This wonderful new 15 night tour option of India’s Sikkim & West Bengal region is available to individual travellers in groups of 2 or more at any time of the year.
It features 4 nights in specially set up homestays along with some exciting eco-lodge properties & traditional style hotels and offers exceptional value for money. This is a tourist class package and based on a good 3 star standard.
Day 01: Arrival in Kolkata
Meet & assistance on arrival by our India partner Target Tours and transfer to your hotel followed by a tour briefing.
Kolkata, a city that means many things to many people. For some, Kolkata is the city of joy, while for others it is dirty, crowded, and noisy. Today, it ranks among the four major metropolis of India along with Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. A mere village in the 17th century, Kolkata is not an ancient city like Delhi. Like Mumbai and Chennai, it originated largely due to the expansionist ambitions of the European powers, especially the British Raj. Little wonder, Kolkata has some of the finest Raj edifices built in a variety of styles.
Accommodation at Lytton Hotel (http://www.lyttonhotelindia.com) or similar
Day 02: Kolkata
Depart for a half day sightseeing tour of Kolkata. The Victoria Memorial was built of white makrana marble from Rajasthan, in commemoration of Queen Victoria of the UK who also carried the title of Empress of India. Currently serving as a museum and a tourist attraction, the memorial was designed by Sir William Emerson in an architectural style similar to Belfast City Hall. Earlier asked to design the building in the Italian Renaissance style, Emerson was against the exclusive use of European styles and used Indo-Saracenic style, incorporating Mughal elements in the structure.
On the north side of Belgachai Road is the Paresnath Jain Temple. This ornate Digamber Jain Temple, built in the central Indian style by a Jeweller in 1867, is dedicated to the 10th Tirathankara.
Accommodation at Lytton Hotel (http://www.lyttonhotelindia.com) or similar
Day 03: Kolkata – Bagdogra – Kalimpong
Transfer from Kolkata to Bagdogra by air and onward to Kalimpong by road (85 kms, 3hrs 30mins).
Depart for Kolkata domestic airport in time to connect with your flight to Bagdogra. Meet/Assist on arrival, transfer by private car to Kalimpong & check in at Holumba Haven. The first Cottage was built in 1935 by Late Mr. T. Pempahishey founders of Motor Transport Kalimpong (1927). The Ven. Bikchu Sangharakshita lived in it in 1950′s and named it ‘The Hermitage’ (Magnolia) and refers to it as his Garden of Eden in his book “Facing Mount Kanchenjunga”.
Karma T. Pempahishey (son of Late T. Pempahishey) named the property Holumba after the Pempahishey’s clan – Holumbas – from the pleasant valley of Olangchung Gola (or locally, Holung) located in the Northern borders of Eastern Nepal. Holung is a trading center; no field cultivatation is practiced. The clan is best known for their trading skills.
Holumba Haven – A garden home hospitality, is set in 2 acres of natural and botanical Eden and has water supplied from its own natural spring. It offers environment friendly visitors a quiet restful experience in quaint wooden cottages. It is located inside the premises of an expansive orchid nursery – “Nurseryman’s Haven” (Estd. 1972) as growers & world wide exporters of Himalayan and Indo Burmese orchids species, Himalayan flora & exotic floriculture.
Accommodation at Holumba Haven Cottages (http://www.holumba.com/)
Day 04:Kalimpong / Rumtek
This morning visit Flower Nurseries & Jang-Dong-Palriffo Brang Monastery. In the afternoon depart for Rumtek by road (65 kms, 2hrs 30 mins), and check in at Teen Taley Eco-Garden Resort. This little hideaway blends traditional architecture and interior design with modern amenities. A strict vigil is kept on preserving and conserving the environment, and the resort is spread out over six and a half acres. Wake up every morning to a bird call or sit out on the balcony in the evenings sipping your drink and watch the night lights of Gangtok.
A little further up the hillside is the Rural Banquet and Soiree Hall adjacent to The Sarva Dharma Temple where peace and tranquility resides. Invigorating morning walks through the woodlands are a treat plus other activities such as pony trekking, tennis & badminton are available. The cuisine is traditional Sikkimese prepared with produce from the resort’s organically grown kitchen garden. The garden has special area of Medicinal Plants and Herbs. Dairy, poultry and fresh meat products are also provided from the Resort’s farm. The chefs can cook both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights and you can also pick vegetables of your choice and have them prepared for your meals.
Acknowledged the “Award of Excellence’ for the Best Eco Friendly Resort in 2008-2009 by the Government of Sikkim “TEEN TALEY ECO GARDEN RESORT” is a pioneering eco-conscious resort hidden amid well-maintained gardens and acres of lush green sub tropical forests on the slopes of Rumtek. It is a perfect blend of nature & hospitality that will leave you feeling relaxed and contented.
Accommodation at Teen Taley Eco Garden Resort. http://www.sikkimresort.com/
Day 05: Rumtek/ Gangtok/ Rumtek
This morning depart for a sightseeing tour (24 kms, 1 hr, each way) covering Rumtek Monastery, Droul Chorthen, Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom (Closed on Sunday), Flower Show & Enchey Monastery.
Accommodation at Teen Taley Eco Garden Resort.
Day 06: Rumtek/ Namchi
Depart for Namchi by road (85 kms, 3 hrs) and enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Khangchendzonga & Samdruptse afforded from this beautiful and picturesque small town which sits at 4700ft (1435 metres), and translates as “sky high”.
The kaleidoscopic land of Phalidara, overlooking Namchi, a place of divine beauty that will mesmerize your senses. A winding, climbing road through the trees leads to twelve exotic cottages set serenely on the slopes of Phalidara where the Seven Hills Village Resort spreads out over six acres. Every cottage faces the majestic vista of the mountains and has its own private veranda. Its historic heritage is reflected in the meticulously restored interiors, designed to capture the original architecture.
Accommodation at Seven Hills Village Resort (http://www.sevenhillsresort.com/about_the_hotel.html)
Day 07: Rumtek Area Sightseeing
This morning visit Rayong Sunrise View Point, 18 km drive from Namchi en route to Ravangla. Weather permitting enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunrise throwing the first rays of the sun over the snowy peaks of Mt. Narshing, Mt. Jopuno, Mt. Kabur and Mt. Pandim.
Then visit Ngadak Monastery… Ngadak means promise in Bhutia language. Situated 3 km away from Namchi, this is the oldest monastery in Sikkim and was constructed during the reign of the Chogyal of Sikkim around 1700 AD. Visit Tarey Bhir, a long ridge (length 10,000 ft.) with a breathtaking view point at the edge from where one can behold Sikkim’s beautiful river valleys and forests. One can see the panoramic confluence of the Teesta & Rangeet River from here.
Accommodation at Seven Hills Village Resort.
Day 08: Namchi/ Yangsum
Depart for Yangsum by road (65 kms, 3 hrs) and upon arrival check in at Yungsum Heritage Farm. Pema and Thendup, the owners of Yangsum Farm, are part of the fourth generation of one of the original fore-families of Sikkim.
Grandfather Tsechutharpa, of mixed Bhutia and Lepcha descent, was headman of Yangsum Village during the King’s rule. 30 family members occupied the original stone and thatched house at the farm. It was re-built in 1965 and, about 4 years ago, Pema and Thendup decided to open their home to visitors by further renovating the original house. Their grandfather donated much of the original 150 acres of farmland to the village to build a dispensary and school.
Pema and Thendup now use the remaining 60 acres of farmland to cultivate a plethora of crops including corn, ginger, cardamom, turmeric, buckwheat, and fruit (including oranges, passion fruit, sweet limes, limes, mangos, pears, peaches, plums and avocados).
Accommodation at Yangsum Heritage Farm (http://www.yangsumfarm.com/about_the_farm.html)
Day 09: Yangsum Area Sightseeing
Today, walk through Rinchenpong Village followed by a tour of the historical & aristocratic Lepcha House. Continue to walk up to Resung Monastery followed by a picnic lunch with the mountains in view. Although not fully active as a monastery, it is beautifully situated on top of a hill overlooking the mountain towns of Pelling, Tashiding and also the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
On the way back you visit the Rinchenpong Monastery, where you maybe able to participate in a chanting session held daily at 4pm. Built in the mid 17th century it houses a school for almost 60 monks ranging in age from 10 to 22 years. The main statue is very interesting, as it represents a carnal pose of the Ati Buddha.
Accommodation at Yangsum Heritage Farm.
Day 10: Yangsum/ Yuksom
Depart for Yuksom (5840 Ft/1780 Mts) by road, via Pemayangtse Monastery (105 kms, 5 hrs). which belongs to the Nyingma-pa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built as a small temple in late 17th century by Latsun Chenpoand, and on the top floor there is a wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguru’s Heavenly Palace at Sangthokpalri & Kechopary Lake (6000 Ft / 1829 Mts). Khecheopalri Lake is one of the sacred Buddhist mountain lakes where it is believed that whatever is wished in front of the lake comes true. Myth has it that when a leaf falls on the placid clear water surface it is immediately picked by a bird.
Continue your drive to Yuksom (the meeting place of three monks), the first capital of Sikkim. This was the place where the first Chogyal (a ruling dynasty in Sikkim) was crowned. The home stay program here was an initative by Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee (KCC) in 2002, to cater to delegates attending the Himalayan Regional Meeting of Mountain Population in Yuksom.
The program is a form of community-based tourism that allows for direct and personal cultural exchange, which in addition provides the locals with a sustainable source of income, whilst allowing them to preserve the environmental and cultural heritage for future generations. Home stay operators are chosen from houses which are not large enough to be hotels, but are clean & comfortable. The home stay operators have undergone various trainings in hospitality, hygiene and sanitation to cater to the needs of tourists.
Accommodation in a local Homestay.
Day 11: Yuksom Area Sightseeing
Take an early morning hiking tour to Dhubdi Monastery (built in 1700 AD, the oldest monastery of Sikkim), located on a hilltop above Yuksom & surrounded by verdant forest. It can be approached by trekking only, negotiating a steep slope and is an ideal place for lamas seeking meditational recluse. After visiting Dhubdi consider a further uphill walk to Hungari Monastery (3 Hrs, one way). Meet with your guide and car and transfer back Yuksom, visiting Tashi Namgyal (the stone throne for the first king) en route.
Accommodation in a local Homestay.
Day 12: Yuksom/ Tinchuley
Enjoy buffet breakfast in the Homestay then depart for Tinchuley (5800 Ft/ 768 Mts) via Tashiding (115 kms, 4 hrs). Here you can trek to Tashiding Monastery located on top of a hill (it will take approx 30 minutes, one way steep climbing). Tinchuley, which literally means three Chulas or ovens, is a Model Village and a Community Tourism initiative of local villagers and WWF-India (West Bengal State Office) in the Darjeeling Hills.
You will be hosted by one of the oldest and largest joint families of Darjeeling hills (about 22 family members) here who have established a guest house.
Accommodation Gurung Guest House. (http://www.traveltocare.com/v3s2c1d64e1051g2h26i26l1m1/hotels/india/gurung_guest_house.aspx)
Day 13: Yuksom Area Sightseeing
Today you will be taken to visit organic farms and orchards to understand the livelihood processes of the local villagers, metre-square gardening process and vermi composting. Walk in the tea garden and visit the local market in Takdah. The afternoon is free to relax.
Accommodation Gurung Guest House.
Day 14: Tinchuley/ Makaibari via Darjeeling
A very early morning drive to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise. Famous for spectacular sunrise shows over the Himalaya, Tiger Hill is the highest hill in the immediate surrounding, leveling out at 8,500 ft (2,600 m). The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kangchenjunga painting it pink and then bathing it in a beautiful orange colour. From here, Mount Everest, at 107 miles away, is just visible, peeping out through two other peaks standing by its side. From this viewpoint, and owing to the earth’s curvature, Mount Makalu, which is several miles closer than Everest, appears to be higher.
Drive on to Darjeeling (32 kms, 1.5 hrs), where you will have your breakfast at a local restaurant. After breakfast visit to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (closed on Thursdays), the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Tibetan Refugee Self-help Centre (closed on Sundays). After lunch drive to Makaibari Tea Estate (55 kms, 2 hrs) at 853 Ft / 260 Mts.
Makaibari has maintained a sustainable human environment. In 1994 a Joint Body was instituted by the Makaibari Tea Estate to regulate the activity of the seven villages and also take up developmental work. Each family on the estate is provided with their own cows, which they use for milk and manure. The manure converts its methane into cooking fuel called “bio-gas” – a non polluting renewable energy source on tap. This system benefits not only the environment and help save the forests. It also decreases the workload of the women who otherwise have to get up hours before they start plucking to bring firewood back to their houses.
Surplus milk and manure can be sold outside the estate. It is indeed this culture at Makaibari that not only liberates the land, but also its people-especially women. Makaibari has 450 children and currently maintains a negative birthrate. One woman supervisor has 20 men working under her, a rarity on tea estates. Makaibari’s Ladies’ Joint Body is a group formed by elected members who are in charge of allocating funds to projects and programs on the farm.
In 2005, it was decided that to accommodate the constant flow of visitors to Makaibari, some villagers would open up their homes to them as paying guests. The 13 families who initiated the homestay programme formed a group called ‘Hum Tera’. The villagers took the decision to install western style toilets in their homes to facilitate the homestays. The raw materials were provided by the management and the fitting was done by skilled masons and hygiene has improved dramatically.
Accommodation in Homestay at Makaibari Tea Estate.
Day 15: Makaibari Tea Estate
Today walk or drive through the tea garden with one of our guides, who will give you an insight into how the tea bush is grown and nurtured. Learn how to pluck the “two leaves and a bud” that is later manufactured into the tea leaf that ends up in your teacup!
During the winter season, learn about the different types of pruning that is undertaken to increase the yield of the coming season. Interact with the Estate people and later visit the Tea Factory where you will be taken for a guided tour on how the leaf is brought in from the garden, weighed, and then taken through the processes of Withering, Rolling, Fermenting, Drying and finally Sorting. The day ends with a Tea Tasting Session, where one can discover the differences in aroma & flavor.
Accommodation in Homestay at Makaibari Tea Estate.
Day 16: Makaibari/ Bagdogra
Buffet breakfast in the homestay then depart for Bagdogra airport or alternative location in time to connect to your onward destination.
Tariffs
Valid from: 16 April 2010 to 31st March 2011
(All Costs In US Dollars)
16 APRIL 10 to 30 SEPTEMBER 10 (LOW SEASON)
Twin Share – 2+ persons travelling together.
US$1981 per person
Single Supplement for single traveller
US$414
01 OCTOBER 10 to 31 MARCH 11 (HIGH SEASON)
Twin Share – 2+ persons travelling together.
US$2200.00 per person
Single Supplement for single traveller
US$473
Airfare costs for Kolkata-Bagdogra are additional and will be quoted at time of booking.
The Tour Cost Includes:
* Meet & Greet upon arrival in Kolkata.
* Accompanied by an English speaking guide & driver throughout.
* Hotels as detailed above & in the itinerary (subject to availability).
* Breakfasts daily. Lunches & Dinners for all days of the tour except in Kolkata.
* All transfers, sightseeing tours & excursions as mentioned in the itinerary by Scorpio 4WD or Toyota Innova or similar.
* Present applicable India taxes as on 15th April 2010.
The Cost Does Not Include:
* Entrance tickets to the monuments/museums.
* Any services not mentioned under the “Cost Inclusions” above.
* Costs for airfares, travel insurance premiums & any additional sightseeing or excurions.
* Payment for services provided on a personal request basis.
* Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, bottled water, incidentals, porter charges, tips etc.
* Expenses incurred due to change in oil price, mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as required & be collected directly from the clients.
Amendment Fees:
Costs will depend upon length of time before departure any amendments are requested along with negotiation with our suppliers. In peak periods changes may not easily be possible.
Cancellation Charges:
* Domestic India airfares are generally non-refundable after tickets are issued.
* Target Tours India land arrangements are subject to the cancellation fees below.
* Any luxury hotel arrangements must be cancelled at least 30 days prior to arrival in India to avoid any cancellation fees.
More than 60 days prior to departure Deposit Forfeited.
Within 60 days of departure – Low Seasons min 35% of package costs
Within 60 days of departure – For High Season min 60% of package costs
Within 30 days of departure min 60% of package costs
Within 14 days of departure min 80% of package costs
Inside 7 days No Refund
Children’s & Infants Rates
We will quote these on application. As a broad guide infants under 2 years (at time of departure) will pay 10-15%, and children aged 2 to 11 (under 12 at time of departure) will pay approx 65% of adults costs, when sharing a room with parents or guardians.
Travel Insurance
It is essential, for your personal protection, that you hold a valid travel insurance policy BEFORE you finalise your tour payments to India. There is no insurance cover provided in any packages/tariffs provided by Target Tours India or Bhutan & Beyond, who will not be liable for any illness, injury or death sustained during any package or trek.
Payment Procedure and Credit Cards
A deposit of $400.00 per person is required to secure a reservation. Final balance is due no later than 60 days prior departure or immediately if booking inside this period.
MasterCard & Visa Card are welcome and will incur a surcharge of 1.4%.
