🏔️ Himalayan Escape: Bengal & Nepal 🇳🇵

02:30 PM: Pickup from Bagdogra Airport (IXB).

02:30 PM - 06:00 PM (Approx. 3 - 3.5 hrs travel): Transfer to Sittong. The journey itself is scenic, winding through hills and forests.

Upon arrival, check into your homestay.

Due to the afternoon arrival and travel time, extensive en-route sightseeing might be challenging. If time and daylight permit, brief stops could be considered. Otherwise, these can be explored the next morning if not opting for Kurseong.

• Ahaldara View Point
• Offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and the Teesta river, especially stunning at sunrise/sunset.
• Namthing Pokhri (Lake)
• A serene natural high-altitude lake, known as a habitat for the rare Himalayan Salamander. Best visited in calm weather.
• Sittong Monastery
• A peaceful Buddhist monastery offering spiritual solace, vibrant murals, and beautiful valley views.

06:00 PM onwards: Relax and acclimatize to the serene mountain air of Sittong, famous for its orange orchards.

Around 08:00 PM: Enjoy a warm, home-cooked dinner at your homestay.

Night stay: Sittong

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at your homestay.

Option 1: Kurseong Sightseeing (Full Day Trip) - If Sittong points were covered or you prefer a longer excursion.

Option 2: Local Sittong Exploration - If Day 1 sightseeing was missed or you prefer a relaxed day in Sittong.

09:30 AM: Depart for Kurseong (Approx. 1.5 - 2 hrs travel).

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit Mahaldiram Tea Estate. Enjoy a walk through the lush gardens and learn about tea processing (if tours are available).

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM: Explore Bagora Pine Forest, also known as "Dowhill Forest." A tranquil walk amidst towering pine trees and often misty conditions.

12:45 PM - 01:45 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant in Kurseong town.

01:45 PM - 02:30 PM: Visit Dow Hill School (Victoria School) and the nearby Dow Hill Church (exterior views, admire colonial architecture).

02:30 PM - 03:30 PM: Explore Dow Hill Eco Park. It's known for its forest trails, diverse flora, and a deer park. (Note: Dow Hill area is sometimes associated with spooky stories, adding a layer of mystique).

03:30 PM - 04:00 PM: Visit Eagle's Crag View Point.

Provides a stunning bird's-eye view of Kurseong town, plains, and the Teesta river on clear days.

04:00 PM - 04:45 PM: Visit Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum (NSB Museum) located in Giddapahar, if time permits and it's open. Check timings beforehand.

04:45 PM - 05:15 PM: Brief stop at Chimney Heritage Park, featuring the remains of an old British-era chimney.

05:15 PM: Depart from Kurseong, return to Sittong (Approx. 1.5 - 2 hrs travel).

Around 07:30 PM: Dinner at homestay in Sittong.

09:30 AM - 12:30 PM: If not covered on Day 1, visit Ahaldara View Point, Namthing Pokhri, and Sittong Monastery. Take your time to soak in the views and tranquility.

12:30 PM - 01:30 PM: Lunch at your homestay or a local eatery.

01:30 PM onwards: Explore the local village, walk through the famous Sittong orange orchards (seasonal, winter is best for oranges), interact with locals, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful environment.

Evening: Leisure time. Enjoy the sunset if visible from your homestay.

Around 08:00 PM: Dinner at homestay.

Night stay: Sittong

05:00 AM - 06:00 AM (Optional): Enjoy the sunrise view and surrounding hill views from your Sittong homestay or a nearby vantage point.

08:30 AM - 09:30 AM: Breakfast at the homestay.

09:30 AM: Checkout from Sittong and proceed towards Tinchuley (a small, quiet village known for its tea gardens and Kanchenjunga views).

Approx. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Brief stop at Jogighat Bridge, an old picturesque bridge over a stream.

Approx. 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Visit Mungpoo Rabindra Bhawan. Explore the house where Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore spent his last days, now a museum showcasing his life and works. (Check opening hours).

Approx. 01:00 PM - 01:45 PM: Visit Lover's Meet View Point (also known as Triveni).

A stunning confluence of the Teesta and Rangeet rivers, offering breathtaking views of the valleys.

01:45 PM - 02:45 PM: Lunch at a local eatery near Lover's Meet or en route.

Approx. 03:15 PM - 03:45 PM: Drive through or brief stop at Peshok Tea Estate. Enjoy the scenic beauty of rolling tea gardens.

Approx. 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM: Visit Gumbadara View Point.

Known for its beautiful landscapes, views of the surrounding hills, and the Teesta river valley.

Approx. 05:00 PM: Arrive in Tinchuley and check into your homestay.

Evening: Relax and enjoy the serene ambiance of Tinchuley. You can take a short walk around the village.

Around 08:00 PM: Dinner at your Tinchuley homestay.

Night stay: Tinchuley

05:30 AM - 06:30 AM (Optional): Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga from your Tinchuley homestay or a nearby viewpoint (weather permitting).

08:30 AM - 09:30 AM: Breakfast at the homestay.

09:30 AM: Checkout from Tinchuley and proceed towards Darjeeling.

Approx. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Visit Lamahatta Eco Park. A beautifully landscaped park with pine forests, prayer flags, and a tranquil lake, offering views of Kanchenjunga on clear days.

Approx. 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM: Visit Takdah Orchid Centre (check if it's blooming season and open). It hosts a variety of rare and exotic orchids.

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant in Takdah or en route to Ghum.

Approx. 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM: Visit Ghum Monastery (Yiga Choeling Monastery). One of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling, housing a large statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Approx. 03:30 PM - 04:15 PM: Visit Batasia Loop and the War Memorial. A unique railway loop of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway with panoramic views of Darjeeling town and Kanchenjunga.

Approx. 04:45 PM: Arrive in Darjeeling and check into your hotel.

05:30 PM onwards: Evening free to enjoy a stroll at the Darjeeling Mall (Chowrasta). Soak in the colonial charm, browse local shops, or enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea at a local cafe.

Around 08:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant of your choice in Darjeeling, offering various cuisines.

Night stay: Darjeeling

04:00 AM - 07:00 AM (Optional Tour): Visit Tiger Hill for a spectacular sunrise view over Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks (extra charges applicable for vehicle; depart hotel around 3:30-4:00 AM).

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.

09:30 AM: Checkout from Darjeeling hotel.

09:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Visit the Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple. A serene place promoting peace, offering beautiful architecture and views.

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo), famous for its Red Panda and Snow Leopard conservation programs, and the adjacent Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) with its fascinating museum.

12:30 PM - 01:15 PM: Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate (check for tour availability and timings for tea tasting or factory visit).

01:15 PM - 02:15 PM: Lunch at a restaurant in Darjeeling.

02:15 PM - 02:45 PM: Visit Tenzing Rock & Gombu Rock, used for rock climbing practice by HMI.

02:45 PM: Depart for Simana Village (near Lepchajagat, approx. 1-1.5 hrs drive).

En route (brief stop): Pass through Lepchajagat, a small serene village known for its dense forests and tranquility.

Approx. 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM: Arrive at Simana and check into your homestay.

Simana is a border village offering unique views and a quiet atmosphere.

Evening: Relax and enjoy the views from your homestay. Simana offers a unique perspective of the Indo-Nepal border area.

Around 08:00 PM: Dinner at your homestay.

Night stay: Simana Village

06:00 AM - 07:00 AM (Optional): Enjoy mesmerizing views of Mt. Kanchenjunga from your homestay roof or a nearby point in Simana (weather permitting).

08:30 AM - 09:30 AM: Breakfast at the homestay.

09:30 AM: Depart for Kanyam, Nepal via Pashupati Phatak (Indo-Nepal border, approx. 1.5 - 2 hrs drive including border formalities).

Ensure you have valid ID for border crossing. Indian currency is usually accepted in border towns, but it's good to clarify. Vehicle change might be required at the border.

Approx. 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM: Explore Kanyam, known as the "Queen of East Nepal":

• Kanyam View Point
• Offers breathtaking vistas of sprawling tea gardens against the backdrop of majestic mountains and plains.
• Stroll through the lush Tea Gardens 🍵.
• Visit the Glass Bridge (if operational and you're interested, entry fees may apply).
• Browse the local Kanyam Market for souvenirs or local products.

02:30 PM - 03:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant in Kanyam or Pashupatinagar.

03:30 PM: Depart from Kanyam/Pashupati border towards Gopaldhara or Mirik (approx. 2 - 2.5 hrs drive).

Approx. 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM: Arrive and check into your homestay/hotel in Gopaldhara (known for its tea estate) or Mirik.

Evening: Relax. If in Mirik, you might take a short walk near the lake area if time permits.

Around 08:00 PM: Dinner at your homestay/hotel.

Night stay: Gopaldhara / Mirik

08:30 AM - 09:30 AM: Breakfast at your homestay/hotel.

09:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Visit Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake). Enjoy boating (optional, direct payment), a walk around the lake, or crossing the arched footbridge (Indreni Pull).

11:00 AM: Checkout from Gopaldhara/Mirik homestay/hotel.

11:00 AM - 01:30 PM (Approx. 2 - 2.5 hrs travel): Proceed towards Siliguri Bus Stand / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) for your return journey.

Plan your flight/bus booking considering you'll reach the airport/bus stand by early to mid-afternoon.

~ End of Your Amazing Tour ~

Hope you had a wonderful journey filled with beautiful memories!