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Day 7 Geyzing |
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In the morning visit Pemayangtse (Perfect Sublime Lotus) monastery, built during the reign of the 3rd Chogyal Chador Namgyal in 1705. This is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim. The walls and ceiling of the prayer hall has numerous thangkas and wall paintings. Also visit the Khechepelri Lake that is religiously linked with Guru Rimpoche. Later drive to Ravangla to visit the Shjar Chok Cave. Relax and meditate in the cave before returning to Pemayangtse.
(Tashi Ghang Resort) |
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| Day 8 Geyzing / Gangtok |
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After breakfast drive 70 miles in 6 hours to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Sikkim was an independent state with deep cultural ties to its northern neighbor Tibet until 1975, when its people voted for a merger with India. Situated on a hill, the streets of Gangtok are lined with brightly painted pagoda roofed houses. Arrive Gangtok and check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the beautiful surroundings.
(Hotel Nor-Khill) |
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| Day 9 Gangtok |
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 After breakfast enjoy an excursion to Rumtek Monastery, headquarters of the Kagyupa, "Red Hat" sect of Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism. In the afternoon visit the Government Institute of Cottage Industries, where cotton and woolen textiles, embroidery, ceramics, painted scrolls and other traditional crafts are demonstrated. Also visit the Research Institute of Tibetology, with the largest library of Tibetan books, Deer Park and the Orchid Sanctuary.
(Hotel Nor-Khill) |
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| Day 10 Gangtok / New Jalpaiguri / Mughal Sarai (Varanasi) |
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Morning is at leisure. In the afternoon drive to New Jalpaiguri railway station in time for express train 2505 Northeast Express New Jalpaiguri / Mughal Sarai (1700/0720+1).
(Air-conditioned sleeper berth) |
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| Day 11 Mughal Sarai / Varanasi |
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Arrive Mughal Sarai in the morning at 0720 and transfer to Varanasi. In the afternoon visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest campus universities in India, founded as a centre for the study of Sanskrit, Indian art, music and culture. Also visit Bharat Kala Bhawan that has a fabulous collection of miniature paintings, sculpture, contemporary art and bronzes, new Vishwanath temple and the Bharat Mata temple. In the evening visit the river Ganges to witness the Aarti ceremony, the festival of lights.
(Taj Ganges) |
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| Day 12 Varanasi |
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Stretched along the crescent of the holy river Ganga – born in heaven and descended to earth - Varanasi's waterfront is dominated by "landings" where pilgrims come for their daily ritual ablutions. Early morning enjoy boat-ride on the river Ganges and later visit Vishwanath Temple and walk through the old bazaars. After breakfast visit Sarnath, where in the 6th century BC Siddhartha Gautama – who came to be known as the Buddha, the "Awakened One" - gave his first sermon and set in motion the Wheel of Law. Rest of the day is available to explore the holy city of Varanasi walking the river Ghats and the old bazaars.
(Taj Ganges) |
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