Experience the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Take the slow and scenic train ride to Ghoom Monastery.
This scenic holiday idea in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas has been created for those with an interest in the history of the British Indian Empire, the colonial outpost of Darjeeling and the neighbouring region of Sikkim.
Take the slow and scenic train ride to Ghoom Monastery.
Witness the processing of Darjeeling tea followed by a tea tasting.
Catch a glimpse of the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga, India’s highest mountain.
Venture to Sikkim’s frontier and visit the sacred glacial Tsomgo Lake.
Starting in the cultural city of Kolkata, accompanied by an English speaking specialist guide, you navigate the winding streets to delve into its very heart. Having explored the history and discovered Kolkata’s ‘bookshop culture’, continue your journey into the Himalayan foothills to visit Darjeeling. A dear friend to Steppes Travel, Husna Prakash who runs Glenburn Tea Estate provides you with behind the scenes access and specially curated tours. Over the border in Sikkim discover dramatic landscapes home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers.
Included as Standard
Airport VIP meet and greet, a bottle of wine on arrival, a spa treatment, a dedicated member of our team available 24/7, an upgrade at one of your chosen hotels and cars with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Day 1 - 3
Kolkata
Day 4
Kolkata - Bagdogra - Gangtok
Day 5 - 6
Gangtok
Day 7
Gangtok - Darjeeling
Day 8 - 9
Darjeeling
Day 10
Darjeeling - Bagdogra - Kolkata
Day 1 - 3
Kolkata
Visit the thriving city of Kolkata and learn about its colonial past
Day 4
Kolkata - Bagdogra - Gangtok
Day 5 - 6
Gangtok
Whilst in Gangtok, visit Rumtek Monastery, known for its beautiful monastic paintings and intricate woodwork.
Day 7
Gangtok - Darjeeling
Day 8 - 9
Darjeeling
Take a ride on the Darjeeling Mountain Railway to visit the Yiga-Choling Monastery.
Day 10
Darjeeling - Bagdogra - Kolkata
Whilst in Gangtok, visit Rumtek Monastery, known for its beautiful monastic paintings and intricate woodwork.
Kolkata, still commonly referred to as Calcutta is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, and regarded as an artistic and cultural hub. Kolkata’s colonial past can be found on every corner, but it’s the combinations of that history and modern advances that make this friendly metropolis a unique Indian experience.
A private guide is the only way to find out the most about a city, whilst gaining an insight into life as a local. Weave your way through the flower market in the early morning light, one of the largest wholesale markets of India. Take a walking tour of the colonial buildings, the old post office, the stark white Victoria Memorial and the grand Governor’s residence.
In addition to its history, Kolkata is also known for its cuisine and world-class restaurants.
A short flight from Kolkata brings you to Bagdogra, located at the northern reaches of the flat plains. The only way is up as you travel the winding hairpin turns into the foothills. Seated above the Rungeet River and overlooking the mighty mountain ranges, Darjeeling is heavenly. The hill station was built by the British Raj from as early as 1835. Enjoy fresh Darjeeling tea at the Glenburn plantation, a 150-year-old colonial house. Take a ride on the Darjeeling Mountain Railway to visit the Yiga-Choling Monastery near Ghoom which houses famous Buddhist scriptures. Participate in specially curated tours and activities that elevate this holiday to beyond the standard tour.
Cross into permit controlled Sikkim, separated from the rest of India by the Rungeet River. Sikkim was the last state to give up its monarchy and integrate into India. The capital city of Gangtok has a spectacular setting with fine views over the Himalayan mountain ranges.
Whilst in Gangtok, visit Rumtek Monastery, known for its beautiful monastic paintings and intricate woodwork. Take a scenic walk across the farmed terraces. Visit beautiful orchid-laden forests with orchids in full bloom between April and June.
A short drive from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake is found perched between the Himalayan mountains at an altitude of 12,400 ft. The lake is one of the most spectacular landscapes of Sikkim. The azure blue lake is highly revered by the local Buddhists and Hindus as a sacred lake. Many people don’t visit this area but we have included it in our holiday suggestion so that you can go for a walk, enjoy a picnic lunch and spend time in this spectacular scenery.
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Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
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