Escorted Tours 2023 - 2025

Darjeeling Day 1: UK to Kolkata Depart the UK on your overnight flight, via Dubai. Day 2: Kolkata D Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel then uncover the sights on an afternoon tour. Visit one of South Asia’s finest surviving Colonial centres, Dalhousie Square, a bustling plaza in the heart of modern Kolkata. Catch a glimpse of the high roofed white dome of Kolkata’s General Post Office and the St Paul’s Cathedral. A remarkable example of Gothic Revival architecture, three intricately embellished stained-glass windows dominate the cathedral’s façade. Day 3: Kolkata to Darjeeling B/L/D After breakfast, embark on a short flight to Bagdogra before twisting through the landscapes of Darjeeling. With a tranquil ambience, Darjeeling serves as India’s core tea growing district, affording breathtaking views of rolling hills and lush tea plantations. Day 4: Darjeeling B/L/D Early this morning, ascend 8,300ft into the dizzying heights of Tiger Hills. Later, take the Toy Train to the iconic Batasia Loop, an encircling segment of railway track. Disembark to wander the gardens and discover the centralised poignant war memorial. Day 5: Darjeeling to Gangtok B/L/D This morning, transfer to Gangtok. En route, stop at the small hillside retreat of Lamahatta and embark on a short hike within Lamahatta Park. Continue onto one of Gangtok’s oldest streets, the Lal Bazaar - a swarming market square, before strolling to Gangtok’s principle shopping boulevard - MG Marg. Day 6: Gangtok B/L/D Today’s tour commences at the museum of Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom. Next, venture to the Research Institute of Tibetology to examine a splendid exhibition of unique Tibetan artefacts. En route to Tashiview Point, stop at the Do-Drul Chorten. Later, discover the 1,001 golden Buddha statues concealed behind the flamboyant walls of Rumtek Monastery, and conclude today’s tour at Enchey Monastery. Day 7: Gangtok to Kalimpong B/L/D Transfer to the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, visiting the quiet town of Kalimpong. Spend the day at leisure to enjoy views of the Himalayas and explore the town’s local architecture. Day 8: Kalimpong B/L/D After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Kalimpong, beginning at the extravagant Mangal Dham, a distinctive pink temple complex set amongst an excellently preserved garden. Next, soar 1,704 metres above sea level upon DeoloHill, gain an alternative perspective from the neighbouring Durpin Dara Hills. Finally, exhibited at Pine View Nursery, before enjoying an evening at leisure. Day 9: Kalimpong to Kolkata via Bagdogra B This morning, journey to Bagdogra Airport and fly to Kolkata, spending the evening at leisure. Day 10: Kolkata to the UK B Depart Kolkata on your return flight to the UK, via Dubai or continue on to your chosen extension. Darjeeling, Sikkim and the Himalayas What you’ll see ⚫ Meander through narrow tracks on the UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train ⚫ Visit the peaceful hillside sanctuary of Enchey Monastery ⚫ Observe the golden dome of Do- Drul Chorten in Gangtok ⚫ View the snow-topped Himalayas from Tiger Hill ⚫ Hike through Lamahatta Park, a biodiverse haven From bustling Kolkata with its rich colonial heritage, head to the astounding natural beauty of Darjeeling and Sikkim on a journey into the Himalayas. Discover verdant tea plantations, Buddhist monasteries and breath-taking views. What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to India with Emirates (via Dubai). See page 136-37 for regional flights ✔ Where you’ll stay Kolkata, 4 H Zone by the Park Darjeeling, 4 H Kush Alaya Gangtok, 4 H Sterling Hotel Kalimpong, 4 H Summit Hotel ✔ 21 meals ✔ 6 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Challenging Gangtok Kalimpong Kolkata Darjeeling < <     Coach Air Nights 2 2 2 2 2 All departures guaranteed Small Group Tour - 25 or less No Single Supplement Rooms with no single supplement are available. Once sold, supplement starts from £469 P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £339 Departures & from prices Sep 2023 £2,099 Nov 2024 £2,049 Oct 2023 £2,099 Dec 2024 £1,999 Nov 2023 £1,999 Feb 2025 £1,749 Dec 2023 £1,999 Apr 2025 £1,999 Feb 2024 £1,649 May 2025 £2,049 Apr 2024 £1,899 Sep 2025 £2,199 May 2024 £1,949 Nov 2025 £2,149 Sep 2024 £2,099 Dec 2025 £2,099 • Lead-in price based on 12 Feb 24 • Tipping paid locally £30 pp per tour Extend your tour India’s Golden Triangle, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £669 Mystical Bhutan, 4 nights, 3 H from £1,799 Tigers of Ranthambore*, 5 nights, 4 H Full Board from £469 *2 nights in Delhi 26 Southern Asia Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk