After time sightseeing in India’s capital, Delhi, we travel by air and road to Kurseong, just 30 km from Darjeeling. Here we can walk in the surrounding hills famous for their lush green trea plantations and visit the Himalayan Railway Museum and the most scenic railway in India before moving on to Darjeeling itself. Surrounded by its famous tea plantations against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery, Darjeeling is the “Queen of the Hills”. There are fantastic views from Tiger Hill, colourful, steep narrow streets full of handicraft shops to explore, Buddhist and Hindu temples to be awed and inspired by, colonial mansions and tea gardens to visit and botanical and zoological gardens to relax in. From Darjeeling there is the 4-5 hour trip to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, a cosmopolitan city that manages to retain its old-world charm. Spend the day sightseeing in and around Gangtok: take a scenic drive towards the China border to Tsomgo Lake, a very pretty lake which is usually covered with snow in April – May and where you could take a yak ride; visit Rumtek which is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and offers a breathtaking view from a ridge of the Himalaya about 24km from the city; the Cottage Industries Institute where you can see artists at work, painting, weaving, woodworking, etc; the Enchey Monastery which is a little gem of a place with a beautifully painted porch surrounded by tall trees; theTibetology Institute with its impressive art collection; Do-drul Chorten which is one of best stupas in Sikkim with a golden dome; and the flower and orchid parks. There are also some stunning viewpoints and beautiful waterfalls around Gangtok.

From here there is a five hour scenic drive through forested hillsides and along rivers to Pelling in the western district of Sikkim where there are stunning views of Mount Khangchendzonga. You can immerse yourself in the rich culture of Buddhism with visits to ancient monasteries housing priceless and beautiful texts, paintings and frescoes. Close by is the sacred Khechipedi Lake, a tranquil stretch of water surrounded by verdant forest and a fantastic place for bird watching. The next stage of the tour is time in Rinchengpong - this place is as quaint as the name suggests, its village houses looking like dollhouses against the mind blowing mountain landscape. There are beautiful treks through rich forests and many historical and heritage sites such as the Resum Monastery. Finally we travel on to Kalimpong, with more stunning views of the Himalayas from Deolo peak, the chance to go white water rafting along the teeming Teesta River and relaxing visits to see beautiful rare orchids and ancient monasteries, it’s the perfect end to the tour and you should feel at peace in mind and body in readiness for the flight back to Delhi and the end of the trip.