Darjeeling, Situated at an altitude of 2134 meters above sea level, Darjeeling -The land of the Thunderbolt has been a popular hill station ever since the British established it as a rest and recreation centre for their troops over a hundred and fifty years ago. Blessed with a cool climate, it has, perhaps, the most stunning view of the Kanchenjunga range. With about 100,000 inhabitants, it has a mixed population of various races and religions living in perfect harmony. This is vividly reflected at the shrine atop observatory Hill where Hindus and Buddhists pray together. Gorkhas, Tibetans, Lepchas and migrants from the plains have made Darjeeling their home. Though Gorkhali, Hindi and Bengali are widely spoken, almost everyone understands English.

The trek to Dzongri is a fascinating one as this trek is in pure wilderness as there are very few huts/lodges on the way. Neither shops nor any electricity can be seen on the trail once one passes Yuksom. From the second day itself the mountains become visible and as one approaches Dzongri, Mount Kanchenjunga also written as Kanchenzonga (8686 meters- Third highest mountain of the world) stands majestically in front. Kanchenjung is revered by the sikkimese as their protective deity. From Dzongri top we get panoramic views of the Himalayas making the trip a very memorable one. This region falls in Sikkim or Denzong - "The Hidden Valley of Rice". Sikkim is a small but beautiful land lies almost hidden in the eastern Himalayas. Nestled between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Darjeeling, Sikkim is a paradise of natural beauty.
Kailimpong, which means "The Stockade of the King's Minister" was once a bustling town on the trade route to Tibet. The route has long since been closed but it's tranquility and intrinsic charm remain. At an altitude of 1250 meters it enjoys the best climate in the region. Dense forest of golden oak trees and offset by the rich undergrowth of moss and lichen. Owing to it's rich flora, Kalimpong is a blaze of colours through out the year. The orchids of this region in particular are famous for their infinite variety as well as their delicate lint's.

Sikkim or Denzong - "The Hidden Valley of Rice" a small but beautiful land lies almost hidden in the eastern Himalayas. Nestled between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Darjeeling, Sikkim is a paradise of natural beauty. believed to be the abode of Gods, Mount Kanchenjunga also written as Kanchenzonga (8686 meters- Third highest mountain of the world) is revered by the sikkimese as their protective deity. Religion forms an integral part of the daily lives of the Sikkimese. Until its official merge with India on 26th April 1975 Sikkim was a Buddhist Kingdom under the Nyingmapa rule for over 300 years. In witness to this fact, more that 200 monasteries can be found around this tiny Himalayan State. Even on the remotest hamlet, the fluttering of prayer flags constantly reminds one of the teaching of Lord Buddha. Before the migration of the Tibetans the Lepchas were among the first settles in Sikkim. However in the 17th century the struggle between the followers of “Yellow Hats” and “Red Hats” in Tibet forced the later to seek refuge in Sikkim where they attained the status of aristocracy and gradually dominated the state. However in 1973 the growing agitation against the monarchy led to the administrations collapse and the Indian troops stepped in, which was followed by political arm wresting. Then in 1975 Sikkim become the 22nd state of India. Sikkim state being a part of the inner mountain ranges of Himalayas is hilly, having varied elevation from 300 meters to 8686 meters. But the habitable areas are only upto the altitude of 21, 00 meters. With over 454 types of Orchid, over 600 species of butterflies, 500 species of birds, red pandas, snow leopards and other mammals Sikkim is indeed a nature's paradise.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the Hotel.
PM: Briefing and introduction to the Motorcycles.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 02: Drive around the city.
EVE: Welcome Dinner
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu / Janakpur.
The journey starts from Kathmandu toward to Eastern Nepal (128 km). Janakpur is located southeast of Kathmandu.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 04: Drive Janakpur / Siliguri.
After breakfast, scenic drive to Kakarbhitta experiencing the Nepalese countryside. Cross the famous Mechi Bridge and head to the border town of Kakarbhitta. After clearing our papers from customs, complete immigration check n and then drive to the Indian Customs, a kilometer away. Here complete Indian customs as well as Immigration and then drive an hour to Siliguri.
Siliguri incidentally is an important nerve centre also for Bhutan, the eastern part of Nepal and Darjeeling, another picturesque hill station 80 kms away. Siliguri has two railway stations: the new Jalpaiguri Railway station on the broad Gauge and the Siliguri Junction on the Meter Gauge Railways line. New Jalpaiguri Railway station in Siliguri is connected to almost all parts of India by train. The airport near Siliguri town is known as Bagdogra.
Upon arrival check in to hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05: Siliguri – Darjeeling (85 kms).
After breakfast set out on a scenic, mountainous drive after leaving the heat and the plains of Siliguri. The road winds slowly increasing in altitude and enters an alpine country passing through small roadside settlements until our arrival at the after 3 hours of driving at Darjeeling; "the place of the Thunderbolt"
Darjeeling Situated at an altitude of 2134 meters, Darjeeling has been a popular hill station ever since the British established it as a rest and recreation center for their troops over a hundred and fifty years ago. Blessed with a cool climate, it has, perhaps, the most stunning view of the Kanchenjunga range. With about 1, 00,000 inhabitants, it has a mixed population of various races and religions living in perfect harmony. This is vividly reflected at the shrine atop observatory Hill where Hindus and Buddhists pray together. Gorkhas, Tibetans, Lepchas and migrants from the plains have made Darjeeling their home. Though Gorkhali, Hindi and Bengali are widely spoken, almost every one understands English. The world-renowned hill resort of Darjeeling is a welcome respite for many Indians during the hot summer months. Situated at 2,134 m above sea level, it is stones throw away from Nepal's Eastern border. Darjeeling was acquired by the British from the Raja (King) of Sikkim as a gift around a hundred and fifty years ago; it was developed into a rest and recreational center for British troops. Today the town retains many of the legacies of the British Government.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
The afternoon, we will take a walk around the famous bazaars and The Mall of Darjeeling.
EVE: Dinner at a restaurant.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 06: AM: Sunrise excursion to Tiger Hill on Motorcycles.
Tiger Hill 11 km. away from town, alt 2585 meters, Tiger Hill is synonymous with the sunrise over Kanchenjunga. Mount Everest, the highest peak in world, can also be seen from this point.
Later return to the Hotel for Breakfast.
10:00 hrs – Drive to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Also visit the Padma Naidu Zoo.
Noon: free for lunch.
13:30 Hrs – Walk down to the Railway station and the take a ride on the Toy Train till Ghoom.
Toy Train Ride: This small but sturdy steam engine train is as much a part of Darjeeling as the Tea Gardens and Kanchenjunga. Running on a narrow gauge track measuring a mere 2 ft, the track running from the plains in Siliguri to Darjeeling, is considered a marvel of engineering.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 07: Darjeeling – Maneybhanjyang – Sandakphu (70 kms).
Today you will be riding through the famous Singalila range, perhaps the most popular and fascinating Himalayan regions in the Indo-Nepal border. All along the ride, one can view the Himalayas to its optimum beauty and grandeur and the panorama is completely dominated by the mighty Kanchendzonga and Mt. Everest.
Overnight at the trekker’s hut.

Day 08: Sandakphu-Rimbhick via Phalut till we reach Sabargram and continue downward till Rimbhick. Today you will be riding on dirt road.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 09: Rimbhick – Lodhoma – Bijonbari – Gok – Nayabazar –Legship - Pelling (Western Sikkim) on Bike.
Facing the towering Himalayas and surrounded by high green full of coniferous trees, Rimbhick appears to be perched on the roof of the world at an altitude of 2,286 mtrs. The place promises a stunning view of Kanchendzonga along with other icy pinnacles that reflect the hidden colours of sunlight revealed only at dawn and twilight.
Today you will be riding through small hamlets and tea gardens till Nayabazar. From Nayabazar to Legship is more or flat running just on top of River Rangeet, passing through terraced farms and lush sub-tropical vegetation till you reach Legship. From Legshilp to Pelling is all the way up through terraced farms and occasional villages.
Overnight at the Inn.

Day 10: AM: Sightseeing tour of Pelling includes visiting the Pemayangtse Monastery, ruins of Rabdentse, the erstwhile second palace of Sikkim, Sangacheolong Monastery etc. Later ride to Tashiding via Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim, where the First King of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 11: Tashiding – Gangtok via Rumtek Monastery on Bike.
Rumtek Monastery: - Rumtek Monastery the Dharma Chakra Centre (29 kms before Gangtok,) is approximately 24 kms away from Gangtok. It was originally built in 1730 by the 9th Karmapa but was later destroyed by fire. The present monastery was constructed by Him Holiness, late Gyalwa Karmapa in the 1960’s. The style of the monastery is strictly traditional and the patterned on the lines of the lamaseries of Tibet. His Holinesses Gyalwa Karmapa stayed in the Monastery until the completion of the Dharma Chakra Centre which is 20 minutes uphill walk from the monastery.
(Note: Lunch at the Shambala Resort)
Sikkim is small but beautiful land lies almost hidden in the eastern Himalayas. Nestled between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Darjeeling, Sikkim is a paradise of natural beauty. Believed to be the abode of Gods, Mount Kanchenjunga also written as Kanchenzonga (8686 meters- Third highest mountain of the world) is revered by the sikkimese as their protective deity. Religion forms an integral part of the daily lives of the Sikkimese. Until its official merge with India on 26th April 1975 Sikkim was a Buddhist Kingdom under the Nyingmapa rule for over 300 years. In witness to this fact, more that 200 monasteries can be found around this tiny Himalayan State. Even on the remotest hamlet, the fluttering of prayer flags constantly reminds one of the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Gangtok:- Gangtok situated at an altitude of about 1780 mts and with a population of approximately 50,000 people is the tiny Capital city of Sikkim. Gangtok means ‘ hill top’ and this little capital of Sikkim is perched high on ridge of the Valley. Gangtok is full of brightly colored houses and is a happy bustling place where one will meet Nepalese, Bhutunes, Lepchas, Tibetan and even Bengalis from the plains especially during the tourist season.
Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 12: Gangtok Sightseeing on Bike
Overnight at the Hotel Sonam Palgay

Day 13: Free Day in Gangtok.
Overnight at the Hotel Sonam Palgay

Day 14: Ride to Kalimpong via Teesta.
Kalimpong - At a height of about 5,500 feet, Kalimpong is a quiet hill town, not quite a resort but rather catering to the needs of the hill people who inhabit this mountain world. It is the centre of a small-scale industry area specializing in the requirements of the Buddhist faith – thangka scrolls, prayer-flags, ceremonial scarves. These products are then supplied all over the Buddhist region of the north-eastern Himalayan, including Sikkim and Bhutan. Somehow, the quilted-carpet tea estate landscape, so common in the western parts of Darjeeling district, rarely makes it s appearance in Kalimpong. As a result, more fruits and vegetables are grown, making this area relatively self-sufficient. Kalimpong is also famous for flower nurseries specializing in Orchids, Cacti, Anthuriums and Gladioli, etc.
Sightseeing of Kalimpong on bike – visiting Zangdokpalri Phobrang Monastery in Durpin Danda and then after visit a private flower nursery.
Flower Nurseries
Kalimpong, in important orchid-growing area, also produces about 80% of India’s gladiolas. Flowers are exported form here to the cities in northern Indian. Shri Ganesh Moni Nursery and Udai Moni Nursery and two important nurseries of Kalimpong. Flower Festival of Kalimpong is held in the month of October.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 15: Ride to Siliguri (70 kms) and then on to Khosi Tappu
Upon completion of Indian border formalities drive to Nepal Immigration. Then continue ride for 3 hours to Koshi Tappu Wildlife reserve.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established in 1976, and covers an area of 175 sq. km. The reserve is name after the biggest river of Nepal, the Koshi. It is a major residing, staging and wintering site of waterfowls and waders in the subcontinent. Due to its international importance for the conservation of waders and waterfowls, it has been accorded the Ramsar Site by the Wetlands convention in 1987.
The waterbody supports more the 100 species of fish including the human size catfish known as Gonch, famous sporting fish the Mahasheer and delicious species the Jalkapoor. The large reptiles inhabiting this reserve includes the longest snake species of the sub continent the rare Indian Rock Python, globally threatened fish eating Gharial Crocodile and number of lizards and turtle species.
The reserve and the adjacent area supports more than 450 bird species. During October to April on e could be able to spot more than 100 species on a single day birding. Massive flocks of ducks numbering more that 50,000 chiefly of Northern Pintails, Mallard and Northern Shoveler is a common sight during fall and winter. Globally Threatened species occurring in this area includes black necked Stork, Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Baer's Pochard, Red-necked Falcon, Bengal Florican, Great Stone Plover, Black-bellied Tern, Dusky Eagle Owl, Swamp Francolin, Marsh Warbler etc.
Kosi Tappu supports large ungulates such as Wild Water Buffalo, Blue Bull Antelope, hog Dear etc. It is the last refuge for the globally threatened Wild Water Buffalo in Nepal.
Dinner and Overnight at the resort.

Day 16: Extra night in Kosi Tappu Resprt for jungle wild life activity.
Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at the resort.

Day 17: Drive Kosi Tappu Wildlife reserve to Hetaudah or Daman
Dinner and Overnight at the hotel / resort.

Day 18: Drive back to Kathmandu and on to Kodari.
Upon arrival in kathmandu head off to the last resort.
Overnight at the Resort.

Day 19: Full day of activity and visit the school.
Overnight at the Resort.

Day 20: Return to kathmandu.
EVE: Farewell Dinner
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 21: Day free until final departure transfer to the airport for onward flight.

**End of the Arrangement **