Journey to India’s Eastern Himalayan foothills and see where some of the world’s finest tea is grown. In Darjeeling visit a tea factory to see how the tea leaves are processed. You also get a glimpse of the region’s wildlife by visiting the Zoological Park for the Snow Leopard and Red Panda Breeding Program. Journey onward to Kalimpong, Sikkim and Assam for outstanding vistas, a papermaking workshop, migratory bird watching and a four day river cruise down the Brahmaputra.
Day 1 – Bagdogra/Darjeeling
Arrive in Bagdogra where you will be met and driven to Darjeeling. Transfer to your hotel before touring Observatory Hill and Bhutia Busty. and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 – Darjeeling
Watch the sunrise from Tiger hill before breakfast. Visit the Himalayan Mountain Institute and the prestigous Gymkana or Planters Club, one of the oldest buildings in Darjeeling. An afternoon trip to Happy Valley Tea Estate shows you how tea leaves are processed.
Day 3 – Darjeeling
At 10:00AM ride the Toy Train to Ghoom passed the many tea plantations which blanket the area’s surrounding hills. Visit Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park known for their Snow Leapord and Red Panda Breeding Program.
Day 4 – Darjeeling/Kalimpong
After breakfast drive to Kalimpong) and transfer to your hotel. Attend a workshop at the Gangjong Paper Factory in the afternoon. Kalimpong is famous for its handmade paper.
Day 5 – Kalimpong
Visit Lava (on trade route to Bhutan and 35 km from Kalimpong) and hike the nature trails of Neora National Park while enjoying views from Rachela Pass. Watch the sun setting on your evening return.
Day 6 – Kalimpong/Gangtok (Sikkim)
Drive to Gangtok and transfer to your hotel. Tour the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do Drul Chorten, Enchey monastery and Ganesh Tok for a 360 degree view of Kanchenchunga.
Day 7 – Gangtok
Drive to Tsomgo Lake (Changu 3750 meters near Tibetan border) and visit Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary en route (May-Aug migratory birds making their way from Siberia to India for winter.
Day 8 – Gangtok/Pelling
Drive to Pelling. Tour Peymayangtse & Rabdentse Palace (17th century capital of Sikkim) and glimpse a spectacular view of Tashiding which locals say that one glimpse of Tashiding Monastery will “cleanse the soul”).
Day 9 – Pelling/Bagdogra/Guwahati (Assam)
Drive to Bagdogra and fly to Guwahati. Transfer to your hotel. Tour the Kamakhya Temple and Pan Bazaar. Assam produces nearly 55 percent of the tea crop in India and 20% of the world’s tea! (Rajmaha)
Day 10 to Day 13 – Guwahati/Kaziranga
Drive to Kaziranga (one of India’s top 5 places to view wildlife) to board on your 4 day river cruise down the Brahmaputra on an Assam Bengal Navigations Ship.
Day 13 – Depart Guwahati
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
