Itinerary. back in time with a ride on the Darjeeling Railway. Day 1: Depart UK. Day 2: Arrive Kolkata

Transcription

1 Indian Himalaya Sikkim and Darjeeling

2 Itinerary back in time with a ride on the Darjeeling Railway. Day 1: Depart UK Day 2: Arrive Kolkata Early arrival into Kolkata. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Rooms will be available from the previous evening, so you can settle in and relax for a while. Situated in the dramatic Eastern Himalaya between Nepal to the west, Bhutan in the east and the Tibetan plateau rising to the north, Sikkim was once a Himalayan monarchy and was part of the Silk Route to China. Darjeeling was part of Sikkim until the early 19th century. Both Darjeeling and Sikkim have belonged to the British, but nowadays Darjeeling is a town in India s West Bengal state, and famed for the black tea which is grown in the plantations which are spread over the surrounding slopes. Sikkim means many things to its inhabitants, the Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali; a mystical land of spectacular landscapes. The one constant is Mt Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga), which dominates every view, but is much more than a mountain to the Sikkimese: it is revered as the home of their guardian deity Dzo-nga. In the afternoon there will be a guided tour of this fascinating city. We drive past Dalhousie Square (home to Raj Bhavan, St John s Church, High Court, GPO, Town Hall, and the Victoria Memorial, the impressive reminder of Kolkata s past as capital under British rule) and Howrah Bridge. We ll also visit the Flower Market, Jain Temple, Kumartuli and Mother House. Accommodation: Hotel Hindustan International (1 night) (Meals included: breakfast) Day 3: Darjeeling After breakfast we will depart for the airport for our flight to Bagdogra. On arrival we ll take the four hour scenic drive to Darjeeling. With the beautiful mountain backdrops of Sikkim, our itinerary follows paths through Lepcha villages and tea estates. Immerse yourself in the Buddhist culture with visits to temples and monasteries and go 2

3 Darjeeling sits at an elevation of 7,000ft/2,134m and became the mountain retreat of government officials during the days of the Raj, its climate providing a welcome relief from the humidity and heat of the Indian lowlands. It became renowned for the quality of the tea grown on the hills around the town, and today tea and tourism are still the main income earners for the area. Accommodation: Hotel New Elgin, Darjeeling (3 nights) Day 4: Darjeeling We spend the whole day sightseeing in Darjeeling using jeeps. We begin by driving to Tiger Hill (8,060ft/2,600m) to view the sunrise over the mountains. On a clear day the sight of the sun s rays painting the tips of the snow clad Himalayan giants is a most memorable spectacle. After breakfast a short walk brings us to the railway station for the Toy Train ride. better transport, hence construction started in 1879 and the first train, made up of one of these gutsy little steam engines pulling three coaches, puffed into Darjeeling on 4 July Nicknamed Toy Trains they have been making daily journeys for over a century. After the train ride, we ll visit Ghoom Monastery. This belongs to the Yellow Sect of Buddhists which worships a 15ft statue of the Coming Buddha (Maitreya Buddha). Built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyantso, it is the largest of the three monasteries of this sect in Darjeeling and contains images of Buddha s disciples Chenrezi and Tsongkapa. After a short visit to the Tibetan Self Help Centre, established for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees who had followed the Dalai Lama to India in early 1959, we head to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Zoo). This is the only zoo in the world to breed Tibetan wolf in captivity and the first South Asian zoo to breed snow leopard, Siberian tiger and red panda. Our penultimate visit today is to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI). The lure of the Himalayas is spreading now all over India among our young people, and that is a sign and symbol of the new life and the new spirit that is coursing through India s veins - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (Founder President HMI). We ll travel for approx 45 minutes towards Ghoom railway station which used to be the second highest in the world (now the 5th highest). As Darjeeling became more important as a hill station, there was a need for 3

4 We ll take a stroll around the pedestrian Mall road, locally known as Chowrasta. This is one of the commercial roads of Darjeeling where there are some famous book, card and gift stores along with handcraft and tea shops. You should get magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga / Kanchenzonga range from here. Walking time for zoo and HMI visit approx 2 hours. The walk is a very gradual climb on tarred road; a vehicle will be available if anyone wants to return to the hotel. Day 6: Darjeeling tea estates & to Pemayangtse After a drive of approx 1½ hours, we ll start this morning s walk which will take us through some of the tea estates in the Darjeeling foothills. Day 5: Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Today we ll be following forest trails through the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India, where high altitude animals such as barking deer, wild pig, Assam macaque and Himalayan flying squirrel are found in their natural habitats. The rest of the day will be at leisure. Easier Walk: up to 6.5 miles/10km, approx 2½ hours. Medium Walk: up to 11.2 miles/18km, approx 4-5 hours. Harder Walk: up to 10 miles/16km, approx 4-4½ hours. The medium and harder walk will have more ascent/descent. We also include a visit to the Gale Tea Estate factory where we ll see the tea production in process. Easier walk: 3.7 miles/6km, 1,640ft/500m descent Harder Walk: 6 miles/10km, up to 4,900ft/1,500m descent.at the village of the Teesta Valley Tea Estate the two walks will meet up and we ll drive down to the main highway between Sikkim/ Kalimpong and Siliguri (approx 45mins). After crossing the Teesta River we continue the drive to Melli, where we enter Sikkim (Note, please ensure you have copies of your passport with Indian visa and a passport photo to hand). Once we have our Sikkim permits, we ll continue to Pelling via Jorethang (journey time approx 3½ hours). Upon arrival check into the hotel and rest of the evening is free to relax. 4

5 Accommodation: Norbu Gang Resort, Pelling (2 nights) Day 7: Walks in Pemayangtse (6,725ft / 2,050m) The easier walk today will visit the impressive Pemayangtse monastery, founded in 1705 by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. At 6,840ft / 2,085m, Pemayangtse presents a panoramic view of the high Himalayas. Legend has it that the great tantric saint, Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, searching for a place to meditate, shot an arrow in the air. The place where the arrow landed is where Pemagyantse monastery stands. On its top floor the monastery houses a wooden, intricately crafted structure, depicting Guru Rinpoche s abode. In the afternoon the walk continues to the Sanga Choeling monastery, the second oldest monastery of Sikkim built in 1697 and belonging to the Nyingmpa sect. Distance 8 miles / 13km, with ascent 980ft / 280m. 18km, with ascent approx 1,570ft / 480m. There are some steep sections on this walk. Day 8: To Martam Today we drive to Martam, (approx 6 hours drive) but before we do that, we ll enjoy a walk to the Rabdanste Palace Ruins (approx 2 ½ hours, 250 metres of ascent). After our walk we ll drive to Martam via Legsip and Ravang La where we ll have a hot lunch. Arrive at Martam, rest of the evening at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Martam Retreat (2 nights) Day 9: Walks in Martam Martam is a beautiful village situated in a large valley with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. The terraced rice fields of the village are a sight to see during October/November when the crop is ripe. The harder walk goes to Sanga Choeling Monastery at 7,545ft / 2,300m overlooking Pemayangste monastery and continues on a forest ridge walk to Rani Dunga at 8,202ft / 2,500m before returning the same way to the hotel. Distance 11.2 miles / The morning walk will be to the rice fields and the village. We will be visiting some typical Bhutia and 5

6 Nepalese houses where we can interact with the locals. We also visit a local school, and see a small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Distance 6.9 miles/11 km with some short ascents and descents. Day 10: Rumtek Monastery & to Gangtok After breakfast we walk to Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre. This is one of the most important seats of the Kagyu lineage outside Tibet, built in the early 1960s. It has become the residence of a new generation of Kagyu masters, who are being trained in a tradition of study and meditation practice which began 800 years ago. This is a gentle walk along a paved road with little or no traffic on the way. Distance 4.4miles / 7km. We then drive towards Gangtok, capital of the state of Sikkim, the road descending through beautiful countryside before climbing up to Gangtok. You may want to walk a bit of this downhill stretch. After checking in to the hotel, we ll visit MG Marg and the Lal Bazaar in Gangtok Accommodation: Hotel Denzong Regency, Gangtok (2 nights) (Meals included breakfast, lunch & Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Gangtok We ll spend the whole day sightseeing around Gangtok on foot, and in jeeps. After breakfast we ll drive to Tashi Viewpoint for fantastic views of Kanchenjunga, Pandim and Sinolchu peaks. A level walk (45 mins) to Ganesh Tok will reward us with a fantastic view of the capital city and more (weather permitting) views of the Himalayas. From here we walk down to 200-year-old Enchey Monastery, an important seat of the Nyingrna order, built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. This monastery has images of gods, goddesses and other religious objects. From here we ll continue downhill towards the Flower Show. We visit the Government Institute of Cottage Industry, which was established in 1957 with the purpose of promoting the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts, carpets and furniture. After lunch we ll take a short walk (about 15 minutes) to reach Dodrul Chorten. The Dodrul Chorten is one of the largest stupas in Sikkim and a very sacred icon to the Buddhists. If you wish to, there is also an optional visit to the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT), formerly known as the Namgyal institute of Tibetology, after the late Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal. It has since 6

7 become a most prestigious depository of Tibetan literature, rare manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues, religious objects and other works of art and history. After our arrival we visit Durpin Danra Monastery and a local flower nursery by bus/jeep. Accommodation: Hotel Silver Oaks (2 nights) Day 13: Kalimpong walks Day 12: To Kalimpong Leave Sikkim and drive to Kalimpong (4,100ft / 1,250m) in West Bengal (4-5 hours driving time). Famous for its flower markets and particularly its sumptuous orchids, Kalimpong lies at the centre of one of only three ecological hotspots in the Indian subcontinent. The area is abundantly endowed with a wide range of exquisite flora and fauna and the comfortable climate makes this a relaxing stop. A short drive will take us to the start of our walk. We ll walk past village houses and along terraced farmland with some steep and moderate descents to reach the village of Echhey. Here we visit the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. If you don t want to walk the full distance, a vehicle will be available at the temple to return to the hotel. From here the walk to the river takes about 1½ hours and, after spending some time on the banks of the river, we start the ascent towards the church perched at the top of the hill. The ascent is steep along terraced rice fields and passing small village houses. A ridge walk followed by a final descent completes this full day walk. Distance 9.3 miles / 16km with ascent 1,310ft / 400m. Day 14: Delhi We depart Kalimpong in the morning for the 3½ hour drive to Bagdogra for our internal flight to Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the rest of the group and final overnight. 7

8 Accommodation: The Royal Plaza Hotel, Delhi (1 night) Day 15: Departure day After breakfast, group transfer to Delhi airport for flight home. Extension to Agra & the Taj Mahal Day 15: Agra & the Taj Mahal Today is a long drive from Delhi to Agra (approx 5 hours), but will give you tremendous insight into Indian life and culture. On arrival at Agra, check into your hotel. Evening private guided tour to experience the wonderful effects caused by the reflections of the setting sun in front of the Taj Mahal. Accommodation: Hotel ITC Mughal Agra (1 night) itcmughal.aspx (Meals included: breakfast) Day 16: Red Fort & Delhi Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a private guided tour of Agra city. Visit the impressive Red Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in between 1567 and Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it encompasses an enormous complex of courtly buildings. Also visit the small but elegant Itimad-ud- Daulah s Tomb (1622) lyrically described as a jewel box in marble. The tomb is a combination of white marble, coloured mosaic, stone inlay and lattice work. Stylistically, it is the most innovative 17th century Mughal building. Later drive to Delhi for overnight stay. Accommodation: Lemon Tree Hotel, nr Delhi Airport (1 night) com/lemon-treepremier/delhi/delhiinternationalairport.aspx (Meals included: breakfast) Day 17: Departure day With its shimmering white marble domes and exquisite craftsmanship, the Taj Mahal is Agra s pride and one of the world s greatest monuments. Built in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj is inlaid with black marble and semi-precious stones on its inside and outside, while the entire Koran is inscribed on the exterior of its main dome. Transfer to Delhi airport for return flight to the UK. (Meals included: breakfast) Please note, we have not allowed for tips in the extension to Agra. The HF Holidays leader will not accompany you on the extension tour, but there will be an English speaking local guide on hand. 8

9 Accommodation Hotel Hindustan International, Calcutta (1 night) This luxury hotel is located in one of the prime spots of Calcutta. All rooms have been recently renovated and offer all the comfort you would expect of a luxury hotel. Hotel New Elgin, Darjeeling (3 nights) Over 125 years old and once the summer residence of the Maharaja, the Elgin Darjeeling is now a luxury heritage hotel. The hotel is situated in the heart of Darjeeling town, 6,000ft up in the Himalayas with views from many rooms. A celebration of the elegance and grace of the colonial era, the Elgin is very much a part of Darjeeling's colonial history. All 25 en-suite bedrooms have satellite television, WiFi, room safe, direct dial telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. Kanchenjunga, Norbu Gang Resort sprawls over an abundant private space. The resort has special deluxe rooms with private balconies. Traditional ethnic Sikkimese themes grace the interiors of each room and include all amenities for comfort and convenience. Martam Village Retreat (2 nights) Situated in the breathtaking and tranquil countryside of East Sikkim, in the foothills of the Himalayas, the resort overlooks a beautiful valley of rich terraced paddy fields, bounded by forest covered hills. Accommodation is in 11 spacious but minimalistic rooms, although offering ensuite bathrooms, tea/coffee making facilities, and there is an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room. This hotel is more basic than the others on the tour, but will provide a comfortable base for 2 nights. Hotel Denzong Regency, Gangtok (2 nights) With awe-inspiring views of Mt Kanchenjunga, this mountain retreat is situated within 10 acres of land overlooking the capital of Sikkim. The en-suite bedrooms are comfortable and spacious. There are wonderful gardens to relax in after your day's activities. Norbu Gang Resort, Pelling (2 nights) On a delightful hillock overlooking a breathtaking view of Mt. 9

10 Hotel Silver Oaks, Kalimpong (2 nights) The Elgin Silver Oaks Kalimpong was the home of a famous jute magnate. It is now converted into a luxury Elgin boutique hotel in the Himalayas. Landscaped gardens provide a breathtaking view of imposing Kanchenjunga which can be seen on a clear day. All 25 en-suite bedrooms have satellite television, WiFi, room safe, direct dial telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. g.php The Royal Plaza, Delhi (1 night) 5 star boutique hotel, offering comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities, tea & coffee making facilities, safe, minibar. 10

11 Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (July 2016). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0) or +44(0) ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0) Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 or book online at Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets 11

12 Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: walking ( approach ) trainers, trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars, swimming costume, and towel. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance Due to internal flights within India, the luggage allowance is restricted to 15kgs per person. Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Your passport must be machine readable, with 2 blank pages for your visa and valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of your visa application. British, Australian, Canadian and US citizens require an e-visa to enter India. This can be done online. Please visit the following website for further information: indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html Current cost is $60 (non-refundable) plus a 2.5% credit card charge. You will need to upload a photo and complete the application form online. Please remember to take a copy of the e-visa with you. You can apply for the e-visa minimum 4 days in advance of your travel date, with a window of up to 30 days. The e-visa should be ed to you within 4 days. This holiday also requires a special permit to enter Sikkim, which is included in the tour cost this can be done on the day. You will need your passport (and copy) which has the Indian visa on it, with a passport sized photo. This will be handed in at the Sikkim border. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Please ensure that it covers for altitudes of up to 2600m above sea level. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit or Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio vaccinations are recommended. Malaria prevention is recommended too. There has been an increase in the number of cases of the mosquito-borne virus Chikungunya in India; you should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the 12

13 country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting As this holiday visits reasonably high altitudes, please ensure you stay hydrated, and advise your leader as soon as you think you may be struggling with the altitude. Bottled water is provided (2 litres per person per day) on this trip. Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage 13

14 claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0) They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 100 (police) or 102 (ambulance). Please then call our emergency number (see page 11) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate Kolkata and Delhi will have temperatures around degrees, due to the tropical wet/dry climate they experience. Once in the mountains, the weather may be slightly chilly and it s advisable to carry some warm clothing and the temperatures could range between 6-18 degrees, but this autumnal season 14

15 offers clear views. At times there may be some light rainfall. Due to the altitude temperature can drop at night. Local currency & money matters Rupee (Rs). Debit/credit cards are accepted in major cities. In smaller towns, cash or Mastercard/Visa are accepted. The import and export of local currency is prohibited. U$ and GBP are the easiest currencies to exchange. Please carry some small rupee notes for shopping (<R500). Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet India 2015 David Lang Sikkim Himalaya: Travels in the Cloud Kingdom 2003 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop Group size Maximum 20 guests and HF Leader, plus local leaders. Electricity 220V, round 3 pin plugs (larger top pin) Most places use the Indian style 3 pin plug. Some of these sockets will take the European 2 pin plugs but not all of them. Time difference GMT/UTC +5.5 hrs HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 15