The search for Shangri La may prove elusive but a visit to Darjeeling and Sikkim would take you pretty close to that. While Darjeeling still has a colonial hangover that comes with most of the hill stations that were developed by the British in the 19th and 20th centuries, Gangtok and much of Western Sikkim offer an introduction to traditional Tibetan Buddhism. You can start your trip with a ride on one of the most well known colonial symbols ?the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Travel through sprawling tea estates that produce the best-quality tea liqueur and pay a visit to residential schools that were considered beyond the reach of ordinary Indians. Once out of Darjeeling, you are amidst the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers and hills of Sikkim. You can start with the Rumtek Monastery and marvel at the Kanchenjunga, revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity.

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SUGGESTED ITINERARY

DAY 1-3 DARJEELING

Arrive in Darjeeling from NJP by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. In the evening, visit the Mall and Chowrasta and explore the local markets. In the early morning, visit the Tiger Hill. Hop over to Ghoom and Kurseong. In the afternoon, visit a tea estate.

Visit Mirik in the morning and return by evening. Engage in local sightseeing in the evening if you have the time.

DAY 4: RUMTEK

In the morning, leave Darjeeling and arrive at Rumtek in the afternoon. Stay the night at Rumtek.

DAY 5-6: GANGTOK

In the morning, leave Rumtek for Gangtok. Check into the hotel. Explore the local markets and monasteries. The next day, leave for Nathu La ,the hub of Indian land trade with Tibet and China. En route visit the temple of Baba Harbhajan and other attractions. Return to Gangtok by night.

DAY 7-8: PEMAYANGTSE

Leave Gangtok early morning to arrive in Pemayangtse Monastery in the evening. Also explore the local market of pelling where large numbers of villagers come to sell their wares. Leave Pemayangtse in the afternoon to reach Yuksom at night. En route visit Khecheopalri Lake.

DAY 9: YUKSOM

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In Yuksom, explore all the monasteries, especially the Norbugang Monastery. Stay overnight at a hotel. Leave Yuksom for Kalimpong the next afternoon.

DAY 10-11: KALIMPONG

Wake up in Kalimpong and set out to explore the town. Visit a few schools and tea plantations. In the evening, explore the local markets. Stay the night at a hotel. The next day, leave Kalimpong for Bagdogra. The tour ends here.

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