This is the short trek but
you will see the nature beuaty and enjoy captivating scenes of tea
gardens and small villages as we drive four hours via back roads to
Darjeeling. The British originally established Darjeeling as a hill
station in the mid 1800s. When we visit the sun rise view of
Kanchendzonga, en route we take a short pose for visit Yinga Choling
(Ghoom) Monastery, the monks are friendly and will probably invite us
to join them for a cup of salty yak butter tea ( think of it as a light
soup or broth as you drink it ). Enjoy the toy train ride. The world
heritage toy train completed in 1882 the railway connected Darjeeling
with the rest of British India.
Name of Program : Best of Darjeeling
Place to Visit : Delhi or
Kolkata-Bagdogra-Maneybhanjyang – Tonglu-Sandakhpu – Phalut –
Ramman-Ramman – Rimbick - Darjeeling
Duration : 09 Nights
Best Time : Oct-April
Day 01:Arrival Delhi OR Kolkotta :
Upon arrival meet to our representative, transfer to hotel, for rest of
the night.
Day 02 : City Tour :
After breakfast full day city tour Delhi visit, Old Delhi, Red Fort,
Chadani Chowk, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial) and Swami
Narayan Akshardham Temple, post lunhc visit Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple,
and Government Building, if arrival Kolkata visit Victoria Memorial,
Maidan, Saheed Minar, BBD Square, Government Building, GPO, Flowers
Market, Ghat, Hugly Bridge, Indian Museume and Mother Teresa House.
Rest of the time visit Chowranghee (New Market) Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi OR Kolkata - Bagdogra
(Flight) – Darjeeling (90 km/ 4 hrs drive):
Early morning transfer to domestic airport, take flight to Bagdogra, on
arrival meet to our assistance drive to Darjeeling, en route enjoy
captivating scenes of tea gardens and small villages, on arrival check
in hotel . The British originally established Darjeeling as a hill
station in the mid 1800s. People come up here to escape the heat of the
plains. Pleasantly surrounded by tea plantations on all sides, we can
enjoy magnificent views of snowy peaks including Kanchendzonga.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Darjeeling :
Early morning drive to Tiger hill to witness the sun rise on the
Kancheendzonga Peak. Tiger Hill is the highest spot in the area at 2575
m and is famous for its dawn views of the Eastern Himalayas including
on the clearest days Mt. Everest. On return, visit the famous Ghoom
monastery which enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha ( the coming
Buddha ). We may take a short ride 4.5 miles back to Darjeeling from
Ghoom on the famous toy train. Completed in 1882 the railway connected
Darjeeling with the rest of British India. Our ride, although short,
will give us a chance to admire the Batasia loop, one of four complete
loops and five switchbacks maneuvered on this feat of engineering.
After lunch visit the Himalayan Mountaineering institute, Zoological
park, Tibetan refugee self help centre which is a popular place to shop
for arts and crafts. Rest of the time visit Chowrasta and local market.
Overnight at hotel, Darjeeling.
Day 05: Darjeeling
– Maneybhanjyang – Tonglu :
After breakfast drive to Maneybhanjyang which is
the starting point of our first trek and is a small village inhabited
by Sherpas and Nepalis. We trek through evergreen forests and hillsides
covered with wild flowers until we reach Tonglu. Camp at Tonglu (3050m)
where one can get a breathtaking mountain view overlooking Darjeeling.
Overnight at tent (3 hrs trek)
Day 06: Tonglu – Sandakhpu:
After an early breakfast commence our trekt o Sandakhpu, the ridgeline
leads one through bamboo glades and farmlands with quaint little
villages inhabited by warm and friendly people. The route is fairly
level while one reaches Gairabas about 9 kms from Tonglu. From here one
encounters a steep climb which is adequately compensated by incredible
scenic beauty. This 4 kms climb brings one to Kalpokhri. The dark
Crystal Lake simmering in the breeze surrounded by alpine trees is a
remarkable sight. Another steep ascent for 2.5 kms and a gradual walk
downhill for 1.5 km bings one to Bikhebhanjyang ( 10,200 ft ). The
final ascent of 4 kms which is the most challenging in terms of
steepness, through thick rhododendron and magnolia forests leads one to
Sandakhpu, ( 11,800 ft ) meaning the height of the poison plant. It is
here one encounter nature’s pristine glory at its magnificent best. The
four of the world’s highest mountains all 8000 meters high towering
over you at an incredibly close distance presents you with a sight you
will never forget. The snow-clad arc of the Eastern Himalayas with
Everest, Kanchendzonga, Makalu and Lhotse in all its majesty is worth
every mile one has traversed to be here.Overnight at tent.
Day 07: Sandakhpu – Phalut – Ramman:
After breakfast commece out trek to Ramman, is a relatively easy day of
trekking 21 kms but in terms of scenic beauty, it is the most
fascinating. All along, the route rhododendrons of different hues,
magnolias, chestnut oak emerging out of the mysterious mists – the
stately silver fir greet one. All along, the imposing Himalayas loom
large on the western horizon. The final stretch is almost bereft of
vegetation owing to the sweeping icy winds. The clusters of
rhododendron trees standing at a maximum height of 6 feet look like
magnified bonsai. Phalut or the denuded peak is the junction of Nepal
& India. We continue with a knee wobbling descent downhill into
the Rammam river valley. This trek through rugged terrain brings one to
a spectacularly picturesque village Samanden, better know as the ‘lost
valley’. A further walk of 2 kms brings one to Ramman ( 8,400 ft )- the
campsite for the night.
Day 08: Ramman – Rimbick - Darjeeling:
The walk to Rimbick ( 7,400 ft ) is another
picturesque trek of 19 kms. The first 9 kms is a level path through
forest of flowering trees. Rare orchids present another wonderful
sight. The rest of the way is a slow gentle descent as each turn and
bend allows a glimpse into the rich biodiversity. On arrival drive to
Darjeeling. Hotel.
Day 09: Darjeeling
– Bagdogra – Delhi or Kolkata:
After breakfast drive to Bagdogra to catch the
flight for Delhi or Kolkata, upon arrival meet to assistance drive to
hotel, for short rest.
Day 10 Departure Trenasfer : After
Dinner drive to International airport, take international flight.
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