Sikkim & Darjeeling Tour
This tour offers spectacular mountain vistas, lush rainforests, exotic orchids and tea plantations. Darjeeling and Kolkata evoke fond memories of the Raj, while Sikkim’s unique topography, which includes the world’s third highest mountain peak, cradles a Tibetan-Buddhist culture. A ride on the World Heritage railway in Darjeeling, seeing arguably the most spectacular sunrise in the world from the Tiger Hill, visiting the sacred monasteries of Gangtok & Pelling, and a walk around the markets of Kolkata, make the experience that much more special.
- Experience early morning rush at Flower Market of Kolkata
- Walk around the Orchards in Kalimpong
- See the views from Rumtek Buddhist Monastery
- Explore Pelling with its alpine vegetation and fascinating monasteries
- Ride a Toy Train - UNESCO World Heritage Site in Darjeeling
Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrive Kolkata
On arrival in Kolkata, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey.
Day 02 - In Kolkata
A full day is spent exploring Kolkata starting off with an early morning visit to the colourful flower market followed by a boat ride on the Hooghly River. The afternoon's sightseeing includes the Victoria Memorial, St Paul's Cathedral and the Indian Museum.
[Optional : an insightful visit to the Potter's Colony]
Day 03 - Fly to Bagdogra & Drive to Kalimpong
Morning fly to Bagdogra and then drive to Kalimpong (03-04 Hrs). Being in the hills of the Himalaya, you will find yourself surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Afternoon free to spend time at hotel.
Day 04 - In Kalimpong
Today enjoy a village walk. Escorted by your friendly local guide, pass traditional terraced farmland in a scenic valley, through rural villages and across streams. The main attractions here are some beautiful market gardens – where orchids, amaryllis, palms, ferns and cacti are cultivated for export – and the unspoilt hill villages and deep river valleys to the south, where predominantly Lepcha communities still lead traditional lives.
Day 05 - Drive to Gangtok
Travel from Kalimpong to Gangtok (03-04 Hrs) winding your way through the hilly roads. Spend your time at leisure in your hotel, or may be pursue independent activities.
Day 06 - In Gangtok
A full day’s sightseeing today, including Enchey Monastery, the Do-Drul Chorten, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Flower Exhibition Centre and Zoological Gardens to see red pandas and snow leopards. This evening would be a good opportunity to explore Gangtok's night market and pedestrianised high street.
Day 07 - Drive to Pelling
Morning drive to Pelling (04-05 Hrs) visiting Rumtek enroute. Seat of the Karma Kagya, or ‘Black Hat’ monastic order, Rumtek is the site of one of the largest and most splendid monasteries in the Himalayas. Its focal point is an ornately decorated temple featuring an impressive prayer hall with towering red-painted pillars. Spend your time at leisure at your hotel.
Day 08 - In Pelling
Visit nearby Pemayangtse monastery on a daytrip from Pelling, and enjoy a walk around the village. One of the loveliest places in the whole Indian Himalaya, it was built in the 17th century and marks the start of a popular trekking route north to the base camp of Kanchenjunga.
Day 09 - Drive to Darjeeling
Rise early today for witnessing the beautiful sunrise for a secret point. Morning drive to Darjeeling (03-04 Hrs).
Day 10 - In Darjeeling
An early start today to reach the top of Tiger Hill (2,585m) shortly after dawn, when the skies are most likely to be clear, revealing a superb panoramic view of Kanchenjunga and the northeast Himalaya. Afterwards, visit Ghoom Monastery. Afternoon enjoy a Joy ride traveling to Ghoom and back, in the Darjeeling Mountain Railway
Day 11 - In Darjeeling
A short drive to a tea estate to relax and unwind. Take walks through the tea plantations, visit a local village or simply relax with views right across the valley. Afternoon free to relax or pursue independent activities
Day 12 - Drive to Bagdogra & Fly to Kolkata
Morning drive to Bagdogra Airport (03-04 Hrs) & fly to Kolkata. Rest of the day at leisure, or may be shop for souvenirs.
Day 13 - Departure Transfer
At time, transferred to Kolkata International Airport for your flight back home or continue your journey with us
Quick Enquiry
Starting from USD 1270 Per Person
Price is based on double occupancy, and is subject to change based on hotels & dates of travel. Price includes daily breakfast, sightseeing, monument entrance fees, private guides, domestic flights, Toy Train Tickets, transfers, chauffeur driven air-conditioned SUV car & All Taxes.
When to Travel?
Darjeeling & Sikkim is best visited between October and November or February and April, when temperatures are comfortable throughout the day, dipping slightly at night when a light jumper should suffice if you're outdoors.
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour. Let us know for more options you may need, we work with a wide range of hotels in India & Beyond.
The Oberoi Grand
Kolkata
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Calcutta Bungalow
Kolkata
BOUTIQUE HOMESTAY, HERITAGE
The Rajbari Bawali
Kolkata
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
The Elgin Nor-Khill
Gangtok
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
The Elgin Mount Pandim
Pelling
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Glenburn Tea Estate
Darjeeling
FIRST CLASS, TEA ESTATE, HERITAGE
Why 'Private' Travel?
Full flexibility & Personalized service with your own experienced Private guide
A private Car & Driver at your disposal for your holiday. Set your own pace
Select from Hand-picked hotels; from Luxury Palaces to boutique homestays
Meet the locals & Discover the real 'authentic' experiences of a destination
Our Reviews
Our guests seem happy to tell us about their Indus Bound holidays and we are very happy to share their thoughts with you.
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we missed in our last 6 trips to India, a true Indian experience!! An advise for all those hesitating working with you, 'If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and looking for an authentic travel experience in India, you are at the right place'.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
Tailor-made Central India & Gujarat
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
You guys were absolutely true to your word, the holiday experience we have been waiting for years. Big thanks for arranging our visit to Ruskin Bond's home, you are certainly more than a holiday provider.
Mr Neil & Mrs Susan Everington, UK
Tailor-made North India & Nepal
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