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Assistance on arrival at
Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Railway station and drive to
Darjeeling.
DARJEELING:
Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje
Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of
snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher
than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”,
it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little
villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World
Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one
of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘ An
introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as
having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.
Overnight at hotel. |
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Day 02
Darjeeling |
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 Early
morning visit Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery. Tiger Hill :- It is 13
kms from Darjeeling
and one can see beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like
Kanchandzonga , Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing
colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn
golden. It is truly a majestic sight.
Ghoom Monastery:- This is oldest Monastery in the area which
was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft.
height on the way back from Tiger Hill
Return to the hotel for breakfast and proceed for city tour.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan
Zoological Park & Snow Leopard Breeding Centre:- The Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing
Norgay climbed Everest to give training to learn Mountaineering and
other adventure sports related to mountaineering and in that
Institute one can see equipment etc.used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay and
Everest Museum having complete details on Everest attached to
institute one can visit Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see
Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak,
Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.
Tibetan Self- Helf Centre Or Refugee Centre:- This institute
is run by Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can
see making of Tibetan Carpets, Leather work, Paintings and Wooden
work etc.
Afternoon
excursion to Tukvar Tea Estate
Tukvar Tea Estate:- Teas grown on the misty heights of
Darjeeling, popularly known as the ‘Champagne of Tea’ are famous
world over for their exquisite taste. The premium Darjeeling tea are
mild in character and have distinctive natural fruity flavors. The
different steps in Tea manufacture can be seen in the factory of
Tukvar Tea Estate.
Overnight at hotel. |
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Day 03
Darjeeling - Tashidang - Yuksum |
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 Breakfast
at the hotel and drive to Yuksum en route visiting Tashidang.
TASHIDING:-
Sikkim’s most sacred monastery is perched atop a conical hill. A
mere glance at the monastery is believed to absolve one of all sins.
Common sights around the Gumpa are mantra engravings. Built in 1716,
Tashiding was described as the heart of “Bayul Demazong”(Tibetan
term for Sikkim) by Guru Rimpoche. The complex is also the location
of the “Thogwa Rogdol” Chorten. A mere glance of this sacred Stupa
is said to wash away one’s sins. The monastery is also revered for
the “Bumchu”festival during which the ‘Bumpa’ or vessel containing
holy water is opened and a small quantity distributed to the devout.
The origin of the water dates back to the time of Guru Padmasambhava
in the 7th century and is said to contain sacred soil, water and
precious jewels from all the holy places in India. The level of the
water each year is considered the indicator of the times ahead for
this land.
YUKSOM (1840M): -
The first capital of the kingdom of Sikkim and site of the
coronation of the first chogyal. Evidence of the enthronement
ceremony can still be seen in the form of stone seats and a
footprint of the Head Lama on a stone. The stone throne constructed
for the great event stands today at Norbugang and has been declared
a Heritage Site.
Overnight at hotel. |
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Day 04
Yuksum -
Pelling |
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 Breakfast
at the hotel and walking excursion to Dubdi Monastery.
Dubdi Monastery: This was the 1st Monastery established soon
after the consecration ceremony of the 1st Chogyal. The Monastery is
located on a hill top above Yuksum surrounded by verdant forest. It
can be approached by trekking only, negotiating steep slope of
something like 40 – 45 minutes.
Later drive to Pemayangste.
PELLING
Located at a distance of 120 kms from Gangtok Pelling is another
serene, mountain village which lies in the western districts of
Sikkim. This village is situated at an altitude of 2000 mts(approx)
and the distance from this village to the mount Kanchandzonga, as a
crow flies…is 26 kms approx.
Afternoon visit
PEMEYANGSTE MONASTERY - 2.5 Kms. from Pelling and standing at
2085m. The Perfect Sublime Lotus, perched on a wooded hilltop,
commands the most sublime view of the Khangchendzong. Built during
the late 17th century, it is one of the oldest and most important
monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. To the
present day, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the
title of ‘Tasang’ or pure monks. The importance of this monastery
grew with time and reached its peak when only monks from this
monastery could anoint the reigning sovereign of the land with holy
water.
Pemayangtse monastery follows the Mindroling tradition besides
holding the lineage of Lhatsun Chenpo. Mindroling monastery was
founded by Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje whose famous daughter Jetsun
Migyur Paldon lived near Pemayangtse and taught there during her
exile. Her stone throne is still to be seen in this monastery, which
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 Lhundrup Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. The annual chaam
(monk dance) is held here on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month
of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Rabdentse- Sikkim’s second capital. The ruins of Rabdantse are worth
exploring. The winding track through the forest brings you to a
small set of ruins of the early town and eventually on the ruins of
the palace with Chorten (stupa) nearby. Farther afield are the
Changay Falls.
Overnight at hotel. |
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Day 05
Pelling
- Gangtok |
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 Breakfast
at the hotel and walking excursion to Rabtense Ruins.
SANGACHEOLING GUMPA: -
About 45 minutes walk from Pelling, it is the second oldest Gumpa
constructed by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo in 1697 AD. This monastery is
on the hill top and therefore commands an excellent view of the
mountains.
Later drive to Gangtok.
GANGTOK:
At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid
19th century and has undergone rapid development since then.The
downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated
with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground
for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and
Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight.
Overnight at hotel. |
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Day 06
Gangtok |
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 Breakfast
at the hotel and full day city tour of Gangtok including excursion
to Rumtek Monastery.
Rumtek Monastery: - 24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe
-inspiring Rumtek Monastery the world Dharma chakra Centre and 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 Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies,
which attracts students from the world over. Opposite the entrance
to the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel studded
Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of
His Holiness the xvi Gyalwa Karmapa. According to legend, it is
believed that after years of meditation, the first Karmapa was said
to have been visited by ten thousand fairies who came to
congratulate him each of whom offered a strand of her hair as a
gift. These were said to have been woven into a black hat, which was
passed down and is still at the Rumtek Monastery today. It is said
that unless held on to by the wearer (who of course, cannot be
anyone else but the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly
away.
The Enchey Monastery:
- Perched on a ridge above Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is
nestled within lush woods with a spectacular view of Gangtok 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. Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology: -Amidst a
serene surrounding of oak, birch and ash lies the unique
organization established in1958. Built in traditional style, the
namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana
Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the
world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on
Mahayana Buddhism. The Institute also has a retail outlets where
related books and commercially produced religious art and craft of
Tibet can be bought.
Adjacent to the institute are two exquisite stupas, the Do Drul
Chorten, built to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the
Jhang Chub Chorten, built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an
ardent devotee, a great spirtualist and interpreter of Buddhism.
Near the Chorten are housed two giant statues of Lord Buddha and
Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of
Sikkim.
Directorate Of Handloom And Handicrafts: - This Directorate
was set up to promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts.
Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with
beautiful hand woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here.
Visitors can not only purchase these items here but also see the
artisans at work. Among others, a favourite item here is the choktse
a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable
pack.
Overnight at hotel. |
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Day 07
Gangtok |
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 Breakfast
at the hotel and full day excursion to Tsongu Lake.
Tsomgo Lake: - 35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400
feet is the beautiful Tsomgo Lake, which freezes over in winter. The
lake derives its waters from melting snows off the surrounding
mountains. Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by
studying the color of the lake’s waters. Fishing is totally
prohibited and all are requested not to dirty the environs of the
lake to maintain its sanctity. Above the 15th Mile Sikkim Police
check post lies the unique high altitude Kyongnosla Alpine
Sanctuary, home of the Red Panda and the Blood Pheasant, which are
the state animal and the state bird respectively.
Overnight at hotel. |
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Day 08
Gangtok
- Kalimpong |
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 Breakfast
at the hotel and drive to Kalimpong.
KALIMPONG
At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a
pleasant , relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s
orchids and gladiole well renowned. Up to the early 1700s, the
Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain.In the early
18th century, the Bhutan king also took it over. In 1865, after the
Anglo-Bhutan War , it was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish
Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town thrived as a wool
trading center with Tibet till 1950s. Today it’s a quiet hill resort
and a haven for retired people.
Afternoon city tour of Kalimpong. - Flower Nurseries: The
climate of Kalimpong is ideal for the cultivation of flowers and
plants. Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotice
flowers like Amaryllis lilies, Anthuriums, Roses gerberas, Dahilias,
Gladiolias as well as Orchids and Cacti.
Zang Dog Palri
Fo-Brang Monastery – This is a fairly new monastery located in
Durpin Dara, from here one can get an exclusive panoramic view of
the town and surroundings. The prayer room inside the monastery is
adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare three-dimensional
mandala upstairs. Tharpa Choling Monastery at Tirpai hill on
route to Dr.Graham’s Home belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Lamas to
which the present Dalai Lama belongs.
Thongsa Gumpa: this monastery is of Bhutanese origin and built
around 1692. It is the oldest in Kalimpong.The original structure
was destroyed in the inter-clan wars before the British arrived
Overnight at hotel. |
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Day 09
Kalimpong - Bagdogra / NJP |
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Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra/NJP in time fro
flight/train to onward destination. |
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East
India Tour - eastern Zone of India is rich in Cultural Heritage. You
can have a taste of beaches, temples, monas tries, buddhist circuit
with a rural touch.