Darjeeling
9 Days, 8 Nights
In the eastern Himalayan region of India, Darjeeling is renowned for its stunning landscapes and lush tea gardens. The former summer capital of India under colonial rule, it has remained a popular destination for travelers seeking respite from the heat and a taste of its world-famous tea. The town offers panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, including Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore the town and its surroundings and give something back to the local community by teaching English to local school children. By immersing yourself in the local community, you will gain a deeper understanding of what makes Darjeeling and its people such a special place.
Day 1: Arrival
You will be picked up at the airport by your tour manager and taken to your accommodation. Once you have had time to settle in, the afternoon will be dedicated to the program orientation, letting you know what to expect over the next few days.
Overnight: Darjeeling
Day 2: Darjeeling
On your first full day, you will be shown around the town and visit the Mahakal Temple, dedicated to Mahakala - a deity worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists. The Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling is your next stop. The pagoda is designed as a focus for people of all nationalities and ethnicities to unite in search of world peace. You will also be given a crash course in the local language so you can say please and thank you in the local dialect.
In the evening, there is a visit to Chowrasta in the heart of Darjeeling, a square that is full of shops, food stalls and a night market, the perfect place to pick up a souvenir.
Overnight: Darjeeling
Day 3: Project - Teaching English
Working alongside teachers and support staff, your role will be to help give English lessons to the children at a local school. The school’s approach is informal, therefore you can use fun educational games and activities to inspire the children to learn. During the project you will devise lesson plans and evaluate the lessons you have taught so far.
In the evening there is a quiz night back at the guesthouse.
Overnight: Darjeeling
Day 4: Teaching and Tenzing Rock
Teaching will continue until mid afternoon and then you have the rest of the day to do rock climbing at Tenzing Rock, named after the sherpa, Tenzing Norgay. Tenzing and Edmund Hilary were the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953.
Overnight: Darjeeling
Day 5: Batasia Loop
The last morning of working with the children so time to say goodbye. In the afternoon you will be visiting the Batasia Loop, the highest railway station in Darjeeling. The railway is partly what made Darjeeling famous, using zigzags and loops to climb 7,407 ft above sea level. At the highest point, you will get a 360 degree view of Darjeeling and the Himalayan mountain range, so remember to bring your camera!
Overnight: Darjeeling
Day 6: Hiking
It is time to put your walking boots on as today you will be hiking to the highest point in the Darjeeling - Tiger Hill mountain. At an altitude of 8,500 ft above sea level you will even be able to see the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. The route takes you through dense forests and past an ancient Devi temple before you reach the top of the hill and are rewarded with the panoramic views.
Overnight: Darjeeling
Day 7: Happy Valley Tea Estate
Darjeeling tea is famous around the world, established in 1854. The tea garden you are visiting today is the second oldest in India. On the tour of the estate you will see every stage of the process and how it has evolved over the last 170 years.
In the evening, it’s time to extend your culinary repertoire with a cooking lesson so you can show off your skills back home and always be able to rustle up a dish that will remind you of India.
Overnight: Darjeeling
Day 8: Train and Hike
In the morning you will take the ‘Toy Train’ to Sonada. The narrow-gauge train was completed in 1881 and despite its name, is a fully functioning (though smaller) railway. On the way to Sonada you will see even more of the stunning landscape from the comfort of a heritage train.
After the train ride another hike, this time to Chatakpur eco village in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by the Kanchenjunga Mountain Range to the north and the Relli Khola River to the south, this tiny village is home to fewer than 100 residents and is a haven of lush greenery and unspoiled nature.
In the evening it is time for your last meal together.
Overnight: Darjeeling
Day 9: Departure
Time to say alavida to India.
Total Cost: From $3200
What is included
Activities:
Hike to Tiger Hill
‘Toy Train’ to Sonada
Hike to Chatakpur Eco Village
Cooking lesson
Visit to Happy Valley Tea Estate
Accommodation and services:
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
Entrance fees and tickets
Private transportation throughout the trip
Project accommodation in project center
Post-project accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels
All meals included
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance
Tickets and tours:
Visit to Mahankal Temple
Tour of Darjeeling
Tour of Peace Pagoda
Visit to Happy Valley Tea Estate
Project:
Teaching English - creating fun, educational materials and lessons to interactive with the children in teaching them a skill which will be of great importance in later life.
Not included in this Trip:
International flights not included (we can arrange these for you)
Visas, where applicable
Any vaccination required
Cancellation insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)