Welcome to India! Upon arrival into Kolkata, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
The city of Kolkata’s name is derived from the Bengali term Kolkata, the name of one of three villages that predated the arrival of the British, in the area where the city eventually was to be established. Located on the east bank of River Hooghly, Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is also the commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India, while the Port of Kolkata is India’s oldest port as well as its sole major riverine port. The city’s documented history begins with the arrival of the English East India Company in 1690, when the Company was consolodating its trade business in Bengal. Under the East India Company and later under the British Raj, Kolkata served as the capital of India until 1911, when its perceived geographical disadvantages, combined with growing nationalism in Bengal, led to a shift of the capital to New Delhi. The people of Kolkata tend to have a special appreciation for art and literature; its tradition of welcoming new talent has made it a ‘city of furious creative energy’. For these reasons, Kolkata has often been dubbed as the Cultural Capital of India or the Literary Capital of India.
Following breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bagdogara. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Kurseong. This evening, enjoy a scenic walk along the military road built by the British in the 1770’s.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before enjoying a half day visit to the Tea Garden. Here you can observe the processing and manufacturing of the world-renowned Darjeeling tea.
Early this afternoon, board the Darjeeling Toy Train from Kurseong and enjoy a ride of a lifetime in this World Heritage Site and let the scenic views mesmerise you.
A journey on the Toy Train is considered the most romantic approach to the Himalayas, as this small steam locomotive slowly meanders its way through the landscape. Once you disembark the train at Ghoom, enjoy a walk to Darjeeling.
Rise early this morning to enjoy a one hour walk to Tiger Hill, where you will witness sunrise over the snowy peak of Kanchenjunga – the world’s third highest mountain. Enjoy a tea break before returning to your hotel for breakfast.
Following breakfast, head out to explore Darjeeling. Your first visit is to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which as well as conducting training courses, also houses a wonderful collection of equipment used in various mountaineering expeditions.
From here, continue onto the Zoological Gardens. Home to some of the rarest species of animals and birds, it is the only zoo in India to have Siberian Tigers and Red Pandas.
Your next stop is the Tibetan Refugee Camp, established as a centre for those who had fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama after the Chinese invasion. This self-help centre has been developed as a workshop for the manufacture of handicrafts.
Take an early morning drive from Darjeeling to Manay Bhanjang, which is a small village of the Buddhists shepras. Once in the village, start trekking through the beautiful forests and hills that are fringed with many varieties of wildflowers and ascend to Tonglu. The first camping destination in this trek, Tonnglu campsite offers demanding views of the Kanchendzonga and other magnificent Himalayan peaks.
Today’s trek will be a descend from Tonglu to Gairibas. The route for the day will be a curvy path that passes through forests, local villages and offers remarkable views of the mountains.
Start trekking towards the Kalipokhari ridge that will take you to the Singalila ridge. From here, trek towards the much-acclaimed Sandakphu summit which is the highest point of West Bengal. The summit is located at a height of 3640 m and is known for offering 3600 views of the Himalayas.
Wake up early morning and hike to the Sandakphu Viewpoint to witness the spectacular views of the rising sun over the Kanchendzonga, Mt. Everest, Jannu, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyo ranges. After this, start trekking to Phalut; during your trekking course, you can enjoy views of the evergreen pine forests, beautiful lakes, snow-covered Himalayas and the local yak herders.
On today’s trek, the first 8-9 km will be through flat terrains and passes through several villages on the way. After crossing a suspended bridge in the Srikhola village, the terrains will be steep for the next 1 km till you reach Rimbik. In Rimbik, you will spend the night in a lodge or trekker’s hut.
On today’s trek, the first 8-9 km will be through flat terrains and passes through several villages on the way. After crossing a suspended bridge in the Srikhola village, the terrains will be steep for the next 1 km till you reach Rimbik. In Rimbik, you will spend the night in a lodge or trekker’s hut.
It will be an easy day as you during the day, you will be driven from Rimbik to Yuksam. Arriving in Yuksam, check in into a hotel for the overnight stay.
While on today’s trek, you will be passing through the Rathong Valley and its splendid semi-tropical forests. Crossing the forest areas, the climb will become steeper and take you to a small yet gorgeous Tibetan village called Tshoka. By the time, you reach the village, you can clearly see a pleasant change in the surroundings. Also, from the Tshoka village, you can enjoy the very first views of the Mt Pandin and several other peaks. You will be staying in a camp or hut in Tshoka.
Today’s trek will take you through zigzag trails and patches of rhododendrons. Trekking ahead, you will reach Phedang, where the trails will become clear enough. If you take the trek during April or May, you will witness spectacular views of wildflowers; otherwise, you can see the local villagers grazing their yaks. Trekking around 300 m from here, you will hike along the Dzongri ridge.
Start trekking through the pleasant trails through the western ridge of Mt. Pandim to reach the Samiti Lake, where the Kanchendzonga group of ranges will be right in front of you. While trekking to the Samiti Lake, you will also have an encounter with the first glacier in this trek. The lake is the source of the Prek River and is encircled by colourful prayer flags all around. You can also witness the clear reflection of the Karbu North, Goech Peak and others on the surface of the lake.
Today, you have to leave around 2.00 or 3.00am. Starting late might restrict your vision as with the sunrise, clouds or fogs also come up. The climb to Goechala passes through rocky terrains and on reaching the pass, you can once again witness the colourful prayer flags, the Kanchendzonga Peak and the Talung Glacier.
Today, you have to leave around 2.00 or 3.00am. Starting late might restrict your vision as with the sunrise, clouds or fogs also come up. The climb to Goechala passes through rocky terrains and on reaching the pass, you can once again witness the colourful prayer flags, the Kanchendzonga Peak and the Talung Glacier.
From today onwards, you will be start trekking back towards the starting point of the trek. Today’s trek will take you back to Tshoka.
The trek for the day will be of around 5-6 hours and will end once you reach Yuksam.
Finally, with today’s drive from Yuksam to Bagdogra, you will complete this trek.
Morning flight to Calcutta and further connection to return flight.
