East India Escapade- Mountains, Monasteries & Memories
per person
This journey through the cultural heart and scenic highlands of Eastern India, beginning in the vibrant metropolis of Kolkata, then moving through the misty tea gardens and mountain towns of Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling, and Kalimpong. From colonial landmarks, temples, and bustling book markets in Kolkata…
This journey through the cultural heart and scenic highlands of Eastern India, beginning in the vibrant metropolis of Kolkata, then moving through the misty tea gardens and mountain towns of Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling, and Kalimpong. From colonial landmarks, temples, and bustling book markets in Kolkata to the serene Himalayan landscapes and monasteries of Sikkim and North Bengal, the trip offers a rich blend of heritage, spirituality, and natural beauty. Ideal for travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and breathtaking views, this itinerary captures the essence of East India in a beautifully paced route.
12 Days / 11 Nights
1
Day 1 Kolkata
Arrival in Kolkata
Morning:
- Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to hotel
- Freshen up and start local exploration
- Explore Indian Museum, the oldest in India
- Stroll along Prinsep Ghat and take a boat ride on the Hooghly River
- Explore the buzzing Park Street for cafés and dinner
2
Day 2 - Kolkata
Kolkata Exploration
Morning:
- Visit Kalighat Temple or Dakshineswar Temple
- Explore Mother Teresa's House (Mother House)
- Walk through College Street (Asia’s largest book market)
- Try street food around New Market and Esplanade
- Visit Victoria Memorial and St. Paul's Cathedral
- Visit Eco Park (optional) or enjoy a cultural show at Rabindra Sadan
3
Day 3 - Kolkata - Darjeeling
Kolkata ✈️ Bagdogra ➡️ Darjeeling (3.5 hrs)
Morning:
- Take a flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra
- Drive to Darjeeling, a scenic hill station in West Bengal
- Arrive and check-in to hotel
- Visit Peace Pagoda and Japanese Temple
- Leisure walk around Mall Road
- Try a cup of authentic Darjeeling tea
4
Day 4 - Darjeeling
Darjeeling Sightseeing
Early Morning:
- Visit Tiger Hill for sunrise view over Kanchenjunga
- Stop at Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery on the way back
- Explore Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
- Visit Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park and Tea Estate
- Enjoy shopping at local markets and try Tibetan cuisine
5
Day 5 - Darjeeling - Gangtok
Darjeeling ➡️ Gangtok (4 hrs)
Morning:
- Depart for Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim
- Scenic drive via Teesta River valley
- Check-in to hotel in Gangtok
- Visit MG Marg for shopping, cafés, and leisure
- Explore Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do Drul Chorten
6
Day 6 - Gangtok
Gangtok Excursion
Morning:
- Optional trip to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir (requires permits)
- Alternate: Visit Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, and Tashi View Point
- Visit Enchey Monastery or relax at a local café with mountain views
- Explore MG Road again for souvenirs and street food
7
Day 7 - Gangtok - Pelling
Gangtok ➡️ Pelling (4.5 hrs)
Morning:
- Depart for Pelling, a peaceful hill station with great views of Kanchenjunga
- Check-in and visit Pemayangtse Monastery
- Visit the Rabdentse Ruins, ancient capital of Sikkim
- Relax at the hotel with views of snow-clad peaks
8
Day 8 - Pelling
Pelling Sightseeing
Morning:
- Visit Skywalk and Chenrezig Statue
- Explore Singshore Bridge (second highest suspension bridge in Asia)
- Visit Khecheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga Falls
- Return to hotel and enjoy the peaceful ambiance
9
Day 9 - Pelling - Kalimpong
Pelling ➡️ Kalimpong (3.5 hrs)
Morning:
- Depart for Kalimpong, a charming town in the Eastern Himalayas
- Check-in and visit Deolo Hill and Dr. Graham’s Home
- Visit Mangal Dham Temple
- Explore local markets and buy local cheese, handicrafts
10
Day 10 - Kalimpong
Kalimpong Sightseeing
Morning:
- Visit Durpin Monastery with views of Teesta Valley
- Explore Cactus Nursery (famous for exotic plants)
- Visit Tharpa Choling Monastery or take a short nature walk
- Leisure at hotel or explore local cafés
11
Day 11 - Kalimpong - Kolkata
Kalimpong ➡️ Bagdogra ✈️ Kolkata
Morning:
- Drive to Bagdogra Airport (3.5 hrs)
- Fly to Kolkata and check-in to hotel near airport or city center
- Explore nearby market or enjoy a Bengali meal
12
Day 12 - Kolkata - Departure
Kolkata – Departure
Morning:
- Depending on your flight, visit New Town Eco Park or relax
- Depart from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
Tour Location