- Full day sightseeing tour of Kolkata
- Boat ride on the Hooghly River
- Ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway known as the ‘Toy Train’
- Trip to Tiger Hills to see the sunrise over the mighty Himalayan peaks of Mt Kanchenjunga
- Tour of the Puttabong Tea Estate
- Visit 130 ft Buddha at Buddha Park
- Tours of various noteworthy monasteries including entrance fees
- An excursion to Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers
- Trip to the Orchidarium, Kalimpong
- Airport meet and greet service. Chauffeur driven air-conditioned car
- 4 and 5 star heritage style hotels
Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Holiday
15 Day – Private tour with air-conditioned car and driver
From £3590 low season & £3990 high season
ABTA and ATOL protected holidays
On this exhilarating Eastern Himalayas Holiday discover the giant heights of the spectacular Eastern Himalayas, marvel at the natural beauty of lush valleys and Darjeeling’s tea-growing slopes, explore the magic of Sikkim’s rich culture and discover historic monuments and temples.
Highlights include a boat ride on the Hooghly River and an exciting trip on the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway known as the ‘toy train’. You will visit the Tiger Hills at sunrise to see Mt Kanchenjunga and possibly Mt Everest, and go on a tour of a tea estate. You can also discover lofty monasteries and explore the breathtaking Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers.
Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this tour is just an example to help inspire you. If you would like we can also arrange your flights for a fully ATOL protected holiday. Contact the team for more information on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com
Highlights of the Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Holiday
Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Holiday Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kolkata International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Authentic India Tours representatives who will transfer you to your hotel for a 2 night stay.
The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the wonderful facilities of your luxury hotel or explore the local area. Just a short walk away is the new Kolkata market.
Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata
Meals included: Breakfast
Today is an opportunity to discover this charming metropolis with a full days sightseeing tour. It’s an early start to visit the colourful flower market, followed by a boat ride on the Hooghly River.
The afternoon’s sightseeing includes the Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Indian Museum, one the largest museums in India.
Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning you will be transferred to Kolkata airport for your flight to Bagdogra. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and taken on the 3 -4 hour journey to Darjeeling.
Nestled among the rolling mountains with the glistening Mt Kanchenjunga towering over the azure sky, Darjeeling is fondly known as the “Queen of the Hills”. It provides a perfect gateway for those seeking to be in harmony with nature. This is the land of the musky sweet flavoured Darjeeling tea sometimes referred to as the ‘champagne of teas’. It is also home to the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway where the century-old miniature steam engine still chugs uphill vying for space with more modern modes of transport.
Approximate travel time: 5 hours 15 mins
Accommodation: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling
Meals included: Breakfast, Half Board
It’s an early morning start for an excursion to Tiger Hills to see the sunrise over the mighty Himalayan peaks of Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Everest (subject to weather and visibility conditions).
After breakfast, its time for a ride on the toy train pulled along by the century old steam engine to the town of Ghoom. Here you can visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum and the old Tibetan Buddhist Ghoom monastery before returning to Darjeeling.
Later in the day, you can also discover the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park and Tibetan Refugee Centre.
Accommodation: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling
Meals included: Breakfast, Half Board
This morning’s visit to the Puttabong Tea Estate, formerly known as Tuvkar Tea Estate, is an opportunity to appreciate one of the oldest and largest tea estates in the area. The beautiful tea garden located in the northern most district of the Darjeeling hills produces some of the best quality Darjeeling tea. It is situated in a prime location with the river Rangeet flowing through the land and contributing to the rich diversity to the estate.
In the afternoon we continue with a trip to the Observatory Hill. As the name suggests, this vantage point is one of the best spots in Darjeeling to observe the panoramic views of the mountains and is also home to the Mahakal Temple.
Accommodation: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling
Meals included: Breakfast, Half Board
Today we drive to Pelling which is a scenic 4 hours journey. Along the route you will be accompanied by spectacular views of the magical Himalayas and the beautiful valleys.
After lunch you will discover the Sanga Choeling Monastery which enjoys a privileged position, situated on a ridge above Pelling and overlooking the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 AD, it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the Sikkim. It does take a 45 minute steep uphill walk to reach the monastery but the effort is well rewarded with great views of Pelling and surrounding hills including Mount Kanchenjunga.
Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours, 75 kms
Accommodation: Norbu Ghang Retreat & Spa, Pelling
Meals included: Breakfast, Half Board
After breakfast, your tour continues with a visit to the Pemayangtse Monastery and the ruins of Rabdentse.
Pemayangtse literally means perfect sublime lotus. Founded in 1705, this is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim and belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect. The 3 story building houses a good collection of wall paintings and sculptures as well as a painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rinpoche. In January to February every year, a religious dance called ‘Cham’ is performed in Pemayangtse.
The ruins of Rabdentse is just a walk away from the Monastery through forestry. This was the second capital of Sikkim until 1814. The capital city was destroyed by the invading Gurkha army and is a must-see place for history enthusiasts who want to delve into the state’s history.
The afternoon is free to explore Pelling.
Accommodation: Norbu Ghang Retreat & Spa, Pelling
Meals included: Breakfast, Half Board
Today’s adventure is a drive to Gangtok which normally takes about 5 -6 hours. Apart from amazing views there is plenty to see today with a visit to Namchi Bazaar and the mesmerising sight of the 130 ft high golden statue of Budda at Buddha Park, Ravangla.
The rest of the day is free to explore Gangtok which is the capital city of the Himalayan state of Sikkim, known for its flowers and its preservation of the Tibetan culture mainly due to the many refugees who have settled there. For those who enjoy heights there may also be time to enjoy a ride on the Gangtok cable car offering stunning views of the city and local terrain.
Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hrs 20 mins, 130 kms
Accommodation: The Elgin Nor-khill Hotel, Gangtok
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
This morning’s visit to the Rumtek Monastery, is a chance to discover one of the most impressive and noteworthy monasteries in Gangtok. The monastery follows the school of Tibetan Buddhism and is renowned globally for its Kagyu teachings. A visit will reveal the history of the sect and knowledge of the fundamentals of Buddhism. The architecture of the place built in the classical Tibetan gompa style is also a major attraction.
This is followed by a visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology which promotes research on the people of the Tibetan culture area. You will also see the Chorten (stupa), a memorial for the dead and later, pass by the Tashiling Secretariat Building, the Tsuk La Khang Palace Monastery and Royal Chapel.
The evening is free to explore Gangtok’s night market and pedestrianised high street.
Accommodation: The Elgin Nor-khill Hotel, Gangtok
Meals included: Breakfast, Half Board
After breakfast, the picturesque drive to the mountain village of Lachung will take about 5 hours. At a height of 8610 ft, Lachung is embraced by snow-capped mountain peaks, breath-taking waterfalls, sparkling streams and apple orchards.
Later this afternoon it’s a visit to the Lachung Gompa just across the river from the town centre. Built around 1880, the small but colourful monastery is situated amidst apple orchards
Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hrs 20 mins, 116 kms
Accommodation: Yarlam Resort, Lachung
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
The excursion to Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers is a real treat for anyone who loves magical scenery. The opportunity to satisfy your adventurous soul is waiting, with a trek through the valley, one of the standout activities of a visit to Lachung and Sikkim
This nature sanctuary is one of the most picturesque destinations, offering spectacular snow-capped mountains views, an abundance of flowers, hot springs and grazing yaks as well as a beautiful serene tributary of the Teesta River winding its way through the lush meadows.
Accommodation: Yarlam Resort, Lachung
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After a leisurely breakfast it’s a late morning drive back to Gangtok. Here, you can explore the destination from your centrally located hotel or possibly relax in an indulgent treatment offered by the hotel spa.
Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hrs 20 mins, 115 kms
Accommodation: The Elgin Nor-khill Hotel, Gangtok
Meals included: Breakfast, Half Board
Your tour today takes you to the bustling bazaar town of Kalimpong (3 hours). The town sprawls along a saddle-shaped mountain ridge overlooking the roaring Teesta River and is lorded over by the summit of Kangchenjunga. Smaller and more laid-back than Darjeeling, Kalimpong boasts Himalayan views, Buddhist monasteries, colonial-era architecture and a fascinating nursery industry, all linked by some fabulous walks.
This afternoon’s activities include a trip to the Orchidarium and a chance to learn more about orchid growing in India, as well as a visit the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang and Tharpa Choling Monasteries.
Approximate travel time and distance: 2 hrs 30 mins, 75 kms
Accommodation: The Elgin Silver Oaks, Kalimpong
Meals included: Breakfast, Half Board
This morning you will be taken to Bagdogra Airport for your flight back to Kolkata.
You will be met on arrival at Kolkata Airport and transferred to your beautiful hotel.
Approximate travel time: 3 hrs 50 mins
Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata
Meals included: Breakfast
In plenty of time you will be taken to Kolkata Airport to board your return flight.
If you have a little more time and fancy exploring another area of India such as the golden triangle or the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, or you may wish to relax on a beach in Goa or on a riverboat cruise, please let the team know as this can easily be arranged.
Meals included: Breakfast
Sights to enjoy on the Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Holiday
Places on the Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Holiday
Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Holiday Hotels
Pricing and Inclusions
Price guide for this 15 day Eastern Himalayas Holiday is:
- £3590 in low season
- £3990 in high season
The prices do not include flights.
Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.
This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid December to mid January.
Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.
Included with this tour are the following:
- Authentic India Tours meet & greet assistance on arrival
- All transfers and sightseeing tours using air-conditioned car with private chauffeur
- Accommodation for 14 nights on twin sharing basis.
- English speaking guide for sightseeing tour
- Entrances at all national parks, museums and monuments as per the itinerary
- Economy class return flight tickets for Kolkata to Bagdogra (Please be aware the luggage allowance on all domestic flights is only 15 kg per person. You have the option to buy an extra 5 kg or 10 kg as required).
- Standard category rooms at all hotels unless otherwise mentioned
- Meal Plan: Kolkata on bed & breakfast, Lachung on full board and half board at all other locations.
- Mineral water on all days of travel
Price does not include:
- International flight tickets
- Travel insurance and visa
- Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages etc
- Meals other than mentioned in the above meal plan
- Camera & video fees at national parks, museums & monuments
Prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.
For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this itinerary, please call us on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com
Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this India tour is just an example to help inspire you.
For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.