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Dzongri Trek

A short trek to Dzongri top offers an incredible experience that is both challenging as well as ultimately rewarding in terms of natural beauty and splendid Mountain View. Visit Darjeeling â€˜Queen of Hills and possibly ride the Toy Train “ A World Heritage Railway “ before starting your trek to Dzongri.

This moderately difficult trek passes through luxuriant rhododendron and bamboo forests, orchid fields and pristine villages to lush high altitude meadows of Dzongri. The journey takes you into the heart of the mountains and intriguing local culture. The trek reaches a perfect climax after you experience a kaleidoscope of colours, religion and cuisine in Gangtok â€“ the capital of Sikkim.

Tour Program

Day 01: Kolkata

You will arrive Kolkata. Our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel. You will stay overnight in Kolkata. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after the flight.

Day 02: Kolkata – Bagdogra – Darjeeling

The journey into the Eastern Himalaya starts with a short flight to Bagdogra. You will be met on arrival at Bagdogra airport and drive the Himalayan town of Darjeeling, a former summer retreat of the British Raj and now best known for its high quality tea production. You will stay in Darjeeling for 2 nights.

Day 03: Darjeeling

Early morning, drive to Tiger hill to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mt Kanchendzonga & Mt Everest (on a clear morning). After returning to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast we visit Ghoom Monastery and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The afternoon is free to explore the town.

Day 04: Darjeeling – Yuksum

Morning after an early breakfast drive to reach Yuksum (1760 m).Yukum is the old capital of Sikkim. You will stay overnight in a hotel or Trekker’s Hut.

Day 05: Yuksum – Bakhim (12 km Trek / 4 – 5 hours)

After breakfast start the first day trek to reach Bhakim. The trek gradually ascends and descends through the dense verdant semi-tropical forest passing many streams en route. Arrive and stay overnight in Trekkers Hut / Tented Camp.

Day 06: Bakhim- Dzongri (12 km Trek / 5 – 6 hours)

After breakfast start trekking to reach Dzongri. The trek involves steady and steep climbing through Rhododendrons Forest. Dzongri commands panoramic view of the mighty and sacred mountain of Sikkim, Kanchenjunga (8585 m) and Pandim (6691 m). Stay overnight in Trekkers Hut / Tents.

Day 07: Dzongri

The full day is for exploring the area. Overnight stay is in Trekkers Hut / Tents.

Day 08: Dzongri – Bhakim (12 Km / 4-5 hours)

After breakfast you will start trekking to reach Bhakim. The trek winds its way down up to Phidong. From Phidong, the trek passes through Rhododendron forest. Arrive Bakhim by afternoon. Arrive and stay overnight in the Trekkers Hut/Tents.

Day 09: Bhakim – Yuksum – Pelling (Trek 12 km / 4-5 hours)

After breakfast you will start trekking to Yuksum. From Yuksum you will drive to Pelling. On arrival you will check-into hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10: Pelling – Gangtok

Visit the hilltop Pemayangtse Monastery in the morning. Later drive to Gangtok. En route, we visit the famous Rumtek monastic complex which has traditionally been the foreign seat for the Karmapa, the head Lama of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the ‘four schools’ of this ancient tradition. Stay for two nights in a hotel.

Day 11: Gangtok

The area is dotted with numerous monasteries and nunneries, each housing ancient texts revered for their profound philosophical insight. It is today that we’ll have our first introduction to the primarily Tibetan Buddhist culture for which Sikkim is known. We visit the most important sights of Gangtok which include amongst others the Enchey Monastery and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetanology.

Day 12: Gangtok – Kolkata

In the morning transfer to Bagdogra. From here a short flight brings us back to Kolkata where we spend 2 nights in a centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 13: Kolkata

A full day is spent exploring Kolkata starting off with an early morning visit to the colourful flower market followed by a boat ride on the Hoogli River. The afternoon’s sightseeing includes the Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Indian Museum.

Day 14: Depart Kolkata

You will be transferred to airport for your onward journey.

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Kumaon Village Trek

The concept of the â€˜Village Trek is unique as it provides an insight into the lives and daily routine of the Kumaoni villager. Overnight stays in the village houses gives you a chance to experience their warm and genuine hospitality.You stay in village houses during the walks. The accommodation is rustic but clean and has all the basic amenities. The houses have been partially renovated and amenities added without spoiling the ambience.

After a day’s walk you can freshen up with a hot bucket bath. Food is cooked hygienically and mineral water is provided. The trek starts in the region of Almora which is the first British hill station (1815) in Kumaon district of Uttarakhand. Kumaon offers a natural environment where forests and wildlife have still to unfold their mysteries. Local religious customs and ancient traditions are very much alive here. This area has been a confluence where cultures have blended together, leaving behind an infinity of architectural wonders. Ancient temples, prehistoric paintings and charming villages set amongst green terraces.

The itinerary covers both the cultural and natural aspects of the region. Before beginning the trek you spend one or two nights night at a Hill Resort which helps to adjust to the altitude and will give you a ˜feel of the area with its abundance of flora and fauna. Every morning, the walk starts from one village, passes through fields, streams and end at a different village each afternoon.

Tour Program

Day 01: Delhi – Almora

Board a train from Delhi to Kathgodam (the last rail head to Kumaon Region) and transfer to Almora. You will spend next two nights in Almora. You can enjoy an easy walk to Chittai. The Chittai bell temple is dedicated to Golu Devta (Kumaon God of Justice). The temple is hung with petitions and bells of all shapes and sizes brought by grateful devotees. The trail to Chittai temple passes through Chir (Pine) forests with good views of the valley and Himalaya range.

Day 02: Almora

Today you will enjoy a full day excursion to Binsar. From Binsar, you will walk up to Zero Point through dense Oak and Rhododendron forests. Enjoy the view and hike downhill to Shiva temple. From there trek initially further downhill and then follow the western Binsar ridge towards Kangarchina. This is a very scenic walk with good views of the Himalaya on one side and the terraced valley on the other side.

Day 03: Almora – Deora

Today you will start the village walk through picturesque villages along terraced fields, waterfalls, along a winding stream and Chir (Pine) forests. This gentle walk through valleys takes you up to the village of Deora. Before reaching Deora you visit the 1000 year old temples of Kali and Vishnu. Deora is a charming village with wonderfully carved doors and windows overlooking the valley with the ancient temples. Freshen up and enjoy a welcome drink while the traditional and delicious Kumaoni dinner is cooked by the villagers, where the landlord while preparing it hops in and out of his fields to get fresh vegetables and herbs for your meal. Guests are welcome to watch and help! Relax, chat with the locals listening to tales of the past.

Day 04: Deora – Paliu

Today walking on the old village trails, you pass through several villages which give you a fantastic impression of Kumaoni local life, where the old traditions and culture are still part of their daily routine lives. You pass villages where the castes are strictly segregated, walk through terraced fields then along traditional irrigation channels and finally climb up to Paliu village. As everywhere in the Kumaon the people are friendly, curious in a childlike manner and more than happy to answer questions and be photographed. The walk takes you past ancient flour mills, where you can stop and see how they work.

Day 05: Paliu – Sokyatal

Walking through Pine forest along terraced fields and a few scattered small villages, the trail now climbs up steadily to Sokyatal village – set amidst forests of Oak and Rhododendron. (If you are traveling between February and April, you will be rewarded with the lovely views of the Rhododendron flowers in full bloom, a blaze of colour). From the top of this ridge, the panoramic views of the Himalayan valley are magnificent. You end the day watching sun setting across the Himalayan peaks. Stretch out with refreshment in the quaint, stone courtyard looking down into the Jageshwar valley.

Day 06: Sokyatal – Jageshwar Temples – Almora

Today you will walk from Jawalbanj to Jageshwar through terraced fields, villages and magnificent cedar forests. At Jageshwar you can visit the ancient temple complex built by the Chand and Katyuri rulers between 8th and 12th Century A.D. From there, you will drive back to Almora. On the way you can see the prehistoric rock art at Lakhudiar. Stay overnight in Almora.

Day 07: Almora – Delhi

You will be driven to Kathgodam Railway station where you will board the train back to Delhi.

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Sailing Down The Ganges

Sailing down the Ganges, as it is popularly known, is a leisurely and slow pace trip through the heart of India captures the essence of life along the Ganges.

You start sailing from Allahabad (It is also called Prayagraj – one of the four places associated with Maha Kumbh that takes place every 12 years) to Varanasi – the oldest living city in the world. During the course it also offers a chance to explore and enjoy the rural culture from close. The trip can also be extended to include the marvels of Mughal and Rajputana architecture in Agra and Rajasthan with all its glory.

Tour Details

DAY 01: DELHI – ALLAHABAD

Report at Delhi Railway Station to board overnight train to Allahabad.

ALLAHABAD : one of the sacred cities of Hinduism & also one of the oldest in India. Formely known as Prayag, in commemoration of a sacrifice by Lord Brahama, Allahabad stands at the confluence of two of India’s holiest rivers, the Ganga & the Yamuna. The Sangam as the conflunece is called, is the venue of many sacred fairs & rituals and attracts thousand of pilgrims throughout the year. Akbar visited Prayag in 1575 & founded a new city by the name of Illahas, which has now become a modern Allahabad. The city was an important cantonment during the British Raj and has now some beautiful remains of colonial architecture.

DAY 02: ALLAHABAD – SITAMADHI – MURDGHAT

Met upon arrival at Allahabad Railway Station and proceed to hotel for breakfast, wash and change. If time permits take a short tour of Anand Bhawan (the birth place of first Prime Minister of India, Late Jawahar Lal Nehru), etc. After the short sightseeing drive to Sitamadhi Ghat approx 70 kms in 01 to 02 hrs. Set sail upon arrival. Lunch will be served on boat. Sail till 1800 hrs to arrive at Murdghat by covering appox 30 kms and pitch up tents on the river bank for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 03: MURDGHAT – MIRZAPUR

Morning after breakfast start sailing further downstream, eastwards to reach Mirzapur by covering appox 50 kms. If you are lucky you can catch the wind and sail smoothly and can feel the speed also. Lunch will be served on boat around 1200 hrs. Enroute visit the Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali who is the gardien of Vindhyachal Mountain Ranges by noon. Sail further towards Mirzapur. Mirzapur is well known for its Hand Woven Cotton, Woolen Carpets and Brass ware. Arrive and pitchup camp beyond Mizapur on the banks of the river for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 04: MIRZAPUR – VARANASI

Morning after breakfast sail towards Varanasi. Enroute visit Medeival Fort of Chunar, built by legendry King Vikramaditya, appox at 0800 hrs. Now the fort has been converted as training centre for the Uttar Pradesh Police. You are allowed to see only a little portion. On the way to the fort there is a Cematory of Britishers who had a short spell of power at Chunar. Sail further towards Varanasi, stopping at Ramnagar to see the Palace Museum with its collection of weapons of diffrent types, Palinquins, Ivory Items, Cars etc. appox at 1200 hrs. Lunch is served on the boat. River trip terminates at the first of the ghats, Lanka Ghat. Met upon arrival and transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 05: VARANASI

VARANASI : Also knwon as Banaras. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world & the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus who believe that to die in the city is to attain instant salvation. Situation on the banks of the Ganga, Varanasi is the tract of holy land lying between the rivers Varuna & Assi which flow into Ganga. Varanasi is also known as Kashi, the city of light, since on of the twelve “Jyotirlingas” are installed here.

Morning after breakfast proceed to SARNATH . After Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya he came to Sarnath. Several Buddhist strutures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC & the 11th century AD. Afternoon visit the famous Banaras Hindu University. One of the oldest educational University in India. Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya as a centre for the study of Indian art, culture, music & also for sanskrit. Return to the hotel for dinner & overnight stay.

DAY 06: VARANASI

Early morning proceed for the exciting Boat Cruise on the Holy River Ganges to witness the Sunrise. You can see locals as well as pilgrims standing in waist deep water praying to the rising sun and offering flowers and lighting oil lamps. On the ghats is situated the cremation ground where nearby itself people are engaged in washing cloths, vessels, animals. Enjoy the cruise and proceed for a short Temple tour covering Kashi Vishwanath temple also known as Golden Temple (Entry is restricted here) one can see the golden domes from the roof of an adjacent building, Bharat Mata temple (which is dedicated to whole of India), Kali Temple (known as Monkey temple because of their presence at all times). After lunch departure transfer to railway station in time to board the train for Delhi. Overnight in the train.

DAY 07: DELHI

Morning arrive at Delhi Railway Station.

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Journey to Tawang

Arunachal is, literally, the land of the rising sun, where dawn first greets the easternmost state of India. Tawang is the crowning glory of this land. It is one of the largest and most important Buddhist centres in the world; the monastery, half a millennium old, pulsing with spiritual life, holds a significant collection of scriptures, images and thangkas.

Tribal groups of Burmese and Tibetan descent, proud of their unique identities, live harmoniously in timeless settlements between the mighty Brahmaputra and the Eastern Himalaya. Even our journey is sublime, taking you from tropical forests through tribal towns into the mountain roads and over the amazing Sela Pass at 14,000 feet above sea level. We have time in Tawang to immerse ourselves in this place of prayer and meditation. We also visit tribal villages and stay in Nameri National Park, home to rhino, tiger and numerous bird species. Invigorated and refreshed, our return journey takes us back through Assam and, by way of complete contrast, a couple of nights in the archetypal city of India that is Kolkata.

Tour Program

Day 01: Kolkata

You will arrive Kolkata airport and will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. The famous new market of Kolkata is a short walk away from your hotel.

Day 02: Kolkata – Tezpur

In the morning fly to Guwahati, the capital of Assam. Here you’ll be met and driven on to Tezpur for a night at hotel.

Day 03: Tezpur – Bomdila

Start your ascent into the densely forested high Eastern Himalaya today with a drive to Bomdila. Visit the Tipi Orchid centre en route. The night is spent at the simple hotel. Visit the local monastery and tribal villages this afternoon.

Day 04: Bomdila – Tawang

A long but spectacular drive takes you over the high Sela Pass (4,180 metres) and into the almost mythical valley of Tawang. Stay at the hotel for three nights.

Days 05 and 06: Tawang

The next two days are free to explore the valley with your guide and driver. This will include visits to the Tawang Monastery which houses a collection of priceless artifacts dating back hundreds of years. There are also many smaller nunneries in the area and the colourful ‘Monpa’ people with their distinctive head dress.

Day 07: Tawang – Dirang

Leaving Tawang with fond memories you’ll retrace the route back across the Sela Pass, this time stopping at the settlement of Dirang. The village still has much of its medieval architecture intact.

Day 08: Dirang

Dirang is a charming village to relax and spend time visiting the nearby tribal villages and the Shangtey Valley.

Day 09: Dirang – Nameri

You will descend down from the forested hills onto the steamy plains and the rich ecosystem of Nameri National Park. You will stay for next two nights at the Jungle Camp.

Day 10: Nameri

There are options for nature walks, angling and day hikes. For the more adventurous a rafting trip can be arranged.

Day 11: Nameri – Guwahati

Drive back to Guwahai for an overnight stay. Take a sightseeing tour of the city including the famous Kamakhya Temple.

Day 12: Guwahati – Kolkata

Fly to Kolkata, known in India as the ‘city of Joy’; stay in hotel for 2 nights.

Day 13: Kolkata

Visit the sights this morning including the imposing Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Indian Museum. The afternoon is free at your own leisure.

Day 14: Depart Kolkata

You will be transferred to the airport to board your flight back home.

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In the footsteps of Buddha

There are four places, the sight of which will arouse strong emotions in those with faith. Here the Tathagat was born. Here the Tathagat attained enlightenment. Here the Tathagat set in motion the Wheel of Dharma. Here the Tathagat attained final Nirvana. And The Monk, the Nun, the layman or Lay women who has faith should visit these placesâ€. The Buddha

In his very first sermon Lord Buddha put forth the Middle Way, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path the message spread rapidly, penetrating caste and class barriers; today Buddhism is a way of life in large parts of the world, its message of peace and tolerance speaks to us all.

Buddha preached that the way to salvation is not dependent on God but on understanding the way things really are for all living beings subject to desire. We take you on a journey to places associated with important events in Buddha’s life.

Prince Siddhartha was born at Lumbini, became Buddha, the Enlightened One, at Bodhgaya, gave his first sermon at Sarnath, lived the greater part of his monastic life in Sravasti, and attained Nirvana at Kushinagar. We also take in Lucknow, a City of Nawab’s known for its gracious living, and the fabled Taj Mahal in Agra.

Tour Program

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

You will be met on arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the bustling sights of Old Delhi including the largest mosque in India known as the Jama Masjid and Rajghat, the resting place (Samadhi) of India’s favourite son, Mahatma Gandhi. The day’s sightseeing ends with a rickshaw ride through the convergent bazaars of Chandni Chowk, the main trading centre of Old Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi – Lucknow

Early morning transfer to railway station to take an exciting day train to the city of Lucknow – the capital of Uttar Pradesh, where you spend two nights in a hotel. Afternoon is at leisure.

Day 03: Lucknow

In the morning visit the Residency Complex, site of the infamous siege of 1857 which was one of the first revolts against the British authorities. Continue your sightseeing tour of the city with visits to the Islamic Imambara shrine and Romi Darwaja city gate. Round off the day exploring Lucknow’s colourful bazaars.

Day 04: Lucknow – Sravasti

Today provides your first real taste of the ‘Buddhist landscape’ as we approach the site of Sravasti. It is here that the historical Buddha spent much of his life teaching the path to enlightenment to those men and women ‘ready’ to listen. Stay in a hotels for the night. In the afternoon visit the local sites of significance including Ananthapindika’s Stupa, Anandabodhi tree and Gandhakuti or Buddha’s hut.

Day 05: Sravasti – Lumbini

Heading further east with your private car and driver you’ll cross Nepal’s southern border and come to the birth place of Buddha at Lumbini. Stay in a hotels for the night. In the afternoon visit the Lumbini gardens and the Maya Devi Temple which is dedicated to Buddha’s mother. There are various modern monasteries that are also worth a quick visit.

Day 06: Lumbini – Kushinagar

Moving on to Kushinagar, you will visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple which is where Buddha is said to have attained Parinirvana. His final words to those congregated at the site are thought to have been, ‘All composite things pass away. Strive for your own liberation with diligence.’

Day 07: Kushinagar – Patna

Leaving Kushinagar you will drive to the city of Patna, stopping en route at Vaishali. It is an auspicious site for devotees of both the Jain and Buddhist faiths respectively. The Buddha is said to have given his final public discourse here and the site was later the birth place of the great Jain saint Bhagwan Mahavira.

Day 08: Patna – Bodhgaya

Drive on to Bodhgaya with a stop at the historic site of Rajgir. Bodhgaya is the site where the young, Siddhartha Gautama, attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree and became the awakened one or Buddha.

Day 09: Bodhgaya

Spend the day calmly exploring the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and other sights associated with the life of Buddha.

Day 10: Bodhgaya – Varanasi

This morning drive to Nalanda. The archeological was once the largest university in existence and students were dedicated to the study of the ‘Buddha Dharma’. Continuing on to Varanasi you’ll stay two nights in a hotel. This evening witness a ceremonial worship or “aarti” on the banks of the Ganges River.

Day 11: Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world today and a highlight for the culturally minded traveller. An early morning boat ride is arranged on the Ganges to see devotees at prayer along the “ghats”. In the afternoon visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first public discourse and a peaceful space to spend a few hours.

Day 12: Varanasi – Agra

Take an exciting day train to Agra and watch the Indian countryside slower pass by. You will stay overnight at Agra hotel.

Day 13: Agra – Delhi

Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur-Sikri today, before returning to Delhi on the Shatabdi Express train.

Day 14: Depart Delhi

Transfer to international airport in time to board flight to onward destination.

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