East India Tour with Darjeeling & Sikkim Heritage to Himalayan Hills

When you land in Kolkata, a friendly representative from Luxury India Tour will be there to greet you and take you to your hotel in a private car. Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of West Bengal and is situated along the east bank of the River Hooghly, a branch of the Ganges. This river played a significant role in the East India Company's arrival in Bengal, where they established their trade in Calcutta, ultimately transforming it into a thriving colonial city and the capital during the British Raj. Kolkata, known as the City of Joy, is full of life and welcomes everyone with warmth. Enjoy your night in the heart of this lively city.

Prepare to dive into the fascinating colonial history of Kolkata! Today’s tour highlights the stunning old architecture that showcases Britain’s influence on the city. We'll visit the grand Dalhousie Square, often called the “city of palaces,” where you can admire the Kolkata High Court’s impressive Indo-Gothic façade and the ornate Writers’ Building. We'll also stop by the Charnock Mausoleum and the beautiful Governor's House, built in Tuscan style.

Next, we’ll head to the iconic Victoria Memorial. This stunning structure, made of pure white marble, is a symbol of the city and was built in honor of Queen Victoria in the 19th century. Inside, you'll find fascinating exhibits that reflect the British era in India, including manuscripts, artifacts, sculptures, and paintings by renowned European artists such as Johann Zoffany and Thomas Hickey.

Afterward, we’ll take a break at Maidan, a spacious park that offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic, a game of cricket, a stroll, or simply enjoying the laid-back Bengali lifestyle.

Feeling refreshed, we’ll visit Mother Teresa’s Mission, known locally as the Mother House. Here, you can learn about the extraordinary life of a woman who dedicated herself to helping the less fortunate and had a profound humanitarian impact in the 20th century.

Lastly, we will pay our respects at the British Colonial Cemetery, where you can find beautifully crafted stone tributes honoring some of the Empire’s most notable figures. It’s a poignant way to reflect on Kolkata’s rich history.

Get ready for an exciting day starting at 5 am! We’ll head out early to avoid the heavy traffic and the midday heat. Our first stop is the iconic Howrah Bridge, a remarkable structure made from 2,590 metric tons of high-tensile steel. This bridge connects Kolkata with the manufacturing city of Howrah, and its unique plank design is something you won't want to miss.

After exploring the bridge, we’ll stroll through the lively streets to Malik Ghat, home to Asia's largest flower market. Here, you’ll find a dazzling array of flowers, from fresh marigolds to sweet-smelling jasmine and roses. The energy and colors of this bustling market are truly unforgettable.

After enjoying the morning atmosphere, we’ll have breakfast and head to Belur Math. Surrounded by palm trees and peaceful gardens, this beautiful place is the main center of the Ramakrishna Mission. It was built to honor the teachings of the great Indian saint, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Next, we’ll take a quick ferry ride across the Hooghly River to reach the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a key Hindu site in the city. Dedicated to Kali, the patron goddess of Kolkata, this temple was constructed in 1847 by the wealthy widow Rani Rashmoni and features an impressive nine-turret design.

After our visit to the temple, we’ll head to the College Street Book Market, where you can browse through numerous bookstores. We’ll then take a break at the Indian Coffee House, a perfect spot to relax and chat with friends.

To wrap up this fantastic day, we’ll indulge in some mouthwatering Bengali cuisine. Away from the tourist hustle, we'll treat ourselves to delicious dumplings, bread puffs, crispy fried fish, and sweet curd—a true taste of authentic Bengali street food! Return to the hotel for a relaxing and comfortable overnight stay.

This morning, we’ll explore the Clay Pottery of Bengal, renowned for its stunning folk art. Here, skilled potters craft hundreds of images and idols throughout the year in preparation for various festivals, especially the vibrant Durga Puja. During this time, giant, colorful figures adorn the streets before they are immersed in the holy Hooghly River after the celebrations conclude.  

Next, we’ll visit the Indian Museum, locally known as Jadu Ghar, which means “House of Magic.” This impressive museum is a must-see for visitors, as it is one of the oldest and most notable museums in Asia. Established in 1814, it boasts an extensive collection that includes amazing artifacts of natural history.  

After enjoying dinner in the evening, we’ll head to the station for our overnight train or Volvo Bus journey to New Jalpaiguri.  

Upon your arrival at New Jalpaiguri railway station, a friendly driver will take you on a scenic drive to the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling (67 Km). You'll check into a hotel with stunning views of the town. After brunch, we'll embark on a half-day tour of Darjeeling (2154m).  

Our first stop will be the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, founded in 1958 to protect and study the Himalayan wildlife, which was at risk of extinction. The park features diverse landscapes, making it home to fascinating species like clouded leopards, Siberian tigers, Himalayan bears, Tibetan wolves, and red pandas.  

Next, we’ll visit the Mountaineering Institute, established in 1954, which has trained some of India’s best mountaineers.  

Afterward, we’ll head to the Tibetan Refugee Center, founded in 1959 to support Tibetan refugees who escaped with the Dalai Lama. A photographic display at the center captures the early years of the Tibetan community in Darjeeling.  

Enjoy a stroll through Chowrasta in the late afternoon. The main square is lively, cheerful, and full of energy. Here, Bhutanese, Tibetans, and Nepalese mingle with both foreign and Indian tourists, as well as the locals. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Start your day early with a warm cup of tea. Then, we will embark on an exciting jeep ride for 11 km to Tiger Hill, where you can witness the sun rising beautifully over Kangchenjunga. Standing at 2590 meters, this is the highest spot in the area.

Before heading back to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll stop by the Ghoom Monastery, also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery. It’s one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling.

After breakfast, we’ll make our way to the Darjeeling railway station and hop on the charming Darjeeling Toy Train to Kurseong (31 km). This train is part of one of India’s three Mountain Railways that are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll enjoy the delightful sounds as the train whistles and smoke puffs into the air, moving at a leisurely pace of 6 mph along narrow streets, where you can easily grab a snack from nearby markets.

As the train climbs about 5 km outside Darjeeling, it quickly ascends to nearly 1000 feet. The first stop is Ghoom, home to the world's highest narrow-gauge railway station at 7,407 feet in the Himalayas. A car will be waiting to take you back to Darjeeling after we arrive in Kurseong.

After that, enjoy the rest of your time in Darjeeling at your own pace! Overnight in Darjeeling.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set off on an exciting day trip to Glenburn Tea Estate, located 36 km away. This beautiful estate, steeped in 150 years of history, promises a day full of exploration. The journey might be a bit bumpy, but the stunning surroundings will make it all worthwhile. Fresh scents of citronella and wild ginger fill the air as we admire clusters of towering bamboo, broad leaves of teak trees, and cascading waterfalls. You’ll see tea bushes expertly trimmed along the sloping hillsides.

As we walk through the tea gardens, you’ll witness the hardworking women, dressed in wide-brimmed hats and headscarves, skillfully plucking tea leaves. They follow a careful process, harvesting two leaves and a bud, which they toss over their shoulders into woven baskets. This continues throughout their 12-hour shifts, resulting in thousands of leaves collected each day. It’s impressive to think that while Darjeeling produces around 9,000 tons of tea annually, much more is labeled and sold worldwide as “Darjeeling.”

Next, we’ll visit a local tea factory to see how Darjeeling tea is made — from fresh leaves to the final brew. You’ll be able to observe the entire process, from the long trays to the machines doing the rolling, and the packaging section working at full speed. Finally, get ready to participate in a traditional tea tasting, where you’ll discover the flavors, aromas, and colors of the various teas grown on this estate.

After a full day of tea adventures, we’ll return to Darjeeling for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast in Darjeeling, we’ll leave West Bengal behind and head to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. This part of our trip is sure to be just as exciting as the last. The drive will take about four hours, and along the way, you'll see uniquely built houses, lush forests filled with vibrant flowers, and rice terraces that stretch endlessly. 

Sikkim has a fascinating history — once an independent Himalayan kingdom between Nepal and Bhutan, it was ruled by a Buddhist monarch until it became part of India in the mid-1970s. Nestled in the shadow of the towering Himalayas, this peaceful region offers stunning mountain views and a calm, spiritual atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Gangtok, we'll check into our hotel, giving you some time to explore the area on your own. In the late afternoon, step out to soak in the sights and sounds of Gangtok. If you’re in the mood to try some traditional Sikkimese cuisine, a stroll to MG Road will lead you to some delicious options. For a touch of spirituality, consider visiting a nearby monastery around 4 PM for prayers and chants, while enjoying breathtaking views of the city from above. Alternatively, you can sip on a warm cup of hot chocolate at Baker’s café as you take in the stunning surroundings. Don’t miss the chance to chat with the locals and learn more about Sikkim's fascinating history and life today.

We’ll stay overnight in Gangtok. 

*Please remember: Foreign visitors need a permit to enter Sikkim.

After enjoying your breakfast, we’ll kick off our day with a visit to Enchey Monastery, perched above Gangtok. This peaceful retreat was built in the mid-19th century by the 8th Chogyal Mona and is home to around one hundred monks. As we watch their morning prayers, you'll see monks of all ages, from young boys to wise elders, dressed in their vibrant red robes.

Next, we’ll travel along the winding roads up to Rumtek Monastery, located 5,545 feet (1,690 meters) above sea level, just 24 kilometers away. Make sure to have your permit ready to show at Rango’s border point along the Teesta River. As we continue our journey, we’ll pass through guava and orange plantations, bright spots in a landscape often marked by the fluttering prayer flags of Buddhism.

Rumtek was built in the 1960s to replace an earlier Tibetan monastery that was destroyed during China’s Cultural Revolution. Today, it serves as the global center for the Buddhist Black Hat Sect. Inside, you'll find an impressive array of statues, spiritual scriptures saved by early monks during the Chinese invasion of Tibet, and beautifully crafted Thangkas. Also on display is a special black hat and a throne, said to be made of angel hair, waiting for the next spiritual leader—a succession that has sparked much debate.

Our next destination is the Handicraft Center, where skilled local artists create traditional Sikkimese crafts. Here, you’ll see craftsmen at work making masks, paintings, and intricate embroidery. There’s even a small museum showcasing Sikkimese art and award-winning paintings.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Take in the mountain views, unwind at your own pace, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

This morning, we’ll embark on a scenic four-hour drive to the charming village of Pelling, surrounded by stunning monasteries, historical sites, and the magnificent Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.

Upon arrival, we’ll check into a hotel or homestay with incredible views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Pemayangtse Monastery, the main monastery of the Nyingma-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the region. The walls are adorned with striking murals of fierce deities, and upstairs, you’ll find a masterpiece depicting various levels of heaven. You may also notice sensual artworks, a common feature in ancient Hindu temples, often crafted from stone.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You can relax indoors at your hotel or step out to the loft for a peaceful view of the mountains and colorful birds soaring in the sky. If you’re in the mood for a treat, consider trying a traditional Sikkimese meal while chatting with your host about life in the region. For those who want to explore, take a stroll through the valley lined with stunning red rhododendrons and catch a glimpse of the magnificent Mount Kanchenjunga. You’ll spend the night in Pelling.

Sanga Choling Monastery, founded in 1642, is the second oldest and most beautiful monastery in Sikkim. Its interior features gentle designs with murals and dancing figures set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas. We’ll start our day at dawn, witnessing the sun’s rays dance across Mount Kanchenjunga—an unforgettable sight that will stay with you for years. After taking in the view, we’ll embark on a twisting trek to Sanga Choling Monastery, enjoying our pre-packed breakfast along the way.

After lunch, we’ll head to Yuksom, a hidden gem that tourists often miss. This small Himalayan village, once the first capital of Sikkim, sits at an elevation of about 5,800 feet. It’s here, in 1641, that three learned Lamas gathered to choose the first King of Sikkim.

Yuksom is one of the most charming and picturesque villages you’ll come across, surrounded by lush forests and mountain views. Nestled between protective mountains, its houses are beautifully decorated with flowers. You'll see villagers going about their daily lives and children happily chasing after their chicks. The warm smiles and friendly gestures of the locals, along with the chance to sip tea in one of their homes, make this visit truly special.

Next, we’ll visit Norbugang Chorten, the historic site where Sikkim’s first king was crowned. He was blessed with sacred water from nearby Kathog Lake. We’ll also explore the peaceful Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred place believed to fulfill wishes, and visit Dubdi Monastery — the oldest monastery in Sikkim, full of spiritual charm and history.

You’ll return to Pelling for another restful night.

After enjoying breakfast, we head to the beautiful hill station of Kalimpong, which stretches along the ridge above the River Teesta. This area is close to the border of West Bengal and Sikkim and was once an important trade route for merchants traveling to and from Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. 

Our journey begins in Rangpo, Sikkim, as we drive through the stunning Teesta Valley. Along the way, we might have the chance to take a detour through charming villages and expansive forest areas, leading us to a scenic viewpoint of Kalimpong.

Once we arrive in Kalimpong, we'll check into our hotel for the night. This town is famous for producing some of the finest gladioli and orchids in India, boasting over 300 species and vibrant colors. Amazingly, 80% of India’s gladioli come from here, making Kalimpong a key player in flower cultivation. We'll explore fantastic flower nurseries that export exquisite blooms such as dahlias, cacti, roses, gerberas, amaryllis lilies, and a variety of ferns and palms.

Next, we’ll visit Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, a peaceful hilltop retreat overlooking Kalimpong. Surrounded by flower-filled fields in spring, this monastery is known for its role in Tibetan medicine and was blessed by the Dalai Lama in 1976.

Later, explore Kalimpong’s traditional market — a lively blend of cultures and faiths. The town’s population is mainly ethnic Nepali, descendants of settlers from the British era. Thanks to its location near China and Bhutan, Kalimpong offers a rich mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian influences. We will spend the night in Kalimpong.

This morning, we will make our way to Bagdogra, the domestic airport located at the foot of the Darjeeling hills. From there, we’ll take a flight back to either Kolkata or New Delhi. During the flight, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, catching glimpses of some of the tallest peaks in the world, including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the impressive Kangchenjunga. 

Once we arrive in Kolkata, we'll board our flight home. As we reflect on our journey through the breathtaking mountains, picturesque valleys, and the wonderful people we met, we’ll certainly cherish the memories and incredible photos from our adventure across the northeast Himalayas!

**Important Note:** If you wish, you can extend your stay by one more night in Kolkata and take some time to explore the local markets and café areas.