Enchanting Trails of Northeast

From tea-carpeted hills to whispered monastery chants — a gentle passage through India’s quiet eastern hush.

Kolkata hums with colonial echoes and riverside chants, where Howrah Bridge hums above the Hooghly and the old lanes gather incense, prayer, and poets’ whispers near Kalighat’s temple. Rickshaws rattle past faded mansions and morning markets scent the dawn with cardamom and fish.

Upward to Darjeeling, where dawn steals over Tiger Hill and the toy train curls past tea gardens brushed by drifting mist. Monasteries hold the hush of old lamas while valleys murmur with the scent of pine and stone steps keep footsteps slow.

Gangtok breathes above winding roads and prayer flags, its hilltop monasteries catching morning light before the world stirs below. Kalimpong gathers this quiet in forested ridges and hidden chapels, where orchid trails and soft winds keep secrets for those who listen. From Kalimpong and Siliguri, the path circles back to Delhi’s timeless streets before the journey bows to its end.

This is where hills gather prayers — and dawn whispers in green silence.

Iconic yellow taxis of Kolkata lined up on a busy street, a classic symbol of the city’s culture.

Day 1

Arrive in Kolkata and step into Bengal’s living history. Stroll past Raj Bhavan’s colonial grandeur, the stately Writers’ Building and Metcalfe Hall — inspired by Athens’ Temple of Winds. Cross Howrah Bridge where millions tread daily, wander The Maidan’s green expanse, and pause before the marble beauty of Victoria Memorial. As dusk falls, visit Kalighat Kali Temple, where centuries of devotion whisper through flickering lamps and sacred chants.

Day 2

Fly to Bagdogra and journey by winding roads into Darjeeling’s cool embrace — tea hills, pine scents, and British echoes in the crisp mountain air.

Scenic view of Darjeeling town with Kanchenjunga mountains glowing in the background at sunset.

Vintage toy train engines steaming at the Darjeeling station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 3

Rise before dawn and ride up to Tiger Hill, where sunrise paints Kanchenjunga in silver and rose. Step inside Ghoom Monastery’s calm prayer halls before boarding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway — its toy train winding past misty slopes. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and peer into the Zoological Park where red pandas and Himalayan wolves find quiet refuge.

Day 4

Drive on to Gangtok, Sikkim’s gentle capital perched among prayer flags and distant peaks. Let the day ease into leisure and hillside quiet.

Vibrant prayer flags fluttering across a rustic bridge in the Himalayan foothills near Gangtok.

Mist-covered Rumtek Monastery standing serene amidst green mountains of Sikkim.

Day 5

Stand within Rumtek Monastery, seat of the Karmapa, its gilded halls echoing with centuries of chants. Wander Enchey Monastery’s peaceful courtyards and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, where old scripts and sacred relics preserve Tibet’s spirit.

Day 6

Travel onward to Kalimpong — a hill station draped in orchids and monastery bells. Step into Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, Tharpa Choling’s secluded compound, and Thongsa Gompa’s serene shrine, each a quiet guardian of Himalayan faith.

Portrait of young monks outside a Himalayan monastery in Kalimpong, Northeast India.

Silhouetted boatman under a striking bridge at dusk in Siliguri, West Bengal.

Day 7

Descend to Siliguri, where the plains reclaim the horizon and tea estates dot the lowland mist. Let the day drift at leisure — a final walk, a local sweet, or a moment of calm before tomorrow’s path homeward.

Day 8

Fly back to Delhi. Let the capital’s wide boulevards and leafy avenues welcome you again for a slow afternoon — a market visit, a last cup of chai, a soft exhale amid Delhi’s timeless hum.

Rear view of woman in traditional attire gazing at iconic Qutub Minar tower.

Mughal-era Humayun’s Tomb lit by sunset hues, mirrored perfectly in a foreground pool.

Day 9

Wander Old Delhi’s living lanes: Jama Masjid’s marble courtyard, Chandni Chowk’s spice bazaar, and the Red Fort’s ramparts. Cross to New Delhi’s grand circle: Raisina Hill, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House and India Gate, then stand beneath Qutub Minar’s ancient stonework reaching skyward. As evening draws near, pause once more before departing — carrying the Northeast’s mists and monastery chants softly onward with you.

Enchanting Trails of Northeast – A Private Guided Luxury Tour

Embark on an unforgettable private guided luxury tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Northeast India. This exclusive journey, curated by Jetsetters a luxury travel advisor, takes you through the charming hill stations of Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Kalimpong, blending cultural heritage, natural beauty, and rich traditions. Stay in handpicked luxury accommodations, including the prestigious The Leela Palace, ensuring the highest standards of comfort and elegance.

Discover the Colonial Charm of Darjeeling

Your journey begins in the picturesque town of Darjeeling, famous for its lush tea gardens and stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Experience a mesmerizing sunrise at Tiger Hill, where the first rays of sunlight paint the peaks of Kanchenjunga in golden hues. Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which showcases the region’s mountaineering legacy. The tour also includes a visit to the Himalayan Zoological Park, home to endangered species such as the red panda and Himalayan wolves.

Spiritual Serenity in Gangtok

Travel to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, where the blend of spirituality and modernity creates a unique charm. Explore the grandeur of Rumtek Monastery, the main seat of the Karmapa and one of the most significant monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. Continue your journey to the Enchey Monastery, known for its peaceful ambiance and spiritual importance. Delve into Sikkim's rich heritage at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist artifacts, scriptures, and rare thangkas.

Kalimpong – A Tranquil Himalayan Retreat

Your private guided tour then takes you to Kalimpong, a serene hill station renowned for its vibrant Buddhist culture and stunning landscapes. Visit the sacred Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, a treasure trove of rare Buddhist scriptures. Explore the Tharpa Choling Monastery, an important center for the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Thongsa Gompa Monastery, the oldest monastery in Kalimpong. The town’s colonial charm and panoramic views make it a perfect destination for relaxation.

Luxury Stay at The Leela Palace

Throughout your private guided luxury tour, enjoy unparalleled hospitality at some of India’s finest hotels, including the renowned The Leela Palace. Known for its world-class amenities, exquisite dining experiences, and personalized service, The Leela Palace offers an opulent retreat after a day of exploration. Whether indulging in spa treatments, savouring gourmet cuisine, or simply unwinding in elegantly designed suites, your stay will be nothing short of extraordinary.

A Seamless Travel Experience with Luxury Travel Advisors

This meticulously crafted itinerary is designed by expert luxury travel advisors, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. From private transfers and guided excursions to exclusive cultural encounters, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to offer a truly luxurious and immersive journey.

Experience the magic of Northeast India with a private guided tour that takes you beyond the ordinary. Discover the enchanting landscapes, spiritual sites, and rich traditions of Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Kalimpong while enjoying world-class luxury and personalized service.