Darjeeling & Sikkim – The Eastern Essence

Arrive at Bagdogra Airport and drive to Darjeeling. Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘ An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Early morning visit Tiger Hill for sunrise and back. Tiger Hill :- It is 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga , Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a majestic sight. Breakfast at the hotel and go for Enjoy toy train ride upto Ghoom then visit Ghoom Monastery (Subject to operation of this train & availability of the seats) TOY TRAIN The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in 1881, labours at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a bygone era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal. Based on its unique features, it is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind. Ghoom Monastery:- This is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height. Afternoon proceed for city tour. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:- (Closed on Thursdays) The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give

training to learn Mountaineering and other adventure sports related to mountaineering and in that Institute one can see equipment etc.used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay and Everest Museum having complete details on Everest attached to institute one can visit Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds. Tibetan Self- Helf Centre Or Refugee Centre:- (Closed on Sundays) This institute is run by Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can see making of Tibetan Carpets, Leather work, Paintings and Wooden work etc.

Overnight in Darjeeling.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Pelling by shorter route. Pelling is a small town that is situated in the state of Sikkim in the West Sikkim region. The town is a laid back place and it attracts travellers from different parts of the country. Pelling is located near the foothills of Kanchenjunga and one can witness an outstanding view of the mountain from here. There are numerous scenic spots that one can visit in the area. The main attractions in the place are the monasteries that dot the countryside. Afternoon visit Pemayangtse Monastery &Rabdantse Ruins.

Pemayangtse Monastery – 2.5 Kms. from Pelling and standing at 2085m. The Perfect Sublime Lotus, perched on a wooded hilltop, commands the most sublime view of the Khangchendzong. Built during the late 17th century, it is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. To the present day, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the title of ‘Tasang’ or pure monks. The importance of this monastery grew with time and reached its peak when only monks from this monastery could anoint the reigning sovereign of the land with holy water. Pemayangtse monastery follows the Mindroling tradition besides holding the lineage of LhatsunChenpo. Mindroling monastery was founded by MinlingTerchenGyurme Dorje whose famous daughter JetsunMigyurPaldon lived near Pemayangtse and taught there during her exile. Her stone throne is still to be seen in this monastery, which has 108 monks. The main attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of ZangdogPalri; the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava built by SerdupLhundrup Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. The annual chaam

(monk dance) is held here on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Rabdentse- Sikkim’s second capital. The ruins of Rabdantse are worth exploring. The winding track through the forest brings you to a small set of ruins of the early town and eventually on the ruins of the palace with Chorten (stupa) nearby. Overnight in Pelling

After Breakfast visit to Khecheopalri Lake, Rimbi Waterfalls, Sangachoeling Monastery, Chenrezig Statue & Skywalk.

Khecheopalri Lake: Khecheopalri Lake is considered to be one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area.

The Rimbi Waterfalls is one of the tourist attractions of Sikkim which is located about 12kms from Pelling at about 5kms from the Darap Village, another attraction of Sikkim. This waterfall can be seen throughout the year although in the rainy season it looks much more beautiful. The waterfall leads to Rimbi River and is famous for the recreational activities like fishing. The Karchen Powerhouse is the oldest powerhouse in west Sikkim. The powerhouse was built in the early 70s by the last king’ government. It used to supply water to all the neighbouring villages during that period.

SANGACHOELING MONASTERY: Located at the top of a ridge in the town of Pelling, Sikkim, Sangachoeling Monastery was established in the 17th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhatsun Chempo. The literal meaning of the word Sanga Choeling is ‘Idea of Guhya Mantra Teachings’ that relates to the faith of Buddhism. Also spelt as Sange Choeling Monastery, this is one of the oldest monasteries in Northeastern Sikkim. In order to reach this place, one has to walk for at least 40 minutes through the forest on a steep hill slope but the end result is absolutely worth it. Stepping inside the Sangachoeling Monastery, you notice various ancient wall paintings, statues, unique clay structures and scriptures that date back to the 17th century. They are extremely beautiful and are well- preserved. From Sangachoeling Monastery one also gets an opportunity to witness a spectacular view of the snow clad mountains and lush greenery around it, providing a feeling of calmness. The fact that the building was restored to its former beauty after catching fire has become the major highlight of the monastery. Due to this reason, people come from nook and corner of the world visit the prestigious Sangachoeling Monastery building to have a close look at the ancient artefacts.

THE CHENREZIG STATUE is one of the world’s tallest statues of Buddha which is considered to be a manifestation of Buddha’s compassion. It is located about 1.7 km away from Pelling skywalk and stands at a height of a whopping 135 feet. The statue is a major tourist hub and one of great cultural significance amongst Budhists, who visit the site seeking Buddha’s blessings. It was consecrated by the Dalai Lama himself and recently unveiled by Pawan Kumar Chamling, the chief minister of Sikkim. The statue can be reached via stairs and once atop, one can feast their eyes on the scenic views of the valley. The meditative chants of the monks, the bustling skywalk and the serene weather makes for a blissful experience.

SKYWALK – The Glass Skywalk is India’s first ever skywalk, set in the picturesque town of Pelling in Northeast Sikkim. Built at an astounding height of 7200 feet, this colossal structure allows tourists to look down several thousand feet in the air, from the peak to the very bottom of mountains. The Glass Skywalk is not for the fainthearted, or for people with vertigo as walking on transparent glass at such heights can be spine-chilling!. The Pelling skywalk is a transparent foot-over bridge made out of glass that is suspended hundreds of feet in the air. Since its inauguration in November 2018, the skywalk has become a major hub of tourists owing to the odd concoction of thrill and peace that it has to offer. There are several attractions that can be viewed from over the bridge including waterfalls, lush forests and monasteries. It is located adjacent to the marvelous statue of Chenrezig, which is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site. The skywalk overlooks the magnificent Kanchenjunga, as well as the Teesta and Rangit rivers, which flow alongside adding another dimension to the serenity of the place. Overnight in Pelling

After Breakfast drive to Gangtok via Buddha Park at Ravangla.

The Buddha Park of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal, is situated near Rabong (Ravangla) in South Sikkim district, Sikkim, India. It was constructed between 2006 and 2013 and features a 130-foot high statue of the Buddha as its centerpiece. The site was chosen within the larger religious complex of the Rabong Gompa (Monastery), itself a centuries-old place of pilgrimage. Also nearby is Ralang Monastery, a key monastery in Tibetan Buddhism.The statue was consecrated on 25 March 2013 by the 14th Dalai Lama, and became a stop on the ‘Himalayan Buddhist Circuit’.[1]The statue of the Buddha marks the occasion of the 2550th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. This statue was built and installed in the place through the joint efforts of the Sikkim government and its people. The Buddhist circuit of this park was built here under a State government project, for boosting pilgrimage and tourism in the region. At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19th century and has undergone rapid development since then.The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight. Overnight in Gangtok

After Breakfast Sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Rumtek Monastery/Do Drul Chorten, Tibetology(Closed on Saturday/Sunday & Govt. Holidays), Enchey Monastery & Cottage Industry(Closed on Saturday/Sunday & Govt. Holidays) Rumtek Monastery: -24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe -inspiringRumtek Monastery, the world Dharma chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from the world over. Opposite the entrance to the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel studded Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness the xvi Gyalwa Karmapa. According to legend, it is believed that after years of meditation, the first Karmapa was said to have been visited by ten thousand fairies who came to congratulate him each of whom offered a strand of her hair as a gift. These were said to have been woven into a black hat, which was passed down and is still at the Rumtek Monastery today. It is said that unless held on to by the wearer (who of course, cannot be anyone else but the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly away. The Do Drul Chorten, built to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the Jhang Chub Chorten, built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee, a great

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spirtualist and interpreter of Buddhism. Near the Chorten are housed two giant statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim. Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology: -Amidst a serene surrounding of oak, birch and ash lies the unique organization established in1958. Built in traditional style, the namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. The Institute also has a retail outlets where related books and commercially produced religious art and craft of Tibet can be bought. The Enchey Monastery: -Perched on a ridge above Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is nestled within lush woods with a spectacular view of Gangtok town. Built in 1910 on the site of the hermitage of the great tantric saint, Lama DrutobKarpo, who was renowned for his powers of levitation, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Directorate Of Handloom And Handicrafts: -This Directorate was set up to promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with beautiful hand woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can not only purchase these items here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favourite item here is the choktse a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable pack. Overnight in Gagtok.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra Airport for onward journey.