Tea & Buddhism in West Bengal & Sikkim

Explore Calcutta’s hidden gems on a walking tour. Our guides tailor the tour to your wishes — this is a great opportunity to see some of the city's more unusual sights and a superb way of getting off the beaten track in this vibrant city.

Fly from Calcutta to Bagdogra and travel by road to Kalimpong. Being in the hills of the Himalaya, you will find yourself surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. This evening, you might like to enjoy drinks in the hotel's garden, overlooking the flickering lights of the villages below.

Today, enjoy a village walk. Escorted by your friendly local guide, you will pass traditional terraced farmland in a scenic valley, through rural villages, and across streams. Depending on your fitness level, there are a variety of routes.

Travel from Kalimpong to Gangtok, winding your way through the hilly roads. Your driver and accompanying guide are on hand to suggest places to stop and visit along the way. This evening, check into your Gangtok hotel, in the capital of Sikkim.

Visit the Rumtek Monastery and the Research Institute of Tibetology. There are also more monasteries along the drive if you have a particular interest. This evening would be a good opportunity to explore Gangtok's night market and pedestrianised high street.

Travel to Pelling to visit the Pemayangtse and Sanghak Choling monasteries. Pelling is situated right under Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. It's worth asking for an early wake-up call to see the sunrise over the peak.

Drive to Darjeeling to explore the former colonial hill station and ride the Toy Train. One of the only Indian steam trains in operation, it travels up to Ghoom, the town above Darjeeling. This evening, you might like to visit one of the local markets that sell a variety of textiles.

Day at leisure to explore Darjeeling. The Mountaineering Institute has memorabilia from many Everest expeditions, as well as an interesting selection of photographs.

Take a short drive to a tea estate to relax and unwind. Walk through the tea plantations, visit a local village, or simply relax with views right across the valley.

Fly to Delhi from Bagdogra and spend the night there. If there's time, you might like to drive into Delhi to see the evening light show at Red Fort.

Transfer to Delhi Airport for your onward or homeward-bound flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.