Marvelous Hills of East

Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to Darjeeling from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Darjeeling is a small hill station located in West Bengal, India. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and is known for its tea plantations and spectacular views. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and is home to a variety of attractions including colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and other natural wonders. Darjeeling offers a unique blend of Indian and British cultures, with a variety of restaurants, shops, and hotels catering to both local and foreign visitors. In addition to its tea plantations, Darjeeling is also home to numerous botanical gardens, including the renowned Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Other attractions include the Tiger Hill viewpoint, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.Darjeeling is also known for its festivals, including the yearly Darjeeling Festival of Music and Dance. This celebration of the region's culture and history includes performances of traditional dance and music, as well as a variety of food stalls and art exhibitions. Overall, Darjeeling is a charming hill station in India with a unique blend of cultures, spectacular views, and plenty of attractions to explore. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a relaxed getaway, Darjeeling is the perfect destination. On arrival, check in to the hotel and rest of the day free to explore the city on your own.

Overnight at a hotel in Darjeeling.

Early in the morning, proceed to Tiger Hill, located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, near the city of Darjeeling. It is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in the region, and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Kanchendzonga (the world’s third highest peak), Mount Everest, and other iconic mountain peaks. Visitors can begin their journey to Tiger Hill before sunrise, and it takes around an hour’s drive to reach the top. Once there, they can take in the majestic views of the Himalayas, and the horizon slowly turns golden with the rising sun. For those who wish to stay a bit longer, there are various tea stalls and restaurants at the hilltop that serve breakfast and snacks. There are also many places to explore around the hill, including the nearby Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop. The experience of witnessing the sunrise at Tiger Hill is truly magical. As the sky slowly turns from dark to a light orange hue, the entire range of the Himalayas turns a golden color. It is a breathtaking sight, and one that will stay with you for a long time.

After breakfast, begin the city tour by visiting the Tenzing Norgay-founded Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. It is closed on Thursdays, so it is best to visit on a different day. Continue the city tour by visiting the Zoological Park. This is also closed on Thursdays, so avoid visiting on this day. Next, visit Tenzing Rock, which is a large boulder with a plaque commemorating the Sherpa Tenzing Norgay's ascent of Everest. Take in the views of the surrounding area. Later, visit Gombu Rock, which is a large rock formation that is said to be the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay. Later, visit a nearby tea estate and take in the sights from the outside. Continue the tour by visiting a Japanese temple. Explore the temple grounds and admire the architecture.Later, visit the Peace Pagoda, which is a large Buddhist monument that symbolizes peace and harmony.Further proceed to visit the Ghoom Monastery, which is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that is home to beautiful murals and statues. Finally, visit the Batasia loop, which is a spiral railway line that offers spectacular views of the mountains. The evening is free for shopping and leisure. Visit nearby markets and explore the local culture.

Overnight in Darjeeling.
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After breakfast, depart for Pelling. The scenic drive from Darjeeling to Pelling is an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in India. The road is filled with winding paths, green hills and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The drive from Darjeeling to Pelling usually takes around six hours, but the journey is worth it as you will pass through some of the most breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you will drive through the lush green valleys of Jaldapara National Park, where you can spot elephants, leopards, rhinos and many other wildlife. You will also pass by the picturesque towns of Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik, each offering its own unique charm and beauty. As you get closer to Pelling, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan Mountains, with the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga looming in the background. On arrival, Check in to the hotel. Rest of the Day is free. You can explore the local monasteries and temples, visit the sacred Pemayangtse Monastery and soak up the beauty of the town.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Pelling.
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After breakfast, take a full-day sightseeing tour of the city, starting from Khecheopalri Lake: This lake is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs, and is believed to be a wish-fulfilling lake. You can take in the tranquil atmosphere, admire the reflection of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga Mountains in the lake, and enjoy the peaceful environment. Next, visit the Rimbi Falls: This waterfall is located on the Rimbi River and is surrounded by lush green forests. You can take a stroll along the banks of the river and admire the cascading water as it plunges over the cliff edge. Later visit the Kanchenjunga Waterfalls: This waterfall is the highest in Sikkim and is located on the River Teesta. You can admire the spectacular view of the waterfall and take in the beauty of its surrounding forests. Later proceed to The Skywalk (tickets on direct payment are required): The fourth stop on the sightseeing tour is the thrilling Skywalk. This structure is suspended between two mountain peaks and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys. You can take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains while walking on the Skywalk. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this activity. Later visit the quaint Darap Village: This village is located in the East Sikkim district and is home to the indigenous Lepcha people. You can take a leisurely walk around the village and explore its unique culture and traditions. Visit the famous Orange Garden: This garden is located in the town of Gangtok and is home to a variety of citrus fruit trees. You can take a stroll through the garden, pick fresh oranges, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Last but not the least, visit the Rabtense Ruins: These ruins are the remains of an ancient kingdom and are located near the town of Ravangla. Tourists can explore the ruins and learn about the history of this ancient kingdom.

Overnight at pelling.
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After breakfast, depart for Gangtok. The drive from Pelling to Gangtok is a scenic one with stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range. The journey takes around 5-6 hours. The route is via Geyzing, Jorethang, Rangpo, and Melli. The drive is a pleasant one as you pass through lush green valleys, small towns, and villages. The roads are mostly well-maintained and offer some scenic spots to take pictures. You will also be able to spot some of the local wildlife like the Red Panda and Himalayan Monal. Later, proceed on a Gangtok half-day sightseeing tour, starting from The Flower Show is the perfect place to begin your half-day tour of Gangtok. Here you can see a variety of exotic plants and flowers from all over India and the world. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the vibrant colors and fragrances of the blooms. Later, you can head to the Handicraft Center and browse through the beautiful handmade crafts created by the local artisans. You can pick up some souvenirs for yourself or for family and friends back home.Later, you can visit the Institute of Tibetology, which houses a large collection of Buddhist artifacts and manuscripts. Here, you can learn more about the history and culture of the region. The next visit is Do Drul Chorten, a Tibetan stupa built in 1945. This is a great place to take pictures and to appreciate the beauty of Tibetan architecture. Later, you can end your trip at Bakthang Falls. Here, you can take a peaceful walk along the banks of the river, take in the stunning views of the surrounding hills, and take a dip or a splash in the cool waters of the falls.

Overnight at a hotel in Gangtok.
(Breakfast)

Following breakfast at the hotel, proceed on a full-day excursion to Changu Lake, an exciting way to explore the natural beauty of the Himalayan Mountains. Located in the East Sikkim district of India, Changu Lake is an alpine lake surrounded by lush green hills and snow-capped mountains. The journey to Changu Lake begins early in the morning with a drive to Gangtok, the capital of East Sikkim. From there, the drive continues along the winding roads of the Himalayas to the lake. The journey takes about three hours, and along the way, you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and valleys. Once at the lake, you can take a boat ride to get a closer look at the lake and its surroundings. The lake is home to a variety of migratory birds and you will be able to spot some of them during your trip. The lake is also known for its pristine beauty and you can take some amazing photographs while you are there. After a relaxing boat ride, you can explore the nearby temples and monasteries. The area is home to some of the oldest religious sites in India and you can learn about the ancient culture and tradition of the region. After exploring the area, you can enjoy a delicious lunch of local cuisine at one of the nearby restaurants. Then, you can take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the tranquility of nature. At the end of the day, you can return back to Gangtok and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Himalayas. A full-day excursion to Changu Lake is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Afternoon at the hotel.

Overnight at Gangtok.
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Transfer in the morning to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport with fond memories of your Joy-N-Crew Vacations!!

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