Nepal, Sikkim Darjeeling Tour

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from AlpineTrav Treks. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a AlpineTrav Treks display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. Then you will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Two of the landmarks that you'll visit today are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Kathmandu Durbar Square and the famous Buddhist Swayambhunath also known as ‘Monkey Temple’ among the foreigners. Overnight at Hotel

Max Elevation: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)

Today after breakfast you'll start a guided tour to three other UNESCO world heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley, Pashupati Nath, Bhaktapur, and Patan. The two-storied pagoda of Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The AryaGhat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous funeral site for the Hindus. The medieval town of Bhaktapur, or the Town of the Devotees, preserves medieval arts, architecture, culture, and lifestyle to this date. One is sure to feel like travelling back into the past while walking along the Bhaktapur thoroughfares, squares and streets. The city of Patan is also known as The City of Fine Arts. Patan Durbar Square is full of ancient places, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings, mostly the Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Then transfer to hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)
Meals: Breakfast

Early in the morning, you catch a plane to Bhadrapur, a city in the eastern regions of Nepal bordering India. From there, you begin your journey to Sikkim Darjeeling. Sikkim, a former kingdom with fascinating Himalayas is situated in Eastern Himalayas spreading below Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,534m), the third highest mountain in the world. It is squeezed in between the mountainous kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal offering wide potentials in tourism – a true Shangri-La. Overnight at Hotel.

Flight: 45 min/ Duration: 5-6 hrs - Distance: 189 km
Max Elevation: 1,700m/5,578ft
Accommodation: 3 star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Today early in the morning, you'll make your excursion at Tashi View point, near about 8km from Gangtok. Astounding view of Khangchendzonga and the Siniolchu Range is the main attraction of this point. Some distant north, Sikkim monasteries along the North Sikkim highway are also visible from this point. After having short excursion, you'll return back to the hotel for breakfast. At this juncture, you are ready to start your today’s program.

First you will visit Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms (also known as Government Institute of Cottage Industries), established by government to promote the manufacturing and selling of authentic and traditional arts and handicraft: blankets and shawls in “Lepcha” weaves, thankas, wooden decoration etc. Next point to be visited is Enchey Monastery. This small hermitage was built by lama Druptob Karpo (renowned for his power of flying) after he flew at this place from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim more than 200 years ago. Further, you also do not miss the opportunity to be at Research Institute of Tibetology, a world-renowned research center for Tibetan Buddhism. The research institute showcases the rare collection of antique like statues, antic manuscripts, thangkas etc. This Institute was founded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1957. Along in the evening, you will visit Rumtek Monastery which lays near about 24 km From Gangtok in a lovely landscape. The first monastery was built in 1717 by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, but then was destroyed by the earthquake and aging. His holiness 16th Gyalwa Karmapa constructed the second monastery in 1960.

Accommodation: 3 star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Today after breakfast you will be escorted from Gangtok to Darjeeling – “The Queen of Hills”. Upon arrival you check in hotel and have leisure overnight.

Distance: 96.2 km Duration: 4 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,050m/6,726ft
Accommodation: 3 star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Today, your journey begin with your short excursion to Tiger Hill at early morning to see the view of sunrise over Mt. Kanchendzonga. Upnon return to the hotel way, you will visit Yiga-Choling (Ghoom). Then, after breakfast we stroll around Darjeeling for sightseeing. At this juncture, you'll visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, inhabited by rare representatives of Himalayan fauna: Siberian tiger, Himalayan black bear, red panda, snow leopard and many other animal and bird species. Your next visit will be at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, also known as a major center for the production of Tibetan carpets, woodwork and leather goods, and famous Tea Garden and Tea Factory of Darjeeling.

Accommodation: 3 star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Today after breakfast you will be escorted to Bagdogra Airport for your flight onward. You'll return to your destination keeping enticing memories of Sikkim and Darjeeling. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next trip to Sikkim Darjeeling. We hope this 5-day tour has enriched your exploration with pleasant memories. Stay tuned. Have a safe and enjoyable journey home.

Meals: Breakfast