Largely undiscovered in the eastern corner of India is
an area of extraordinary natural beauty. Explore national parks rich in
exotic flora, birds and wildlife, verdant tea plantations in the
foothills of snow capped Himalayan peaks and mountain landscapes dotted
with ancient Buddhist monasteries. Travel on a 100 year old steam train
as it puffs and pants its way up from the plains to the hills and
discover a way of life that seems to be untouched by modern development.
Tour Itinerary
Trip Highlights include:
Calcutta, a city of amazing contrasts
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage
site
Himalayan landscapes at Kalimpong, Darjeeling &
Sikkim
19th century narrow gauge steam train in
Darjeeling
Ancient Buddhist monasteries and palaces
Gangtok, picturesque capital of Sikkim
Stopover in Singapore
Day 1: USA to Singapore
Shortly after noon today, catch your Singapore
Airlines flight to Asia. Arrive in Singapore two days later after
crossing the International Dateline.
Day 3: Singapore
The day is free for you to enjoy Singapore, a
modern city and yet distinctly Oriental. A special visitors’ pass is
included for transportation and entrance fees to important sights
around the city. Fly to Calcutta (Kolkata) in the evening.
Day 4: Calcutta (Kolkata)
In the morning take an orientation tour of the
city, well known for its colonial era buildings, Hindu temples,
museums and art galleries.
Day 5: Calcutta to Guwahati and
Kaziranga
Fly from Calcutta to Guwahati, and then travel by
road past tea plantations and the Assamese countryside to Kaziranga
National Park .
Days 6 & 7: Kaziranga National Park
Framed by the mighty Brahmaputra River, the
park’s lowlands and tall thickets of elephant grass is the ideal
habitat for the Indian One-Horned Rhino and a host of other
wildlife. Enjoy two days at the park – go on an early morning
elephant back safari to get real close to the rhinos, followed by a
jeep trip deep in the jungle with ample opportunity to spot birds
and animals that live in this unique sub-Himalayan terrain.
Day 8: Kaziranga to Darjeeling
Return to Guwahati and fly to Bagdogra, the
gateway to Darjeeling, famous all over the world for its tea!
Day 9: Darjeeling
Surrounded by lofty Himalayan mountains,
Darjeeling is a popular retreat from the plains of India. Spend the
day exploring the town or going for a hike in the woods nearby.
Day 10: Darjeeling to Kalimpong
Take a 3-hour ride on the famous World Heritage
listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, as the narrow gauge locomotive
steams its way through the forests, tunnels and mountains, past
waterfalls and over deep valleys before arriving in Kurseong. After
a short break, travel by road onwards to Kalimpong.
Day 11: Kalimpong
At 4,000 ft. above sea level, Kalimpong offers
excellent views of Mt Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks.
Besides the Tibetan Monastery, visit the small village of Lava at
Neora National Park.
Day 12: Kalimpong to Pelling
Hugging the scenic Teesta River much of the way,
catch some breathtaking scenery as the mountain road climbs up into
Sikkim.
Day 13: Pemayangtse to Yuksom
Visit the ancient monasteries at Pemayangtse and
Sangye Choling, then walk through thick forests to the ruins of the
Rabdanste Palace. Later, travel further north to the village of
Yuksam, nestled at the base of high, forest-covered mountains.
Day 14: Yuksom to Ravangala
High above the town, prayer flags announce the
site of the Nyingma Dubdi monastery, built in 1701. From the end of
the paved road, a path threads past water wheels and a small river
and rises through the forest to arrive at the dramatically situated
Gompa, looking out over Yuksam. Continue to the monastery of
Tashiding, the tea plantations at Ravangala.
Day 15: Ravangala to Gangtok
After strolling through lush green tea
plantations travel by road to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
Day 16: Gangtok
Situated on a hill Gangtok’s streets are lined
with brightly painted pagoda roofed houses. Visit the famous Rumtek
Monastery, the stupas Dul-dul-chorten and the research institute of
Tibetology.
Day 17: Gangtok to Singapore
Leave Gangtok and drive back to Bagdogra. Fly to
Calcutta and in the evening on to Singapore.
Day 18: Singapore to USA
Land in Singapore early this morning for your
connecting flight to the US, arriving the same day.
Calcutta, Kaziranga National Park (Assam),
Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim
18 Days from $4,089
Steam locomotive on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway still runs today!
Buddhist monastery, Sikkim
2007/08
Departures
Silver
Hotels
Gold
Hotels
4/1 - 6/5
$4,089
$4,499
6/6 - 8/20
$4,339
$4,789
8/21- 12/5
$4,399
$5,279
12/6 -12/12
$4,649
$5,599
12/13 - 12/23
$4,869
$5,779
12/24 - 12/31
$4,779
$5,749
1/1 - 3/31/08
$4,279
$5,269
Departs every Thursday
We offer two categories
of accommodation:
Silver
hotels are carefully selected for their excellent value - all rooms
have private facilities.
Gold
hotels are better located, offer more spacious rooms with better
amenities and a higher standard of service.
The departure date determines the price applicable. All prices
are per person and based on twin-share accommodation.
A $100 surcharge applies for bookings made within 30 days of the
departure date. The tour price does not include airport taxes, meals
(other than those indicated), personal expenses and travel insurance.
One-horned Indian Rhino at Kaziranga National Park
