Travel by road through wonderful mountain scenery to Kurseong, home to world famous tea gardens which produce the most delicate aromas of all black teas known to mankind. From Kurseong you travel by toy train to Darjeeling. Spread on a high ridge with stunning views of the Kanchenjunga and surrounded by tea plantations on all sides, Darjeeling really is a fascinating town.
Day 1 - Kurseong
You either fly to Bagdogra or take an overnight train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. Then you transfer by road through wonderful mountain scenery to Kurseong, a lovely quiet hill station which makes a perfect stopover on the way to Darjeeling.
Day 2 - Darjeeling
Kurseong is surrounded by tea plantations and is home to world famous tea gardens. You can take a walk through the tea plantations where you may see the tea pickers at work. Smelling the aroma of tea throughout this area, you'll understand why it is known to produce the 'Champagne of Teas'. Depending on the time of year, and the stages of the manufacturing process, it is also sometimes possible to visit one of the tea factories, to observe the various processes of tea production; withering, rolling, fermenting, drying and sorting.
The toy train from Kurseong to Darjeeling is a memorable experience. The toy train was commissioned in 1881, a shiny blue and silver locomotive whose novelty is still cherished after so many years. The train is a miniature with a tiny engine that heroically pulls 4-5 compartments on a narrow gauge rail. The train journey features hills and valleys, weaving around waterfalls, rivers and forests.
On arrival at Darjeeling railway station, you driver will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. Spread on a high ridge with stunning views of the Kanchenjunga and surrounded by tea plantations on all sides, Darjeeling really is a fascinating town.
Day 3 - Darjeeling
You start before dawn for an early morning drive through Ghoom and the woodlands to watch the sunrise from Tiger Hill. This incredible viewpoint, at an altitude of 2585 metres, provides an unparalleled Himalayan panorama, including Everest and Kanchenjunga in clear weather. On the way back to Darjeeling, you stop to visit the old monastery of Ghoom. Built in 1875, it houses famous Buddhist scriptures.
In the afternoon you have time at leisure to further explore Darjeeling on your own.
Day 4 - Darjeeling
Today your tour ends after breakfast. You can either continue to Pelling to explore Sikkim. Alternatively, you can continue to Phuntsoling (195 km, 6 hrs) to visit Bhutan.
