North East Buddhist Tour

Tour Destination: Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Pelling - Gangtok -Kalimpong - Bagdogra

Travel Duration: 07 Nights/08 Days

DAY 1: BAGDOGRA - DARJEELING

Today drive to Queen of Hills- Darjeeling. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit 

DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY- The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is also known as the Toy Train. It is a narrow gauge rail that is 2ft in width and runs between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri and was built in the years between 1879 and 1881. In 1999, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

DARJEELING ROPEWAY- From the ropeway of Darjeeling which is also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, you can have mind blowing view of the valley below, see the spread of lush tea gardens, dense forests, mountain streams in their full flow, waterfalls, and the awesome snow peaks at the background. 

Spend the rest of the day at leisure or you can go for a leisure walk around the place.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: DARJEELING

After breakfast, visit the city of Darjeeling.

SINGALILA NATIONAL PARK- Located at an altitude of approximately 2134 meters above sea level the National Park is situated in the highest regions of West Bengal. The park is known for its amazing peaks and the panoramic views of the lesser Himalayas. The National Park is famous as a trekker's paradise with a large verity of mountainous vegetation, fauna, and birds. 

PARMESAN NADIA ZOOLOGICAL PARK- Known for its famous Red Panda and Snow Leopard breeding program, the park is spread in an area of 67.56 acres. It is the largest high altitude zoos in India and some of the rare and endangered species in the zoo are snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Salamanders, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan mountain goat and Siberian tigers.

HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE- The Institute was created by the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights.

OBSERVATORY HILL- It is a famous view point and tourist attraction in Darjeeling. The location is famous for its magnificent views of Kanchendzonga and the ancient temple dedicated to Mahakaal or Lord Shiva.

JAPANESE PEACE PAGODA- Built during 1885-1985 by a Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fuji. The Buddhist shrine is located amidst some really enticing locations and is built in a beautiful white structure with golden colored sculptures.

TEA ESTATE- Spread across a massive area of 437-acres, and situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, the Tea Estate is one of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling. The place is located amidst some of the most breath taking surroundings in India. It also houses one of the highest tea factories in the world.

DARJEELING MALL- The Chowrasta or the Mall is the town center in Darjeeling. This is a lovely little flat area, a public square where four roads meet. This public place is where you would like to lounge & bake in the sun, sit and watch the wonderful views of the mountain range and see many locals and tourists hanging around.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: DARJEELING - PELLING

Early morning at 4am, excursion trip visiting

TIGER HILL- Located at the highest point in Darjeeling area, Tiger Hill is best known for the dazzling sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga and the snow covered peaks of the entire eastern Himalayan range. On a clear day you can even see the Mount Everest from here. Tiger Hill is located 11km from the Darjeeling Town

GHOOM MONASTERY- On your way back, visit Ghoom Monastery- also called Yiga Choeling monastery, it is one of Darjeeling's oldest gompas. Belonging to the Yellow sect of Buddhism, the construction of this monastery started in 1850. The statue of Maitreya Buddha, Lord Buddha of the future is the main attraction here. 

BATASIA LOOP- The War memorial, lying in the well-maintained garden, bounded by Batasia Loop. The memorial is built in the memory of Gorkha martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the wars to save their country.

Later continue your drive to the hill station Pelling. Transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or you can go for a leisure walk around the place.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4: PELLING - GANGTOK

After breakfast at hotel, visit the little town of Pelling

KANCHENDZONG WATER FALLS- The Khanchendzongna waterfall lies 28 km away from Darap en route to Yuksam and 15 km before reaching Yuksam. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sikkim and is normally active throughout the year.

KHECHEOPARI LAKE- This is considered one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. 

RIMBI WATERFALLS- About 12kms away from Pelling and about 5 kms further down from Darap village is Rimbi River Bank which falls on the way to Khecheopalri and Yuksam where the main attraction is water falls which is spectacular in summer that attract many waterfalls lovers.

RABDENTSE PALACE RUINS- Rabdanse Ruins lie hidden from the main road. The walk towards Rabdantse is through a forest area with some rare species of orchids and a few lakes. These lakes are also home to local carp fish. There are good views from the top of the ruins looking across the deep valley and to the Khang-chen-Dzonga ranges.

PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY- Pemayangtse literally means perfect sublime lotus. This is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim. Founded in 1705, this monastery belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect. 

YUKSOM- Yuksom is a large village with a total area of 812.16 hectares (2,006.9 acres). It is located in a basin-like valley surrounded by mountain ranges. Located at the head of the Khangchendzonga National Park, it is the gateway to Mt. Khangchendzonga. The popular mountaineering trek starts from Yuksom. 

PHAMRONG WATER FALLS- Located between Yuksom and Gerethang this highest waterfall of West Sikkim presents a magnificent scenario especially during Monsoon. A gentle gradient footpath takes one to a viewpoint for a closer view of this mighty discharge of water.

DUBDI MONASTERY- Dubdi Monastery also commonly called as the Yuksum Monastery is another Buddhist pilgrim centre located in the Tibetan Buddhism of the Nyingma Sect, close to Yuksum.

SINGSHORE BRIDGE- Singshore Bridge, a 198 meter suspension bridge. It is also the highest bridge of Sikkim and second highest George Bridge in Asia.

TASHIDING MONASTERY- It is a Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Buddhism in Western Sikkim, northeastern India. It is located on top of the hill rising between the Rathong chu and the Rangeet River.

Later continue your drive to the hill station Gangtok. Transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or you can go for a leisure walk around the place.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 5: GANGTOK

After breakfast at hotel, visit the Gangtok City

RUMTEK MONAESTRY- This is the largest monastery in Sikkim. Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the Karmapa Lama, the third highest monk in Tibetan Buddhism. It also serves as one of the most important seats of the Kagyu (Black Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet and is also known as Dharmachakra Centre.

GANESH TOK AND HANUMAN TOK- Located near Tashi View point, Ganesh Tok is a temple dedicated to Ganesha and Hanuman Tok is a temple of God Hanuman. The temple is famous among tourist. People visit the temple to offer prayers and also to enjoy the beautiful view. There is a circular balcony around the temple and a viewing lounge to soak in the view. You can see the majestic mountains, rolling hills and Gangtok town from here.

ENCHEY MONASTERY- This is a religious site of the Nyingma order. Enchey literally means Solitary. This Monastery was built with the intention that no other construction would be allowed near it. It is said that the site has been blessed by Lama Drupko Karpo, a revered tantric master reputed for his power to fly. 

DO DRUL CHORTEN- This was built by Trulshi Rimpoche. He was the head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. The golden-colored dome is the highlight of the structure. You can spot lamas engrossed in their prayers. One of the important stupas in Sikkim with two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche.

TASHI VIEW POINT- This was built by the late King of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal. One can have a clear view of the Himalayan range, besides Mt. Khanchendzonga on a clear day. Tourist can enjoy the scenic view of Mount Kanchendzonga, Mount Siniolchu and the whole of Himalayan range.

RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY- Perched on the top of a beautiful hill, the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology was established in 1958 to promote research into the Mahayana sect of Buddhism and Tibetan language and culture. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 6: GANGTOK

After breakfast go on the excursion trip to 

TSOMGO LAKE- Changu Lake, lying at an elevation of 12,400 feet above the sea level is a glacial lake, which is 37 km away from Gangtok. This stunning attraction, it is frequently visited by Brahmin ducks and other colorful migratory birds. This oval-shaped lake is 50 feet deep and is covered with snow all round the year.

BABA MANDIR- Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial War temple, around 20 km from here. Originally a war memorial, built in the memory of soldier Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment, who sacrificed his life in the Indo-China was of year 1962, it slowly turned into a temple. It was constructed in 1983 by the Indian Army after the deceased soldier appeared in the dream of his soldier friend.

In the evening, you can visit the M G Road (Mall) to indulge in shopping and collecting memorabilia. Get your hands on woolen clothes, Thangka paintings, handicrafts and more

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 7: GANGTOK - KALIMPONG

Drive to a small hill station Kalimpong. Transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or you can go for a leisure walk around the place.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 8: KALIMPONG - BAGDOGRA

After breakfast visit the little hill town Kalimpong viewing 

DEOLO HILL- Situated at an elevation of nearly 1914 meters Deolo Hill commands an excellent view of the town. With Teesta Valley below and the snowy ranges in the distant horizon, the place is one of the beautiful sites around Kalimpong. Deollo / Dello is a location on the edge of a Ridge with spectacular views.

HANUMAN MANDIR- Located on the way to the Deolo Hill, the Hanuman Temple in Kalimpong is another quick stopover. You need to climb a set of stairs to reach the Hanuman statue which is the tallest in northeast India.

MANGAL DHAM TEMPLE- Built over an area of two acres, the Mangal Dham Temple is among the popular tourist places in Kalimpong. The many paintings in the temple depict various scenes from Krishna Leela. It is a well-maintained temple and the religious tourists mostly flock to this place.

GRAHAM HOMES- Dr. Graham's Homes School is one of the finest school of Kalimpong and is internationally famous. Established in the year 1900 on the lower slopes of Deolo Hill. It was founded to educate the children of tea workers.

DURBIN GOMPA- This monastery was established in the year 1922. This Gompa belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in the Tibet in the 14th century and to which the Dalai Lama belongs.

THONGSA GOMPA- A short distance lower down the hill is the Thongsa Gompa of Bhutanese Monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the area and was founded in the year 1692. The original monastery was destroyed by the Gurkhas and was rebuilt later. In prehistoric ages Tibetan traders use to pay homage to the gods for safely having crossed the treacherous trails.

FLOWER NURSERIES- Kalimpong is famous for flower nurseries which export exotic flowers. Kalimpong is the only place in the region where many commercial flower nurseries are situated. 

In the evening continue your drive to Bagdogra to catch your flight/train towards onward destination.