Experience the rich culture and beauty of the Eastern Himalayas, with Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Start the tour in Darjeeling, meet with locals and enjoy a dinner with a local family. Watch the sunrise from the Tiger Hill, and experience the UNESCO heritage Toy Train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Next visit Gangtok, a cosmopolitan town where old world charm and hospitality exist along with the internet age. A beautiful route with the rolling mountains and tea plantations takes you to Kalimpong, once the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor. Monasteries of Kalimpong date back to 1836 and tell a rich story not only of history but also of local art and culture. Kalimpong is a blaze of colour throughout the year owing to the richness of its stunning flora. The orchids of this region in particular are famous for their infinite variety as well as their delicate tints.

Darjeeling is located in West Bengal, in the Shiwalik Hills on the lower range of the Himalayas. It is internationally famous for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The tea plantations date back to the mid 19th century as part of a British development of the area. The tea growers of the area developed distinctive hybrids of black tea and fermenting techniques, with many blends considered among the world's finest. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connecting the town with the plains was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 and is one of the few steam engines still in service in India.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Bagdogra Airport.

Enjoy lunch or dinner with a local family.

The Dekeling Resort was built in the late 19th century by Sir William Ferguson Ducat, served as a summer retreat for the British. The resort constructed pre-dominantly of wood and glass, is modeled like a mansion and has been recently restored to its original by the Dekeva family. The four suites are complemented by original tiled fireplaces which have been restored to working order. Each of the 4 suites enjoys a view of the Darjeeling hills, crowned by the Kanchenjunga range. Luxury suites, all non a/c, provide accommodation. Amenities include Telephone facility, generator, travel desk, internet, laundry, Money changer, restaurant, Liquor on request, cable television, doctor on call, credit card, and room service.

Overnight at Dekeling Resort.

Early morning after a cup of tea, you will visit Tiger Hill before the break of dawn, to see the sun rise over Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world. Darjeeling owes’ its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. Known for its natural splendour, Darjeeling’s best gift to its’ visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the sun. A steep ride, five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers to Tiger Hill. The air is chilly with darkness and damp. To the east, a dull orange sun emerged painting the sky with brilliant strokes of magenta, gold, orange and fuchsia. The snow capped Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other peaks slowly emerge from slumber to start a new day. On your way back stop at the Ghoom Monastery, the holiest monastery in Darjeeling

After breakfast, you will be driven to the Darjeeling Railway station to board a train. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the "Toy Train", is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway from Siliguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal, run by the Indian Railways. Since 1999 the train has been a World Heritage Site as listed by UNESCO. Only two railways have this status, the Semmering Railway in Austria being the other. A trip on the train has changed little since that time (1920’s), and continues to delight travellers and rail enthusiasts, so much so that it has its own preservation and support group, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society.

Sightseeing of the town visiting Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological park (Closed on Thursday), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Tenzing - Gombu Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday). A guide will accompany you on this trip.

Overnight at Dekeling Resort.

Gangtok is the capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is located in the Shivalik Hills of the eastern Himalayan range, at an altitude of 1,437 metres (4,715 ft). The town, with a population of thirty thousand belonging to different ethnicities such as Nepalis, Lepchas and Bhutia, is administered by various departments of the Government of Sikkim. Nestled within higher peaks of the Himalaya and enjoying a year-round mild temperate climate, Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim’s tourism industry.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Gangtok via Rumtek Monastery. Visit Rumtek Monastery for few hours before you arrive to Gangtok.

The Netuk House combines a unique and colorful design with a friendly atmosphere. Conveniently located on Tibet Road, guests will immediately appreciate the individuality of this guesthouse through its pastel coloring which makes it a very inviting and relaxing place to stay. The owners, the Denzong family, our known for their desire to share local culture with guests and this are truly an added bonus. Each of the rooms here is designed and decorated simply and differently from each other guaranteeing a unique experience. The dining facilities here feature delicious four-course Sikkimese meals which will be among the highlights of visiting Gangtok. Guests will also appreciate the bar area which gives them ample chance to discuss the day's events over a refreshing beverage.

Overnight at Netuk House.

Visit the Enchey Monastery – an important seat of the Nyingmapa order, the Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptok Karpo, a tantrik master known for his power of flying. Your visits of the day ends with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sundays). The most prestigious of its kind in India, this Buddhist institute is a treasure of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan & Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare thanks (tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy). It is over 200 Buddhist icons and other prized objects of art. Today it is a renowned worldwide centre for Buddhist philosophy and religion. Visit the Cottage industry which is a great source of earnings for locals and a fine way to retain the centuries old tradition and flow of life. You will be accompanied on the trip by a private guide.

Overnight at Netuk House.

Kalimpong is a hill station nestled in the Shiwalik Hills (or Lower Himalaya) overlooking River Teesta in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Horticulture is also important to Kalimpong: it has a flower market notable for its wide array of orchids; nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, contribute to the economy of Kalimpong. Home to ethnic Nepalis, indigenous ethnic groups and non-native migrants from other parts of India, the town also is a religious centre of Buddhism. The Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang holds a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Kalimpong. 

Enjoy a full day excursion with a private guide. On your tour you will be able to meet the villagers and also visit the local school in the village.

The Silver Oaks hotel symbolizes an era gone by. The British architecture and the old world charm of the place are unique. The Silver Oaks was built in 1930 and was the home of a leading British Business family of Mr. / Mrs. John Mason. They lived in Kalimpong for over 40 years. It took several years for the present management to restore the old structure. Finally The Silver Oaks was acquired by The Elgin Heritage Hotels of the Himalayas. The restoration work took five years to complete. Water colors and lithographs by old masters adorn the walls. Period furniture offer comfort as well as add to the old world opulence of the interiors.

Overnight at Silver Oaks.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Airport of Gangtok.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).