TOUR OF THE NORTH EAST
Validity : 01 January to 15 June, 2005

Includes : Accommodatio for a Couple (2 adults) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Luxury Taxes (Only Govt Servce Tax Extra as per the rules )

ITINERARY 1
Validity : 01 January to 15 June, 2005
( 6 nights / 7days, at Darjeeling, Gangtok & Kalimpong )
FLAVOUR OF THE HILLS

03 Nights at The Elgin, Darjeeling, 02 Nights at Norkhill Gangtok and 01 Night at The Silver Oaks, Kalimpong

DAY 1 :

Pick- up by a NAC Maruti Van from Bagdogra Airport to be taken to Darjeeling (7100 Ft), the "Queen of the hill stations" , its name derived from "Dorje-Line" which means the place of "Dorje", the mystic thunderbolt. Covering a distance of 88 kms over a drive of 3.5 hrs along winding roads ,its an experience of unforgettable beauty. Checkin at "The Elgin".

The Elgin - a 120 years old property, now given "Heritage Status" is located at 2 minutes walking distance from the mall. The Snug & Cosy feeling, Burma teak Furniture, Wooden floorboards and panelling, crackling log fireplaces, well thumbed volumes at the library, candle-lit dining tables with soft strains of the melodies wafting from the piano…. each has a story to tell - The story of the stylish lifestyle of its first owner, the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. Having 25 well appointed rooms equipped with Satellite TV, Direct Dial Phones & a view of Kanchenjunga, The Elgin also provides hospitality alongwith a flavour of history. Spend the evening lazing around or walk down to the mall to do some window-shopping. Night Halt at The Elgin, Darjeeling.

Day 2 :

Start the day at 4am with an early morning trip to Tiger Hill (7800 Ft) to catch the sunrise from behind the majestic Kunchenjunga range. On the way back visit the Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop. Back to the hotel for breakfast . Spend the rest of the day recouping the lost sleep. Walk to the mall, do some shopping or lazy around at "Chowrasta" - the meeting point. Night Halt at The Elgin, Darjeeling.

Day 3 :

After breakfast take a trip to "Mirik" (6000 Ft) - the newest hill-station in the Darjeeling hills. Famous for its squash (the vegetable) & the picturesque lake, this quiet township is also surrounded by gardens which produce some of the finest teas. The lake offers boating and fishing apart from a view of snowcapped peaks. Enjoy the fulfilling experience of Nature in its purest form mingled with the unique culture prevalent here. Spend the rest of the day at Mirik to reach Darjeeling back by sunset. Night Halt at The Elgin, Darjeeling.

Day 4 :

Leave by 8.30 am for a 3 hr 30 mins journey to the Land of the Pristine and unspoilt natural beauty - Sikkim , with alpine landscapes and thick luxuriant forests, rivers in torrent and peaceful lakes. Arrive at Norkhill Gangtok (5500 Ft) by lunchtime- the erstwhile Guest house of the King of Sikkim, a Heritage Property. With rich traditional interiors, 25 rooms having Satellite TV, Direct Dial Phones etc., a Kanchenjunga view, Multicuisine Restaurant, there is no better place where one can experience a mix of Culture-Modern lifestyle-Natural beauty in the ambience of History.

Post lunch take a half day sightseeing trip to The Handicraft & Handloom Showroom, which promotes traditional arts & crafts, a veritable storehouse of exquisite carpets, blankets, shawls in "Lepcha " weaves ; The Flower Show which contains over 200 species of orchids set amidst a beautiful landscape; Enchey Monastery- built in 1910 on the site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Drutob Karpo, known for his flying powers, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism ; Nam Nang VP/Ropeway ; Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) which is one of the most important stupas of Sikkim, built by the head of the Nyingma order- Trullshi Rimpoche in 1945. It contains rare details of Dorji Phupa, Holy Books, Mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels ; The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology built in 1958 in traditional style, a renowned worldwide centre for the study of the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy & religion, a treasure house of rare "Thankas", statues, over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art Back to the hotel by evening. Night Halt at Norkhill, Gangtok.

Day 5 :

After breakfast proceed to Tsomgo Lake (12,210 Ft), a 40 km drive which takes 2.5 hrs. This lake is located very close to Nathula Pass which is the entry point to China termed as the "Silk Route & remains frozen for most parts of the year. Legend has it that the Lamas use to forecast the future by studying the colour of the lakes waters. Enjoy the surroundings, majestic snowy peaks which feed the lake and the clean fresh air. Back to Gangtok by 3 pm for a late lunch. Evening free for leisure or go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts. Night Halt at Norkhill, Gangtok.

Day 6 :

Leave Gangtok by 8.30am to reach Kalimpong (4000 Ft) by 11am, a drive of 76 kms, 2.5hrs. Also called the garden of flowers, this town has almost everything- scenic beauty, flowers, greenery, waters, mists, clouds etc..

Checkin at "The Silver Oaks", the only 4-star luxury hotel in Kalimpong, just 2 minutes from the Mall. Built originally in 1930, the present day building has been spruced up with modern amenities housing 23 fully equipped rooms, multicuisine restaurant etc.. The hotel has more glass than walls which allows the breathtaking beauty of the great outdoors to fill the indoors.

If you are in Kalimpong on a Wednesday/Saturday, walk down to the "Haat Bazaar" or local market - a place where villagers from all nearby villages come & sell/display their wares (right from handicrafts to food items). The market starts early morning by 6-7am & is on till 4pm. This is a unique extravaganza typical to rural regions, a cultural experience you will never forget.

After lunch proceed for a half day sightseeing of Durpin Hill (which has the famous Zong Dog Palri Fo- Brang Monastery which belongs to the same Buddhist sect as the present Dalai Lama) , Jelapla View Point, Pine View Point, Chitra Bhanu & Kalim Temple, Dr Graham's Homes complex with its historic church & well maintained grounds founded in 1900 by Rev. Dr. J A Graham, a Scottish missionary, Delo Hill (5556 ft) appears to be the roof- of- the- world, is the highest point in Kalimpong. Delo also has the town's picturesque water reservoir. Then on to Mangal Dham Temple constructed in memory of the late Guru Shree (108) Mangal Dasji and dedicated to Lord Krishna, Kalimpong Arts & Crafts Centre, Nature Interpretation Centre (Forest Museum). Evening at leisure with a visit to the market.where you do some curio shopping, buy some Kalimpong Cheese & lollypops of Swiss technology from "Larks" or just take a walk thru the market . Night halt at The Silver Oaks, Kalimpong.

Day 7 :

After Breakfast Depart to Bagdogra/NJP.

ITINERARY 2
Validity : 01 January to 15 June, 2005
( 6 nights / 7days, 2 nights each at Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling)
MYSTICAL FLAVOUR OF SIKKIM

Day 1 :

Pick- up by a NAC Maruti Van from Bagdogra/NJP to be taken to the Land of the Pristine and unspoilt natural beauty - Sikkim , with alpine landscapes and thick luxuriant forests, rivers in torrent and peaceful lakes. Checkin at Norkhill Gangtok (5500 Ft) - the erstwhile Guest house of the King of Sikkim, a Heritage Property. With rich traditional interiors, 25 rooms having Satellite TV, Direct Dial Phones, Multicuisine Restaurant, a Kanchenjunga view etc, there is no better place where one can experience a mix of Culture-Modern lifestyle-Natural beauty in the ambience of History. Relax & refresh yourself & then walk to the mall which is just 5 minutes away. Night Halt at Norkhill, Gangtok.

Day 2 :

After breakfast proceed to Tsomgo Lake (12,210 Ft), a 40 km drive which takes 2.5 hrs. This lake is located very close to Nathula Pass which is the entry point to China termed as the "Silk Route & remains frozen for most parts of the year. Legend has it that the Lamas use to forecast the future by studying the colour of the lakes waters. Enjoy the surroundings, majestic snowy peaks which feed the lake and the clean fresh air. Back to Gangtok by 3pm for a late lunch. Evening free for leisure or go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts. Night Halt at Norkhill, Gangtok.

Day 3 :

Depart early morning for Pelling (6800 Ft), a 5 hour journey (112 kms) via Ravangla (6800 Ft) , a small township & transit point to various destinations in South & West Sikkim, situated at the base of Meenam Hill (10300 Ft). A visit to the Tibetan Refugee Settlement Camp just above the town which houses the Kheunpheling carpet centre where one can buy fine Tibetan style woollen carpets. Lunch at Ravangla & then a fleeting visit to the Bon Monastery at Kewzing, 5 kms from Ravangla which is one of its kind in Sikkim, a symbol of the determination of the community to preserve their religious traditions.

Arrive at Pelling & checkin at Norbu Gang Resort. This is one of the closest points to the Khanchenjunga range & one can see it upfront touching the sky from Pelling. Relax & refresh your tired body or take a stroll into the nearby village. Night halt at Norbu Gang Resort, Pelling.

Day 4 :

Leave early for the Khecheopalri Lake, also called the "Wish Fulfilling Lake". It lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags & forested hills. Enroute, also stop to see the Khangchendzonga water falls. Back to the Resort for lunch and then proceed to The Pemayangtse Monastery (7021 Ft), 2.5 kms from Pelling. Built during the late 17th century, it is one of the oldest & most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. Even today, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the title of 'Tasang' or pure monks. The monastery follows the Mindroling tradition & 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 L Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. Stop by the Sangacheoling Monastery enroute to Pelling. From the main road one has to hike for 30mins to reach this Gumpa which is the second oldest Gumpa constructed by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo. Night halt at Norbu Gang Resort, Pelling.

Day 5 :

Leave early for a visit to the Rabdentse Ruins - the second capital of the erstwhile King of Sikkim till 1814 A.D. This is also very close to the Pemyangtse Monastery, a 30 mins walk from the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across the deep valley, to the mystic heights of the Khanchenjunga range is something to be cherished & etched in memory.

Proceed to Darjeeling (7100 ft), a 72 kms drive taking around 3-4 hours, the "Queen of the hill stations" , its name derived from "Dorje-Line" which means the place of "Dorje", the mystic thunderbolt. After a very scenic drive thru the mountains, tea gardens etc., reach Darjeeling by late afternoon & checkin at "The Elgin", Darjeeling.

The Elgin - a 120 years old property, now given "Heritage Status" is located at 2 minutes walking distance from the mall. The Snug & Cosy feeling, Burma teak Furniture, Wooden floorboards and panelling, crackling log fireplaces, well thumbed volumes at the library, candle-lit dining tables with soft strains of the melodies wafting from the piano…. each has a story to tell - The story of the stylish lifestyle of its first owner, the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. Having 25 well appointed rooms equipped with Satellite TV, Direct Dial Phones & a view of Kanchenjunga, The Elgin also provides hospitality alongwith a flavour of history. Spend the evening lazing around or walk up to the mall. Night Halt at The Elgin, Darjeeling.

Day 6 :

Start the day at 4am with an early morning trip to Tiger Hill (7800 Ft) to catch the sunrise from behind the majestic Kunchenjunga range. On the way back visit the Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop. Back to the hotel for breakfast. Rest a while & then visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoo, Tenzing Rock, Labong Race Course, Tea Garden, Tibetan Refugees Self Help Centre & Rope-way. Back to the hotel by late afternoon. Take a walk to "Chowrasta" the centre point of the Mall area. Do some window shopping. Night Halt at The Elgin, Darjeeling.

Day 7 :

After Breakfast Depart to Bagdogra/NJP

ITINERARY 3
Validity : 01 January to 15 June, 2005
( 7 nights / 8days, at Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung)
FLAVOUR OF SIKKIM

04 Nights at Norkhill Gangtok, 02 Nights at Gurudongmar Lodge, Lachen and 01 Night at Snow Lion Resort, Lachung

Day 1 :

Pick- up by a NAC Maruti Van from Bagdogra/NJP to be taken to the Land of the Pristine and unspoilt natural beauty - Sikkim , with alpine landscapes and thick luxuriant forests, rivers in torrent and peaceful lakes. Arrive at Norkhill Gangtok (5500 Ft) by lunchtime. The official guesthouse of the erstwhile King of Sikkim- Norkhill Gangtok is a Heritage Property. With rich traditional interiors, 25 rooms having Satellite TV, Direct Dial Phones etc., a Kanchenjunga view, Multicuisine Restaurant, there is no better place where one can experience a mix of Culture-Modern lifestyle-Natural beauty in the ambience of History. Relax thru the day or walk to the mall which is just 5 minutes away, shop for traditional handicrafts. Night Halt at Norkhill, Gangtok.

Day 2 :

Start the day at 5 am with an early morning trip to Tashi View Point to view Mt.Khangchendzonga. Situated 8 kms from the town, this point offers a breathtaking view of the majestic peak & surrounding hills. Also can be seen are the monasteries at Phodong & Labrang. On the return visit Hanuman Tok (7200 Ft), a temple devoted to Hanuman. From the temple you can also get a birds eye view of the Selep waterworks which supplies drinking water to the Gangtok town.. Near this temple which is maintained by the Army, is Lukshyama- the royal cremation grounds of the erstwhile royal family of Sikkim. Then to Ganesh Tok (6500 Ft), a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha which is so small in size that it can hardly accommodate one person & one has to crawl to get inside. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast take a full day local sightseeing trip to - The Handicraft & Handloom Showroom, which promotes traditional arts & crafts, a veritable storehouse of exquisite carpets, blankets, shawls in "Lepcha " weaves; the Flower show where the world famous orchids are on display; Enchey Monastery- built in 1910 on the site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Drutob Karpo, known for his flying powers, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism; Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) which is one of the most important stupas of Sikkim, built by the head of the Nyingma order- Trullshi Rimpoche in 1945. It contains rare details of Dorji Phupa, Holy Books, Mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels; The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology built in 1958 in traditional style, a renowned worldwide centre for the study of the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy & religion, a treasure house of rare "Thankas", statues, over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art; Rumtek Monastery, 24 kms from Gangtok was built in 1960 by His Holiness the Late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa & this is a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tibet, a must see for every visitor, the seat of the "Kagyu Order" . Behind the Monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies which attracts students from the world over. Here one can find the most unique religious scriptures & art objects of the world. Back to the hotel by 5 pm. Night Halt at Norkhill, Gangtok.

Day 3 :

After breakfast proceed to Tsomgo Lake (12,210 Ft), a 40 km drive which takes 2.5 hrs. This lake is located very close to Nathula Pass which is the entry point to China termed as the "Silk Route & remains frozen for most parts of the year. Legend has it that the Lamas use to forecast the future by studying the colour of the lakes waters. Enjoy the surroundings, majestic snowy peaks which feed the lake and the clean fresh air. Back to Gangtok by 3pm for a late lunch. Evening free for leisure or go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts. Night Halt at Norkhill, Gangtok.

Day 4 :

Depart early morning for Lachen (9500 Ft), a 6 hr drive covering 131 kms to reach by 4 pm. On the way stop enroute and enjoy the wonderful locations like Kabi Lungstok- 25km from Gangtok where a blood brotherhood was signed between the Lepcha chief, Thekong Tek & the Bhutia chief, Khye Bumsa. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forests; Naga Waterfalls; the confluence of Lachen Chu & Lachung Chu at Chungthang- the starting point of the river Teesta. Chungthang is predominantly a Lepcha region, the nodal junction for the two passes- Lachen & Lachung.

Lachen stands on an alpine meadow from which rise the pine clad mountains with their snowy peaks. Consisting of barely 150 houses inhabited in winters by the owners who spend the summers on the alpine pastures in their huts tending to their flocks of yak, Lachen is one of the most picturesque hamlets of Sikkim. This place is also the preparation point for the Green Lake Trek & Khangchendzonga Expedition. Checkin to the Gurudongmar Lodge. Relax, sleep off & rest your tired body. Night Halt at Gurudongmar Lodge, Lachen.

Day 5 :

Leave early for Gurudongmar Lake (17100 Ft), a 2.5 hour uphill drive (62kms) via Thangu (13,000 Ft)- a valley covered with snow in the winter & full of flowers in the summer. Thangu is also at the intersection leading to the Chopta Valley.

The blessed water of the Gurudongmar lake is believed to possess the miraculous power of granting children to childless couples. The lake freezes during winter except at one spot which the devout devotees believe has been specially blessed by Guru Rimpoche. Interestingly this myth is believed as reverentially by the Sikhs as by the local Buddhists. A virgin area - Sikkim & Gurudongmar Lake, the entire area will leave an unforgettable imprint in ones mind. Back to Lachen by evening. Night Halt at Gurudongmar Lodge, Lachen.

Day 6 :

(remember to carry a pair of shorts/rubber chappals/bath towel, a change of clothes - full set, to be ready for the Hot Springs)

After an early breakfast depart for Yumthang (11800 Ft), a 4 hr drive of 80 kms. This is where the Tree Line ends & the rhododendron groves cover the landscape in a surreal shade. Also called the Valley of Flowers as in spring wild alpine flowers carpet the land. In winter there is snow all around and the snow clad mountains add to the ethereal beauty. This place is also known for its Hot Springs which have healing medicinal properties. Picnic in this beautiful valley, trek to reach the high points all around, take a bath in the Hot Springs.

Back to Lachung (8610 Ft) by evening. Lachung is an exquisite valley town , resplendent in its crown of snow capped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls & sparkling streams. It has been described as "the most picturesque village of Sikkim" by Joseph Dalton in his 'Himalayan Journal' (1855). Checkin to the Snow Lion Mountain Resort and get refreshed. The rest of the afternoon is spent Nature Exploring & Local Sightseeing around Lachung village with a visit to the Lachung Monastery. Relax, sleep off & rest your tired body. Night Halt at Snow Lion Resort, Lachung.

Day 7 :

After Breakfast depart for Gangtok with stops at the Twin Waterfalls, Bhim Nala Waterfalls, lunch served at Mangan. Enroute, also visit the Phodong Monastery 38 kms from Gangtok which is famous for its exquisitely delicate mural paintings and frescoes. Built by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal in the first quarter of the 18th century for the Karmapa, Phodong is the first Kagyupa monastery to be set up in Sikkim. Reach Gangtok by evening. Night Halt at Norkhill, Gangtok.

Day 8 :

After Breakfast Depart to Bagdogra/NJP

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