SIKKIM

In the morning flight for Bagdogra. Then via Kursong, road to Darjeeling, a mountain station much favoured by the British in the XIX cent and famous for its tea plantations. Overnight at hotel.

Early in the morning, excursion to “Tiger Hill”, (2500 m) from where, during clear weather one can see the kanchenjunga (8 597 m), one of the highest Himalayan peaks. On return, visit of the Tibetan monastery Ghoom, dedicated to Buddha Maitreya. Then discover the city: Tibetan refugee camp, where the 13th Dalai Lama lived in exile, from 1910 to 1912, Himalayan Institute. Then walk in the bazaar and free time. Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast drive to a Long road to Sikkim via the monastery of Thupten (visit), then Jorethang or Teesta, Arrive at Pemyangtse, site of one of the oldest monasteries of the region. Over night at hotel.

Morning after breakfast Start the day with the visit of the monastery “Sublime Lotus” which belongs to the sect “Red Hats” or the sect Nyingmapa. It dates from the XVII cent and its edifice is covered with remarkable frescoes which represent Gods and Demons. Then departure for Gangtok, capital of Sikkim and the old seat of the Namgyal dynasty. The road follows the Teesta valley by the small sanctuary of Yung Drung Lingbon. Overnight at hotel.

Excursion to Phodang monastery, one of the five principal monasteries of Sikkim, where Alexander David-Neel stayed for some time. Built in the XVIII cent, it houses in particular a room with frescoes that represent the Buddhist hell. On return visit of Gangtok: monastery of Enchey, founded by a master of Tantra which dominates the city, Institute of Tibetology ( treasure of cultural objects, library rich in manuscripts and Thankas), on the higher levels, Chortens and monastery for young lamas. Then walk in the animated area of the “Lall Market” Overnight at hotel.

Morning First part of the day dedicated to the Rumtek monastery. Residence of the Gyalwah Karmapa. Chief of the spiritual sect of the Kagyu-pa, founded in the XI cent, it has beautiful paintings of Tantric Buddhism. Then road for Kalimpong, small animated town where different mountain populations mix: (Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan, Lechpa) Visit the Bhutanese Thongsa gompa. Overnight at hotel.

Visit the Tibetan monastery Zong Dog Fo Brang at Drupin Dara. Departure for Bagdogra via Siliguri. In the afternoon flight for Delhi/Kolkata. Transfer to city for free visit. Night departure transfer to International airport to connect flight for Next destination.