The tour starts gently with sightseeing in India’s current capital, Delhi, and the former capital of British India until 1911, Kolkata and both cities have echoes of a colonial past in their uniquely Indian colourful jostling streets. There is a day exploring Kolkata which is known both as a city of poverty and chaos and as the “City of Joy” and is a fascinating blend of extremes with many festivals and a vibrant cultural scene reflected in its literature, theatre, arts, music and dance.

An overnight train journey takes us to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) from where we transfer by road to Maneybhajan, a bustling little town, before starting the easy to moderate trek along the Nepal border to Sandakphu through the Singalila National Park. Singalila National Park is the highest National Park in West Bengal and even today extensive areas of virgin forest remain - the Singalila ridge is carpeted with oak, rhododendron and thick bamboo. Trekking through the Park affords incredible opportunities to see a fantastic range of wildlife including rare and difficult to find species such as the Red Panda, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan marten, blood pheasant and satyr tragopan. The picturesque mountain scenery together with the magical wildlife and the warm hospitality of the resilient local people make the walk to Sandakphu unforgettable. The moment you arrive at Sandakphu, you can see why it is called the trekker’s paradise – from here there are spectacular views of four of the world’s five highest peaks - Everest, Kanchendzonga, Makalu and Lhotse - set in an unbroken panorama of snow-clad peaks. Completely breathtaking. The trek continues to Phalut which, at 3600 metres, is one of the highest peaks in the Singalila Range.

The next stage of the journey is to Darjeeling where there is some free time to rest and recuperate before sightseeing the next day. 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 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. Here 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. You should feel at peace in mind and body in readiness for the flight back to Delhi and the end of the trip.