- Meeting with the tea producers of a small cooperative
- Discovery of Darjeeling and its culture of tea cultivation
- Discovery of the cultural heritage of Sikkim
- An unforgettable visit to the cooperative and tea farms
At the crossroads of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, on the land that formerly belonged of the kingdom of Sikkim, there is a unique settlement that brings you face to face with small tea producers in Darjeeling. The area is marked by serenity, beauty, and a harmony between the nature and its inhabitants. At the heart of these villages in Darjeeling, the tea producers wait to welcome you.
On this tour, you will first discover the amazing city of Darjeeling and the diversity it offers, owing to its British history and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Then you'll head for the hills of the Mineral Spring where the tea producers await. Closely tied to their land, they live in perfect sync with nature and grow tea on plots of less than one hectare according to the principles of organic farming and agro ecology. You will visit their gardens where tea plants are grown amidst crops of orange, mango, ginger, cardamom, and pineapple.
The producers will share a part of their life with you wherein you'll get a rare chance to discover the richness of their culture and traditions. You'll share home-made meals with tea producers, visit the school of the village, spend a few nights in an eco-lodge, attend a tasting of teas, and learn about their work and their cooperative from up close.
This unique trip gives you an opportunity to know the source where the tea you consume everyday comes from. It also allows you to forge new relationships with small tea producers halfway across the world. A journey full of meaning and warmth, it combines relaxation and discovery, fun and authenticity, the discovery of tea and meetings with the men and women who grow it.
Seasons:
• Best times for harvest: mid March to mid June, mid September to end of November • Best times to visit: early March to late April, early October to mid November
11 days • From 2065 €
Included in the price
- Welcome and support by a representative of Shanti Travel at Delhi airport on Day 1 and Day 11, and at Bagdogra airport on Day 3.
- Transfers and road transport mentioned in the program (Day 1 to Day 11).
- Flights:
- Delhi - Bagdogra, Day 3 (daily prices subject to change at the time of booking according to the occupancy).
Calcutta - Delhi, Day 11 (daily prices subject to change at the time of booking according to the occupancy).
The night train from Siliguri to Calcutta, Day 9.
- Supervision :
- English speaking Sikkimese guide, Days 4 to 7.
The services of an English-speaking guide for the entire duration of the trip (the price includes his meals, salary, housing, and transport).
1 to 2 persons of the cooperative Mineral Spring, Days 5 and 6.
- Meals :
- Breakfast, Days 2 to 10.
Dinner, Days 2 to 8.
Lunch, Days 5 and 6.
- Accommodation :
- At the hotel, Days 1 to 4, Days 7 to 10 (except Day 9: night in the train and Day 11: hotel for day use).
At the Eco-lodge, Days 5 and 6.
Double rooms excluding surcharge for booking single room.
Double rooms at the eco-lodge.
- Activities :
- The visit to Qutub Minar, Day 2.
Toy train ride in Darjeeling, Day 4.
'Food Tour' in Kolkata, Day 10.
Not included in the price
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International flights and airport taxes (international).
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Lunches (except Day 5 & Day 6).
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Visa fees.
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Repatriation Assistance.
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Very Important: Make sure that your insurance covers, in the event of accident, all medical expenses, cost of helicopter evacuation and repatriation back home by an international flight. Also note that the Gold Card does not cover evacuation by helicopter
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Entries into temples, monuments, monasteries, and museums
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Your personal first aid kit.
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Drinks and personal expenses.
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Tips.
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Any expenses not mentioned in 'The price includes'.
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For more information, contact us!
Fill out our quote request.
