Tour overview

(2N TABAKOSHI, 1N KURSEONG, 2N DARJEELING)

Tabakoshi : The word Tabakoshi derives from two Nepali words Taba and Koshi. Nepali (तांबा) Taba meaning Copper which is a brown red metal and Nepali (कोसी ) Koshi meaning River. Therefore the place Tabakoshi got its name from the River that flows across the place due to its copper brown color.Tabakoshi is an offbeat hamlet consisting of eight Tea Gardens namely Gopaldhara , Siyok, Turzum, Sungma, Chamong, Magarjung, Thurbu and Nagri T.E. Tabakoshi is virgin offbeat destination in Rangbang Valley. The tourist destination is surrounded by green organic tea gardens and virgin forests. River Rangbang flowing across the valley enhances the beauty of the place. Tabakoshi is only 58 kilometers from both NJP railway station and Bagdogra airport and 35 km from Dareeling town. These factors have made Tabakoshi new favourite offbeat destination for bth locals and tourists.

Kurseong: Known as the ‘Land of White Orchids’, Kurseong is a hill station located close to Darjeeling famous for its waterfalls, temples and Buddhist gompas apart from the excellent view that the place provides.
An altitude of 1458 metres, a pleasant climate throughout the year, rolling hills with tea estates, relics of the colonial era and an unhurried pace of life lures the tourists to the picturesque hill-station Kurseong, 32 km from Darjeeling. Kurseong meaning “The Place of White Orchid” is noted for its secluded charm. Eagle’s Crag offers a commanding view of the undulating plains below. Because of its lower elevation, tourists enjoy a mild and very healthy climate throughout the year. Some fine specimens of colonial architecture also attract the people to Kurseong.

Darjeeling “Queen of The Himalayas”: Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern part of India. Spread over a steep mountain ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting of cool climes all year round. This scenic hill station is the perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon and is just around 700 kilometres away from Kolkata.

There is a reason the city is known as the ‘Queen of the Himalayas’. The lush green slopes dotted with women plucking tea leaves is a sight as mesmerising as no other. There are over 86 tea estates in Darjeeling that are responsible for producing the worldwide famous ‘Darjeeling Tea’. Have a cup of locally brewed chai at the tea estate, or get down amidst the plantations to pluck a few tea leaves yourself, you are free to take your pick! Darjeeling is a delight for all kind of tourists. The toy train established back in 1881, still runs in this part and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Beautiful colonial architecture including mansions and churches dot this little beautiful town. Filled with people from Tibet, Nepal, nearby Indian states and the Gorkhas, Darjeeling is brimming with cultural diversity. The third highest peak in the world and the highest in India, the Kanchenjunga peak is clearly visible from here and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the peak.Darjeeling is a wonderful place to walk around and explore the tea estates, villages, and markets.

Included

  • Tour Manager.
  • All Toll Taxes, Parking fees and Driver's Expenses.
  • All Transportation mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Hotel Booking, if required.

Not Included

  • Any Private Expenses.
  • All other services not mentioned in the inclusions.

DAY 01- TRANSFER FROM (IXB) BAGDOGRA AIRPORT TO TABAKOSHI WITH MIRIK SIGHTSEEING

Our representative cordially receives you on arrival at Siliguri,Bagdogra (IXB) Airport and helps you to board the car to Tabakoshi, A small village amidst tea gardens in Mirik region. The area is centered round Sumendu Lake and is known for its landscaped gardens, tea gardens, orange orchards, cardamom groves and spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges. In the afternoon roam around the lake.

Places Include:
Simana View Point: In about 20 minutes from Sukhiapokhri, there is a wonderful view point called the Simana ViewPoint - a 60 feet by 40 feet plateau and a viewing point. Simana in Nepali means border. This is the Indo-Nepal border area, the road itself belongs to India and the viewing area falls in Nepal. But you can freely cross over to get the views. From Simana for a long way towards Mirik, the road acts as the divider between India and Nepal. You can view places like Maneybhanjan from here and the beautiful mountains on a clear day. You can also see the narrow winding road leading to Sandakphu on the other side of the valley. Towards your right you will be able to see the dazzling Kanchenjunga snow peaks.
Pashupati Market: Further down, you will reach Pashupati Market entrance at the India-Nepal border. The main market is about 1km walk from the border. You can either walk or take a Nepal taxi at the border to reach the main market (Rs. 200/- for round trip). There are few shops right across the border, which you can check out in case you do not want to go all the way to the main market. Once you complete formalities with the border security, you will get to the road in Nepal that leads to the main market. This road continues all the way to Kathmandu. Cameras are not allowed inside. Note that only Indians and Nepalese are allowed to cross over the border area here. Foreign nationals are not allowed to access this border. You are required to carry Photo ID in case you want to cross over the border and visit the shops. The market is full of imported electronic gadgets, jackets, perfumes & cosmetics, accessories and clothes.
Mirik: A small hill town is located further 12kms from Pashupati Market and at an average altitude of 5,000ft. After reaching Mirik, first visit the Mirik Monastery on top and then the Mirik Lake. These are the top attractions of the place. Sit along the bank of the lake and relax. You can also do boating in the lake (mostly paddle boats). Or walk over the arching footbridge and cross over to the other side (western bank) of the lake, turn left and take the walkway through the pine tree forest and enjoy nature. Pony rides are also available around the lake and quite popular with children.
Overnight in Tabakoshi.

DAY 02 – TREKKING CAMPING NEAR TABAKOSHI

After breakfast go for local sightseeing tour, first we will visit surrounding Tea
Gardens, this village is surrounded by beautiful tea gardens, take a walk around the rolling rims of famous Darjeeling tea gardens. Next go to visit the local Lord shiva temple, this beautiful temple is situated on the banks of river Rangbhang and is a holy place for the locals, from there we will go to visit the Iron Bridge on the river. This place is famous for scenic beauty. You can spend some quality time on the banks of the river here. After that, walk down Tamakoshi-Rongbong Park and visit Orchid house, Ginger Farm, Spend some time near the river, enjoy fishing etc. And in the evening return back to Camp night with bonfire activity.
Places Include:
Tabakoshi Tourist Spot: Well maintained beautiful garden with swimming pool by the river Rangbang

Lord Shiva Temple: This beautiful temple is situated on the banks of river Rang bang and is a holy place for the locals.

Tea Gardens: A number of tea gardens producing the world famous Darjeeling tea are located in and around Tabakoshi.

Tea Factory: There are two tea factories located in Taba Koshi, you may get a chance to visit GopalDhara Tea factory.

Horticulture: The region consists of small nurseries with varieties of trees,orchids and flowers

Fishing Point: Ask your home stay owner for the fishing point they will provide you fishing rods, try your hands out in fishing.

Overnight in Tabakoshi.

DAY 03 – TRANSFER FROM TABAKOSHI TO KURSEONG

Early morning, roam around the village, walk down Tamakoshi-Rongbong Park. Post breakfast Drive to Kurseong. Few of the World’s best Tea estates are situated in this region. Visit few of the places of interest in Kurseong- Ambootia Shiva Temple, Giddha Pahar, Sita Ram Mandir, Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir, Jagdish Mandir, Buddhist Gompa in Monteviot, Kunsang Choiling Monastery at Upper Naya Busty, Juma Mosque in Hat Bazaar, Goretto and Catholic church in St. Mary’s Hill. For Natural places of interest, there are Eagle’s Craig, Deer Park now known as Dowhill Park, The Kholas WaterFalls – Springs like Whistle Khola named by the British, as there is a bend and the toy train whistles when passing through it, The Kettle Valley, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum and NSC Bose Institute of Asiatic Studies. Netaji was interned in this house by the British government in the late thirties, Chimney & Naya Busty Park above the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum.

Places Include:

Tea Garden & Factory: You can visit one of the two big tea estates - Makaibari or Ambootia. The estates offer guided tours where you can meet the workers, get to know the history, art and the science behind tea processing. You can also take part in tea-tasting sessions. A full conducted tour generally costs ~Rs. 500.

Ambootia Shiva temple: Ambootia Shiva temple is located in the Ambootia tea estate. It is one of the most popular temples in Kurseong. The temple is well known, not just for its religious significance, but also for its scenic location. You can also see a beautiful orange orchard close to the temple.

Eagle's Craig: The point provides a panoramic view of the town and Siliguri plains. You can also spend a quiet evening looking at the lights of Siliguri.

Deer Park: Situated in the Dow Hill area, Deer Park is one of the major tourist attractions in Kurseong where you can see so many deer roaming around. You could trek to Deer park, also known as Dow Hill Park or Satellite Park. The park has dense pine trees and inhabits some rare species of birds and animals.

Forest museum: Maintained by the Forest department, the forest museum is another treat for nature lovers. You can learn about various animals that inhabited the forest in the past.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum:There are a total of three DHR museums, the other two in Darjeeling and Sukna. These museums house rare pictures, sketches, miniature structures of trains and also have regular toy train rides to nearby places with a great scenic journey.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum: The museum is housed in Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's elder brother's residence. It has pictures, documents and articles related to Netaji. Not everyone's cup of tea, the museum will interest only those keenly interested in India history.

Overnight in Kurseong.

DAY 04 – TRANSFER FROM KURSEONG TO DARJEELING

After breakfast Drive to Darjeeling.
Check-in to the Hotel,relax and post lunch spend time at Darjeeling Mall(Chowrasta) and Local market.
Overnight in Darjeeling.

DAY 05- FULL DAY EXCURSION OF DARJEELING

Early Morning (at 04:00 am) Your Driver will be waiting for pickup in front of your Hotel. Then you will proceed for Tiger hill (8,400 ft.) to watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzongha (28,208 ft. Worlds 3rd highest peak), After breakfast relax for a while and then continue your tour visit to Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop.

Places Include:

Tiger Hill: Who doesn't know about the magnificent view of sunrise from Tiger Hill. You will need to wake up by 3:30am and take a vehicle. But the rewards are awesome. You can see the changing colours of the colossal Kanchenjunga snow peaks as the light strikes,it's a place where you can soak yourself with Himalayan beauty. On a clear day you can also get a glimpse of Mount Everest, Mount Makalu and one of the most beautiful peaks of the world, Tibet's ChomolHari. Tiger Hill is 11kms away and at an altitude of more than 8,400ft. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the top where there is a view tower for watching the sunrise. There is an entry fee.

Ghoom Monastery: You will visit one of the oldestBuddhist monasteries of Darjeeling located at a scenic location in Ghoom area. It houses a12-foot tall statue of Mayetriya Buddha which represents the Buddha of the future.This is one of the biggest and oldest statues of Buddha in Darjeeling area. This statue was created with clay that was all brought from Tibet. In front of the Buddha's statue there are two huge oil lamps that keep burning all the time and all through the year.No entry fee but donation required for taking photos inside.

Batasia Loop and the War Memorial: Batasia Loop is an engineering marvel located in Ghoom area. This is where the toy train makes a double spiral loop to negotiate a drop of 1000 ft as it moves towards Darjeeling town. Amidst the beautiful garden where the railway track is laid in the form of a loop, there is also a War Memorial. You can walk along the track and complete the loop yourself. I do it every time I am there. Or take the many pathways in the garden and walk around, enjoying the many flowers and the surroundings. It was constructed in honour of the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation. There is a nominal entry fee. Don't miss the Samosas (fried vegetable pastries) that are sold near the entrance of Batasia Loop in the morning.

Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda: Close to the Darjeeling town and in a scenic setting there is a temple built in a traditional Japanese style. About 100 yards away and in the same complex, there is a large Peace Pagoda that showcases four avatars of Buddha. The view of the mountain range and Darjeeling town from the top of the pagoda is spectacular. No entry fee. Caution: In order to save time, some drivers try to treat these two attractions as separate ones and count 2 instead of one. Don't be deceived or you will miss out on one of the following.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - Darjeeling Zoo - Natural History Museum: These are three attractions co-located in the same large compound. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was built to honor Tenzing Norgay's triumph to Everest and is dedicated to provide mountaineering and rock climbing lessons to students from all over the world. There is a mountaineering museum as well. The highlights of this museum include the artifacts from various Himalayan expeditions, the Everest section showcasing Tenzing's personal belongings, an eagle found dead at 26,000 feet during the 1960 Everest expedition, a high power telescope that once belonged to Hitler and was used by the Institute etc. Darjeeling Zoo has many high altitude Himalayan animals including Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, yaks etc. And the Bengal Natural History Museum is great to know about flora and fauna of Bengal including high altitude animals of Himalayan region as well as of Darjeeling district. There is a combined entry ticket to visit all three attractions in one go.

Darjeeling Ropeway: You will board the cable car from Singamari located 3km away from the town center. The 45 minutes ride takes you from an altitude of 7,000ft to 800ft with wonderful vista of a valley around Rangeetriver, tea estates and sweeping views of the snow peaks of Himalayan range including Kanchenjunga. Tickets need to be purchased. During the high season, there may be long queues. So try to book in advance.

Tea Garden: An old tea estate that exports all its produce to Harrods in London and few other countries. You can see the delicate tea processing in the factory with the help of a guide and buy tea packets from its outlet. You won't get this tea anywhere else in the country. There is no entry fee, however there is a fee for the guide.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: A center and a factory established by the Tibetan refugees who fled Tibet and took refuge in Darjeeling. They not only live here, but also produce varieties of exquisite handicraft items to make their living. The hand crafted items include jackets, carpets, gloves, aprons, bags, curios, cards, pouches, carved wooden items, Tibetan paintings etc. This is a great place to buy a gift or a souvenir for your friends and relatives. There is no entry fee.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Darjeeling.

DAY 06: TRANSFER FROM DARJEELING TO BAGDOGRA AIRPORT/ NJP RAILWAY STATION

After early morning breakfast, depart for (IXB) Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station for the onward connection.