The old Raj town of Darjeeling is a fascinating and very lively place with much to interest the visitor. The steep streets, the market, Chowrasta with its band stand and pony rides, (and wonderful bookshop), Observatory Hill with its pilgrims and fine early morning views of Kanchenjunga, the beautiful Botanic Garden with its shady walks and fine flower displays, these and much more besides make Darjeeling an excellent base in which to spend a day or two before setting off to explore the surrounding countryside.

ONE DAY SIGHT SEEING

The day starts with a dawn visit by jeep to Tiger Hill where it is possible to see the whole of the Singalila ridge and Kanchendzonga (Kanchenjunga) as well as the major peaks of Nepal, Everest, Makhalu and Lotse as well as the three sisters. On the way back to town we can visit the old monastery of Yiga Choling at Ghoom.
After breakfast, we head to the Tibetan Refugee Centre, where Tibetan refugees live and work. They make a range of handicrafts for sale including the world famous Tibetan rugs. Visitors can see the craftsmen and women at work and visit the shop.

Next stop is the Happy Valley Tea Garden. Here you can see how tea is processed, and incidentally enjoy a splendid view of Darjeeling town.

On the edge of town is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which is the only establishment of its kind in India. It was set up in 1954 one year after local man Tenzing Norgay Sherpa made the first ascent of Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. The Institute offers training to climbers whether novice or expert, and there is also an interesting museum of Himalayan Mountaineering.

Next to the Institute is the Zoo, where you can see the Red Panda and Snow Leopard and learn about their breeding programmes. After all this, it is time to return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy a leisurely ride to Ghoom in the famous Himalayan Train, and enjoy the views. Transfer to hotel.
Note: this programme may be taken as a half day, leaving out the train ride and taking the afternoon at leisure.

ONE DAY WALK AROUND DARJEELING

Start and finish in Darjeeling

TWO DAY WALK AROUND DARJEELING

We start from the hotel after breakfast, and trek to Tiger Hill passing through local villages, and seeing a variety of flora and fauna on the way. Overnight at Tiger Hill. Next day we walk down the hill through Rambi forest ending at Ghoom. Transfer to hotel.

MONASTERY SAFARI

Tour of the monasteries in and around Darjeeling. This may be done in one or two days as required.

ADVENTURE SPORTS

We can arrange River Rafting on the River Teesta.