A Taste of Darjeeling
7 night tour including Calcutta and the foothills of the Himalayas around Darjeeling
from £1,195
Sikkim Extension:
The Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim is a stunning and remote corner of India. Sandwiched between Nepal to the West, Bhutan to the East, and Tibet to the North, the least populous state in India is renowned for its astounding mountain views, abundant rhododendron forests, unrivalled walking and trekking opportunities, and its Buddhist Temples and Monasteries.
Day 8:
Climb out of the hills at Darjeeling, before turning north and climbing back up the mighty Himalayas to the beautiful mountain village of Pelling. In the afternoon after your arrival we visit the Pemayangste monastery. Built during the 17th century, and still home to approximately 100 monks, this remains one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim. Weather permitting we will enjoy a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga from a nearby hilltop, before moving on to the ruins of Rabdantse (derelict remains of an ancient town). Overnight in Pelling at the Norbu Gang Resort for 2 nights.
Day 9:
The following morning, we visit Khecheopalri Lake - sacred to the locals, it lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills. In the afternoon we take an hour's walk to Sanga Choling Gompa. Built in 1697, and set on top of a hill, this antediluvian monastery commands spectacular views of the encircling mountains.
Day 10:
After breakfast we transfer to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, on a journey in which the scenery is itself reason enough to make the trip! The rest of the day is at leisure, affording you the opportunity to explore the bazaars (and bargains!) and tea houses of Gangtok at your own pace. Overnight at the Orange Village Resort for 2 nights.
Day 11:
Enjoy a full day city and surrounding area tour, which includes Rumtek Monastery - seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa; Enchey Monastery - with a panoramic view over Gangtok; The Institute of Tibetology - one of the largest organisations dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture; and the Directorate of Handicrafts - an exhibition of traditional Sikkimese art and crafts.
Day 12:
After breakfast, we transfer out of the mountains to Bagdogra for our flight back to Kolkata for your final night before flying home to London.
from £345 extra
Please note this extension is not available in July and August due to monsoon season
Agra Extension:
Day 9:
Fly down to Delhi. Upon arrival enjoy a tour of Delhi including a visit to Old Delhi, Jamme Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Raj Gate and India Gate. In the afternoon drive to Agra for a 2 night stay at the Clarks Shiraz.
Day 10:
Enjoy an early morning visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. In the afternoon we visit the Agra Fort, a massive red-sandstone structure built by Emporer Akbar in 1565 and a visit to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Day 11:
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon drive back to Delhi for 1 night before flying back to London the following day.
from £445 extra
» Dates & Prices
IN BRIEF...
Sikkim Extension:
Day 8: Darjeeling to Pelling
Day 9: Pelling
Day 10: Gangtok
Day 11: Gangtok
Day 12:Bagdogra - Kolkata
Day 13:Kolkata - London
Agra Extension:
Day 9: Agra
Day 10: Agra
Day 11: Delhi
Day 12: Delhi to London
