Around midnight arrival in New Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for travellers. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.
Day 2: New Delhi - Bagdogra (by air) - Darjeeling (about 100 km)
In the morning drive to the airport for the flight to Bagdogra. After the arrival in Bagdogra we proceed north of the state through the coniferous forests and terraced tea gardens to Darjeeling. Darjeeling (place of the thunderbolt) has spectacular scenery. Due to its altitude of 2134 m and soothing temperature in summers Darjeeling has become a famous hill resort in India. By clear weather we can enjoy the impressive and unforgettable views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel in Darjeeling.
Early in the morning we drive to Tiger Hill (around 11 km) to enjoy the sunrise. Tiger hill (2590 m) is the highest point in this area. There is a breathtaking view of the sunrise on the Kanchenjunga. Mount Everest (8842 m) 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 and the institute of mountaineering where we get the detailed information about the natural surrounding and the habitants of this area.
In the morning after having breakfast we leave Pemayangtse and drive to Gangtok. The capital of Sikkim "Gangtok" lies on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool river. Gangtok ("High Hill")lies at an altitude of 1760 m. Gangtok is surrounded by the mountains, especially from Kanchenjunga range. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel in Gangtok.
Today we visit Tsuk-la-Khang, the royal chapel which is standing on a high bridge. This is the major place of worship and has a large and impressive collection of scriptures. We also visit orchid Sanctuary which is laying 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 Gangtok through the area of old palace and visit the monastery Gylwa. 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 is the headquarter of Red hat sect of Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism.
In the morning after having breakfast we visit Singhba Rhododendron Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located near Yumthang in north Sikkim and contains a vast variety of rhododendrons. When in blossom these flowering plants provide a riot of colour. After visiting the sanctuary we return back to Gangtok and enroute visit the Hot Springs. Yumthang is well known for its hot springs. To reach here one has to walk a few hundred yards from the road and cross the bridge on the river Lachung. The area is very beautiful and the mountains surrounding the area seems as if they are touching the heavens. Later drive back to the hotel in Gangtok.
Today we visit the Enchey monastery. This monastery is believed to be 200 years old. The monks of this monastery belong to the Mahayana Buddhism. After visiting the monastery we visit the institute of cottage industries. Wide range of local handicrafts in Lepcha style are produced here. In the evening we visit the unique Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop which was established in the year 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 Tankhas, bronze and cult objects.
Early in the morning after having breakfast we drive to Bagdogra. In the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight from Bagdogra to New Delhi. Rooms are available to get refresh before departing for the airport. The rest of the day at leisure. After dinner leave the hotel for the airport.