The Last Shangri-la (Delhi – Bagdogra – Darjeeling – Pemayangtse – Gangtok – Phodang – Gangtok – Kalimpong – Bagdogra – Delhi)

Duration: 10 days and 9 nights

Description: This unique tour takes you to the hidden treasures of India in the foothills of the Himalayas. Visit the former British retreat of Darjeeling and Sikkim, the lost kingdom. Familiarize yourself with the landscape, culture and daily life in this region and relax in these pleasant places of tranquility.

Day 01: Arrival in Delhi (-/-/-)
Arrive at the airport and be received and transferred to the hotel. On the way, take in your first glimpse of this exciting city, where tradition and modernity reside together. Old Delhi, formerly the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow streets and magnificent mosques. As a contrast, New Delhi is the imperial city, created by the British occupying forces, consisting of broad avenues and imposing government buildings.

On a subsequent tour in Delhi, you will see the Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Rajghat before lunch and later to the Qutb Minar, Humayun’s grave, the Lotus Temple and India Gate. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi – Bagdogra – Darjeeling (B/-/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, you are taken to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival you will be met by our staff and driven to Darjeeling. On your way, enjoy the fantastic green landscape and the soothing tranquility.
On arrival, check in at the hotel.

Day 03: Darjeeling (B/-/D)
Early in the morning, after a hot cup of tea or coffee, experience a tour of Darjeeling. The sight of green hills in the dawn is fascinating. Watch the sunrise on “Tiger Hill”, and spot the Ghoom Monastery, built by a Mongolian monk, Lama Sherab Gyatso. It has a magnificent statue of Maitreya, “the Buddha of the Future”. After a hearty breakfast, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, where you can see Tibetan craftsmen crafting traditional items such as carpets, woolen boots, wood carvings and leather goods. The rest of the day is free at your disposal. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Darjeeling – Pemayangtse (B/-/D)
After a relaxed breakfast, proceed onwards to Pemayangtse. Half way you will experience a wonderful picnic on the banks of the romantic river Teesta. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Pemayangtse – Gangtok (B/-/D)
Today you will visit the fascinating Sangacholing Monastery, an hour’s walk away from the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Pemayangtse monastery atop a hill. It is known as the most prestigious center of religious learning in Sikkim. Later you will be transferred to Gangtok. On the way, visit the wonderful green tea plantations and the tea factory in Temi Tarku. After a relaxed picnic in the tea garden, continue your journey to reach Gangtok by late afternoon.
On arrival, check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Gangtok (B/-/D)
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, proceed on a full-day tour to the monastery Enchey, the Research Institute of Tibetology, Do-Drul Chorten and Rumtek Monastery, located 24 km from Gangtok. It is the headquarters of the “Dharma Chakra Religious Centre. You will also visit the Wild Park, which houses the Himalayan Bear, the Tibetan vulture and various species of deer.
In the evening, drive back to Gangtok. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Gangtok – Phodang – Gangtok (B/-/D)
Today after breakfast, we invite you on a trip to Phodang. Visit the fascinating Phodang monastery and the glorious Labrang Monastery. Let this very special environment wash over you. In the evening, you are back at the hotel in Gangtok, where you can relive all the interesting experiences again.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Gangtok – Kalimpong (B/-/D)
Your journey today leads to Kalimpong, another quiet spot on a hill in the eastern Himalayas. The unspoiled scenery along the way will inspire you. Kalimpong is famous for its orchids and nurseries, and some of the rarest cacti can be seen. Oak, maple and chestnut extend as far as the eye can see. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. After a rest and an enjoyable lunch, we invite you on a half-day sightseeing tour. You see the Durpin Dhara, the Zong Dog, the Fo-Brong Monastery Palri, the famous orchids and nurseries. Experience the Kalimpong market, a world of colors and scents.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Kalimpong – Bagdogra – Delhi (B/-/-)
After breakfast, you will be brought to the airport for your flight from Bagdogra to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be escorted to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: DEPARTURE FROM Delhi (B/-/-)
You will be transferred to the Delhi airport for your onward flight.