Summer Kingdoms – Darjeeling and Sikkim

Arrival in Delhi or Kolkata where you will spend a night.

Direct flight to Baghdodra. Transfer to Kurseong (elevation: 1,460 m / 4,865 ft). Visit Makaibari Tea Estates, engaged in community empowerment and holistic sustainable practices. From Eagle’s Craig, enjoy a beautiful view on Darjeeling Valley.

Transfer to Kurseong Railway Station. Board the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a century old Toy Train, which runs through breathtaking mountainous landscapes. Arrive Darjeeling (2,050 m / 6,710 ft). once a small cluster of villages administered by Nepal and Sikkim. It grew to prominence when the British introduced tea plantations and trade.

Enjoy the pleasant weather of the hill station. Hike around the surrounding tea estates. From Tiger Hill, admire the panorama on Kanchenjunga peak (8,586 m / 28,169 ft). Also visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute created by Tenzing Norgay, and the Buddhist Gompa (monastery) of Yiga Choeling in nearby Ghoom.

Leave Darjeeling and enter Sikkim, which was a monarchy until 1975. Sikkimese are divided into four main ethnic groups (Lepchas and Limbus tribals, Bhutias originating from Tibet, Nepalese). They practice Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddhism was introduced during the 8th century by Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. Rest in Pelling (2,150 m / 7,200 ft).

Visit Pemayangtse Gompa (Monastery) dating back to 1705. It features the Lakhang (main temple) and a collection of ancient idols. Admire the seven-tiered structure representing Guru Rinpoche’s Heavenly Palace, called Zandog Palri. Also visit the remains of Rabdentse Palace and Sanga Choeling Monastery.

Drive to Yuksom via Darap village and Khecheopalri sacred Lake. Proceed along cardamom plantations and rice fields to Yuksom (1,780 m / 5,840 ft).

Founded in 1642, Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim, before Rabdentse and Gangtok. Wander to Dubdi and Tashi Namgyal Gompas, and enjoy the scenery.

Drive via the picturesque village of Tashiding to Gangtok (1,600 m / 5,200 ft). Capital of Sikkim, it is also home to the Karmapa, a Tibetan spiritual leader. Wander around Do-Drul Chorten Buddhist Stupa.

Take a trip to Rumtek Gompa, which belongs to the Karma Kagyu school of Buddhism (most monasteries of Sikkim belong to the Niyngma-pa school). Rumtek is a reproduction of Kagyurpa monastery in Tibet. Drive back to Gangktok and stroll around the bazaars

In Gangktok, visit Enchey Gompa and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Then leave Sikkim and return back to West Bengal. Overnight in Kalimpong

Drive across Kalimpong Valley to Siliguri. The Driver will drop you in New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Baghdogra Airport.