Eastern Himalayan Adventure
Who is this trip for
Age range
8 - 99Start / End
- Kolkata
- Kolkata
Physical rating
Group size
2 - 6Meals included
15Highlights
- Cultural Immersion in Kolkata Explore India’s former capital with visits to iconic landmarks such as the Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Mother Teresa’s Mother House, Victoria Memorial, and the colonial-era Dalhousie Square.
- Ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Toy Train Experience a journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a 19th-century engineering marvel that winds through stunning hill country to Ghoom Monastery.
- Sunrise at Tiger Hill Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Eastern Himalayas, with panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and, on a clear day, even Mount Everest.
- Darjeeling Tea Experience Visit a working tea plantation and factory to learn the art of tea-making, followed by a tea-tasting session overlooking lush estates.
- Discover the Spiritual Heart of Sikkim Visit historic monasteries including Pemayangtse, Rumtek, Enchey, and Tharpa Choling, showcasing Tibetan Buddhist traditions and serene architecture.
- Tibetan Culture & Heritage Explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, home to a rare collection of manuscripts and artefacts, and shop local crafts at Sikkimese artisan workshops.
- Picturesque Hill Towns & Scenic Drives Travel through dramatic Himalayan landscapes, lush valleys, and remote hillside towns, with peaceful stays in heritage hotels with mountain views.
- Botanical Beauty in Kalimpong Stroll through the Pine View Nursery’s rare cactus collection, visit hilltop monasteries, and take in panoramic views from Deolo Hill.
- Elegant Heritage Accommodation Stay in beautifully preserved colonial-era and mountain resorts including the Elgin and Mayfair properties, offering charm, comfort, and warm hospitality.
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Summary
Embark on a captivating journey through the Eastern Himalayas and experience a spectacular blend of colonial charm, mountain serenity, and spiritual discovery. From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the misty hills of Darjeeling and the monasteries of Sikkim, this adventure is rich in history, tradition, and breathtaking scenery.
Travel in comfort across vibrant cities and serene hill towns, witness unforgettable sunrises over the Himalayan range, ride the iconic Darjeeling Toy Train, and immerse yourself in the deep-rooted spirituality of Buddhist monasteries. With carefully curated experiences, heritage hotels, and expert local guides, this journey offers an authentic taste of Eastern India.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure after your international journey.
Accommodation: Peerless Hotel Kolkata ★★★★ (or similar) Meals: None Activities: Airport transfer and hotel check-in
Day 2
Exploring Colonial Kolkata
Start early with a walk through the colourful Mallik Ghat Flower Market and a visit to the iconic Howrah Bridge. After breakfast, explore landmarks such as Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Mother Teresa’s Mother House, and the colonial-era Dalhousie Square. Visit India’s oldest museum and admire the Victorian grandeur of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Victoria Memorial.
Accommodation: Peerless Hotel Kolkata ★★★★ (or similar) Meals: Breakfast Activities: Guided sightseeing of Kolkata including temples, museums, and colonial architecture
Day 3
Fly to Bagdogra & Drive to Darjeeling
Fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra and drive through scenic tea country to Darjeeling. Check in and unwind at your hillside hotel.
Accommodation: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling ★★★★ (or similar) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Activities: Flight to Bagdogra, scenic drive to Darjeeling
Day 4
Darjeeling Toy Train & Cultural Sights
Ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) to Ghoom. Visit Ghoom Monastery, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Tibetan Refugee Centre.
Accommodation: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling ★★★★ (or similar) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Activities: Toy Train ride, monastery visit, Himalayan Zoo, mountaineering museum, Tibetan craft centre
Day 5
Sunrise at Tiger Hill & Tea Plantation Visit
Rise early to witness sunrise over the snow-capped peaks from Tiger Hill, with views of Kanchenjunga and even Mount Everest on a clear day. Later, tour a historic tea estate and sample freshly brewed Darjeeling tea.
Accommodation: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling ★★★★ (or similar) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Activities: Sunrise at Tiger Hill, tea estate visit and tasting
Day 6
Drive to Pelling & Visit Pemayangtse Monastery
Travel through scenic mountain roads to Pelling in Sikkim. Later, visit Pemayangtse Monastery — one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in the region.
Accommodation: The Elgin Mount Pandim, Pelling ★★★★ (or similar) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Activities: Scenic drive, Pemayangtse Monastery visit
Day 7
Pelling to Gangtok via Rumtek Monastery
Drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. En route, stop at the striking Rumtek Monastery to admire traditional Tibetan architecture and religious art.
Accommodation: The Elgin Nor-Khill, Gangtok ★★★★ (or similar) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Activities: Scenic drive, visit to Rumtek Monastery
Day 8
Monasteries & Handicrafts in Gangtok
Visit Enchey Monastery, set above the city in a forested setting, followed by the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Walk through the colourful Mall Road and explore Sikkimese handicrafts at the Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts.
Accommodation: The Elgin Nor-Khill, Gangtok ★★★★ (or similar) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Activities: Enchey Monastery, Tibetology Museum, handicraft centre, local market walk
Day 9
Drive to Kalimpong & Hilltop Monasteries
Drive to Kalimpong and explore the hillside town. Visit Durpin and Tharpa Choling Monasteries, Deolo Hill, colonial churches, and the famous Pine View Cactus Nursery.
Accommodation: The Elgin Silver Oaks, Kalimpong ★★★★ (or similar) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Activities: Monastery visits, hilltop viewpoints, botanical nursery tour
Day 10
Return to Kolkata
Drive to Bagdogra and fly back to Kolkata. Check in to your hotel for one final evening in the city.
Accommodation: Peerless Hotel Kolkata ★★★★ (or similar) Meals: Breakfast Activities: Domestic flight and transfer to hotel
What's Included
Accommodation
Charming 4-star or 5-star heritage-style hotels
Meals
Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 7, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
IncludedWifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Frequently asked questions
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