East Himalaya Beauty

Early this morning, visit Tiger Hill – situated at an altitude of 2,590 m this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of sunrise over Mt Kanchenjunga and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is visible from here on a sunny day. (Exact departure time from hotel depends on time of sunrise and will be advised closer to travel date). On the way back to hotel, visit Ghoom Monastery known as “Yogachoeling Gompa”. It was in the year 1875 that a Mongolian astrologer established the Ghoom Gompa. At the entry of the monastery, there is a huge giant size image of seated ‘Maitreya Buddha’ (prospective Buddha) inside. There are bells, ornate thanka scrolls and drums inside the monastery. Like many other monasteries in and around Darjeeling, this gompa is also a storehouse of some rare Buddhist manuscripts.

Return to hotel for freshen up and breakfast. Later board the Toy Train (subject to availability) for a 30 min fascinating journey to Batasiya Loop, a beautiful view point with manicured gardens from where you can get a wide range view of Darjeeling’s landscape, Mt Kanchenjunga and other Eastern Himalayan peaks.

Later in the morning, visit the Padmaji Naidu Zoological Park, the only zoo in India to breed Tibetan wolf in captivity. It is also the first South Asian zoo to breed Snow Leopard and Siberian Tiger. Rare red pandas are also seen here. Then visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help centre. Here you see Tibetan men and women making exquisite hand crafted items like woollen carpets, shawls, carved wooden crafts, leather items and more.

Later this afternoon, visit a Tea Estate for a tour of the tea garden and factory  and there’s also an opportunity to buy some of the local produce.