- Full day sightseeing tour of Kolkata
- Boat ride on the Hooghly River
- Ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway known as the ‘Toy Train’
- Trip to Tiger Hills to see the sunrise over the mighty Himalayan peaks of Mt Kanchenjunga
- Tour of the Puttabong Tea Estate
- Visit 130 ft Buddha at Buddha Park
- Tours of various noteworthy monasteries including entrance fees
- An excursion to Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers
- Trip to the Orchidarium, Kalimpong
- Airport meet and greet service. Chauffeur driven air-conditioned car
- 4 and 5 star heritage style hotels
Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Holiday
15 Day Private tour | Bed & Breakfast in Kolkata, Full Board in Lachung and Half Board elsewhere
From £3,990 low season & £3990 high season
On this exhilarating Eastern Himalayas Holiday discover the giant heights of the spectacular Eastern Himalayas, marvel at the natural beauty of lush valleys and Darjeeling’s tea-growing slopes, explore the magic of Sikkim’s rich culture and discover historic monuments and temples.
Highlights include a boat ride on the Hooghly River and an exciting trip on the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway known as the ‘toy train’. You will visit the Tiger Hills at sunrise to see Mt Kanchenjunga and possibly Mt Everest, and go on a tour of a tea estate. You can also discover lofty monasteries and explore the breathtaking Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers.
All our private tours are fully customisable to suit your needs. This Eastern Himalayas holiday itinerary is simply a starting point to inspire your travel plans.
Call us on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com for more information.
Highlights of the Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Holiday
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Arrive at Kolkata International Airport and being your Himalayas holiday by settling into The Oberoi Grand, a luxury hotel in the heart of the city. Kolkata is a vibrant metropolis where colonial architecture, bustling markets, and cultural heritage blend seamlessly. Explore the colourful flower market, take a boat ride along the Hooghly River, and admire landmarks such as Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Indian Museum, one of India’s largest. For a more local perspective, wander through the lively new Kolkata market or enjoy the hotel’s exceptional facilities and fine dining.
Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata
Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra and transfer to Darjeeling, the “Queen of the Hills,” set against the majestic Mt Kanchenjunga. Explore the rolling tea estates, enjoy panoramic Himalayan views, and experience the century-old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Visit Tiger Hill at sunrise for breathtaking mountain vistas, ride the toy train to Ghoom, and explore the Ghoom Monastery and Railway Museum. Discover the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, and Tibetan Refugee Centre for an insight into local culture and history.
Visit the historic Puttabong (Tuvkar) Tea Estate to learn about the cultivation of Darjeeling’s famed tea, set amid lush gardens and the flowing Rangeet River. Climb Observatory Hill to visit Mahakal Temple and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Accommodation: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling
Drive through scenic mountain landscapes to Pelling, a gateway to Sikkim’s stunning Himalayan vistas. Explore the Sanga Choeling Monastery, perched on a ridge with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and Mount Kanchenjunga. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, an important Nyingma-pa sect monastery with exquisite wall paintings and sculptures, and explore the ruins of Rabdentse, the former royal capital of Sikkim. Afternoons are free to relax or explore Pelling’s local charm.
Accommodation: Norbu Ghang Retreat & Spa, Pelling
Budda Park, Gangtok, Sikkim
Travel to Gangtok, Sikkim’s vibrant capital, visiting Namchi Bazaar and the 130-ft Buddha Statue at Buddha Park in Ravangla along the way. In Gangtok, explore Rumtek Monastery, a global centre of Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Discover the Chorten (stupa), Tsuk La Khang Palace Monastery, and Royal Chapel. Evenings can be spent exploring Gangtok’s lively pedestrianised streets and night markets, or enjoying optional cable car rides over the city.
Accommodation: The Elgin Nor-khill Hotel, Gangtok
Yumthang Valley, Lachung, Sikkim
Drive to Lachung, a picturesque mountain village embraced by snow-capped peaks, sparkling streams, waterfalls, and apple orchards. Visit Lachung Gompa and take an excursion to the spectacular Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers. This nature sanctuary offers alpine meadows, hot springs, grazing yaks, and a tributary of the Teesta River winding through the valley — a truly magical Himalayan experience.
Accommodation: Yarlam Resort, Lachung
Return to Gangtok for a leisurely day. Explore the city, shop for handicrafts, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment at your centrally located hotel.
Accommodation: The Elgin Nor-khill Hotel, Gangtok
Tharpa Choling Monastery, Kalimpong, West Bengal
Drive to Kalimpong, a charming hill town overlooking the Teesta River and Mount Kanchenjunga. Visit the Orchidarium to learn about orchid cultivation and explore the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang and Tharpa Choling Monasteries. Enjoy the blend of Buddhist culture, colonial-era architecture, and Himalayan views that define this serene town.
Accommodation: The Elgin Silver Oaks, Kalimpong
Vidyasagar Setu Bridge, Kolkata, West Bengal
Transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your flight back to Kolkata. On arrival, settle into The Oberoi Grand for a final night in comfort.
Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata
Clay Idol of Goddess Durga, Kolkata, West Bengal
In plenty of time you will be taken to Kolkata Airport to board your return flight.
If you have a little more time and fancy exploring another area of India such as the golden triangle or the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, or you may wish to relax on a beach in Goa or on a riverboat cruise, please let the team know as this can easily be arranged.
Meals included: Breakfast
Sights to enjoy on the Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Holiday
Pricing and Inclusions
Price Guide:
Price guide for this 15 day Eastern Himalayas Holiday is:
- £3,990 in low season
- £4,490 in high season
Prices are based on two guests sharing and exclude international flights. These are guideline rates and may vary depending on travel dates, room category, exchange rate fluctuations, and peak holiday periods such as Christmas, New Year, or regional festivals.
What’s Included in Your Tailor-Made Himalayas holiday with Authentic India Tours:
- A dedicated Travel Consultant to plan, manage, and oversee every aspect of your holiday from start to finish of this Himalayas holiday
- Private car and driver throughout your journey for all transfers and sightseeing tours, offering comfort, flexibility and convenience.
- Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis in Kolkata, full board in Lachung and half board at all other locations.
- English speaking guide for sightseeing tour
- Entrances at all historical sites, museums and monuments as per the itinerary
- Economy class return flight tickets for Kolkata to Bagdogra (Please be aware that the luggage allowance on all domestic flights is only 15 kg per person. You have the option to buy an extra 5 kg or 10 kg as required).
- A curated selection of unique and meaningful experiences, handpicked by our expert team for their authenticity and depth.
- 24/7 in-country support, ensuring peace of mind and assistance whenever you need.
All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange flights, they will also be ATOL protected.
For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this itinerary, please call us on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com
