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Inglés

Noreste de la India y Calcuta

  • Kolkata – Bagdogra – Darjeeling – Pelling – Gangtok – Kalimpong – Bagdogra – Kolkata
  • 0 booked
  • Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
  • Language: English / Hindi
  • Tour type: Experiencias temáticas
  • Transport: Flights & Overland Road Transfers
  • Accommodation: Hotels
  • Meals: 10 Breakfasts
  • Group size: 1 to 39 people

Hightlight tour

Rich Cultural Activities
Cuisine
Rich Cultural Activities
Cuisine

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Welcome to Kolkata

Your journey commences as you land at Kolkata’s International Airport. After swiftly completing customs, immigration formalities, and collecting your luggage, our courteous representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, served as the capital of British India until 1911. The city’s character has been profoundly shaped by the British Raj, and its colonial heritage is still evident in its architecture and social life. Enjoy a restful overnight stay at the hotel.

2

Day 2: Exploring the Charms of Kolkata

After a delicious breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Kolkata. Your itinerary includes visits to Raj Bhawan, which was once the residence of Governor-General Marquis of Wellesley, and Writer’s Building, now housing the West Bengal Government. Metcalfe Hall, designed after the Temple of Winds in Athens, formerly housed the Imperial Library. You’ll also visit the iconic Howrah Bridge, which serves as a lifeline for over 2 million people daily. Walk across the Maidan, an expansive open field that once served as a free fire field for Fort William’s cannons. Concluding your day, you’ll visit the remarkable Victoria Memorial, a grandiose structure housing a treasure trove of Raj relics, surrounded by tree-lined walks and splendid lakes. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.

3

Day 3: Kolkata to Darjeeling via Bagdogra

Post breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport, our team will be ready to assist you. From here, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Darjeeling, spanning approximately 93 kilometers and taking around 3.5 hours. After reaching Darjeeling, you’ll check in at your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.

4

Day 4: Discovering Darjeeling

Rise early to visit Tiger Hill and the Ghoom Monastery, offering stunning views of the sunrise over the mountains. Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast. The day’s adventures continue with a ride on the famous Himalayan toy train. You’ll also explore the Everest Museum, which provides in-depth information about mountaineering history. Adjacent to the institute is the Himalayan Zoological Park, home to remarkable regional animals such as the Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear, and various bird species. Conclude your tour at the Tibetan Self-Help Centre, where Tibetan refugees preserve their handicrafts, including carpets, leatherwork, and wood art. Your night will be spent at the hotel.

5

Day 5: Darjeeling to Pelling - A Journey through the Mountains

After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll set off for Pelling, a peaceful mountain village located around 120 kilometers away. Nestled in the western districts of Sikkim at an altitude of approximately 2000 meters, Pelling offers serene surroundings and an incredible proximity to Mount Kanchendzonga. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

6

Day 6: Exploring the Charms of Pelling

After breakfast, your itinerary includes a visit to Pemayangtse Monastery. The main attraction here is a magnificent seven-tiered wooden replica of Zangdog Palri, the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava, constructed in 1971. You’ll also explore the nearby historical ruins of Rabdentse, which once served as Sikkim’s second capital. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.

7

Day 7: Pelling to Gangtok - The Enchanting Mountain Surroundings

After breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive to Gangtok, covering approximately 127 kilometers in about 5.5 hours. Surrounded by spectacular mountain views, ancient monasteries, and exotic orchid plantations, Gangtok is a true delight for travelers. Arrive and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at the hotel.

8

Day 8: Exploring Gangtok’s Highlights

After breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour of Gangtok. You’ll start by visiting the grand Rumtek Monastery, home to the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies. Next, see Enchey Monastery, perched on a ridge offering spectacular views of the town. Your itinerary also includes the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. Additionally, you’ll visit the Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts, dedicated to preserving traditional Sikkimese art. Your night will be spent at the hotel.

9

Day 9: Gangtok to Kalimpong - An Unforgettable Journey

Following breakfast, you’ll embark on a drive to Kalimpong, covering approximately 80 kilometers in about 3 hours. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the town’s famous Flower Nurseries and its most significant religious landmarks, including Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery, Tharpa Choling Monastery, and Thongsa Gumpa. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.

10

Day 10: Kalimpong to Bagdogra - Return to Kolkata

After breakfast, you’ll drive down the hills to Bagdogra to catch your flight back to Kolkata. Upon arrival in Kolkata, you’ll check in at your hotel and enjoy a comfortable final overnight stay.

11

Day 11: Departure from Kolkata

Your journey concludes with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, you’ll be smoothly transferred to the airport for your onward flight back home with wonderful memories.

This 11-day North – East INDIA & Kolkata tour is a spectacular journey that bridges the rich colonial heritage of West Bengal’s capital with the serene, mist-shrouded peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. Traveling from the historic streets of Kolkata into the mountain kingdoms of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Kalimpong, this itinerary offers an immersive blend of history, vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture, and breathtaking alpine landscapes.

  • Explore the grand architectural remnants of the British Raj in Kolkata, including the majestic Victoria Memorial, Raj Bhawan, and the historic Writer’s Building, alongside iconic engineering feats like the Howrah Bridge.
  • Experience a magical Himalayan sunrise over Mount Kanchendzonga from Tiger Hill, ride the legendary Darjeeling Himalayan toy train, and find peace within the sacred walls of ancient monasteries like Pemayangtse and Rumtek.
  • Enjoy panoramic mountain vistas at an altitude of 2000 meters, unique encounters with rare high-altitude species at the Himalayan Zoological Park, and the brilliant colors of Kalimpong’s famous flower nurseries.


 

Price includes

  • A guided tour of important places
  • A two-person English-speaking Travel Director and Driver team with you for the duration of your journey 
  • Beautifully illustrated souvenir map
  • Current Hotel Taxes and Service Charges
  • Entrance tickets to monuments and museums mentioned on the itinerary
  • Sightseeing and activities as described in your itinerary 
  • All accommodations – First class or best available hotels in the area based on the hotel price category booked
  • Breakfast daily and some evening meals as described in your trip itinerary.
  • Meals, unless expressly states
  • Observation and participation in allowed activities
  • Professionally guided tour
  • Arrival and Departure Airport transfers
  • Transport to and from hotel listed on itinerary
  • Bottled water

 


 

Price does not include

  • All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes
  • Departure Taxes
  • Visa processing arrangements
  • Extra pre and / or post hotel nights for before and after your trip. These can be booked through Lotus of India and or your Travel Agent and be added during the booking process.
  • Handling fees
  • Excess baggage charge
  • Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes
  • International Air, unless expressly paid for
  • Medical Travel  insurance and emergency insurance
  • Visas and Travel Insurance.
  • Other International and domestic flights not mentioned on the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Porterage for a maximum of two bags per person.
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
  • Services not specifically stated in the itinerary.
  • Tips to guide and driver.
  • Optional Experiences. Optional Experiences are additional add-on experiences unique to the destination that are booked and paid for (credit card or cash) when you are on your tour. As Optional Experiences are pre-bookable, this allows you the flexibility to pick and choose what you feel like when you’re on your trip.
  • Any taxi fares or personal spending money including for non-included items, meals.

 


 

Level of Physical fitness required for the Lotus of India tour?

  • A moderate amount of walking is involved at both attractions.
  •  Check recommended level for travelers with back problems or any other issues.
  • Check the dress codes for proper vestments for religious sites or county customs.
  •    Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and hiking or tennis shoes.

 


 

Guidelines for Different Religious Sites

Typical Dress Code for Churches and Cathedrals

  • Churches, particularly in Europe, often require covered shoulders and knees. Bringing a scarf or shawl can be handy if you need to cover up quickly.

Dress Codes in Mosques

  • Mosques typically require women to cover their hair with a scarf or hijab and both men and women to wear long pants or skirts. Some mosques provide appropriate attire at the entrance.
  • Typical Dress Code for Temples and Shrines.
  • In Hindu and Buddhist temples, it is respectful to wear long sleeves and long skirts or pants. Removing shoes is often mandatory, and wearing socks might be required in some places.

Tips for Respectful Attire

  • Removing Hats or Headwear
  • While head coverings may be required in some religious sites, hats and caps are generally considered disrespectful and should be removed before entering.

Layering for Comfort and Respect

  • Bringing a lightweight layer, like a cardigan or shawl, allows you to adapt your outfit as needed. This is especially useful when transitioning from a hot climate outside to a cool interior within religious buildings.

Understanding Local Customs

  • Researching or asking about local customs before visiting can prevent unintentional disrespect. Each religious site may have unique expectations regarding dress code.

 


 

Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking and payment
  • Tours can be customized, by request with a multi-lingual guides option: (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Portuguese).
  • Daily Tours departures times will be announced by your guide a day prior to the tour date.
  • The tour starts times ranges based on the activity booked.
  • Waiver will need to be signed attesting to good health conditions

 

Cancellation and Refunds Policies

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours after booking payment.
  • In the event of cancellation, Traveler should notify Lotus of India in writing at – least 60 days prior to travel.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made after paid booking before the experience’s start date / time will be subject to modification fees.
  • If the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers ( 2 ). If it’s canceled because the minimum wasn’t met, you’ll be offered options and recalculated prices.
  • A cancellation fee will be charged by Lotus of India for all cancelled bookings, as per the following cancellation terms.

Land Portions Refund Datelines:  ( Hotels, Tours services, Sightseeing tours )

Number of days prior to Departure Cost of Cancellation (Minimum Cancellation after booking)
120 days or more 15% of the total tour cost
119 to 60 days 25% of the total tour cost
59 to 30 days 50% of the total tour cost
Below 30 days 100% of the total tour cost

 

Map

Frequently Asked Questions - Deposits, Payments & Customers:
  • Foreign travelers often worry about physical strain, especially seniors and couples. Physical comfort is managed proactively rather than reactively. Private tours control walking distances. Vehicles drop travelers close to sites, and visits are planned during less crowded hours.

  • Food concerns are extremely common. Travelers worry about hygiene, food spice levels, and digestive issues. Private tours ensure meals are taken in reputable restaurants and hotels where hygiene standards are controlled. Spice levels are adjusted, and dietary needs are respected. Most food-related problems occur when travelers eat randomly or without guidance.

  • Travel anxiety often peaks around “what if” scenarios. Delays, illness, missed connections, or fatigue worry travelers before booking. Private tours include contingency handling. Drivers, guides and operators respond immediately to changes without traveler involvement. This safety net is one of the strongest reasons foreign travelers choose private tours.

  • Fear of rushed itineraries is common, especially among travelers who have seen aggressive group tour schedules. Private tours are paced according to traveler energy, not preset checklists. Days are balanced, and sightseeing is spread logically. Foreign travelers often say they see less but understand more, which improves satisfaction.

  • India requires more planning than many destinations because of its scale and diversity. Foreign travelers often underestimate travel times, climate differences, and regional variations. Private tour planning absorbs this complexity. Routes are optimized, rest is built in, and seasonal factors are considered. Good planning reduces surprises, which is essential for confidence.

  • There is a misconception that private tours are only for ultra-luxury travelers. Private tours exist across comfort levels. The defining feature is personalization, not price. Even mid-range private tours offer better control and ease than budget independent travel. Luxury private tours simply enhance comfort further through premium hotels and experiences. Foreign travelers choose private tours not to show wealth, but to avoid friction.

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