A short introduction...
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This 22-day journey starts in Kolkata, on route to Darjeeling, to then explore the beautiful open meadows and lakes of Sikkim, with its Buddhist monasteries with their vistas of Mount Everest an Kanchenjunga. It continues via the Hill Station of Kalimpong towards Kolkata, and further into the wilderness reserve of the Sundarbans, with the possibilities to view rare animals in their natural habitat ...
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This is an inner and outer journey into great depth and beauty!
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Provisional Itinerary:
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Day 1 (Sun): 3/11: Flight to Kolkata
Day 2 (Mon): 4/11: Arrive morning and onward flight to Bagdogra – drive to Darjeeling, rest [3 nights Darjeeling: 2042 m]
Day 3 (Tue): 5/11: Darjeeling – Ghoom Monastery other, rest
Day 4 (Wed): 6/11: sightseeing Darjeeling
Day 5 (Thu): 7/11: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling – Pelling see Pemayangtse monastery [2 nights Pelling: 2150 m]
Day 6 (Fri): 8/11: Pelling: Walk to Sangachoeling Monastery. Drive to Kechopari Lake. Half-day trek to Dupok viewpoint.
Day 7 (Sat): 9/11: Pelling – Yuksom Drive to Yuksom, the trekking base of Sikkim. We visit the throne where the first King (Chogyal) of Sikkim was coronated in 1641. [2 nights Yuksom: 1780 m]
Day 8 (Sun) 10/11: Drive to Tashiding and spend the day there with open spaces and meditation
Day 9 (Mon) 11/11: drive to Gangtok via Rumtek [3 nights in Gangtok: 1650 m]
Day 10 (Tue) 12/11: Gangtok: Tibetology Institute, Enchey and Noor Monastery and Bazaar. After having sightseeing in Gangtok
Day 11 (Wed) 13/11: Day excursion to the beautiful Tsongmo Lake (3779m)
Day 12 (Thu) 14/11: Gangtok – Lachung -Drive to Lachung at an altitude of 2925 m (9,600 ft). On the way stop and enjoy a few wonderful locations like Tashi View Point, Kabi Lungstok, Naga Waterfalls, the confluence of Lachen-Chu and Lachung- Chu at Chungthang, Twin Waterfalls and Bhim Nala Waterfalls. We will reach Lachung at late afternoon/ early evening. [3 nights in Lachung: 2700 m]
Day 13 (Fri) 15/11: Lachung -Yumthang -Lachung After breakfast we leave for Yumthang (3595 m/ 11800 ft ) On the way we may visit the famous hot springs. Yumthang is a large valley surrounded by mountains where the tree line ends. Return to Lachung for Lunch. After lunch visit Lachung Monastery and Waterfalls.
Day 14 (Sat) 16/11: Lachung – a quiet day of rest and meditation in this beautiful place
Day 15 (Sun) 17/11: Lachung – Kalimpong: drive to Kalimpong [2 nights in Kalimpong: 1247 m]
Day 16 (Mon) 18/11: Kalimpong, local sightseeing, Monasteries, ITBCI school
Day 17 (Tue) 19/11: Kalimpong – Bagdogra: early morning leaving for the flight from Bagdogra – Kolkata. [1 night in Kolkata]
Day 18-20 (Wed/Fri) 20/11- 22/11: – travel to Sundarbans; safari and boat trip (3 days/ 2 nights)
Day 20 (Fri) 22/11: – return to Kolkata [2 nights in Kolkata]
Day 21 (Sat) 23/11: sightseeing Kolkata
Day 22 (Sun) 24/11: leave for Airport (probably early morning)
Cost and practical details ...
The price for this 22-day tour will be £3054/ 3399€* (or equivalent). Prices include all accommodation (in twin rooms) with full board, all transport in India, including two flights, entrance fees and special visa. The flight to India is not included. (More details on the booking form – please apply or get in touch if you have any questions.
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As flights are organised by the participants themselves (but we are happy to help!) it is possible to either arrive earlier or stay on longer We can also assist with the arrangements of hotels and transport for independent onward travel if desired.
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Please get in touch with any question or for the booking form with all additional details.
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Continued below ...
The team ...
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Jaya has been assisting people on trips to India since 1997. Having practiced Buddhism for over 35 years she can offer explanations for the iconography that we will encounter, as well as introduction to meditation for those who would like to try it out. She will be a bridge for Western participants, and especially help people become more at ease in the different ways of Indian culture and customs.
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Feroz is from Kashmir and is very familiar with the land and people. He speaks good English, as well as the local languages, is very friendly and helpful, and his main concern is that all participants have a brilliant trip! He lives in Srinagar and has been organising tours in the Himalayas for many years.
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Both tour guides will try and help in all possible practical ways to enable participants to have a wonderful journey.
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Cost and practical details continued ...
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*The Euro cost is the basic one. The exact amount in other currency might need to be adjusted according to the exchange rate at the time of booking.
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Disclaimer: Both guides have many years of experience of travelling in India, the Himalayas, and accompanying groups on their journeys. Our wish is to share our fascination with the beauty of the land, culture and people with our friends, and others who would like assistance on their trip there.
We are not a travel agency and therefore cannot offer the insurance cover that is part of a journey with an agency. We would like to stress that participation on this trip is undertaken entirely at an individual’s personal request and at their own risk. The journey is to be understood like one that is organised by each individual themselves, with our advice and support in matters of route and organisation.
Participants are advised to have medical and travel insurance before travelling to India. In the unlikely event of accident or injury, health or medical issues or misadventure, missed travel connections or delays, accommodation or food/beverage issues, political or any other unforeseen issues, changes to the itinerary might be necessary. We cannot be held accountable for additional costs arising from this. If the participant is unable to take part in a portion of the tour, due to illness or for any other reason, no financial compensation can be made.
We do however want to stress that we joyfully see our task as making the trip for our groups a happy and entirely enriching experience, which will be looked back on as the journey of a lifetime. Security and comfort of all participants are most important to us. All routes and modes of transport, as well as hotels and guesthouses are chosen accordingly. As you can see in the comment section, we have had fabulous feedback from participants so far, who felt well cared for.
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