View of Kanchenjunga
Sikkim and Darjeeling are among India’s most beautiful mountain destinations and serve as the gateway to the enchanting Eastern Himalayas. Against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped Kanchenjunga—at 8,586 meters, the third-highest mountain in the world—a landscape of green tea plantations, traditional mountain villages, and ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries unfolds. Tucked away among the mountains are impressive gompas such as Rumtek, Pemayangtse, Tashiding, and Enchey, as well as the historic Ghoom Monastery, the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region. Here you’ll experience the rich Buddhist culture, with colorful prayer flags, centuries-old frescoes, and serene rituals. In nature reserves such as Khangchendzonga National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Singalila National Park, and Neora Valley National Park, dense forests, mountain meadows, and spectacular Himalayan panoramas alternate. The region is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting a wealth of orchids, rhododendrons, red pandas, and hundreds of bird species.
Darjeeling: More Than Just Tea
The famous “toy train” (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) takes you right through the green hills, tea plantations, and mountain villages to lively Darjeeling, blessed with India’s most beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Darjeeling is world-famous for its refined tea, which is grown on the misty mountain slopes and, thanks to the unique climate and altitude, is often called the “champagne of teas.” A visit to a historic tea plantation to observe the production process and learn more about the tradition of Darjeeling tea is therefore highly recommended. Darjeeling, derived from the Tibetan “Dorje Ling” (the land of the sacred dorje, a symbol of strength), became a beloved retreat for the British fleeing the summer heat of Calcutta. Be sure to also visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded by the legendary Sherpa Tenzing Norgay after his historic ascent of Mount Everest, the accompanying mountaineering museum, and the Himalayan Zoological Park. An unforgettable finale is a visit to Tiger Hill, where the first rays of the sun bathe the snow-capped Himalayan peaks in a golden glow. Where the world can't find you....
