Destinations2010 Holiday Fixed Departure Dates ex-Singapore!
INTRODUCTORY OFFER Get SGD $200 OFF per couple
- Labour Day Apr 30 – May 08
- School Holidays Jun 04-12
- Hari Raya Puasa Sep 10-18
- Deepavali* Nov 05-13 *The date for Deepavali, Nov 05, 2010, needs to be checked against the Indian Almanac when it is available
- Hari Raya Haji Nov 17-25
- School Holidays Dec 03-11
Sikkim is home to Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world (8,591m). To the Sikkimese, the 5 summits of Mount Kanchenjunga represent the five most sacred treasures, which according to tradition are: salt, precious stones and other minerals, religious scripts, medicine and grains, and invincible armor. Sikkim is also the location of the Rumtek Monastery, the only principal seat of Karma pa Lama outside Tibet. The diverse ethnicity, culture and tradition of Sikkim makes it a must visit country.
Toy Train huffing and puffing towards Darjeeling
South of Sikkim, tucked away in Himalayas at an altitude of 7500ft, lies the famous hill resort of Darjeeling. Although the British left Darjeeling about 50 years ago, it still retains an imperialistic touch with British tea gardens, left-hand-drive Willy jeeps, and a true British legacy: the toy train. Although the most notable attraction of Darjeeling is its famous tea garden, Darjeeling has much more to offer than its great “Champagne of the East”: spectacular views of the majestic and looming Kanchenjuga range, majestic sunrises from Tiger Hill, and varied cultural attractions including the Ghoom Monastery, the Tibetan Refuge Centre, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01 / Singapore – Delhi 9W017 SIN/DEL 23:00/02:20+1 (Dinner onboard)
Depart Singapore for Delhi.
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for a short rest and freshening up before morning flight to Bagdogra.
Overnight: Delhi hotel TBA.
Day 02 / Arrive Delhi – Bagdogra 9W2280/2281 DEL/IXB 10:15/1405/1215 (B/L/D)
Depart Delhi for Bagdogra, located at the cusp of the Himalayas in the state of West Bengal.
On arrival transfer by car (approx. 4 hours) to Darjeeling Town. Check in hotel, short rest followed by dinner in hotel.
Overnight: New Elgin / MayFair Hill Resort or similar.
Day 03 / Darjeeling (B/L/D)
Rise early to enjoy the magnificent sunrise at Tiger Hill.
Stopover at the famous Ghoom Monastery.
Take a ride on the world renowned Toy Train, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
After lunch, visit the Himalaya Mountaineering Institute (HMI) with its strong heritage linked with Tenzing Norgay, the first guy to conquer Mount Everest together with Edmund Hilary. Learn about the Himalayan landscape; history and culture and get an insight into mountaineering with the professionals.
Visit the Darjeeling Zoo located next to the HMI to take a peek at the Red Pandas, unique to the region of Northeast India and get acquainted with their Animal Conservation Initiatives.
Overnight: New Elgin / MayFair Hill Resort or similar.
Day 04 / Darjeeling – Tinchulay Eco Village – Pelling (B/L/D)
Transfer by car (1.5 hours) to Tinchulay Eco Village, a quaint little village community of just 17 families, which has been declared a model village by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India – in recognition of the efforts put in to develop sustainable agricultural methods by locals.
Here we can enjoy stunning views of Mt Khanchendzonga amidst idyllic village-style living.
In the morning we go on a village walk/farm tour.
After an organic lunch at Gurung Guest House, proceed by car (approx. 4 hours drive) to Pelling in the Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim. Pelling, situated at an altitude of 2,300m offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Khanchendzonga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world.
Overnight: Mt Pandim, Pelling.
Day 05 / Pelling (B/L/D)
We wake up to the magnificent views of the Himalayan mountain range.
Breakfast at the hotel and the morning is at your own leisure.
In the afternoon we visit the famous Pemayangtse Monastery, which is within walking distance from the hotel.
Other sights to visit include Sanga Choeling Monastery, Rabenste Ruins & Khecheopalri Lake, also known as the ‘wishing lake’.
Optional: Visit/volunteer at the local school, Denjong Padma Cheoling Academy & Orphanage, a school for underprivileged children.
Overnight: Mt Pandim, Pelling.
Day 06 / Pelling – Neora Valley (B/L/D)
After breakfast, proceed to Neora Valley, one of the oldest Forest Reserves in India, and one of the richest in bio-diversity. Neora Valley is a treasure trove of rare and beautiful plants, animals and birds await with more than 106 species of birds and 31 species of mammals, including the elusive Red Panda. One of the biggest draws of the national park is its natural forests; rolling hills, meandering streams and waterfalls.
We have lunch on arrival and the afternoon is free at our own leisure. Spend the afternoon in the national park soaking up its rich and diverse plant and animal species.
Overnight: Neora Valley Jungle Camp, a unique Eco lodge. Manpower at the Jungle Camp and the organic food it serves are all sourced from neighbouring villages.
Day 07 / Neora Valley (B/L/-)
Arise and be greeted by the fantastic view of the mountains amidst the valleys.
After breakfast, we have the option of either a leisurely village stroll or a short forest trek.
In the afternoon, optional visit/volunteer at the local Kolbung Primary School, where the approximately 50 students study in a wooden hut without furniture or electricity. Community activities e.g. teaching, donations, etc., can be arranged.
Overnight: Neora Valley Jungle Camp.
Day 08 / Neora Valley – Bagdogra (B/L/D)
Depart Neora Valley at 08:00 hours to arrive in Bagdogra at 11:00 hours.
Depart Bagdogra at 12:50 hours (via Guwahati) to arrive in Delhi at 16:50 hours.
Free & easy evening in Delhi.
Overnight: Delhi hotel TBA.
Day 09 / Delhi – Singapore
Depart Delhi at 08:55 hours to arrive in Singapore at 17:05 hours.
Tour Cost
in SGD dollars per person on twin-share basis
- SGD $2,888
Tour Validity
- Jan 15 – Dec 31, 2010
Tour Cost Includes
- Return international & domestic airfare on Jet Airways: SIN/DEL/IXB/DEL/SIN
- All airport taxes, currently at S$528 per person (subject to change by the airline at little or no notice)
- All accommodation in twin-share room in specified or similar hotels
- All meals on fixed menu basis in Darjeeling and Sikkim, breakfast only in Delhi
- Transfers and excursions in SUV (3 to 4 persons per vehicle basis)
- Services of English-speaking Guide
- Museum and monument entrance fees
Tour Cost Excludes
- Indian Visa and Visa application fees
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended
- Personal expenditure like soft/hard beverages, porterage, phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Tips & gratuities for guide and drivers, personal/group donations to villages, etc.
Tour Validity
- Jan 15 – Dec 31, 2010
