Plantations & Hill Stations tour
Plantations & Hill Stations tour
Plantations & Hill Stations tour
14 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Delhi, Bagdogra, Kalimpong, Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling
Tour operator:
Tour code:
232
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Travelling through Darjeeling and Sikkim with their verdant tea estates, quintessential hill stations, Buddhist temples and the faded colonial charm of the British Raj all set against a backdrop of the mighty Himalaya, our 'Plantations & Hill Stations'; tour offers a great introduction to the culture, tradition and stunning scenery of northeast India. You begin your tour in Delhi, India's enigmatic capital city, with a tour through Old Delhi's labyrinth of medieval streets, important mosques and Moghul architecture before continuing to the stately monuments and large open spaces of imperial New Delhi. The next day you fly to Bagdogra before travelling on to the town of Kalimpong for the start of your time in northeast India. Kalimpong is often overlooked by visitors due to the close proximity of Darjeeling but its Buddhist temples surrounded by dense forests, streams and beautiful green hills provide a wonderful setting in which to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle of Delhi. Leaving Kalimpong, you head north for Gangtok which is the capital of Sikkim and has a number of fascinating monasteries and pagodas to visit. After Gangtok, you travel through stunning scenery and lush verdant countryside to the hill station of Pelling and experience the sight of the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain rearing up in front of you. You end your holiday with a leisurely few days at the exclusive Glenburn Tea Estate where you can relax and take in the setting of this idyllic colonial plantation house. You are free to enjoy many of the various activities on offer including local walks or a tour of the tea factory to learn about the process of making fine Darjeeling tea and a chance to refine your palate with a tasting session (all meals and activities are included at Glenburn). This is a delightful part of the country, and your time in northeast India is sure to be unforgettable and inspire you to return again.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Delhi And Transfer To Hotel
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
You arrive in Delhi today where we meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on what time you arrive, we can arrange a short introductory tour of the city today or you can just settle into the hotel and relax after your journey.
Day 2 : Delhi City Tour
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, MEALS:</strong>
After breakfast, we have arranged a full day tour of India's enigmatic capital city for you. Vibrant, bustling Old Delhi, with its labyrinth of medieval streets, important mosques and Moghul architecture is an invigorating mix of historical and cultural influences, and our tour includes visits to the imposing Red Fort, the mosque of Jama Masjid and the Raj Ghat cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We also have time for a short stroll through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk where rickshaws, hawkers, cows and crowds all compete for space in the narrow lanes lined with crumbling Haveli facades.
This afternoon our tour continues to the wide leafy avenues of New Delhi. Designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Luytens, it is full of imperial architecture, stately monuments and large open spaces, and stands in complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of the old city. Visit Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Parliament House, Qutb Minar and the Lotus Temple before returning to your hotel to reflect on a fascinating day (Note – this day should not be a Monday as many of the sites are closed).
Day 3 : Fly To Bagdogra: Travel To Kalimpong
Location: Bagdogra, Kalimpong
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra in the West Bengal hills. On arrival, you are met by our representative and transferred to the hill station of Kalimpong 80km away (approx 3 hours). Nestled in the foothills of the Himalaya above the Teesta River and within sight of Khanchendzonga the third highest mountain in the world at 8598 metres, the town is often overlooked by visitors due to the close proximity of Darjeeling. However, with its Buddhist temples surrounded by dense forests, streams and beautiful green hills it provides a wonderful setting in which to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle of Delhi.
Day 4 : Kalimpong: Morning Tour
Location: Kalimpong
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you visit Durpin Dara Hill, high above Kalimpong for a spectacular view along the Eastern Himalayan mountain range including the peak of Mount Khanchendzonga. Yet more spectacular views of snow peaks can be enjoyed at Deolo View Point. Kalimpong is a major flower exporter and produces much of India’s gladioli and orchid varieties and there is the opportunity to visit a flower nursery here before visiting the ancient Thongsa Gompa (Bhutan Monastery). Surrounded by 219 small prayer wheels, the old monastery was founded in 1692 before being rebuilt in the 19th century after the Gurkhas rampaged across Sikkim. Visitors are allowed to attend the prayer services by Buddhist monks and there are a number of colourful frescoes on the walls to admire. The afternoon is free for you to explore Kalimpong’s downtown market.
Day 5 : Kalimpong To Gangtok Via Rumtek Monastery
Location: Kalimpong, Gangtok
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we depart for Gangtok, the capital and largest town in Sikkim, stopping en route to visit the Rumtek Monastery. Spiritually the monastery has huge significance as the seat of Buddhism's Kagyu (Black Hat) sect. The main monastery building was constructed between 1961 and 1966 and the giant throne inside awaits the crowning of current Kagyu spiritual leader, the 17th Karmapa. The young lama fled from Tibet in 2000 but currently remains in Dharamsala as Indian authorities are believed to have prevented him from officially taking his seat at Rumtek for fear of upsetting the Chinese. At the back of the monastery a set of stairs lead up to the Golden Stupa which holds the ashes of the 16th Karmapa in a jewel-studded reliquary which pilgrims pay their respects.
In the afternoon we visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology which was established in 1958 to promote research into Tibetan culture and Mahayana Buddhism. Housed in a building built in traditional Tibetan style, the institute contains one of the largest collections of Buddhist books and manuscripts in the world together with statues, thangkas and sacred objects. Nearby is the Do-Drul Chorten, a large white pagoda surrounded by dormitories accommodating novice monks.
If there is time, we will also visit the Flower Exhibition Centre, a modestly sized tropical greenhouse full of exotic plants and is worth a visit, particularly in March when the orchids are in bloom.
Day 6 : Gangtok: Tsomgo Lake
Location: Gangtok
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we travel along the former Silk Route to visit Tsomgo Lake (pronounced Changu), a scenic glacial lake surrounded by beautiful scenery. The lake is considered holy by the Sikkimese and is fed from meltwater from the surrounding mountains which taper down to its shores and often reflected in the still waters. Lamas used to study the colour of the lake water to forecast the future and it is said that if the waters had a dark tinge, it foreshadowed a year of trouble and unrest in Sikkim.
The journey to the lake also passes the Kyongnosla Waterfall which has a clutch of shops and teahouses where you can stop and warm yourself with a piping hot cup of chai.
Day 7 : Gangtok To Pelling: Tour Pelling
Location: Gangtok, Pelling
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we depart for Pelling (approx 5 hours) on a scenic journey past hills, waterfalls, rivers and steep valleys set against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you can choose to relax and admire the sight of the mighty Khangchendzonga or, if you prefer, join an excursion to a number of interesting sights around Pelling.
Rabdentse was the former royal capital of Sikkim before it was destroyed by repeated Nepalese and Burmese invasions throughout the 19th century. As a result, only the ruins of the palace's north and south wings can be seen together with a number of well preserved chortens where members of the royal family would offer incense to the deities. The Pemayangtse Gompa was a former royal monastery and translates as 'Perfect Sublime Lotus'. Founded in 1705, it is one of Sikkim’s oldest and most significant gompas and is magnificently situated on a hilltop overlooking the ruins of Rabdentse. The gompa's atmospheric compound is ringed by gardens and its colourful prayer hall is beautifully proportioned with doors and windows painted with Tibetan motifs. We also visit Sangachoeling Gompa, the second oldest gompa in Sikkim. Occupying a commanding site on a ridge above Pelling with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, the gompa was built in 1697. Surrounded by a courtyard of stupas, prayer wheels and colourful prayer flags, the main hall also contains some beautiful murals and sculptures.
Day 8 : Pelling To Glenburn Tea Estate
Location: Darjeeling
Accommodation Name: Glenburn Tea Estate
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Pelling for the exclusive Glenburn Tea Estate (approx 4 hours) near Darjeeling, we pass through valleys carpeted with lush verdant tea plantations and make plenty of stops along the way to admire the spectacular scenery. On arrival at Glenburn, the rest of the day is free for you to relax, perhaps with a cup of tea, and take in the setting of this idyllic colonial plantation house, or you may instead prefer to stretch your legs after the journey with a walk around the estate. Originally established in 1860 and home to generations of tea planters, Glenburn remains a working tea estate today and the main bungalow is a wonderfully peaceful, comfortable place to stay and the faded charm of the colonial period still hangs in the air. The sweeping verandah, crackling fire of the drawing room and the ceremony of a candle lit dinner in the grand dining room provide a focus for the renowned Glenburn hospitality and ensure an unforgettable holiday experience for you.
Day 9 : Glenburn Tea Estate
Location: Darjeeling
Accommodation Name: Glenburn Tea Estate
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The next three days are free for you to simply relax or enjoy some of the various activities on offer at Glenburn including a tour of the tea factory to learn about the process of making fine Darjeeling tea before a chance to refine your taste with a tasting session. The estate also has a camp where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the River Rungeet before enjoying a barbeque lunch and a walk across the Manjitar Suspension Bridge into the old royal kingdom of Sikkim. There are also a number of nature and bird walks for you to enjoy in the hills, forests and rivers surrounding the estate.
A chauffeur driven air conditioned car is at your disposal during your stay at Glenburn and the famous hill station of Darjeeling just over an hour's drive away. Spread over a mountain range and surrounded by a carpet of tea plantations overlooked by Himalayan peaks, Darjeeling is the premier attraction in West Bengal with a number of colonial buildings, temples and gardens to distract you from the magnificent view of Khanchendzonga. Take a ride of the famous Darjeeling Hill Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage site) before shopping for local crafts and handicrafts in the steep narrow streets of the town. Visit the Palace of a local Maharaja before enjoying the views of the surrounding hillsides from Darjeeling's main square, the Chowrasta, where the bandstand evokes memories of British colonial history.
Drive out to the Lebong Cantonment to see the highest race course in the world before visiting the renowned Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Tibetan self-help centre, the Lloyds Botanical Gardens and the Ghoom Monastery.
Day 10 : Glenburn Tea Estate
Location: Darjeeling
Accommodation Name: Glenburn Tea Estate
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Free day to enjoy relaxing at Glenburn Tea Estate or exploring the local area.
Day 11 : Glenburn Tea Estate
Location: Darjeeling
Accommodation Name: Glenburn Tea Estate
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Free day to enjoy relaxing at Glenburn Tea Estate or exploring the local area.
Day 12 : Fly To Delhi
Location: Bagdogra, Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we transfer you to the airport at Bagdogra for your flight to Delhi where the rest of the day is free for you to relax or perhaps do so last minute shopping for presents.
Day 13 : Transfer To The Airport For Departure
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast, MEALS:</strong>
Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport for departure.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
6*
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- All accommodation and meals as stated in the itinerary
- All transport in private vehicles with a local driver
- All transfers, including 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
- Services of a local English spea
What's Not Included
More Info
Travelling through Darjeeling and Sikkim with their verdant tea estates, quintessential hill stations, Buddhist temples and the faded colonial charm of the British Raj all set against a backdrop of the mighty Himalaya, our 'Plantations & Hill Stations'; tour offers a great introduction to the culture, tradition and stunning scenery of northeast India. You begin your tour in Delhi, India's enigmatic capital city, with a tour through Old Delhi's labyrinth of medieval streets, important mosques and Moghul architecture before continuing to the stately monuments and large open spaces of imperial New Delhi. The next day you fly to Bagdogra before travelling on to the town of Kalimpong for the start of your time in northeast India. Kalimpong is often overlooked by visitors due to the close proximity of Darjeeling but its Buddhist temples surrounded by dense forests, streams and beautiful green hills provide a wonderful setting in which to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle of Delhi. Leaving Kalimpong, you head north for Gangtok which is the capital of Sikkim and has a number of fascinating monasteries and pagodas to visit. After Gangtok, you travel through stunning scenery and lush verdant countryside to the hill station of Pelling and experience the sight of the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain rearing up in front of you. You end your holiday with a leisurely few days at the exclusive Glenburn Tea Estate where you can relax and take in the setting of this idyllic colonial plantation house. You are free to enjoy many of the various activities on offer including local walks or a tour of the tea factory to learn about the process of making fine Darjeeling tea and a chance to refine your palate with a tasting session (all meals and activities are included at Glenburn). This is a delightful part of the country, and your time in northeast India is sure to be unforgettable and inspire you to return again.
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.