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364 Embassy, Koramangala, Bangalore. Ph: +91 9483958408, 9880388991, holiday@takeabreak.in, www.takeabreak.in

BEST OF NORTH EAST Darjeeling – Gangtok – Kalimpong

7 Days / 6 Nights GANGTOK KALIMPONG

DARJEELING

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Darjeeling: Tiger hill sun rise, Himalayan mountaineering institute & zoo, cable car, Ghoom Monastery, Japanese temple, Observatory hill & Shopping Gangtok : Rumtek Monastery, Ranka Monastery, Ban Jakri Falls, Do-Dul Chorten, Institute of Tibetology, Hanuman Tok, Enchey Monastery, Tashi view point & Shopping Kalimpong: Thongsa Gompa, Durpin Dara hill & Jang Dong Palriffo Brang (Monastery) DAY 1: DARJEELING Darjeeling You will be greeted by the most exotic views that nature ever bestowed on mankind. Darjeeling, perhaps the most popular hill station in India, is located in West Bengal and is bedecked with many monuments of colonial heritage. Known as the Queen among all the hill stations, the hill station sits perched up on Mt. Kanchenjunga. Look around and you will see tea gardens and variety of flora and fauna scattered around everywhere. The town has not much to offer but unlimited natural attractions. Challenging treks and white water rafting lure every adventurer to Darjeeling. Day Notes

Arrive Bagdogra Airport You will be greeted by our chauffeur and drive to hotel Check-in to the hotel & rest of the day at leisure Overnight at, Darjeeling

Included BB

DAY 2: DARJEELING Day Notes

Early morning at 05:00 AM proceed to view sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hills Visit Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop Return to the resort for breakfast Post breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Darjeeling Sightseeing of Darjeling: Himalayan mountaineering institute & zoo, Cable Car, Japanese temple & Observatory hill. Return to the hotel by late noon and rest of the evening at leisure Overnight at Darjeeling

Included BB Visit the below sightseeing points

Tiger Hill Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is famous for offering panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga. The hill is situated at a height of 2555 meters and on a clear day, views of Mount Everest can also be enjoyed from here. Tourists are advised to reach this spot at 4 in the morning, at the time of sunrise, when the sky is lit with multi hued colours. From Tiger Hill, Mount Everest (8848m) is just visible, peeping out through two other peaks standing by its side. Makalu (8481m) looks higher than Mt. Everest, owing to the curve in the horizon, as it is several miles closer than Everest. The distance in straight line from Tiger Hill to Everest is 107 miles. The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light on the twin peaks of Kangchenjunga painting it pink and then bathing it in a beautiful orange colour.

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Ghoom Monastery Yiga Choeling Monastery of Ghoom is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling area built in the year 1850. This is the original or the old Ghoom Monastery. There is another monastery called Samten Choling Monastery in Ghoom which is also sometimes referred as Ghoom Monastery by the local drivers. So if you are planning to visit the original Ghoom Monastery, be specific and mention old Ghoom Monastery. Ghoom is about 7km from Darjeeling town and located at an altitude of about 7,407ft. (or 2,226 meters). Located below Ghoom railway station, the external structure of the Yiga Choeling Monastery or the Ghoom Monastery was built by the monk and a famous astrologer Lama Sherab Gyatso in 1850. He was the first head of the monastery and continued his tenure until 1905. He later went back to his birthplace Tibet. Batsaia Loop Batasia Loop, a massive railway loop around 5 km from Darjeeling is a great place to enjoy a 360 degree view of the beautiful landscapes of Darjeeling and the majestic Kanchenjunga range. It was built with the aim of lowering the gradient of ascent of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Commissioned in the year 1919, Batasia Loop commands wonderful view of the serene surroundings with snowcapped mountains of the Eastern Himalayas. The place also has an Eco Garden providing information on organic farming and plantation in Darjeeling. A War Memorial set at the center of the Batasia Loop is dedicated to those Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in several wars after Indian Independence in 1947. Himalayan mountaineering institute The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI darjelling) was established in Darjeeling, India on November 4, 1954 to encourage mountaineering as an organized sport in India. The first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary sparked a keen interest in establishing mountaineering as a well-respected endeavour for people in the region. With the impetus provided by the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, HMI was established in Darjeeling. Tenzing Norgay was the first director of field training for HMI. HMI regularly conducts Adventure, Basic and Advanced Mountaineering courses. These are very comprehensive courses. They are also highly subsidised to encourage mountaineering as a sport. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (also called the Darjeeling Zoo) is a 67.56-acre (27.3 ha) zoo in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The zoo was opened in 1958, and an average elevation of 7,000 feet (2,134 m), is the largest high altitude zoo in India. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions, and has successful captive breeding programs for the Snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf and the Red panda. The zoo attracts about 300,000 visitors every year. The park is named after Padmaja Naidu (1900–1975), daughter of Sarojini Naidu. The zoo serves as the central hub for Central Zoo Authority of India's red panda program and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway One of the best ways to experience the panoramic views that Darjeeling is so famous for, is by taking a ride on the ropeway. It's also called the Rangeet Valley Cable Car because of the spectacular view of the valley around the river Little Rangeet. You will need to board the cable car from Singamari which is some 3km (i.e. 1.8 miles) away from Darjeeling Chowk Bazaar. As you ride the cable car, in about 45 minutes you will travel from an altitude of about 7,000 ft. (or 2134m) down to 800 ft. (or 244m) where the last station Singla Bazar is located. Darjeeling ropeway started in 1968 and is the first cable car system in India. It was initially set up to cater to the tea gardens at the valleys below which did not otherwise have an easy access. Starting with just one cable car or a carriage, it was upgraded to accommodate 16 cable cars each having a capacity of six persons. Japanese temple There is a wonderful Japanese temple located at a 10 minutes driving distance from the Darjeeling town center. The temple is also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. The two storied white building was built in a traditional Japanese style in the year 1972. Close to the temple is the Peace Pagoda that showcases four avatars of Lord Buddha. From the top of the Pagoda, you get a panoramic view of Darjeeling landscape including the Kanchenjunga range. Earlier the car could enter through the main gate of the temple premises and park right below the temple. These days you will need to walk for about 5-6 minutes from the main gate along a narrow road that first goes downhill and then uphill. On the way you will notice a few small houses on the right with prayer flags fluttering in front of them. As you walk along, you will reach another gate. Right next to the gate and on the left are some flights of stairs that lead to the Japanese Temple.

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Observatory Hill Observatory hill is a hill near Chowrasta square, or The Mall as it is popularly known, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Magnificent views of snow-clad peaks, including Mount Kanchenjunga, are visible from the Observatory Hill. The Bhutia Busty monastery was originally located here. Now the hill has the temple of Mahakal. Two important arteries of the town, Nehru Road and Bhanubhakta Sarani, meet at Chowrasta. Another school of thought suggests that the presence of the megalithic core to have been a place of worship of the Rongs, representing a sacred location of the classic Long Chok (erect stones) type. The term 'Dotsug' was thus a literal translation of 'Long Chok' Shopping You talk to anybody who had visited Darjeeling and ask about great places in the hill town, the Chowrasta Mall will surely be one thing that will figure in the description. That's true. The Chowrasta or the Mall is the heart of Darjeeling town. Located on top of Nehru Road, this is a nice flat land where tourists and locals come to lounge in the sun, take a seat on one of the many benches along the periphery, and watch the wonderful views of the mountain peaks and valleys all around. Mall is like the town center or the social center of Darjeeling. This is where some of the old and heritage stores are lined up on one side, and there is open view on the other with many pine trees all around. If you want to feel the real vibe of Darjeeling, watch people and activities, this is the place to come. Another thing that you won't miss here... there are lots of young local lads with their ponies offering horse rides to children. Many elderly tourists indulge as well.

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DAY 3: DARJEELING – GANGTOK (97 Km/3.5 Hrs) Gangtok Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is all about culture, panorama and monasteries. Often termed as ‘Lofty Hill’, the city is popular for its 1716 built Gangtok Monastery. Tourist can enjoy some of the best nature created scenery in Gangtok. Pay a visit to the Dul-Dul Chorten and Labrang Monastery. The Deer Park and Kangchendzonga National Park are haven for those wanting to see some unique flora and fauna. Some other famous attraction in Gangtok includes Kechopari Lake, Phurchachu Reshi Hot Springs, Kabi Longstok, Rumtek Monastery, Tsogmo Lake and Yumey-Samdong hot springs. Shopping for wooden handicrafts and bags and carpets should not be missed. Popular excursion from Gangtok is to Changu Lake, Chungthang, Hanuman Tok and Phoodong Monastery among others. Trekking is a wonderful adventure option but one requires permits in order to explore the area. April to Mid June and September to November is the ideal time to visit the city. Day Notes

After breakfast checkout from the hotel and drive to Gangtok Arrive Gangtok and check in to the hotel and freshen up In the evening free for shopping through the streets of Gangtok Overnight at Gangtok

Included BB

DAY 4: GANGTOK Day Notes

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Gangtok Sightseeing of Gangtok: Rumtek Monastery, Ban Jakri Falls, Do-Dul Chorten, Hanuman Tok, Enchey Monastery, Tashi

view point, Cable Car Ride You may wish to do paragliding in Gangtok (optional & at additional cost) Return to the hotel by evening and rest of the evening at leisure Overnight at Gangtok

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Included BB Visit the below sightseeing points

Rumtek Monastery Rumtek Monastery is also known as Dharma Chakra Centre. From its location on a hilltop, Rumtek Monastery is facing the city Gangtok. The monastery is located 24 km away from Gangtok, in the east Sikkim. This monastery is the largest monastery in Sikkim, which is dwelling to the monk community. This is the place where the monks do the sacred rites in addition to the practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The monastery is situated at an altitude of 5,800 ft. During summer, the maximum temperature would range between 13 and 21°C; however, in the winter the temperature would range between 8 and 15°C. Rumtek Monastery consists of numerous sacred things; one of the most glorious things is the Golden Stupa that holds the treasured relics of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa. Ban Jhakri Falls Set amidst natural greens and covering an area of around 2 acres, Ban Jhakri falls is quite a popular place amongst tourists in Gangtok. The site is just 4 km away from the town of Gangtok and it is enroute to Ranka Monastery, which is another tourist spot. A park with shamanistic theme, the ethnic sculptures and figures maintained in the park gives a picture of the Jhakri culture.With eye-catching waterfall, the park has well laid trails to stroll around, enjoying the scenic surrounding. A foot bridge built over the water stream and a dragon adoring splash are other major attractions of this shamanistic theme park. Do Drul Chorten Do Drul Chorten is the biggest and the most important stupa in Sikkim. It is located near Gangtok. It is the most important tourist spot in the East Sikkim. This has been built in the year 1945 under the supervision of late Truslshi Rimpoche. There are about 108 prayer wheels (Mani-Lhakor) in this chorten. There are some mantras have been engraved in these prayer wheels; by turning these prayer wheels, the devotees can read and chant these mantras. The renowned chorten has a gold-plated steeple. Devotees and pilgrims from all parts of the state and from other states come to devote their homage at this sacred stupa. Hanuman Tok Tok means a temple, so it's a temple of Lord Hanuman. But it's actually far more than that and known for its wonderful serene ambience and a viewing area that offers spectacular view of Kanchenjunga range. It's located at an altitude of 7,200 ft and on a road that branches off from the Gantok-Nathula Highway. It's located at a distance of 11kms from Gangtok town. It's located at an altitude of 7,200 ft and on a road that branches off from the Gantok-Nathula Highway. It's located at a distance of 11kms from Gangtok town. Tashi view point It's located in Tashi and about 8kms from the Gangtok town. It offers a sweeping view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks on a clear day. In fact the view of sunrise from here is unforgettable, Tourist will see the peaks dazzling with changing colors. Tourist can also enjoy the sunset and sunrise from the Taashi View Point. But for that you must reach the point before 5am. Adorned with a park on its hilltop, Taashi view point offers panoramic views of Sikkim as well. In the opposite mountains, you can see the Phodong and Labrang monasteries. From the road level you need to climb steep flights of stairs to reach up to the circular viewing area. It can easily accommodate about 15-20 persons.

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DAY 5: GANGTOK

Day Notes

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Gangtok Sightseeing of Gangtok: Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake & Baba mandir Return to the resort and rest of the evening at leisure Overnight at Gangtok

Included BB Visit the below sightseeing points

Nathula Nathula Pass was a major corridor of passage between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962. Located around 56 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 14450 ft, the road to Nathula passes through the Tsomgo lake. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and is richly surrounded by alpine flora. On a clear day you can even see the road winding down the Chumbi valley. Tourists are allowed to go close to the international border from where you can see Chinese soldiers on the other side of the barbed wire. Nathula is open for Indian nationals on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. The visitors have to get the permit to visit the place by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department through a registered and recognised Travel Agency. Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit Nathula. Photography is strictly prohibited.

Tsomgo Lake 38 km from Gangtok and at an altitude of 12,400 ft, the ethereally beautiful Tsomgo lake is a must on every visitors itinerary. A winding road through rugged mountain terrain and sharp cliffs takes you to Tsomgo, which means source of the water in Bhutia language. The lake derives its water from the melting snows of the mountains surrounding the lake. Of legendary beauty, the lake looks different at different seasons. In winter the placid lake remains frozen with the area around it covered in snow while in late spring the profusion of flowers in bloom adds a riot of colours around the lake. For the tourist a visit to the lake offers a wonderful outing. Rides on colourfully decorated yaks and mules are offered at the lake site, which also has a variety of eating stalls serving snacks and beverages. Snowboots and gumboots can be hired here.

Baba Mandir Located between Nathula and Jelepla pass at an altitude of 13,123 ft and about 52kms from Gangtok, Baba Harbhajan Singh

Temple is popularly known as Baba Mandir. One usually covers this temple along with a visit to Tsongmo Lake or Nathula

Pass. The Mandir has two approach able road one via Gangtok the other is via Rongli. This temple has gained popularity in the last few years due to its history and belief of the followers. According to army folklore was a stickler for discipline and is known to admonish those who do not toe this line. A camp bed is kept for him and his boots are polished and uniform kept ready every night. The sheets are reportedly crumpled every morning and boots muddy by evening.

DAY 6: GANGTOK – KALIMPONG (75 Km/3 Hrs)

Kalimpong Kalimpong, a pristine hill station in West Bengal, is located about 50 km east of the famous tourist destination Darjeeling. This hill town, overlooking the beautiful Teesta valley, is at an altitude of 1250 m above the sea level and is vibrant with bustling activities. Kalimpong is located at the foothills of majestic Shiwalik ranges in Lower Himalayas. The populaces in Kalimpong are mostly of Nepalis origin. These people are all migrated to this area in search of job opportunities. Enriched with lush green forests and dense plantations of tea, Kalimpong is really marvelous and awe inspiring. Kalimpong is a breathtaking picnic spot and one can view the panoramic picture of the down valley known as Teesta Ranjit Valley from the spot known as 7th Mile View Point. This town is a best place for shopping, one can get items like Tibetan Jewelries, artifacts, copperwares, handicraft items and many varieties of dress materials.

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Day Notes After breakfast, check-out from your hotel at 10:00 AM and drive to Kalimpong En-route you may wish to do rafting at Teesta Bazaar (Optional & at additional cost) En-route visit tea gardens of Kalimpong Arrive in Kalimpong by 1:00 PM and check-in to the Hotel At 3:30 PM proceed for sightseeing of Kalimpong Sightseeing of Kalimpong: Durpin Dar Hill, Jang Dong Monastery, Thongsa Gompa, Saramsa garden You may wish to do para gliding in Kalimpong (Optional & at additional cost) Overnight at Summit Barsana, Kalimpong

Included BB Visit the below sightseeing points

Durpin Dara Hill Durpin Dara is one of the two hills (dara in local language)(the other being Deolo Hill) connected by a ridge on which the town of Kalimpong stands. The hill is 1,372 metres (4,501 feet) above mean sea level and is located south west of the town. The hill commands a panoramic view overlooking the town of Kalimpong, the snow clad Himalayan ranges of West Sikkim, the Teesta River and its valleys and the Jelepla Pass in the distance. A golf course is also present just off the summit. Atop the hill sits the Zang Dhok Palri Monastery which was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1976. The monastery holds in its reliquary 108 volumes of the Kangyur, as well as other holy books and scrolls that were moved out of Tibet after the Chinese invasion. The Indian Army has a major base atop the Durpin Hill due to its proximity to the international border. Near the monastery, a helipad has been constructed by the Indian Army.

Jang Dong Monastery Dalai Lama consecrated Jang Dong Palriffo Brang Gompa, also known as Durpin Monastery, in 1976 after six years of establishing it. The importance of this monastery lies with the sacred Kunguyar kept here. It contains all 108 volumes carried by Dalai Lama in his exile. This Gompa is a specimen of Buddhist architectural style with spectacular painting on the walls. This Gompa encloses a main prayer hall and an exceptional upstairs appear in a three dimensional view. Fascinating views of surrounding landscapes and the distant Himalyan ranges make here as an enchanting picnic spot. The fragrance of peace and tranquility flows through the ambience of this Gompa all though the days.

Thongsa Gompa (Bhutanese Monastery) Thongsa Gompa, also renowned as Bhutanese Monastery, was established in 1692 and is the oldest monastery situated in the region of Kalimpong. The presently seen Gompa is the renovated one, after the demolition of the original Gompa by the ravage of Gurkhas in Sikkim. The original Gompa was built under the Bhutanese rule and it is believed that this was built under the direct guidance of Bhutan King. Buddhists monks offer everyday prayer here and this place is a perfect place for mediation. Many activities aiming towards the uplift of spirituality are undertaken in this Gompa. Tourists are allowed to visit every part of the Gompa.

Saramsa Garden Saramsa Garden is a popular tourist spot in Kalimpong. It was constituted in year 1922 by the forest department of India. It is the home to numerous species of exotic orchids and other uncommon tropical plants of Sikkim. The garden also comprises many orchids and fruit trees. The garden has been established and sustained by the department of forests. It is a splendid recreational and picnic spot. The garden covers an area of six acres. The garden would be an alfresco gallery and a watching deck in what respect the same the visitants can catch a glance of Rani khola and the worthy floriculture centre situated on its opposite side.

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DAY 7: KALIMPONG – BAGDOGRA (75Km/2 Hrs 30 Mins) Day Notes

After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive to Bagdogra Airport You will be transferred to the airport for your return journey

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PRICE No. of Guests Std Option: 3* Std Option: 3*

2 Adults Rs. 28,570 per person Rs. 35,500 per person

Hotel Information

Destination 3* Catg 4* Catg

Darjeeling

Summit Grace www.summithotels.in/summit-

grace-hotel-spa-darjeeling#url

Elgin Darjeeling

www.elginhotels.com/darjeeling.php

Gangtok

Summit Takshang Residency

www.summithotels.in/summit-ttakshang-

residency-hotel-spa-gangtok#url

Elgin Gangtok www.elginhotels.com/gangtok.php

Kalimpong

Summit Barsana

www.summithotels.in/summit-barsana-

resort-spa-kalimpong

Elgin Kalimpong

www.elginhotels.com/kalimpong.php

INCLUSIONS Accommodation on double occupancy in below mentioned well rated properties Breakfast plan on all days Usage of hotel/ resort facilities Transportation by pvt car for 6 Days (Includes Fuel, Toll, Parking, Interstate Taxes & Driver allowance) Sightseeing as per the itinerary – (Itinerary will be shared one week prior to the travel date) All govt. taxes as on date

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EXCLUSIONS Airfare / Railway fare Expense of personal nature Meals other than specified in the inclusions Additional guest requests, orders and services Additional Activities taken up at the resort Transport for personal use Exigency cost – in case of emergency Travel Insurance Entrance fee & camera fee at sightseeing points Gratitude’s & Portage

NOTE

- Above cost is calculated based on 2 adults travelling together. Any change in the total no. of guests travelling will result in

change of rates.

- In case of non-availability of the above properties, similar properties will be considered.

- Most of our programs are customised and we work in line with the requirements of our clients and hence the final detailed

itinerary is prepared 5 days prior to the travel date based on the weather conditions and feasibility of visiting places during

sightseeing.