West Bengal and Sikkim tour is an ideal tour to visit West Bengal and Sikkim. In the first part of the tour we visit West Bengal. West Bengal is situated in a strategic position in eastern India. It is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse states of India. Kolkata formerly known as Calcutta is the capital of West Bengal. It is amongst the largest metropolitan regions in the world. In the second part of the tour we visit Sikkim. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. Sikkim is famous for Kanchenjunga mountain (8586 m), the third highest mountain in the world.

Day 1: Kolkata
Around Midnight arrive in Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). The cosmopolitan city and capital of West Bengal is the main gateway for the travelers to East India. Kolkata is India’s largest city and one of the biggest city in south Asia. This city was one of the earliest colonial city of British in India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 2: Kolkata
Today we explore this vibrant and lively city during the whole day tour. We visit the Victoria Memorial and magnificent buildings in the area of Chowringhee and Dalhousie Square. We also visit the Jain Temple and the Fort Williams. In the area of Joransanko we have the opportunity to visit the family house of the famous Indian writer Rabindranath Tagore. In the afternoon there is also an option of visiting the old book market of the Calcutta University, Indian Coffee House, Shyambasar and than take a tram back to the centre of the city.

Day 3: Kolkata
Today you can plan the day as per your wish. A local Guide and car with driver will be at your disposal or you can also have a walk along the Hoogly River to the flower market and Jagannath Ghat. Then we cross the Hoogly river walking over the Howrah bridge and then visit the famous and crowded Railway station of Kolkata. Later take a boat ride on the river and reach Princep Ghat (Riversteps) and also visit the Kolkata high court Assembly House, Raj Bhawan, St. John’s Church and Dalhousie Square.

Day 4: Kolkata
In the morning visit botanical garden then proceed further and visit Belur Temple, Dakhineshwar Temple. In the afternoon visit the tomb of mother Teresa in the motherhouse, also visit the Shishu Bhawan, Kali Temple and Nirmal Hirday.

Day 5: Kolkata - Bagdogra (by air) - Darjeeling
In the morning drive to the airport for the flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra. From Bagdogra we proceed north of the state through the coniferous forests and terraced tea gardens and arrive in Darjeeling. Darjeeling (place of the thunderbolt) has spectacular scenery. Darjeeling was built by the British in mid 1800 primarily as an R & R center for their troops. But over a period of time it has been recognized itself as one of the most important hill stations in India. Due to its altitude of 2134 m and soothing temperature in summers Darjeeling has become a famous hill station in India. By clear weather we can enjoy the unforgettable views of Himalayas.

Day 6: Darjeeling
Early in the morning we drive to Tiger Hill to enjoy the sunrise at the Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill (2590 m) is the highest point in this area. There is a breathtaking view of the sunrise on Kanchenjunga. Mount Everest (8842) is also visible on a clear day. The moments of sunrise from Tiger Hill are described by most of the visitors as unforgettable. In the afternoon we explore Darjeeling and its surroundings. We visit the village Lablong where we get the detailed information about the natural surrounding and habitants of this area. We will visit the institute of mountaineering which is the First home of the famous climber Tenzing Norgay. It also has a small museum which houses all the equipment used on the first successful expedition on Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.

Day 7: Darjeeling – Pemayangtse (about 80 kms)
Today in the morning after having our breakfast we drive further to Sikkim. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. Sikkim, in the East Himalayas is sandwiched between Nepal to its west and Bhutan to its east. In the North lies China. Sikkim has so rich of flora, fauna and a diverse ethnic and cultural population as no other state in India. We drive through the forests and tea gardens and also follow the mighty Rangit River, which is one of the main tributaries of the Teesta River and proceed to Pemayangtse (The perfect Sublime Lotus). Pemayangtse lies in the western part of Sikkim overlooking the mighty Kanchenjunga range. We visit the headquarters of the Nyingama sect in Pemayangtse. We spend night in Pemayangtse.

Day 8: Pemayangtse
Today we shall have an excursion to the monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order, which is known as Tashiding. The monastery of Tashiding lies nestled on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong River and the Rangit River and is surrounded by a profusion of Prayer flags that flutter in the air. There are also many chortans dedicated to some Chogyals and some religious personalities of Sikkim. Carved skillfully on stone plates surrounding the monastery are holy Buddhist mantras like "Om Mane Padme Hum" by the master craftsman Yanchong Lodil. We spend night in Pemayangtse.

Day 9: Pemayangtse - Gangtok (about 200 kms)
Today in the morning after having our breakfast we drive through wonderful landscaping to Gangtok, the capital city of the former Royal state of Sikkim. The drive is over a winding road and also passes through the Cardamom plantations and Orange orchards. Gangtok is the capital of the tiny Shangri-la and is dotted with some very interesting monasteries, The Kings Palace (which is out of bounds for the outside world) and numerous other interesting places. Evening is at leisure to get the first glimpse of this beautiful place.

Day 10: Gangtok
In the morning we visit the unique Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop which was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. Here we will see the biggest collection of Tibetan scripts and an excellent collection of rare bronze and cult objects. We also visit orchid sanctuary which is lying south of the institute. This sanctuary contains over 450 indigenous species. Sikkim is considered paradise for orchid lovers. After the visit of sanctuary we walk through the bazaar of Bangkok through the area of old palace and visit the Gylwa monastery. The Gyalwa Karmapa built this monastery in 1960 in strict accordance with the traditional designs of the monastery in Tibet. The main attraction of our excursion remains today the monastery of Rumtek. Rumtek monastery was built as a true copy of a Tibetan monastery in recent years. Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the Kagyu - Pa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This sect was founded in the 11th century by Lama Marpa, the disciple of Indian Guru Naropa and later split into several subjects.

Day 11: Gangtok
Today you can plan the day as per your wish. A local Guide and car with driver will be at your disposal.

Day 12: Gangtok – Kalimpong (about 70 kms)
Today in the morning after having our breakfast we drive from Gangtok to Kalimpong. The road winds its way through the hillside following the Teesta all along the way passing through some of the most beautiful countryside in this region. Kalimpong is a bustling and rapidly growing town, though relatively small and is set amongst the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas. The lifestyle of the local people reflect the social and religious influences of its neighbouring nations, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. We visit the Tharpa Choeling monastery at Tripai which houses a library of Tibetan manuscripts and Tankhas. It belongs to the yellow Hat sect. We drive up to Darpin Dara, the highest point in Kalimpong with superb views over the plains.

Day 13: Kalimpong - Bagdogra (about 80 kms) – Kolkata (by air)
In the morning we drive through the Teesta valley to Bagdogra. In the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight from Bagdogra to Kolkata. The rest of the day at leisure (opportunity for the last shopping). After having dinner we leave the hotel for the airport.

Day 14: Kolkata
Around midnight flight to home destination.

Tour Reservation
To get more information or to book this tour please submit the Query Form or send us an         e-mail ! Your booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from your side.

Our Services Include:
      Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC in the
         chosen category.
      Rooms on the departure day.
      American/continental Breakfast.
      Services of qualified local guides (English speaking or languages of your choice)
         at every place of sightseeing.
      All Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo Vacations
         representative.
       All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an air-conditioned Car with
         driver. For groups an individual air-conditioned bus (Except Standard Hotels) will be
         provided.

Exclusions:
      Any Kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills and Alcoholic
         beverages.
      Camera Fees (Still or Movie).
      Any Flight Charges.
      Monument Entrances.
      Unspecified Meals etc.

We always look forward for any changes in the itinerary as wished by you for your individual trip.

If you are willing to travel in a group - the Group Departure dates are available !

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