Why did we choose Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Gangtok?

The northeastern region of India provides a glimpse into the Himalayan landscape with its distinct culture and way of life. The visitors not only get a chance to walk through the lush tea gardens but also observe the Himalayan flora and fauna in one of India’s remotest regions. From splendid views of the snow-clad mountains and valleys to subliminal atmosphere of the Buddhist monasteries, a trip to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Gangtok offer a variety of experiences to students.

What does this journey offer?

This educational journey to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Gangtok provides students a chance to explore the Himalayan region at its best. With a wide variety of flora and fauna, Northeast India is characterised by a unique ecosystem. By trekking through Deolo Hills in Kalimpong, walking through tea gardens in Darjeeling, and hiking alongside Lake Tsomgo, the students will not only enjoy the tranquility of natural surroundings but also appreciate the lifestyle patterns of local inhabitants living in rough terrains. Moreover, this journey will help students to learn about colonial past as well as understand the value of caring for the poor through visiting Dr. Graham’ Home — a century-old British school.

Core Lessons/
Inspiration:

Mountain Ecosystem
Buddhist Beliefs & Practices
Agro-Commercial Production
Caring for the Underprivileged

THINGS TO DO

The Northeast: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, & Gangtok

VISIT

Darjeeling
Kalimpong
Gangtok

LEARN

Physical Geography
Himalayan Flora & Fauna
Large-Scale Cultivation of Tea
Textile Manufacturing

ENJOY

Strolling in Tea Gardens
Sunrise View at Tiger Hill
Riding on Gangtok Ropeway
Shopping at M G Marg

BE INSPIRED

Thriving Industrial Units
Horticulture & Preservation of Flora
Trekking & Mountaineering Expeditions
Life in the Himalayas
Community Service

ITINERARY

DAY 1: HOME CITY – BAGDOGRA - DARJEELING

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport
Transfer to Darjeeling
Lunch enroute at Restaurant in Siliguri
Late evening arrival in Darjeeling
Journey Orientation and Team Division
Briefing on Student Media Projects
Evening free to stroll around Mall & explore this Hill Queen.
Dinner and overnight stay in Darjeeling

DAY 2: DARJEELING

Early Morning visit to Tiger Hill
On way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop
Back to hotel for breakfast
Freshen up and rest till lunch
Lunch in the hotel
After lunch visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), PNZ Zoological Park (closed on Thursday) Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refuge Centre (closed on Sunday), Tea Gardens
Evening visit to Mall road
Work on Student Media Projects
Dinner and overnight stay in Darjeeling

DAY 3: DARJEELING - KALIMPONG

Breakfast in the Hotel followed by check out
Transfer to Kalimpong (57 KMS / 2.5 HRS)
Noon arrival in Kalimpong
Hotel check in followed by lunch
After lunch, enjoy half day tour of Kalimpong
Visit Deolo Hills, Dr. Graham's Home and Flower Nurseries
Free time for shopping in Kalimpong
Dinner and overnight stay in Darjeeling

DAY 4: KALIMPONG - GANGTOK

Breakfast in the hotel followed by check out
After early breakfast drive to Gangtok- "The Capital City of Sikkim".
On arrival check-in to hotel followed by lunch
Evening leisure
Overnight at hotel in Gangtok

DAY 5: GANGTOK

After breakfast excursion trip to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
Packed Lunch
Evening return to Gangtok
Overnight stay in the Hotel in Gangtok

DAY 6: GANGTOK

Breakfast in the hotel
Depart for local sight seeing in Gangtok: Flower Exhibition Centre, Do Drul Chorten Stupa, Monastery, Ropeway, Textile Factory.
Packed lunch
Shopping in the evening at MG Market
Work on Student Media Projects
Dinner and overnight stay in Gangtok

DAY 7: GANGTOK – BAGDOGRA - HOME CITY

Early breakfast in the hotel followed by check out
Transfer to Bagdogra for return journey
Lunch enroute in Siliguri/packed lunch/lunch allowance
Afternoon arrival at Bagdogra Airport
Arrival in home city

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Who can attend this program?

A
Any student of your school in the age group of 7-17years (Class II- XII) is welcome to join this program provided the child faces no serious medical conditions which may be difficult to address satisfactorily during the journey. Also, any adult who is not a member of the school staff or management is not allowed to join the school group.
Q What are the requirements for the accompanying teachers for a student group?

A
As teachers are the legally appointed guardians of the students for the entire course of the journey, it is advisable that the selected teacher/s are experienced and have the capacity to address issues related to student safety, well-being and behavior. Physical fitness and travel experience are added advantage as most programs are fast-paced and hectic.
Q What is the recommended teacher: student ratio?

A
The accepted industry practice is of 1 adult per 10 students (1:10).
Q What about our students’ safety during the journey?

A
Underpinning each EdTerra journey is the concern to address student safety at all levels. Being an ISO 9001: 2008 company, EdTerra complies with globally accepted standards for efficient processes, including rigorous safety standards.
Q How can the parents stay in touch with their children during the journey?

A
The accompanying EdTerra Journey Mentor provides daily updates on the EdTerra Facebook page (like us at edterraindia), along with photographs of the day’s activities for parents to keep a track of the journey progress. Parents are also provided with contact details of the hotels where students will be staying during the journey. The school may permit students to carry their mobiles or share the number of the lead teacher.
Q Can students meet/visit/stay back with their relatives or friends?

A
On account of student safety, EdTerra does not allow any child to meet/visit any relatives during the journey. For every EdTerra journey the rule is simple, you move out of your school/city as a group and you return as a group.
Q What kind of food can we expect during our journey?

A
EdTerra provides wholesome and hygienic food during the journey. An ample variety of local cuisine is provided as a part of the travel experience.
Q What kind of clothing should students carry for the journey?

A
Depending on the location and time/season of travel, EdTerra will provide an exhaustive to-pack list, enabling students to pack appropriately for the journey.
Q Do you undertake overnight travel?

A
Depending upon the program selected, distance from home city and duration of the program, overnight travel may be considered as an option for travel to/ from the destination.
Q What is the minimum group size required to conduct a journey?

A
EdTerra journeys operate on a minimum group size of 30 paying pax, and multiples thereof.