| |
Organic Farming Trip (Permaculture) |
|
| |
|
|
| Permaculture, then, is a design system that encompasses both "permanent agriculture" and "permanent culture." |
| ...more |
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
Cultural Tour - I |
Duration : 7 Days |
| |
(Darjeeling / West Sikkim / East Sikkim / Kalimpong)
The culture of Darjeeling and Sikkim is quite miscellaneous, due to the mixed ethnicity of the population. The local culture of Himalayas can be well understood during the season of native festivals. The diverse community of people of Darjeeling and Sikkim consists of Nepali Gorkhas, the Lepchas (the original inhabitants), Tibetans, Biharis, Marwaris, Bengalis and the Muslims.
To us, Himalaya is the most beautiful land. Maybe it is just that we have got used to seeing it that way.
The most beautiful, the most interesting, the best and the most….. We inherited all these when we inherited the land from our ancestors. It seems, though, that we have also inherited a slight proneness to exaggeration. We cannot help thinking no other place is as beautiful as the Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas; yet we have a feeling that you won’t be offended.
This tour packs in all the highlights around Darjeeling, Sikkim and Kalimpong, "The Jewel of the Eastern Himalayas" This tour gives you a comprehensive tour of Darjeeling and Sikkim - the land and its people. In a limited period of time you can visit most places of interest, the scenic beauty, the flora & fauna, famous Buddhist monasteries, the people and the rich cultural heritage of the lost Himalayan Kingdom and many more. The land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for your exploration through its different facts.
|
| |
| Day 01: Bagdogra - Darjeeling (2134 m): 3 hrs drive |
| On arrival at Bagdogra get on our vehicle and take a beautiful 3 hour drive from the heat of the plains through jungle, tea estates and pleasant hillside villages to the coolness of Darjeeling. The road winds its way up into the hills through Kurseong. At 1458m it is the little sister of Darjeeling and the word Kurseong comes from the Lepcha word for a small white orchid which grows prolifically in this area. Surrounded by tea estates it is the southern terminus for the steam powered trains of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the last 32km follows the route of the famous Toy Train, once the normal mode of transport to the famous hill station. We should arrive by late afternoon and there may be time for a wander round Chowrasta, the main square of Darjeeling. Overnight at hotel. |
|
| Day 02: Darjeeling |
| Early morning proceed for excursion to Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga range of mountains. On a clear morning one can even see the Everest, Lhotse and Mahakalu. Return to hotel visiting the famous Ghoom Monastery on the way.After breakfast Toy Train ride up to Ghoom and back. This ride is for about 2 hrs including the visit to the historical railway museum. After lunch visit to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Himalayan Zoological Park. Evening walk around the colorful Darjeeling town. Overnight at hotel. |
|
| Day 03: Darjeeling – Pelling (2100 m): 6 hrs drive |
| After breakfast transfer to Pelling – a beautiful drive along the green carpet – the tea plantation and later half along the river Ranjeet. Arrive late in the evening and check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel. |
|
| Day 04: Pelling – Gangtok (1700 m): 6 hrs drive |
After breakfast check out from the hotel and visit the famous Pemayangtse Monastery, the second oldest monastery of Sikkim. This Monastery commands an impressive view of Mt. Kanchendzonga. Pemayangtse Monastery was basically a small Lhekhang build by Lhatsun Chenpo in the 17th century AD. The Monastery shelters several religious images and other objects of worship, most of which are precious because of their ancientness. On the top floor of the monastery there is a wooden sculpture, interpreting the Maha Gurus Heavenly Palace "Sanghthokpalri".
This master piece was accomplished by the late Dungzin Rimpoche, who took five years to craft it.After the visit of the monastery drive a couple of kms and visit the Rabdentse ruins the 2nd capital of Sikkim, founded by the 2nd Chogyal of Sikkim Tensung Namgyal in the year 1670.
After the visit of the ruins, continue drive to Gangtok. Upon arrival check in and overnight at hotel. |
|
| Day 05: Gangtok |
| After breakfast full day sightseeing of Gangtok visiting the famous Rumtek Monastery and Research Institute of Tibetology. After lunch, visit Govt. Institute of Cottage Industry (Handicraft Centre), Flower Show and Enchey Monastery. Evening walk around the local market. Overnight at hotel. |
|
| Day 06: Gangtok – Kalimpong (1250 m): 2 ½ hrs drive. |
| After breakfast transfer to Kalimpong – a small hill station which was originally a part of Bhutan. It is 80 kms and will take about 2 ½ hours drive.
After lunch visit the Dzong-Dog-Phelri Monastery, Flower Nursery and walk around the famous local bazaar. Overnight at hotel. |
|
| Day 07: Kalimpong – Bagdogra Airport: 2 ½ hrs drive |
| After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra Airport for onward flight to Delhi / Kolkatta. It is 80 kms in distance and will take about 2 ½ hours drive. |
|
|
| |
NOTE: The above trips can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. Please email us for further details. |
| |
|
|
