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Saturday 9 April
We meet at London’s Heathrow Airport at 16:30 to check in to our British Airways flight BA 257 at 17:35 to Delhi, arriving at…
Sunday 10 April
…06:20. After we’ve collected our bags we transfer to the Domestic Terminal to check in to our 10:15 flight to Bagdogra arriving at 12:15. From there we take the 40 minute drive to Siliguri where we check-in at the Cindrella Hotel. In the early evening we enjoy a three-course meal served on the 125 year old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s (DHR) steam charter train, blasting up through the forest at night.
Monday 11 April: Siliguri
After breakfast, our charter train leaves for the journey up through the Siliguri bazaar and the forests to Tindharia, where we visit the DHR’s workshops, before returning to our hotel for dinner. There is ample opportunity for photography – we have a bus available on the parallel road for the photographers, and it’s possible to change between bus and train frequently.
Tuesday 12 April: Darjeeling
Our second charter runs from Tindharia to Darjeeling. We arrive in Darjeeling in time for afternoon tea at our hotel, the Elgin. We’re hoping for good weather – if there’s a good view of the mountains, we stop at the famous Batasia Loop to photograph the train with Mt Kanchenjunga in the background. As usual, the bus will accompany the train for the photographers.
Wednesday 13 April: Darjeeling
A free day at Darjeeling. You might like to take the ‘Joy Train’ from Darjeeling to Ghum (and a visit to the DHR museum). This gives you another chance to photograph the train at Batasia with the mountains. There’s a lot to do in Darjeeling – the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, the bazaars, the Mountaineering Institute or just enjoy the views.
Thursday 14 April: Gangtok
After a relaxed breakfast we take the 120km drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is a charming and extremely clean city, with colourful buildings and a bustling atmosphere. There’s even a cable car to take you from bottom to top – Alpine-style!
Friday 15 April: Gangtok local sightseeing
This morning we visit Rumtek monastery – the largest and most important monastery in the region. On returning to Gangtok, we visit Do-drul Chorten - one of the most important Buddhist stupas, the Institute of Tibetology, Flower Show and the Directorate of Handicrafts. The remainder of the day is free to carry out your own exploration of this fascinating mountain city.
Saturday 16 April: Gangtok – Pelling
If the weather’s fine, we take an early morning drive to nearby Tashi Viewpoint which offers an enchanting view of Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Siniolchu. After breakfast we drive from Gangtok to Pelling, visiting Rabdantsey Ruins and Pemayangtse Monastery en route. We check in at the Elgin Mount Pandim hotel, the closest you can get to Mount Kanchenjunga by road.
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