THE WHITE MAGIC TRIANGLE
"KALIMPONG is a delightful town of flower nurseries and markets. We then drive on to the capital gangtok, perched high on a ridge and overlooking one of the world's highest mountains, 'Kanchenjunga. Inhabited predominantly by 'Buddhists, we visit the monasteries and nurseries. Continue to 'Pemayangste, high in the mountains and boastings the second oldest and most important monastery in Sikkim. On to 'Darjeeling, created as a cool heaven for the 'British 'Raj during the hot summer months.
Morning flight to Bagdogra followed by a 3 hrs. drive through the hills to the small town of kalimpong. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Every Wednesday and Sunday this small place comes alive with a bustling market. Morning exploring the market stalls. Afternoon visit to a local flower nursery or the cheese bazaar.
Morning drive further up into the hills to Sikkim's capital, Gangtok where you stay 2 nights at the NorkhiI Hotel / Tashi Delek Hotel. Afternoon drive Out to Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Gyalway Karmapa, head of the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism and built by him when he took refuge in Sikkim in the 1960s. It houses some of the world's most unique artifacts, ancient manuscript and icons. Return via Saramsa Flower Nursery.
Morning drive out to the Tashi View point with magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga and scattered monasteries dotting the mountainside. Return in time for breakfast before driving north of Gangtok to Phodang Monastery.
Early morning start for Pemayangtse, climbing further into the hills.
Morning visit to the monastery, situated at 2985m and founded in 1705 by chador Nagyal. Drive to Tashiding and walk up the hill, through villages to the delightfully secluded and initial visited monastery which affords spectacular views.
Drive south o Darjeeling in the heart of the tea growing country. Afternoon at leisure.
Morning visit to the Botanical idens which have a vast collection of Himalayan flora. Afternoon visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Birth Hill with its high altitude fauna and memorabilia in Everest and other mountaineering expeditions.
Pre-dawn visit to Tiger Hill to see the rise over the snow-capped mountains. Return to the hotel for breakfast and the rest of the morning is at leisure. Afternoon visit to a nearby plantation.
Drive on south to dogra for you flight to Delhi.