Grand Eastern Himalaya with Kolkata

Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Routing: Kolkata -Bagdogra – Gangtok – Lachung – Yumthang – Tsongo Lake- Pelling – Darjeeling - Bagdogra - Kolkata

City	Best Available Hotel
Gangtok	Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok
Gangtok	The Elgin Nor-Khill
Lachung	Yarlam Resort Lachung
Pelling	Kaya Gantavya Resort & Spa
Kalimpong	Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort
Darjeeling	Mayfair Hill Resort Darjeeling
Kolkata	The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVE KOLKATA
Arrive by International flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in. Kolkata is the cultural capital of India where rich cultural heritage can be experienced in daily life. Tourists especially visit this city to experience its unique and lively culture. It is the birthplace of renowned poets and philosophers. Appreciation of art and literature is in the blood of the people here. Aptly called the ‘City of Furious’, Kolkata is ideally located on the bank of the Hooghly River in West Bengal. This city is well known for the massive colonial architecture and art galleries. Also known as the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata surely offers various astonishing attractions to fall in love with.
Overnight Hotel – Kolkata

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DAY 02: KOLKATA – BAGDOGRA {INDIGO 6E -797@ 1045 /1155 HRS}
BAGDOGRA AND DRIVE TO GANGTOK 130KMS IN 4HRS
Post breakfast, transfer to airport to board the flight to Kolkata, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport, after completing the formalities transfer to Gangtok hotel for check in. Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga, the town provides the perfect base for travel through the state
Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – GANGTOK (DINNER)

DAY 03: FULL DAY GANGTOK SIGHTSEEING
Post breakfast, proceed to visit some important places of Gangtok. Banjhakri Falls, The Banjhakri Falls is situated at a distance of 10-12 kilometres from Gangtok on the way to Ranka monastery. Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology: NIT is a treasure of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas (colourful tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy). Government Institute of Cottage Industry [GICI]: An emporium at the institute sells an array of local traditional items, which are very popular with tourists. Do-Drul Chorten Stupa: The Chort enStupa is marked by a golden top dome. This golden top can be seen from various places in Gangtok. Orchid Flower Show: The orchids looked artificial, akin to the cheap crepe imitations in shops, too beautiful to be true and genuine.  Tashi viewpoint: From this point one gets a breath-taking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, one of the most graceful peaks in the world. An Observatory Tower, Cafeteria and Public amenities have also been recently added. Ganesh Tok: From this Spot one can get birds eye view of sprawling Gangtok town, while across the hills Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. Bakthang Waterfall Gangtok: This is a wonderful waterfall located on the North Sikkim Highway towards Tashi View Point. While visiting Tashi View point or returning, it's worth stopping at this roadside waterfall for some time.
Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – GANGTOK (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

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DAY 04: GANGTOK- LACHUNG (125 KM- 6 HOURS)
Post breakfast drive to Lachung. at an altitude of 9600 ft, has been regarded as “Most Picturesque Village of Sikkim”. Monastery, apple orchard and river streams are some of its striking features.
Enroute to Lachung you will visit MANGAN, SEVENSISTER WATERFALLS, VIMNALA WATERFALLS, CHUNGTHANG CONFLUENCE. On arrival transfer to hotel.

Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL LACHUNG (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

DAY 05:  LACHUNG SIGHTSEEING YUMTHANG VALLEY
(Packed breakfast to be arranged) Early morning drive to Yumthang, (25 km/1.5hrs) situated at a height of 11800 feet is popularly known as 'Valley of Flowers'. It is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic beauty.

Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL LACHUNG (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

DAY 06:  LACHUNG - GANGTOK (120KMS IN 5HRS)
Post breakfast drive to Gangtok. Enroute enjoy the view of Himalayan Mountain range and Kanchenjunga Peak is visible throughout the route, on a clear day.

Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – GANGTOK (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

DAY 07: DAY LAKE EXCURSION TO TSONGO LAKE
Post breakfast, proceed for day excursion to Tsongo Lake: At an altitude of 12,400 ft, the ethereally beautiful Tsomgo lake is a must on every visitor’s itinerary. A winding road through rugged mountain terrain and sharp cliffs takes you to Tsomgo. The lake derives its water from the melting snows of the mountains surrounding the lake.

Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – GANGTOK (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

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DAY 08:  TRANSFER TO PELLING 130KMS IN 5 HRS
Post breakfast we will drive you to Pelling 1,900 m (6,250 ft). The town of Pelling in West Sikkim is famous for its magnificent views of the snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga and its ranges it has a rich history, nature environment and local culture.

On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – PELLING (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

DAY 09: PELLING FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING
Post breakfast proceed to visit Pemayangtse Monastery - The monastery is built with scenic backdrop of snowcapped mountains on two sides. The monastery depicts paintings on its walls and statues of saints and Rinpoches. Chenrezig statue and Sky Walk bridge -Chenrezig statue at Pelling is the fourth tallest statue located in Sikkim. It has a height of 137-ft.  Along with the statue there is a glass skywalk where tourist can enjoy the thrill of walking in the glass.
Also visit Kanchenjungha water falls - It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sikkim and is normally active throughout the year. Rimbi water falls – Another beautiful waterfall. Adjacent to the falls is the Karchen hydro electricity powerhouse. It is the oldest in west Sikkim being constructed in early 70s. Khecheopalri Lake - originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava), is a sacred Lake for both Buddhists and Hindus, which is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake.

Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – PELLING (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

DAY 10: PELLING TO KALIMPONG (80 KM IN 3 HRS.)
Post breakfast drive to Kalimpong. Nestling in the lush green mid ranges of the Himalayas, the town has an incredible stunning backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks. On arrival at Kalimpong check in to your hotel. Afternoon free for Personal activities.

Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – KALIMPONG (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

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DAY 11: KALIMPONG SIGHTSEEING
Post Breakfast proceed to visit the The Pine View Nursery: Also known as the famous Cactus nursery, this nursery has turned into one of the major places of tourist interest. Situated in the outskirts, this nursery is home to almost 1500 varieties of cacti ranging. DeoloHill: Situated at a height of 5500ft, Deolo is the highest point of Kalimpong town. The view from the Hill is a fantastic one. Science Centre: There are alot of hands-on experiments which children and adults can do. The garden beside the science city museum is perfect place to go for beautiful mountain view and amazing photography.
Later visit Durpin Dara view point: The hill commands a panoramic view overlooking the town, the snow covered himaliyan peaks. This place is uniquely spiritual and one can attain mental peace by simply walking around this magnificent structure.

Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – KALIMPONG (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

DAY 12: KALIMPONG TO DARJEELING (68 KMS / 2.5 HRS)
Post breakfast transfer to Darjeeling, Queen of India's hill stations. Its setting is one of incomparable beauty. It is surrounded by fragrant tea gardens which seem to flow over the layered slopes like emerald swells on a rough sea. Enroute cover Lamahatta eco park. On a clear day you can see the snow peaks of Kanchenjunga, Tiger Hill, Namchi of Sikkim, Darjeeling town and its landscapes, river Teesta and Rangit can be enjoyed from this garden. An ideal place to relax and being in the nature.

Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – DARJEELING (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

DAY 13: DARJEELING SIGHTSEEING
Early morning starts your day with the visit of Tiger Hill viewpoint, Situated at an altitude of 2590 metres (8482 ft.). This spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains.
Way back visit the Ghoom, as the name suggests it is gloomy & clammy with perpetual fog. A Tibetan village, one can hear the foghorn-like sounds of Buddhist monks blowing their giant Gyeling pipes from the rooftops of the nearby Yiga-Choling ' Yellow Hat' Buddhist Temple.
Post breakfast enjoy the toy train ride of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also visit the Mountaineering Institute, created by the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights.

Later visit the Observatory Hill known locally as Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan. According to legend, a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery called Dorje Ling, or 'place of the Thunderbolt', stood at this very spot. The Nepalese destroyed it in the 19th century, now the Shivas & Buddhists share the temple that stands there today. 
Evening visit Chowrasta & Mall: Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. From Chowrasta take a charming stroll at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place of the mall Road.

Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – DARJEELING (BREAKFAST & DINNER)

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DAY 14: DARJEELING – BAGDOGRA (90 KM/ 3-4 HRS)
BAGDOGRA – KOLKATA {INDIGO6E-292@1420/1530 HRS}
Post breakfast, transfer to Bagdogra airport to board the flight to Kolkata. On arrival our representative would assist you at the Railway station & transfer to hotel for check in. Kolkata is the cultural capital of India where rich cultural heritage can be experienced in daily life. Tourists especially visit this city to experience its unique and lively culture. It is the birthplace of renowned poets and philosophers. Appreciation of art and literature is in the blood of the people here. Aptly called the ‘City of Furious’, Kolkata is ideally located on the bank of the Hooghly River in West Bengal. This city is well known for the massive colonial architecture and art galleries. Also known as the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata surely offers various astonishing attractions to fall in love with.

Rest of the time is free for relax or free for independent activity.
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – KOLKATA (BREAKFAST)

DAY 15: KOLKATA
Post Breakfast Guided city tour of Kolkata. Visiting Victoria Memorial: memorial of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom who also carried the title of Empress of India. The structure was designed by Sir William Emerson in an architectural style similar to Taj Mahal. It was built between 1906 & 1921. It is a majestic white marble building surrounded by a sprawling garden. Also visit the Fort William, St. John’s Church, Tagore’s castle & slot, marble Palace

The Indian Museum in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, also referred to as the Imperial Museum at Calcutta in colonial era texts, is the ninth oldest museum of the world and the second largest museum in India, after the Madras Museum, and has rare collections of antiques, armour and ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies and Mughal paintings. It was founded by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in Kolkata (Calcutta), India, in 1814. The founder curator was Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist.

Howrah Bridge: is a cantilever bridge that spans over the Hooghly River in West Bengal A cantilever bridge is the one built using cantilevers, structures that project horizontally into space, supported on only one end. The bridge does not have nuts and bolts and was built by riveting the whole structure.

Nirmal Hriday (Pure Heart), opened in the year 1952 by Mother Teresa, Home for Dying Destitute in Kolkata. She & her fellow nuns took in dying Indians off the streets & brought them to this home to care for them during the days before they died, so that they might be able to die in peace & with dignity.

Birla Mandir: is a Hindu temple on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge, built by the industrialist Birla family. This temple is open in the morning from 5.30 A.M. to 11 A.M. and in the evening from 4 .30 P.M. to 9 P.M.

Belur Math; sprawling over forty acres of land on the western bank of the Hooghly (Ganga), in Howrah district, an hour’s drive from Kolkata, is a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world professing different religious faiths.  Even people not interested in religion come here for the peace it exudes.

Rest of the day at leisure for shopping & explore local market of KOLKATA “Car & Driver will be with you”
OVERNIGHT HOTEL – KOLKATA (BREAKFAST)

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DAY 16: KOLKATA DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport to board the flight for the onward journey taking back a wonderful memory of Grand Eastern Himalaya with Kolkata.

Tour Concludes: Exceptional Escapes Manager would assist you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight.