Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
India – Delhi – Darjeeling – Sikkim – Pelling – Gangtok – Kalimpong
100% customisable for you
Today, your Himalayan adventure begins. Head to the airport, whizz through security and pick up some snacks for the journey before departing for India on a nine-hour overnight flight to Delhi.
On arrival the next day, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred privately to your hotel for a two-night stay. Drop your bags and spend the rest of the day settling in, ready for the real exploring to begin tomorrow.
Today offers an introduction to Tibetan culture before your journey to the Himalayas. Over a tasty lunch, meet a specialist in Tibetan Buddhism, who’ll share insights into the history and traditions of this spiritual philosophy. As you enjoy your first taste of Indian cuisine, learn all about the religion’s origins in the 7th century to the different Buddhist schools that continue to shape Himalayan life today.
Later, visit the city’s Tibetan district, or Majnu Ka Tilla, where many refugees settled after leaving the region. Here, colourful prayer flags line the narrow streets, and small temples and monasteries offer a peaceful contrast to Delhi’s busy avenues.
In the evening, explore the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk on a guided walk. As night falls, the great bazaar comes alive with food stalls, chai shops and late-night markets. Once you’ve explored the rows of spices and souvenirs, the walk ends at the illuminated Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
This morning, you’ll be privately transferred back to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra, which will take just over two hours. When you arrive, meet your friendly private driver, who’ll whisk you another three hours through the Himalayan foothills to Darjeeling.
The road winds through lush hillsides planted with tea bushes before climbing into the cool mountain air. On arrival, check into your hotel for a three-night stay.
Later, enjoy a walking tour of Darjeeling. Once a summer retreat for the British elite escaping the heat of Calcutta, the town still retains traces of its colonial past, with ornate churches, quaint cottages and grand houses perched along the hillsides.
Rise early this morning for one of Darjeeling’s most memorable experiences – watching the sunrise over Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. After a speedy private transfer up to Tiger Hill, watch as the first light of day illuminates the Himalayan peaks.
On the return journey, stop at a Hindu temple to witness a traditional puja ceremony – a daily prayer ritual – before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.
Later, board the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a charming narrow-gauge steam train dating back to 1878. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the aptly nicknamed ‘Toy Train’ winds its way through tea plantations at 6mph on its journey to Ghoom, where you'll stop to visit the tiny railway museum and nearby Yiga Choeling Monastery.
If you’re still raring to go, we can also arrange for a guided meditation session at the monastery with a monk.
This morning, pay a visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded in 1954 following the first ascent of Mount Everest. The institute’s museum traces the history of Himalayan exploration through newspaper clippings, photographs and equipment used over the years.
Later, continue on to a small organic tea estate, one of the nearly 90 plantations that have made Darjeeling tea famous worldwide. Learn about the cultivation and harvesting process before enjoying lunch on the estate overlooking the tea-covered hills.
In the afternoon, visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, established in 1959 by Gyalo Thondup, the Dalai Lama's sister-in-law. The centre supports the Tibetan community through education, crafts and cultural preservation. During your visit, stop at the carpet-making workshops, where beautiful pieces are created using antique machinery.
Today, travel deeper into the Himalayas, crossing into the state of Sikkim. The four-hour drive brings you to the peaceful town of Pelling, where views of Kangchenjunga dominate the skyline. When you arrive, check into your hotel for a two-night stay.
After a few hours spent settling in, head out to visit Pemayangtse Monastery, an important spiritual centre founded in the 18th century. Its murals and ancient manuscripts reflect Sikkim’s rich Buddhist heritage. Later, hike to Sanga Choeling Monastery, the oldest in the region, which offers breathtaking views over the sprawling valley.
After a jam-packed week, enjoy a relaxing morning at the spa, where you can enjoy rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies and traditional treatments.
Later, visit a local family for a cooking class and lunch. Learn how to prepare momos, beloved Himalayan dumplings filled with meat or vegetables and served with a spicy sauce. Under the expert guidance of your hosts, try your hand at shaping the delicate dumplings before sitting down to enjoy the meal together.
Today, wave goodbye to Pelling and travel to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The four-hour journey takes place along a scenic road winding through jungle-covered hills and deep valleys. On arrival, check into your hotel, your home for the next two nights.
Later, visit Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in the eastern Himalayas and the spiritual seat of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its golden stupa, prayer halls and library make it one of the region’s most significant religious sites.
Start the day early with sunrise views of Kachenjunga, whose snow-covered peaks glow in the morning light.
Later, visit the Institute of Tibetology, India’s leading centre for the study of Tibetan culture and Buddhism. Its collections include rare manuscripts, sculptures and intricate thangkas, while its peaceful gardens display a beautiful variety of orchids.
Continue to Phodang Monastery, home to around 300 monks and famous for its 18th-century frescoes. Nearby Labrang Monastery offers another glimpse into the region’s extraordinary artistic heritage and Buddhist traditions, featuring ornate prayer rooms and intricate murals.
After a day full of history and culture, head back to your hotel for a relaxing dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Before leaving Gangtok, pay a morning visit to the ancient Thongsa Gompa, the oldest monastery in the city, built in 1692.
Afterwards, explore the lively local market, where stalls overflow with spices, textiles and colourful shawls. This afternoon, continue by road to Kalimpong, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Check in for two nights in this charming hill town, settling in and enjoying beautiful views of the Himalayan foothills from the veranda.
Today, travel to the village of Hee Bermiok, surrounded by forests of giant rhododendrons and pine trees.
Alongside a friendly guide, set off on a gentle walk through the village, stopping to soak up panoramic views over the lush greenery. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet locals and learn about their way of life. The walk concludes with lunch at a local family’s home, after which you’ll head back to your hotel for a final relaxing afternoon.
Sadly, your Himalayan adventure has come to an end. This morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your two-hour flight to Delhi, where you’ll connect with your international flight home. The flight back to the UK takes just over ten hours, and you’ll arrive back on home soil this evening, ready to regale your friends and family with tales of your time in the mountains.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
