Darjeeling & Sikkim 5N6D (Students)

The “Culture and Wildlife” program is a comprehensive 5-night, 6-day educational and adventure tour through Sikkim and Darjeeling. Designed for students in Grade 7 and above, the itinerary balances Himalayan natural beauty with deep dives into regional history and biodiversity.

Core Themes

  • Biodiversity & Conservation: Exploration of the Eastern Himalayas’ unique flora and fauna, including specialized visits to see endangered species like the Red Panda and Snow Leopard.
  • Cultural Heritage: A focus on the Buddhist traditions of the Namgyal dynasty, with visits to significant spiritual sites and institutes of Tibetology.
  • Himalayan History: Highlights the legacy of mountaineering and the colonial charm of the “Queen of Hill Stations.”

1. Tsomgo Lake (Sikkim)

  • A high-altitude glacial lake at 3,753 m (12,313 ft).
  • Reflects different colors with changing seasons; frozen in winter.
  • Features scenic blooms of rhododendrons, primulas, and poppies.
  • Activities include joy rides on decorated yaks and a cable car ride.
  • Wildlife sightings may include the red panda.

2. Rumtek Monastery (Sikkim)

  • The largest monastery in Sikkim and seat of the Karmapa Lama (third highest monk in Tibetan Buddhism).
  • Houses a golden stupa with relics of the 16th Karmapa.
  • Features a legendary black hat woven from thousands of fairy hairs.
  • Surrounded by lush green landscape at ~5,000 ft.

3. Gangtok (Sikkim’s Capital)

  • A cosmopolitan hill resort at 1,650 m (5,410 ft).
  • Mix of modern amenities (nightclubs, restaurants, malls) and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
  • Key local sights: Tashi View Point, Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, Handicraft Emporium, Flower Show.

4. Toy Train Joy Ride (Darjeeling)

  • Runs on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Scenic 2-hour ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom (highest station at 7,404 ft).
  • Steam engine experience with zig-zag tracks through misty mountains.

5. Tea Garden Visit (Darjeeling)

  • Walk through scenic tea estates (colonial bungalows, green pastures).
  • Opportunity to see workers pluck “two leaves with a bud”.
  • Visit a factory to learn about withering, rolling, drying, and packaging of world-famous Darjeeling tea.

6. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) & Zoological Park (Darjeeling)

  • HMI: Premier mountaineering institute founded by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1954; trained over 45,000 students.
  • Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park: Internationally recognized for conservation breeding of Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Clouded Leopard, and Siberian Tiger. First zoo in India to win “The Earth Heroes” award (2014).

7. Institute of Tibetology (Gangtok)

  • Major center for Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning.
  • Houses one of the largest collections of Tibetan documents and literature outside Tibet.
  • Features traditional Tibetan architecture with golden towers, murals, and a statue of Manjushree (Bodhisattva of knowledge).

Cultural & Scenic Extras

  • Sunset walk on Darjeeling Mall Road
  • Views of Kangchenjunga (third highest peak on Earth)
  • Border crossing experience at Kakkarvitta (India-Nepal border)

These highlights combine wildlife conservation, Buddhist heritage, mountain railways, tea culture, and high-altitude landscapes into a single itinerary.

Day 1: Flight to Bhadrapur and Drive to Gangtok

  • Arrival & Transport: Take a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur.
  • Border Crossing: Board a vehicle and drive to the Indian border at Kakkarvitta for immigration formalities.
  • Transit to Gangtok: Continue the journey to Gangtok, with lunch served en route.
  • Check-in: Arrive in Gangtok after approximately 5 hours of driving and check into the hotel.

Day 2: Gangtok Sightseeing

  • Morning Tour: After breakfast, embark on a leisurely tour of Gangtok town.
  • Key Landmarks: Visit Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, and the Institute of Tibetology (noting it is closed on Sundays and government holidays).
  • Additional Sites: Explore the Do Drul Chorten, the Handicraft Emporium, and the local Flower Show.
  • Evening: Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Gangtok.

Day 3: Tsomgo Lake Excursion

  • Glacial Lake Visit: Take an excursion drive to Tsomgo Lake, located at an elevation of 3,753 meters.
  • Activities: Enjoy a cable car ride near the lake.
  • Contingency: If travel permits are denied due to bad weather or landslides, alternate sightseeing will be arranged.

Day 4: Drive to Darjeeling via Rumtek Monastery

  • Departure: After breakfast, depart for Darjeeling on a journey of approximately 4 hours.
  • Monastery Visit: Stop en route at the Rumtek Monastery, the largest in Sikkim and the seat of the Karmapa Lama.
  • Evening in Darjeeling: Arrive for a late lunch, followed by a walk around Mall Road to watch the sunset.

Day 5: Darjeeling Sightseeing

  • Toy Train Ride: Have an early breakfast and head to the railway station for a 2-hour UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train ride.
  • Tea & Wildlife: Visit a local tea garden followed by a trip to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
  • Focus: Learn about regional flora and fauna, including the specialized breeding programs for Red Pandas and Snow Leopards.
  • Overnight: Stay overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 6: Drive to Siliguri and Return Flight

  • Shopping: After breakfast, drive to Siliguri and stop at the City Centre Mall for leisure and shopping.
  • Return Journey: Drive back to the Kakkarvitta border to cross into Nepal, then continue to Bhadrapur.
  • Final Flight: Take the last flight from Bhadrapur back to Kathmandu

INCLUDES

  • Transport to and fro Bhadrapur airport to Gangtok to Darjeeling to Bhadrapur.
  • Transport to all sightseeing points namely:
    • Gangtok local sightseeing
    • Tsomgo Lake
    • Toy Train pick up and drop from the station
    • Tea Garden Visit
    • HMI and Zoological Park
  • 3 Nights in Sikkim on triple sharing basis on a 3∗3∗ hotel
  • 5 Breakfast, 5 Lunch and 5 Dinner
  • Entrance fees for all sightseeing places mentioned in Sikkim and Darjeeling
  • Permit fees for Tsomgo Lake
  • Cable car ticket in Tsomgo Lake
  • 2 Nights in Darjeeling on Triple Sharing basis
  • Toy Train Ticket
  • Taxes included (VAT)

EXCLUDES

  • Visa Fee if applicable for international students.
  • Flight tickets Kathmandu – Bhadrapur (Jhapa) and back
  • Breakfast on Day 1 before departure from Kathmandu
  • Lunch at Siliguri on Day 6 (last day) at City Centre Mall.
  • Yak ride on Tsomgo Lake and Pony ride in Darjeeling Mall Road.
  • Travel and Health and Personal insurance and evacuation charges
  • All expenses of personal nature such as drinks, laundry, photo fee, tips to guides, drivers etc.
  • Insurance against or for accidents / loss of life, loss of goods etc.
  • Any item not included in the above “cost Includes”
  • Any extra fees due to unforeseen events such as road blockage, flight delays or events which are out of our controls
  • Flight delays or cancellation due to adverse weather condition or political upheaval
  • Drinks, Photo fee, laundry and phone calls etc
  • FINE for venturing into prohibited area/ unlawful activities
  • Refund for cancelling trip.
  • Costs incurred due to natural calamities, strikes, and break downs and beyond our control.

FAQ

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