Botanical Histories in the Himalayas - Darjeeling and Sikkim, northeast India

In the eastern foothills of the Himalayas, tucked away between Nepal and Bhutan, you will find the remote Indian state of Sikkim. This tiny region encompasses an incredible variety of ecosystems and is a haven for exotic floral and botanical diversity. A little further south is lovely Darjeeling, also a botanical hotspot, famed for its orchids and characterised by high biodiversity, including over 7,000 flowering plant species, hundreds of fern varieties, and many rhododendron species.

Visit these beautiful regions at the height of the flowering season, when rare rhododendrons and alpine flora adorn the spectacular snow-capped valleys of the north. In the south, swap glacial lakes and tundra for cascading waterfalls and lush subtropical forests. Visit national parks which are home to 500 different species of orchids, elusive red pandas and majestic Himalayan black bears.

The breadth of natural biodiversity in this region is accompanied by a layered cultural identity, from buildings and tea estates redolent of the Raj, to Buddhist temples and shrines, built when the region was part of Nepal, and Tibetan influences woven into the fabric of vibrant bazaars.

Alongside a full itinerary, the tour features some lovely hotels and opportunities to relax and enjoy fabulous cuisine.

Price (sharing a room)

per person

Price (room to yourself)

per person

Reference:

IND0327-1

At a glance

What you need to know

Type of tour

Cultural

Profession

Botanical and Natural History

Nights

Countries

Tour grade

Moderate

Remaining places

Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

Bagdogra / Darjeeling

Sunday

March

Arrive in Darjeeling and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Darjeeling

Monday

March

Visit Lloyd’s Botanical Garden, home to a rich collection of exotic flora and fauna, including an orchidarium. Continue to the Mountaineering Institute before heading to Lebong village and see breathtaking views of the region’s iconic tea estates.

Darjeeling

Tuesday

March

Early morning drive for sunrise at Tiger Hill, the highest point in Darjeeling. Ride the toy train to Ghoom and visit the historic Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Safari at Singalila National Park, one of India’s most exotic Himalayan forests and home to the elusive red panda and over 20 species of rhododendrons.

Darjeeling / Kalimpong

Wednesday

March

Transfer to Kalimpong via Mangpoo Cinchona Plantation Garden. Meet the remarkable botanical illustrator Hemlata Pradhan and visit her School of Natural History Art before watching the sunset from the lovely gardens atop Deolo Hill.

Kalimpong

Thursday

March

Explore Pine View Nursery, renowned for its extensive collection of over 1,500 species of cacti. Take a forest walk on Durpin Hill, which offers panoramic views of the town, the Himalayan ranges of Sikkim, the Teesta River, and the Jelepla Pass.

Kalimpong

Friday

March

Visit Neora Valley National Park, where rugged terrain, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls create a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna, including rare orchids and the majestic Himalayan black bear.

Kalimpong / Gangtok

Saturday

March

Transfer to Gangtok and visit its orchidarium. Visit Kyichu Ga-Tsal Café, a botanically themed café run by Hidden Forest Retreat, and walk its lovely gardens.

Gangtok

Sunday

March

Drive to Tsongmo Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake near the Indo-China border. Visit the Flower Exhibition Centre, which brings flowers from across Sikkim under the one roof. Continue to the Handicrafts and Handlooms Centre, a warehouse of traditional Tibetan craftsmanship featuring handwoven carpets and textiles made with natural dyes. Conclude by exploring Gangtok’s vibrant markets.

Gangtok

Monday

March

Visit Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a wide range of wildlife, including rare small mammals, diverse bird species, and rich rainforest flora. Take a guided tour of the Plant Conservatory and see a wide variety of Himalayan flowers.

Gangtok / Siliguri

Tuesday

March

Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, a centre for the study of Buddhism established in 1956 under the patronage of the Dalai Lama to preserve Tibetan Buddhist culture. Drive to Siliguri.

Siliguri

Wednesday

March

Experience the faunal diversity of the North Bengal floodplains at Bengal Safari, home to wildlife such as the Bengal tiger, the Indian leopard, and the Himalayan black bear. Continue to Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, an important forest reserve, where Dendrobium orchids will be flowering.

Siliguri

Thursday

April

Optional excursion to visit the ISKCON Temple, Siliguri and the Salugara Monastery. At leisure before farewell dinner.

Siliguri / Bagdogra

Friday

April

Depart the hotel after breakfast.

What to expect

Tour highlights

See the botanical highlights of the eastern Himalayas during flowering season.

Lloyd’s Botanical Garden (Darjeeling) and The Flower Exhibition Centre (Gangtok)

This remote region provides a haven for over 500 different species of orchids and is famous for rhododendrons and other alpine flora that bloom at different altitudes.

Experience India's natural beauty and wildlife biodiversity.

Singalila National Park & Neora Valley National Park

The rugged terrain, dense forest and cascading waterfalls of these national parks provide a home to rare orchids, exotic rhododendrons, elusive red pandas, and majestic Himalayan black bears.