World Expeditions has launched a new cultural itinerary for October 2026, inviting travellers to explore India’s eastern Himalaya with Garry Weare, one of the world’s foremost experts on the region.
The 14-day Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong with Garry Weare journey offers a rare opportunity to discover the Himalayan foothills in comfort—without trekking or high-altitude travel.
A cultural journey through the Himalaya
Lepcha museum in Kalimpong | Photographed by Garry Weare
The itinerary showcases the heritage and natural beauty of Sikkim and West Bengal, from Darjeeling’s famed tea estates to the monasteries and markets of Gangtok and Kalimpong. Travellers will stay in boutique, character-filled four-star heritage hotels, many housed in restored colonial and traditional buildings.
The program is designed for those who prefer cultural immersion over physical challenge, offering a slower-paced alternative to Garry Weare’s previous trekking-based adventures. Joining him on the journey will be Nawang Tsering, an expert local guide with extensive experience in the Himalaya.
Highlights of the itinerary
- Panoramic views of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, from the hill station of Pelling.
- A ride on the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, one of India’s most historic and scenic narrow-gauge train routes.
- Visits to Pemayangtse and Rumtek Monasteries, two of Sikkim’s most revered Buddhist sites.
- Exclusive guided walks through Kolkata’s colonial quarters, including its vibrant flower market and potters’ district.
The journey departs 12–22 October 2026, taking advantage of the region’s clear post-monsoon weather and exceptional mountain visibility.
About Garry Weare
Garry Weare has spent over five decades exploring and writing about the Indian Himalaya. A long-time consultant to World Expeditions and author of Trekking in the Indian Himalaya for Lonely Planet, he is a founding director of the Australian Himalayan Foundation and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Himalayan exploration.
The 14-day itinerary is priced from AUD $7,990 per person, including daily guided sightseeing, meals and private transfers.
