Golden Triangle & The Himalayas Of Darjeeling & Sikkim

Overview
A 14 Days tour, the Golden Triangle Himalayas is specially customized for you which include the popular Golden Triangle cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. In addition to Golden Traingle cities this tour takes you to the himalayas of Darjeeling (West Bengal) and the state of Sikkim. After a hectic tour of India's capital Delhi, city of Taj, Agra (Uttar Pradesh) and desert state of Rajasthan, we will fly to himalayas for a rejuvenating vacation. Moreover, the Golden Triangle Himalayas provides you a unique opportunity to explore the historic sites of North India and also to scale the Himalayas of north-east India. So, opt this tour to see the wonders of Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Darjeeling and Sikkim on your own.

Inclusions
Accommodation, Meal, Transport, Local guides for sightseeing tours, All applicable taxes, Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur - Subject to availability, Entrances in the Himalayas, Accompanying escort from Darjeeling to Martham, Airfare for Delhi / Bagdogra / Delhi sector - (Discounted Airfare Subject to Change).

Exclusions
Shopping and other meals apart from breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Detailed Itinerary
Namaste - We welcome you with folded hands

Day 1 : Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car. Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!

Overnight : The Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 2 : Delhi
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi’s prime attractions such as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb and Qutab Minar. Afternoon we will visit the Old city area which houses India’s biggest mosque Jamma Masjid and historic Red Fort. A rickshaw ride through the crowded area of Chandni Chowk is the highlight of Old Delhi. Next we will visit Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where Mahatama Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
Home Visit & A Welcome Dinner : This evening we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.

Overnight : The Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 03 : Delhi / Agra (205 Kms)
Following breakfast, we ride to Agra. We would have opportunities to stop en route at well-appointed restaurants for refreshments as well as washroom facilities. Upon arrival check into hotel Taj-View Hotel - 5* hotel, which allows you to live in the lap of luxury and gaze at the Taj Mahal for as long as you wish - whenever you feel like.

After rest & relaxation, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid and other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.

Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. At sun set we visit the Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable.

Overnight : Taj View - a 5* Hotel (Superior Taj Facing Room)

Day 04 : Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
This morning, drive to Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri for a tour of these magnificent and world heritage buildings, which are still in a state of perfect reservation. The city is divided into religious and secular sections. The profusion of sculpture is breathtaking. Also, the white marble mosque in the secular section is incredible. It is a very sacred mosque and pilgrims from far and near arrives here to pay their respects. After seeing the mughal monuments at Fatehpur Sikri we will continue our journey further to Jaipur.

Upon arrival check into hotel Alsisar Haveli which is the flagship hotel in a bouquet of heritage hotels. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates the finesse of traditional Rajput architecture and a site to behold. The large elevated platform that dominates the central area of the ground floor and once used for get-togethers by the gents of the house is now open to guests who can witness puppet shows and folk dances while enjoying their snacks or drinks. The spacious lobby, which opens into the chowk (inner courtyard), was a century ago used by the ladies of the house and is now open to guests. You will treasure this experience of staying in an authentic Rajput home.

Afternoon, we explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing and we will be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the popular stores here.

Overnight : Alsisar Haveli - A Heritage Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 05 : Jaipur
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the Amber Fort. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, the Fort is a superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style of architecture. A slow elephant taxi takes us to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful buildings. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they did their former royal residents.

We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. Afternoon, we proceed for a guided tour of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory). Situated in the heart of the old city, the City Palace presents an interesting blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Next we will move towards Jantar Mantar - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that gives accurate predictions till date.

Overnight : Alsisar Haveli - A Heritage Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 6 : Jaipur / Delhi / Bagdogra (DN 6191 - 10 :30/13 :00)
Bagdogra / Darjeeling (Drive)
Morning drive to Delhi along one of India's finest freeways, where you would have an opportunity to stop on the way for refreshment as well as washroom facilities
Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and drive to Darjeeling. Enroute we stop at the Kurseong Tourist Centre for a refreshing cup of the famous Darjeeling tea.

This evening is at leisure. Darjeeling offers plenty of options for walking. Of special mention is the circular walk around the Observatory Hill for breathtaking scenes of natural beauty of the Himalayas and the city below. The shopping options of Darjeeling are revealed once you visit some of the curio shops along Nehru Road. All things Himalayan are sold here-'thankas' (paintings), brass statues, religious objects, jewellery, woodcarvings, woven fabrics, carpets etc. However, bargaining is the order of the day, so be prepare to jostle with the shopkeepers.

Overnight : Hotel Windamere.

Day 7 : Darjeeling
An early morning drive to Tiger Hill for a breathtaking dawn view over Kanchanjunga and other eastern Himalayan peaks is a fantastic experience. On your way back you may visit the Ghoom monastery, which is the oldest and the most famous monastery in Darjeeling. It enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha).
We would have an opportunity to ride on the exquisite Toy train from Ghoom to Darjeeling - a truly fascinating experience as the train clinges on to the hills
We return to our hotel; for breakfast following which we tour the city. Darjeeling has some very fascinating places of interest. The Botanical Gardens contains representative collection of Himalayan plants, flower and orchids. The hot houses are very interesting.

Overnight : Hotel Windamere.

Day 8 : Darjeeling
On day 8 after breakfast we will move outside our hotel for a sightseeing trip of Darjeeling. We will visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, established in 1959 to help rehabilitate Tibetan refugees who fled from Tibet produces superb carpets, woolens, wood carvings and leather work. You could walk through the workshops and observe the work in progress. The weaving and dyeing shops and the woodcarving shop are particularly interesting and the workers, very friendly - the women have very beautiful and expressive features.
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute set up to train mountaineers, also has a museum containing an interesting collection of historic mountaineering equipment, specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna and relief model of the Himalayas. Another must in Darjeeling is a visit to the Happy Valley Tea garden. Here tea is still produced by the ' orthodox' method as opposed to the 'curling, tear ing and crushing' (CTC) method adopted in the plains. The process is a fascinating one to observe with possibilities of lots of good pictures

Overnight : Hotel Windamere

Day 9 : Darjeeling / Pemayangtse.
After an early breakfast we drive to Pemayangtse with packed lunches. One reaches Pemayangtse only through one of the most incredibly beautiful journies in the world. The views afforded by the journey itself are worth the effort. We would have opportunities to stop a few times, walk through the countryside, enjoy the enchanting beauty of the place and interact with the natives through our guide.

Overnight : Hotel Norbu Gang Resort.

Day 10 : Pemayangtse / Martham Village Resort
The views of snow capped Himalayan range are unbelievable. You could almost touch the range. Even the shadows of the great peaks are clearly visible. Sunrise here is soul stirring! We also visit the Pemayangtse monastery, which is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim and belong to the Tantric -Nyingma-Pa sect established by an Indian teacher. We would also visit the peaceful and tranquil Khechipalri Lake.
Afternoon, a spectacular journey, mostly down hill on undulating roads with hair pin bends caressing the mighty Himalayas, through tremendous landscapes of terraced fields on the slopes of the Himalayas, swiftly flowing Teesta river down the valley and wild banana plantations as well as through quaint Sikkimese villages bring us to Martham

Upon Arrival, check into the Martam Village Resort. Described as 'paradise on earth', a holiday in Martam Village Resort is a unique experience. The accommodation is ethnic in seven thatched cottages built in traditional Sikkimese style to blend with the surrounding villages. The cottages have twin bedded rooms with large picture window framing the countryside. Each room has attached bath room with all modern western facilities.. The attractive and excellent restaurant has a cosy dinning hall and bar serving delicious cuisines, including local Sikkimese food and drinks.
You can also experience the traditional herbal bath, watch folk dances of Sikkim and visit the witch doctor. Being next to nowhere, but for nature, Martam Village Resort is the perfect location for visitors who love nature or adventure and for those seeking peace and relaxation. It would be a wonderful idea to visit some ethnic Sikkimese villages untouched by civilisation and enjoy the fabled Sikkimese hospitality.

Overnight : Martham Village Resort.

Day 11 : Martham
Morning at leisure for nature walks or visits to nearby Himalayan villages untouched by modern times. Afternoon, we visit the world famous Rumtek The original monastery was built by a ruler of Sikkim. However, a new monastery replicating the former one was built in the 16th century. Thus, though the monastery is new, it enshrines all that is best in traditional Tibetan monastic architecture. When seen in the clear light of Sikkim, this magnificent building with its red pillars, brilliantly painted fretwork and superbly glowing murals glitters like a jewel set in the green hills.

Overnight : Martham Village Resort.

Day 12 : Martham / Gangtok / Martham
A leisurely breakfast, and then a full day excursion of Gangtok. The 24 km drive is in itself a fantastic drive through paradise. Gangtok, the capital of the Sikkim State, occupies the West Side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipool River. The scenery is spectacular and there are excellent views of the entire Kanchanjunga range from many points in the vicinity.
We first visit the Tsuk- la -Khang chapel. It is the Buddhist principal place of worship and assembly and the repository of a large collection of scriptures. It is a beautiful and impressive building, its interior covered with murals. Lavishly decorated altars hold images of the Buddha, bodhisattavas, and tantric deities. There are also several interesting wooden carvings. The Namgyalk Institute of Tibetology. Established in the 1958 this unique monastery built in a traditional style promotes research on the language and traditions of Tibet, as well as on Mahayana Buddhism.
Next we visit the Orchid Sanctuary close to the Institute. Enclosed by a peaceful forest, the orchid sanctuary has a majority of 454 species of orchids found in Sikkim a kilometre away is a huge white chorten with a golden apex. Next to it is a monastery for young lamas with a shrine containing a huge images of an Indian teacher of Buddhism in Tibet. The Institute of Cottage Industries specialises in producing hand-woven carpets, blankets, shawls, Leapcha weaves, patterned decorative paper and Choktse tables, exquisitely carved in relief.

Overnight : Hotel Martham Village Resort.

Day 13 : Martham / Bagdogra / Delhi (DN 6192 - 1625/1815)
This morning, we visit the world famous Rumtek monastery. The original monastery was built by a ruler of Sikkim. However, a new monastery replicating the former one was built in the 16th century. Thus, though the monastery is new, it enshrines all that is best in traditional Tibetan monastic architecture. When seen in the clear light of Sikkim, this magnificent building with its red pillars, brilliantly painted fretwork and superbly glowing murals glitters like a jewel set in the green hills. Afternoon, we bid farewell to the Himalayas and drive to Bagdogra airport to connect our flight to Delhi.
Meeting an assistance upon arrival in Delhi & transfer to your hotel The Connaught.

Overnight : The Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel

Day 14 : Delhi / Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.

End of Services…
Thank You for Giving Us an Opportunity to Serve You!
Indicative High Season Cost Based on 02 People Traveling Together : USD 1742 Per Person

Feedback
Our trip was wonderful as we get a chance to visit the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur alongwith the Himalayas of Darjeeling and Sikkim. Our guide, Mohan was well informative and provided us every chance to experience the vacation at its best.


I would recommend trip to India with Trinetra tour, even to most experienced traveller. Trinetra offered us a well organized trip and it was a very memorable holidaying experience for us.


It was an excellent trip. Very interesting and very nice people. Thanks to Trinetra for such a wonderful tour.


Visit India next vacation with Trinetra tour on this tour package and discover the hidden surprises of Himalayas.