Early morning visit Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery.

Tiger Hill: - It is 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a royal sight. Ghoom Monastery: - This is the oldest monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of huge Buddha of 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill. Breakfast at the hotel and go for Enjoy toy train ride.

Toy Train

The remarkable landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in 1881, labours at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a former era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and cultural importance. Afternoon proceed for city tour.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: - The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give training to learn Mountaineering and other adventure sports related to mountaineering. In that Institute one can see equipment etc. used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay and Everest Museum having complete details; one can visit Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Black Bear, Tibetan Yak, and several varieties of birds. Overnight at hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangtok.

GANGTOK:

At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid-19th century and has undergone rapid development. The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a paradise for travellers.

Breakfast at the hotel and full day city tour of Gangtok including excursion to Rumtek Monastery.

Rumtek Monastery: -24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe-inspiring Rumtek Monastery the world Dharma chakra Centre and the seat of his Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the plentifully decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from all over the world. Opposite to the entrance of the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel studded Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of his Holiness the xvi Gyalwa Karmapa. According to legend, it is believed that after years of meditation, the first Karmapa was said to have been visited by ten thousand fairies that came to congratulate him each of whom offered a strand of her hair as a gift. These were said to have been woven into a black hat, which was passed down and is still at the Rumtek Monastery today. It is said that unless held on to by the wearer (who of course, cannot be anyone else but the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly away.

The Enchey Monastery: -Perched on a ridge above Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is settled within lush woods with a great view of Gangtok town. Built in 1910 on the site of the hermitage of the great tantric saint, Lama Drutob Karpo, who was renowned for his powers of levitation.

Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology: -Amidst calm surrounding of oak, birch and ash lies the unique organization established in 1958. It has one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. The Institute also has retail outlets where related books and commercially produced religious art and craft of Tibet can be bought.

Adjacent to the institute are two exquisite stupas, the Do Drul Chorten, built to celebrate the victory of good over evil and the Jhang Chub Chorten, built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, a passionate devotee, a great spiritualist and interpreter of Buddhism. Near the Chorten two giant statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, are established.

Directorate Of Handloom And Handicrafts: This Directorate was set up to promote traditional Sikkim’s art and handicrafts. Superbly carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with beautiful hand woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can not only purchase these items here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favorite item here is the choktse a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable pack. Enjoy overnight stay at hotel.

After having breakfast at the hotel, proceed for full day excursion to Phodong and Labrang Monasteries. This monastery is in North Sikkim which is 28 kms from Gangtok. The original monastery has been rebuilt and is today one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim. It possesses the old mural paintings and has around 260 monks. Like the Ralong and Rumtek the main annual Puja is performed on the 28th & 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calender when the religious dances are performed. Enjoy overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra for onward connection.