Detail Itinerary for Sikkim and Darjeeling Tour
Day 01: Kathmandu (1350 m)
Arrival at Kathmandu airport, pick up by our correspondent and transfer to the hotel. (At the foot of the Himalayas, where they assure that their gods live, Nepal stands, a land of spectacular landscapes, temples and cities with a rich cultural heritage. These seem to transfer the traveler to medieval times on their walks through KATHMANDU, BHAKTAPUR and PATAN, the three urban cities that represent the backbone of the country. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu
This day, after breakfast in hotel you will tour around the Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, is set in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains. We will first go to Kathmandu Durbar Sqaure then Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath and finally Pashupatinath. Stay overnight at hotel.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: (World Heritage Site): Kathmandu Durbar square is one of the popular place which is liked by many visitors due to its exquisite architecture and artistic embellishment. It consists of Huge Royal Palace with different temples dating back from the 15th to the 18th century. The house of the living goddess, the ferocious Kal Bhairav, the red monkey god, the Hanumandhokha palace, the Ashok Binayak temple, Kasthamandap, the Temple Taleju and hundreds of erotic carvings are some few examples of the sights at the square. All woodcarvings, statues and architecture in this area are exceptionally fine.
Swoyambhunath: Swoyambhunath is one of the most glorious Buddhist stupa. It is said to be 2000 years old. Swoyambhunath is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world and its worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan monks and Brahman Priests to lay Buddhist and Hindus. Swoyambhunath provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu valley.
Bouddhanth: Boudhhanath stupa is one of the largest Bouddhist stupa in the world. The Stupa 100 meters in diameter, was built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels by the Lichchivi King Mana Deva in the fifth century. The pinnacle of this stupa represent the stages of enlightenment, symbol of royalty, compassion, knowing and nirvana. There are many myths about the origins of the Stupa. Early morning and evening are the times to visit Bouddha to join the local residents in Kora. There is an enclosure with several monasteries of the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred temples in Nepal. The temple of Pashupatinath is a large double roofed pagoda of brass and gilt gold; the gateway is plated with silver. There are linga images of Shiva along with statues, shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the temple complex. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over South Asia offering worship to Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted to the Hindus only. However, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the vantage point across the bank of the Bagmati River.
Day 04: Sikkim
Today early morning visit Tashi View point about 8 km from Gangtok. It is a resting shed, outstanding view of Khangchendzonga and the Siniolchu Range is the main attractive of this point. The distant north Sikkim monasteries are also visible from this point along the North Sikkim highway. Then back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast you will be visiting these places.
1. Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms or Government Institute of Cottage Industries – Established by Government to promote the manufacturing and selling of authentic and traditional arts and handicraft, handlooms and exquisite carpets, blankets and shawls in "Lepcha" weaves, furniture (Choksies), thankas, paintings, wooden decoration and bamboo products in authentic Sikkimese designs. Visiting Hours - Monday to Saturday from 9.30 Am. to 12.30 Pm. And 1.00Pm to 3.00 PM. Closed on Sundays, Second Saturdays and Government holidays.
2. Enchey Monastery - About 3 km from the centre of town, a small hermitage was built by lama Druptob Karpo (renowned for his power of flying) at this spot after he flew here from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim about more than 200 years ago. During the reign of Sidkeong Tulku, 1909-1910. The present monastery was built in the form of Chinese Pagoda. It follows Nyingmapa order. The annual puja is celebrated with religious masked dances on the 18h and 19th days of the 11 month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar corresponding to the month of December.
3. Research Institute of Tibetology - The Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology is a world-renowned research centre for Tibetan Buddhism and is well stocked with rare books and manuscripts on Buddhism. Contains rare collection of antique like coins, statues, rosaries, antic documents, brass bells, dorjis, and thankas. Ti has a collection of almost 30,000 volumes on diverse subjects like astrology, philosophy, magic and religion. It conducts research in the fields of language and culture of Tibet. The foundation was laid in 1957 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and was inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in October 1958. It also has a number of religious art and craftwork as well as books for sale. It's vast wealth of Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts attracts scholars from all corners of the world. The institute is open from 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM, Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sunday, Second Saturdays and on Government holidays.
4. Rumtek Monastery - It is about 24 km From Gangtok nested in a lovely landscape. The first monastery was built in 1717 At Rumtek by the then Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, but was destroyed by the earthquake and aging. His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa constructed the second monastery in 1960. It is the headquarters of the Kagyu-pa (Red Hat) sect of the Tibetan lamaistic Buddhism. It is an excellent replica of the original Kagyu headquarters at Tsurpu in Tibet. It houses some of the world's most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts and icons. Above the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is a hermitage where the monks go into complete seclusion for meditation for a period of three years. The important chaam (religious masked dance) is performed on the 10 th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan Calendar, and presence eight manifestations of the Guru Rimpoche. This is highly colourful and spectacular and draws many pilgrims and visitors. Prayers at about 0400 and 1800 hours.
5. Tashi View Point. At the end of today we will enjoy the view of Tashi view point and return back to hotel.
Day 05: Gangtok – Pelling
Today transfer from Gangtok to Pelling on the way visit Pemayangtse Monastry and rabdentse. Check in at Hotel at Pelling. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Pelling – Darjeeling
Today after breakfast visit Khechopalri Lake and in the afternoon transfer to Darjeeling. Check in at Hotel at Darjeeling. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Darjeeling
Today early morning Transfer to Tiger Hill to see the view of Sun rise over Mt Kanchendzonga. While returning visit Yiga-Choling (Ghoom). Then to the Hotel for Darjeeling Tea Breakfast and after breakfast transfer for sightseeing around Darjeeling the places you will be visiting are as follows.
1. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park which has the Siberian tiger, Himalayan black bear, red panda, snow leopard and many other animal and bird species, and the nearby snow leopard breeding center.
2. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, a training center for mountaineers which also houses the Everest museum' Natural History Museum, with its fine display of Himalaya wildlife.
3. Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, a major center for the production of Tibetan carpets, woodwork and leather goods;
4. Tea Garden and Tea Factory.
5. Peace Pegoda. Then in the evening back to the hotel. Leisure overnight.
Day 08: Darjeeling – Ilam
Today after breakfast transfer to the border. Then after we will head towards Ilam. We will visit the famous and beautiful places of Ilam like: tea garden, Kanyam and other places. As Ilam is in the eastern region of Nepal we can observe the total different lifestyle and tradtion / culture of people there. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Ilam - Bhadrapur Airport – Kathmandu
After enjoying the beautiful morning in Ilam we will take the breakfast and we will head towards Bhadrapur Airport. From there we will take the flight to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Kathmandu
This day we will have a free day for shopping and other activities. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu
Enjoy your last day on Kathmandu before departure. At your mentioned departure time our correspondent will pick you up from hotel and transfer to airport and depart you with warm hearts.
