Hill Stations of the Himalayas

Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow or London Gatwick via Dubai to Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).

Day 2 Transfer to the 4-star Hindustan International for a two-night stay. Sightseeing includes Victoria Memorial, Dalhousie Square, St. John’s Church, Howrah Bridge and a panoramic drive around colonial Calcutta.

Day 3 Visit the flower market, Belur Math and Dakshinashwar Temple. Continue to the Jain temple, the Kalighat Temple, the book market and take a tram ride.

Day 4 Morning flight to Bagdogra and a steep uphill drive to Darjeeling (3 hrs / 2,100m). Two nights at Hotel Cedar Inn. Transportation from Bagdogra is by 4-wheel drive.

Day 5 Early morning visit to Tiger Hill for sunrise over the Himalayas and Ghoom Monastery before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Travel by ‘toy train’ to the highest railway station in India. One of only three railways in the world to be granted World Heritage status, the locomotives were made in Manchester. Afternoon tour of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the zoo and snow leopard breeding centre (when available).

Day 6Leave Bengal for Sikkim, one of India’s smallest states. En route visit a tea garden. Two nights at Norbu Ghang Resort at Pelling (4 hrs / 2,100m), in rooms with mountain views.

Day 7 Visit Khecheopalri Lake, the Pemeyangste Monastery and the ruins of Rabdentse.

Day 8 Travel eastwards to Gangtok (5 hrs), the modern-day capital of Sikkim for two nights at the family-run Rhenock Villas, located in an elevated position overlooking Gangtok. Visit Rumtek Monastery.

Day 9 Enjoy spectacular scenery on this short drive to Tsomgo Lake at an altitude of 3,300 metres and not far from the India-China border.

Day 10 Drive from Gangtok to Bagdogra (4 hrs) for an afternoon flight to Kolkata and a final night at the Hindustan International.

Day 11 Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London via Dubai.

Day 12 Morning arrival into Heathrow or Gatwick.