Our special places
We design holidays tailored to your priorities. Please contact us to discuss any destination.
North East Himalaya - Sikkim and Darjeeling
Your journey begins in Kolkata which is a bustling and vibrant city considered to the cultural capital of India. The city is renowned for its tradition of film, dance, theatre and music. Experience the best of Bengali culture and heritage in one of the city's many museums and observe the many reminders of its colonial heritage that can be found everywhere from the Victoria Memorial and St John's Church to the Howrah Bridge, which spans the Hooghly River. Enjoy 2 nights at the Oberoi Grand before taking a flight to Bagodgra where you will be driven the 98km to Darjeeling – a picturesque town that straddles a ridge 2200m high.
A popular summer hill station since colonial times, Darjeeling is surrounded by its famed tea estates. Perched as it is in the foothills of the Himalaya it is flanked by Nepal to the east, Sikkim to the north and Bhutan to the west. With breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas, it's also reknowned for the spectacular dawn views of Mount Kanchenjunga, which at 8600 metres is the third highest mountain in the world, and can be clearly seen from nearby Tiger Hill. As well as the opportunity to enjoy some trekking, Darjeeling offers some good white water rafting and as a centre of Buddhist spirituality there are cultural distractions such as the Ghoom Monastery, the holiest in the region. Stay just outside Darjeeling at Glenburn Tea Estate - a beautiful planters’ house set in 100 acres of rolling tea gardens and panoramic views of the mountains.
Journey into Sikkim and overnight at Pelling, from where you can visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, before reaching Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The name Gangtok is derived from the Sikkimese word for "hilltop", the city sits atop a hilly ridge overlooking the Ranipul River and the vistas of the surrounding countryside are spectacular, with Mount Kanchenjunga to be seen from many viewpoints. Enchey Gompa is a beautifully ornate monastery with some exquisite murals and has a giant statue of Buddha.
Stay 2 nights at Nor-Khill, the oldest heritage hotel in the town, before driving to Kalimpong, which was once an important meeting point on the trade route between Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. This friendly hill town is inhabited by a large population of Nepalis who emigrated here during British rule. Buddhism is the dominant religion, and the town and surrounding area has many striking gompas. Surrounded by beautiful wooded mountains and flower nurseries, the town has a friendly air and excursions to nearby traditional villages can be arranged.
From here you return to Bagdogra for the short flight to Kolkata for a final night at the Oberoi before flying back to UK.
Combine this trip with a Shakti Village Experience or maybe extend it with a few days at Kaziranga National Park. Please call 0207 359 3938 or email Matt and we can put together a tailormade trip of a lifetime
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