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Amtrak Across America 25N
Itinerary - (Guide Only)
Just look at the timetables and work out how long you want to stay in each place.
Los Angeles - 3N - (Union Station) Depart 9.51 am
San Francisco (Emeryville Station) - 2N - Arrive 9.31 pm - Depart 9.10 am
Truckee - 2N Arrive 2.38 pm - Depart 2.38 pm
Salt Lake City 2N Arrive 3.05 am - Depart 3.30 am
Glenwood Springs 1N Arrive 12.08 pm - Depart 12.10 pm
Boulder (Denver Union Station) 2N Arrive 6.38 pm
Overnight Train (Sleeper) 1N - Depart Denver Union Station 7.10 pm
Omaha 1N Arrive 4.59 am - Depart 5.14 am
Chicago 2N Arrive 2.50pm
Overnight Train (Sleeper) - Depart Chicago Union Station 9.30 pm
Buffalo (Depew Station) 2N Arrive 8.53 am - Depart 9.05 am
New York (Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station) 3N Arrive 6.42 pm - Depart Penn Station before 8 am
Montreal Central Station 3N Arrive around 7 pm
= 25N
Highlights -
Many of the USA's best sandwiches
Reno / Lake Tahoe - MS Dixie II
Sunsets at the Great Salt Lake
Pearl St Mall / Banjo Billy's Bus Tours - Boulder
Chicago River Walk / Evening boat tour on the First Lady
The High Line - New York
Old Montreal and the Old Port of Montreal - dates back to the 1600's
Jean-Talon market / Montreal Biodome
La-La Land - the Golden City - the Gayest City - the Happiest City - the Mile High City - the Windy City - the Queen City - the Big Apple and Sin City
Famous -
Venice Beach / Hollywood / Disneyland / Universal Studios
Chinatown / Fisherman's Wharf / Golden Gate Bridge / Alcatraz / Lombard St / Cable Car
Aspen - J-Bar
Boulder - the 4th best US city for Hippies
Chicago - Go to the Baseball at Wrigley Field
Buffalo - Niagara Falls
New York - Statue of Liberty / Empire State Building / etc / etc / etc / etc
The Adirondack Train (One of the Top 10 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World)
Montreal - Home of Cirque de Soleil
When -
April is the optimum month.
THE COAST STARLIGHT -
Head off from Union Station in LA and head up the Pacific Coast through Santa Barbara and get off in San Francisco for a night or two.
CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR -
This is one of the most beautiful train rides in North America. As you cross through the heart of the Rockies you'll see why. Board the train in San Francisco and get off in Truckee for Lake Tahoe. Then the next legs are to - Salt Lake City - Glenwood Springs - Boulder - Omaha and Chicago Union Station.
LAKE SHORE LIMITED -
You will travel past some of the prettiest shorelines in the USA. If you want to skip New York for some reason you can get off the train at Albany and catch the Adirondack going north from there.
THE ADIRONDACK -
When you are ready to leave New York head to the Penn Station and board one of the world's great train rides. Head up through the wine country of the lush Hudson Valley. Arrive at your final destination the world's most unique city - Montreal. You will be in a different country and you will certainly notice the difference.
Classes -
Mix it up a bit depending on how long your leg is and what time of day you are travelling.
Seating -
Once you are on board you can upgrade if there is space available. There are 2 classes of Seating - Coach Class - your regular type seats and Business class with a bit more room and a few more perks. You can still use the dining car but have to pay.
Roomette -
2 day time seats turn into upper and lower night time berths. Meals are included. Big picture window. Access to private bathroom and shower on your carriage. Fresh linen and towels. You also get lounge access and priority boarding.
Bedroom -
Twice as big as a roomette with a sofa and armchair which turn into berths. Same perks as a rommette plus in room sink, rest room and shower.
You can combine to adjoining bedrooms and turn them into a "suite".
Families can get a room for 2 adults and 2 children aged from 2 - 12 years.
There are also wheelchair accessible bedrooms.
History -
A man called John Stevens is considered the father of USA railroads. He set up an experimental track on his property in New Jersey 3 years before Robert Louis Stevenson got his going in England.
He was granted the first railroad charter in 1815. The B & O (Baltimore and Ohio) was the first line.
Without the railroads the country couldn't have developed as well as it did. The "Golden Age" lasted 40 years from 1880 to 1920. After that road transport and air started to take over.
In the early 20th century Railroad Tycoons amassed fortunes as they set up the first networks. Cornelius Vanderbilt was one of the richest and most famous. He was also the first Robber Barron.
Another wealthy businessman Henry Flagler a founder of Standard Oil opened up Florida with his Florida East Coast Railway Company. He needed a transport system to support the hotels he was building. In 1912 his amazing achievement of the Over-Sea Railroad to Key West was completed. It included 156 miles of track mostly over the water.
Like all new industries a lot of fun and games went on before it became properly regulated. In 1934 the first diesel engine was put into service.
In the 50's and 60's there was a dramatic decline in railway use due to automobiles and air transport.
In 1970 Amtrak was created by the Rail Passenger Service Act to operate a national network and they began running in 1971. Twenty existing railroads decided to join up and handed over their passenger routes to the new company.
They bought new trains, restored lines and improved the services which brought people back to the railways. Some of the busiest routes were electrified and 150 mph trains put on them.
====================================================
Stay - poor value for accomodation in the USA & Canada
Los Angeles - 3N
pick up a car at the airport - stay down near Venice Beach and leave from Union Station. Try
Venice Suites *** - rooftop terrace, parking available
San Francisco - 2N
get off and back on at Emeryville Station and stay near Fishermmans Wharf. Try
You get off of the Coastal Starlight here and join the California Zephyr to Chicago.
Truckee - 2N
get off in Truckee and stay near the Historic Downtown Centre. Try the
Have a look around nearby Lake Tahoe.
Salt Lake City - 2N
Get off at Salt Lake City and stay at or near the
Salt Lake City Downtown near the city cantre and the train station.
Glenwood Springs - 1N
get off at Glenwood Springs Colorado and stay at or near the
in the historic neighbourhood north of the Colorado River.
Boulder - 2N
get off at Union Station in Denver and
outside at Union Station Gate B17 to Boulder which takes about 48 minutes. Stay at
which is a 10 minute walk from pearl Street. Stay closer to Pearl Street if you can afford it.
Omaha - 1N
get off at Omaha and stay at the
Hyatt Place Omaha / Downtown Old - Market *** -
in the city centre and a 10 minute walk from the train station.
Chicago - 2N
the Calfornia Zepyhr terminates at Chicago Union Station. Stay at or near the
in the centre and close to the riverwalk. Back to Chicago Union Station to take the Lake Shore Limited headed for New York.
Buffalo - 2N
get of at Buffalo Station and stay at or near the
Hyatt Regency Buffalo*** - in downtown.
New York - 3N
arrive at Penn Station in Manhattan. Stay at
Hampton Inn Madison Square Garden *** -
a few minutes walk from Penn Station - or anywhere else you want to on Manhattan Island. The Adirondack leaves from Penn Station as well.
Montreal - 3N
get off at Montreal Central Station and stay at or near
Sonder I Saint Paul - in the old town
or for something a lot cheaper
Auberge Alternative *** - also in the old town.
====================================================
About -
This trip features 4 classic train rides across 11 states, 1 province and 2 countries.
You could do this trip in either direction.
You could drop off the New York to Montreal leg to save time or money. It would be a pity as it is one of the world's most scenic.
Likewise at the other end you could start the trip in San Francisco.
Or you could get off in Chicago and go back to LA on #66 Get your kicks on Route 66 see Extras below.
Also you can get off the train from Chicago in Albany and catch the train to Montreal from there. This would bypass New York.
Fly to Los Angeles, hire a car and stay at Venice beach for a couple of days to shake off the jet lag and have a look around the City of Angels. You may find other stops along the way where it is convenient to hire a car for a day or two. Like Truckee so you can get to Lake Tahoe and Reno.
#1 thing to do in LA is to get your
Philippe's the Original French Dipped sandwich.
Which just happens to be very close to Union Station where you'll be starting your journey. Ride the Coast Starlight up to (Emeryville Station) San Francisco and have a look around the "City by the Bay".
Hop on the California Zephyr and have six stops on the way to Chicago.
After a look around the "Windy City" it's off to their version of Union Station and on the Lake Shore Limited to New York with a stop off at Niagara Falls.
From New York it's off to Penn Station for one of the world's most scenic rides, the Adirondack to Montreal. You might feel like you've arrived in another continent not just another country. Head straight to a Patisserie in Old Montreal and take it from there.
Budget -
Quite large. It will depend on the value of the $US, the value of your currency and what class you travel on the train. Coach is cheaper than flying. Getting a room is on par but remember accommodation in US cities is very expensive plus you're getting meals and access to a shower.
Accommodation along the way is expensive. You could save money by looking for places in Hostelworld. Unfortunately they only have places in the larger cities. Cheap motels could be another option, though not very desirable.
Mix it up a bit depending on the length and time of day of your trip.
If money is a problem there are options to cut out Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Montreal. See About.
Airports -
Los Angeles (LAX) - San Francisco (SFO) - New York (EWR) - (JFK) - (LGA) - Montreal (YUL)
====================================================
See -
Hollywood - Venice Beach - Universal Studios
Alcatraz - Fishermans Wharf - Golden gate Bridge
Truckee -
Check out the Cal Neva - very interesting history and inspiration for a recent movie - Lake Tahoe
Glenwood Springs ---
Boulder -
Omaha ---
Strategic Air and Space Museum
Buffalo -
Niagra Falls
New York -
9 / 11 Memorial / Broadway / Central Park / Guggenheim Museum
Montreal -
Do -
Glenwood Springs - Iron Mountain Hot Springs ---- Underground Spa --- Hike to the Doc Holliday grave marker ---- Bair Ranch - Whitewater rafting - paddle-boarding - horseback riding - off-roading - paragliding - zip-lining and hiking
Red Rocks - Boulder / Denver - see if there's something on at this legendary music venue while you're in town
Topgolf Omaha - where the real and virtual worlds collide
Visit the Old Market in Omaha
Museum of Illusions in Chicago - blow your mind
Montreal - Go to the Ice hockey / Visit a Sugar Shack to see Maple Syrup produced
====================================================
Eat -
French Dipped Sandwich in Los Angeles
in a Sourdough Bread Bowl at Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco - Dungeness Crab (In season) -
Crab Benedict
is still open in Salt Lake City - The Colonels restaurant in Kentucky was called Harman's Cafe. It was knocked down in 2004 and a new one built but it still has a heap of memorabillia. They offer a buffet.
Utah Scones - Pastrami Burgers
Glenwood Springs - Old School
and Butter Brickle Ice Cream in Omaha where they were invented + Rocky Mountain Oysters - Raisin Pie - Cheese Frenchees - Runzas (Cabbage and beef bierocks) & have a steak in the Beef State
Deep-dish pizza, Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Brownies and the Rainbow Cone ice cream (All invented here) in Chicago + Italian Beef Sandwich at Al's #1 Italian Beef - Chicken Vesuvio - Caramel and cheese popcorn - Swedish cinnamon rolls - Egg Custards at Saint Anna
Buffalo Wings at the Anchor Bar where they were invented then go wing hopping - West Side Bazaar sprawling market with a bit of everything from Burmese to Ethiopian - Beef on Weck (Roll) at Charlie the Butcher - Ted's Hotdogs - Old fashioned sub sandwich at Dibella's - For late night drinking eats try a "Garbage Plate"
New York - Pastrami Sandwich at Katz's Deli / Russ and Daughters for your bagels / Hot Dogs from Gray's Papaya / Cheesecake from Junior's Restaurant / Pizza from Lombardi's the first pizzeria in the USA / Russian Tea Room for Afternoon Tea and Vodka / Oysters at Grand Central Station / Eggs Benedict at at Delmonico's the city's oldest restaurant where they were allegedely created in 1860 / Soup from the inspiration for the Soup Nazi now known as the Original Soup Kitchen at 259A West 55th St.
Poutine in Montreal / Smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz's Deli / Pizzaghetti / Foie Gras / Lobster Spaghetti at Joe Beef / Dic Ann's Burger, not your average burger
====================================================
Drink -
The Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go on Sunset and the Frolic room in West Hollywood
or Union Square in San Francisco
Glenwood Springs
Green Onion Lounge - Omaha
Head out to Hubbard Street or Wrigleyville when you're in Chicago + The Green Mill 1907 where Al Capone used to hang out, good for live Jazz - Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar & Lounge has been Tiki-ing it since the 1950's - Billy Goat Tavern, responsible for a famous baseball curse - Kingston MInes, the most famous Blues place and still has live music 7 days a week
The Anchor Bar - Buffalo + The Old Pink - Chippewa and Allen Streets (2 areas) - Summer Booze Cruises
New York - The White Horse Tavern Est 1880 - New York + Pete's Tavern, over 150 years old (Disguised as a florist during prohibition) indoor / outdoor - McSorley's Old Ale House Est 1854, women weren't allowed in until 1970 and it took another 15 years for them to get a toilet!! - Old Town Bar 45 East 18th Street - the Beer Garden at Bohemian Hall Queens - Dante, it has been named the best bar in the world, twice - Fraunces Tavern is so old that George Washington drank here, opened in 1762 there is a museum on the first floor
Montreal - Mile End - The Plateau - Notre Dame de Grace - The Village - Downtown - Old Montreal
Don't Miss -
Philippe's French Dipped Sandwiches in LA
Hot Doug's premium hot dog at Wrigley Field Chicago - available nowhere else
Souvenirs -
Maple Syrup - Anchor Bar T-shirt
====================================================
Visas - Check here
USA -
At the moment 37 countries participate in the Visa Waver Program. They will need to go online and get a Electronic System for Travel Authorization. You will get 90 days on arrival. Check with your local consulate.
CANADA -
Citizens from over 50 countries only need an online Electronic Travel Authorization for short trips into Canada. As always check with your local Embassy.
Tips -
On the California Zephyr get to the observation car early for the Colorado section
Snowballs can only be thrown in Buffalo in designated areas
Hire cars whenever necesary to get around or use Uber
Extra -
You could do this trip one way to Chicago then come back on Route 66 - See #66 Get your Kicks in USA in Countries M - Z.
Or you could continue on from Montreal to St. John's in Newfoundland. Have a look at French to Irish Canada in Canada in Countries A - L. Also have a look at Fogo in islands.

Cape Town 2 Zanzibar 44N
Itinerary - underlined = tours
SOUTH AFRICA:
Cape Town 4N -
Matjiesfontein - 2N
Train 1N -
Kimberly 2N -
Johannesburg (Now known as Jozi),
Melville 3N -
Legend Golf and Safari Resort 2N -
Sun City 2N -
Jozi, Maboneng 1N = 17N
BOTSWANA:
Gaborone 1N -
Train 1N = 2N
ZIMBABWE:
Bulawayo 2N -
Train 1N -
Victoria Falls (Town) 2N -
(Extra day - 1N - for Chobe day trip or just to stay in Livingstone or both) = 6N
ZAMBIA:
Livingstone 2N - Train 1N - Lusaka 3N - Train (2N Maybe😂) - 8N
TANZANIA:
Dar es Salaam 3N -
Zanzibar Stone Town 3N -
Zanzibar Nungwi Beach 5N = 11N
17N +2N + 6N + 8N + 11N = 44N = 6Weeks
Highlights -
Old Colonial Hotels and Clubs
Matjiesfontein - historical town
Lesser Flamingos - don't worry they're still pink
Safaris - Eight opportunities in three countries
Rhodesian Railways overnight train to Victoria Falls
5 African countries and 4 capitals
Famous -
Cape Town is consistently voted as the best food destination in the world / The Noon Gun - firing an old cannon everyday
Table Mountain - has some really good walks
Robben Island - Nelson's home for18 years & UNESCO Heritage Listed Site
Kimberly Diamond Mine - The "Big Hole" dug by humans and visible from space.
Cecil John Rhodes was one of the first diamond (and gold) moguls in Kimberly and his grave near Bulawayo
Sun City - Famous boycott by musicians back in the Apartheid era with the collaborative protest song - "Aint gonna play Sun City"
UNESCO Heritage Listed Victoria Falls - One of the 7 natural wonders of the World
UNESCO Heritage Listed Stone Town Zanzibar - Freddie Mercury's House and Museum
When -
Because some trains only leave on certain days you'll either have to stick to the schedule, juggle it, or spend 3 - 4 days hanging around for the next one. Or fly or take a bus.
Start the trip in March or April for the weather, fewer crowds, cheaper prices and lots of water flowing over the Victoria Falls. It could be a bit wet in Zanzibar though.
If you like it hot and want to spend time on the beach try starting in January - February.
June to October is a good time for Zanzibar. You could start in May but it might be wet and stormy in Cape Town. February might be best except that it's going to be wet at Victoria Falls. So you'll need to work out where you want good weather and where you can put up with a bit of rain. It might be nice to have some sunshine on the beaches at the end of the trip.
Otherwise you could do this any time that was convenient to you. Just remember in the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are reversed. So it could be a good time to get away from the Northern winter. As you get further north it becomes more tropical.
====================================================
Visa -
SOUTH AFRICA -
Nationals of 49 countries don't need a visa for South Africa for a stay of up to 90 days. Check with your Embassy.
BOTSWANA -
Over 100 countries don't need a visa for a stay of 90 days in Botswana. Those that do can get an e-visa online rather than lining up at the border. Your passport should have 6 months validity.
ZIM-ZAM -
The best visa for both Zimbabwe and Zambia is the Kaza Univisa. It will save you money and save you time when you go back and forth across the border between these two countries. Also you will be able to go to Botswana for the Chobe trip. You can pick it up online or get it upon entry.
ZIMBABWE -
40 countries can visit for 90 days visa free but these don't include the usual ones. More likely your one of the 55 nationalities who can get a 3 month e-visa online. It's a simple process and the e-visa is e-mailed to you. Much easier than waiting in line at the border. Check with your Embassy.
ZAMBIA -
Most countries will need a visa which you can either get online or at the border. Once again it's probably much easier to do online than mucking around when you get there.
TANZANIA
Most people will need to get an e-visa which takes 10 working days to receive and gives you 90 days when you arrive.
====================================================
About -
Fly into Cape Town and spend a few days looking around the "Mother City". Stay near the action in Kloof Street.
Click here for a private sightseeing tour of Cape Town with driver.
First train trip up to Matjiesfontein on the edge of the Great Karoo. Step back in time to the 1800's in this historical little village.
Next stop Kimberly and the famous Diamond Mine. In 1866 a 15 year old kid picked up an unusual rock that would have a lot of consequences. Stay at the old Kimberly Club which has had many famous people through its doors over the years.
Off to the big city - Jozi. Plenty to see here including Soweto, a town famous throughout the world and synonymous with apartheid. Stay in the pleasant neighbourhood of Melville with lots of restaurants and bars to choose from.
Click here for a private sightseeing tour with driver.
If you're not a golfer you could skip the next few days or do the last half. Although you could do it just for the safari side of things and even non golfers could play the replica par 3 course. And there are Game Drives, Quad bikes, Mountain bikes and a swimming pool to keep you entertained.
(4 or 5 days depending on how long you want to stay in Sun City) early and drive to the Legend Golf and Safari Resort. Play the Par 3 Replica course of the world's most famous par 3 holes. Next day play the signature course where each hole is designed by a golfing legend. Capped off by a helicopter flight to the extreme 19th the longest par 3 in the world. A 600m par 3 with a 400m level change from tee to green, which is in the shape of a map of Africa.
Head off to Sun City for a couple of days of relaxing, more golf (8 courses) and just hanging by the pool. Or you could head off for another Safari.
Back to Jozi, have a look at Pretoria on the way through and have lunch at Afroboer. Drop the car off and one last night in South Africa in Maboneng.
Have a hearty breakfast nearby then off to the bus station to go to the capital of Botswana, Gaborone. There's not a lot to do here. You could get straight on the train and leave or spend the night. Apart from the train this will be your only night in Botswana. Get a nice hotel near the train station and enjoy a little pool time. You could go shopping and pick up a souvenir of your short time you were in the country. Or pick up a car head out to the Gaborone Nature Reserve to cross a few more animals off of your list. Pick up some meat and have a BBQ picnic lunch while you're there. There are no dangerous animals in this value for money park.
Take the overnight train to Bulawayo and spend a couple of nights in this pleasant town. Old pubs and clubs, some railway history and the UNESCO listed Matobo National Park complete with Cecil Rhode's grave.
Another overnight train will see you arriving at one of the 7 wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. Spend a couple of nights on either side of the Zim Zam Bridge. In Zambia stay at fantastic riverside accommodation. Plenty of time to see the falls and the associated activities. Everything is expensive here and a lot of it, adrenalin inducing.
Use the extra day to go to the Chobe National Park, one of the best.
Now for some African train adventures. You'll need to be flexible because things don't always run on time around here. Fares are cheap so get First Class sleepers. They are same sex only unless you book the complete compartment . Take some food and water aboard as well. There is a bar and a dining car but it doesn't hurt to have some back up. There are no shops near the station so buy them before you go out. Also your money wil be no good when ypou leave the country so make sure you don't have too much. You might want a bit for the bar and the dining car.
Catch the overnight train from Livingstone to Lusaka and spend 3 nights there taking in the culture. Plenty of nearby attractions as well as nightlife.
Head of early to Kapiri Mposhi and get to the New train station 2 hours before departure time, which is 16.00 pm.
Two or more days later you'll be arriving in the capital of Tanzania - Dar es Salaam. It's worth a few days here before heading out to the island. If your train was overtime just chop a couple of days off here or in Zanzibar.
There are numerous fast ferries to Zanzibar that will get you there in a couple of hours or less. Spend a couple of nights in Stone Town the UNESCO Heritage listed old part of the city in a fabulous hotel by the beach. Have a look at the Fort, the old buildings and bazaars. Head over to Changuu or Prison Island for the day. Wander back in time through the maze of alleyways in the old town. You'll amuse yourself for hours with a new discovery around each corner.
Head up the coast to Nungwi Beach. It will take about an hour depending on whether you take a private car, shared minivan or the chicken bus. Great beach, stunning sunsets, lots of food and nightlife, enjoy a few days here winding up your trip.
It is almost as cheap to fly as to take the ferry, plus the trip back on the boat can get quite rough. Also there are direct international flights from the local airport. So when it's time to go fly out. See Airports for more information.
====================================================
Stay @ or near -
CAPE TOWN 4N - near Kloof Street -
Stay at the Mount Nelson *****
Splurge if you can afford it
otherwise the Kloof Street Hotel ****
MATJIESFONTEIN 2N -
(A National Heritage Site) with the coldest swimming pool in Africa - built in the 1890's and staff still attired appropriately for that period - Matjies Mews - cheaper rooms in the gardens
KIMBERLY 2N -
The Kimberly Club Boutique Hotel **** -
not on Booking.com
JOHANNESBURG 3N -
Melville, Jozi
MONOMOTAPA VILLAGE 2N -
SUN CITY 2N -
The Cabanas Hotel at Sun City Resort ***
JOHANNESBURG 1N - trendy apartment in Maboneng, Jozi -
GARBORONE 1N -
BULAWAYO 2N -
also the Selborne Hotel ***½
Colonial gem around the corner with pool and pub and great balconies - not on Booking.com
VICTORIA FALLS 2N +1N - at the historical
but you won't get much change out of a thousand - not on Booking.com. Otherwise just go for afternoon tea or a look around and stay at the
N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls
LIVINGSTON 2N -
riverfront with a pool, restaurant, bar BBQ, great views, cruise boat (Recommended) - not on Booking.com
Otherwise the Ngoma Zanga Lodge ***
in town - not on Booking.com
LUSAKA 3N -
Outdoor pool, garden, restaurant, bar, 10 minute walk to shopping mall
Hilton Garden Inn Society Business Park ****
In the centre of town nect door to a shopping centre, outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar, great views from the higher floors
DAR ES SALAAM 3N -
at Masaki (not the city centre)
ZANZIBAR (STONE TOWN) 3N -
Splurge
NUNGWI BEACH 5N -
====================================================
See -
Sunset from Signal Hill - Cape Town - BYO sundowners
District Six Museum - Apartheid
UNESCO World Heritage Site Robben Island - Where Nelson was jailed - many ex prisoners lead the tours - book ahead
Have a look at the Mount Nelson Hotel if you're not staying there
The Cape of Good Hope
Matjiesfontein - Stargazing / Museums
The world's largest hand dug hole -
Kamfers dam and 80,000 lesser Flamingos
(If you're lucky)
one of the oldest townships in South Africa
The Apartheid Museum - Jozi
secret headquarters of the ANC
Constitution Hill
with Cecil Rhode's private railway car
UNESCO Heritage Listed Matobo National Park and Cecil Rhode's grave
open air museum
Miniature Zambia at
Nembo Scenic Park - Lusaka
Safari day trip to Chaminuka Game Reserve -
72 species of mammals and reptiles and over 300 species of birds. See lions, cheetahs, ostriches, hyenas, giraffes and elephants. The cheetahs are the main attraction and will amaze you with their abilities. Also get a meal of Zambian specialties. Only 25 kms from the city.
See baby elephants at the
White Lions
Dar es Salaam - learn about the local culture
Off shore islands are popular on the weekends
Slave Museum / Palace Museum / House of Wonders - Stone Town Zanzibar
Nungwi
Do -
Cape Town - Cable car up Table Mountain
Hop on Hop off Wine Trams - 4 routes
Matjiesfontein -
Kimberly
around it - see the Old Town and peek in the Diamond Vault.
Visit the Freddie Tait Golf Museum and have a round at the Kimberly Golf Club that was established in 1890.
Sunset cruise on DaRiva
Have a BBQ at the Gaborone Game Reserve
Ride on horseback through
Tshabalala Game Sanctuary - Bulawayo
Go to the pool at the Deck bar at the Banff Lodge - Open air thatch bar and restaurant with good food, pool and a lawn
walk through the National Park on a path at the top of the gorge, Cataract View is a highlight. Around full moon the park opens at night to see the Lunar Rainbow.
Bungee jump / Bridge swing / Bungee swing / White water rafting / Helicopter flights / Micro light flights / Hire wire activities / the Devil's Pool (mid August to mid January) / the Angel's Pool / Skydiving / Abseiling - or you could just stand there and look at it.
Also there is Horse riding / Jet Boat / Canopy Walks / Canoeing and Sunset cruises (Hippos and almost unlimited bar)
The World renowned Chobe National Park
day trip from Victoria Falls - River cruise, Game drive and lunch at Cresta Mowana Lodge. It is home to one of the largest game concentrations in Africa.
and Horse Riding - Livingstone
Play golf at the Lusaka Golf Club -
"Zambia's most prestigious sporting facility"
Dar es Salaam - historical walking, cycle and nightlife tours
Dhow trips with snorkelling and lunch on a deserted beach
Coco beach for street food, concerts, and beach parties - check the guide
Day trip to Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach -
see 200 year old giant tortoises, snorkelling on the reef and the amazing sand bar.
Cooking Class with market visits
Spice Tour - Stone Town Zanzibar
and check out the island - Nungwi Beach
Snorkelling or diving with coral and marine life
Play the 9 hole Sea Cliff Golf Course
spectacular views along the coast and the only course on the island
Dhow sunset cruise - hire your own boat
Horseback riding along the beach
Volleyball and soccer on the beach each day before sunset out the front of the Nungwi Inn Hotel
====================================================
Eat -
Cape Town
at the Mount Nelson Hotel
All of the pubs in Matjiesfontein and Kimberly have good authentic food
Melville -
in Jozi - lots of al fresco cafes and restaurants
Lunch at the Bulawayo Club
Dinner at the Selborne Hotel
around the corner
Dinner and drinks at
and Dragons Den Pub Bulawayo
at the Victoria Falls Hotel - stick around for sunset
The Lookout Cafe / The Three Monkeys
on various routes - sunset on Zim Zam Bridge
High Tea at the Royal Livingstone
Curry at the Bombay Lounge -
Lusaka
Gelato at GigiBonta
Sunday Brunches in Dar - Salt Restaurant in Oyster Bay and Karambezi Cafe in the Sea Cliff Hotel
Mishkaki - meat on a stick
from the famous trees, considered a super food
for seafood and sundowners
Addis in Dar - Ethiopian
The Rock Restaurant for lunch -
pre book / 2 seatings 12 pm and 2 pm
in Stone Town -
(Seafood)
for sundowners and street food - avoid the reheated seafood
Food tours
- not your average pizza
(Skewers), Curry, BBQ
Biryani / Chips Mayai - Chip omelet
Lukmaan Restaurant & Passing Show are local institutions
Nungwi Roundabout at night for local food
has good Indonesian food
====================================================
Drink -
Cape Town
Kloof and Long Streets
Matjiesfontein
Kimberly, uninterrupted service since 1870
Bar and Beer Garden
at the Mine Museum
Jozi
The Anti Social Social Club and Tiny Tiki Bar - 7th St
Live music - 7th
Rooftop Bar Maboneng
Bulawayo - Cocktails at the
Zimbabwe's oldest attached to the Selborne Hotel around the corner
Victoria Falls
Sundowners at Vic Falls
party on weekends
Lusaka
Skybar -
Dar es Salaam -
sundowners
The famous Masaki Strip
for bars and clubs and live music
Konyagi -
sugar spirit try it in a Dawa with honey, lime, sugar and ice
seafood restaurant
The Waterfront Restaurant and Beach Bar
for seafood and sundowners
Zanzibar
for cardamom spiced Arabic coffee - Stone Town
6 Degrees South / Africa House -
for sundowners
Beach side bars and lounges
Full Moon Party - Kendwa Rocks
+ overnight beach party every Saturday from 10 pm till morning
Nungwi Beach - happy hour, sundowners, food and live music at good prices
for reggae and dancing - Wednesdays and Sundays
for sundowners, ex-pats and parties
for sundowners and Dawas
Lines -
CAPE TOWN TO JOHANNESBURG - 1530 km (298 + 737 + 565)
Leave Cape Town at 9.05 am and arrive Matjiesfontein at 16.19 pm. Leave 2 days later at the same time and arrive Kimberly at 7.04 am the next day. Leave 2 days later at the same time and arrive in Johannesburg at 17.59 pm.
Leave Table Mountain and head through the Cape vineyards, through the Karoo, then grasslands and farmlands on your way into Johannesburg. This train is great value and very comfortable.
GABORONE TO BULAWAYO - 631 km
Depart Gaborone 21.00 pm and arrive Bulawayo 12.30 pm the next day after a transfer at Francistown between 6.11 am and 7.00 am. There is a lounge here for first class passengers. Border formalities are done at Plumtree station in Zimbabwe. New train with first class sleeper and buffet car. Gaborone and Francistown have new stations.
BULAWAYO TO VICTORIA FALLS - 472 km
Depart at 19.30 pm and arrive at 8.00 or more likely 9 - 10 am. The classic way to travel to Victoria Falls. Very cheap. Take your own supplies which you can pick up in Pick and Pay in Bulawayo. The train is old and basic but the scenery more than makes up for this.
LIVINGSTONE TO LUSAKA - 497 km
Catch the Friday train and get off in Lusaka as you have 3 nights before the next train arrives and Kapiri Mposhi isn't that exciting. Departs 20.00 pm and arrives 13.20 pm. Sleepers and dining car with beers.
KAPIRI MPOSHI TO DAR ES SALAAM - 1852 km
TAZARA - Tanzanian and Zambian Railway Authority
Book at least a month in advance. Book the whole compartment - this is the only way mixed sexes can travel together. It can often run a day or two late. So be flexible and just take them off of your time in Zanzibar.
This train leaves on Tuesdays 16.00 and Fridays 14.00. Tuesday is the better train. Catch the bus early to Kapiri Mposhi, you will need to be at the station by14.00 pm and it is a 3 hour trip from Lusaka. It is a 2 night trip with some good scenery along the way. Leave at 16.00 pm Tuesday and arrive 12.10 pm Thursday. The scenery changes as you go along with the Tanzanian Highlands the highlight. There is a restaurant car and bar car. A great way to see the countryside.
Classes -
· There are 3 classes for the first leg.
the most luxury and the highest price by a long way. Take it if you can afford it but you will miss the stops at Matjiesfontein, Kimberly and Joburg.
Premier Classe -
good value but doesn't run as often and you will miss Matjiesfontein.
Shosholoza Meyl -
great value and you won't miss a thing.
· For all of the next legs just book the best you can. Prices are cheap. Go for First Class Sleepers and book the whole compartment out. Especially for mixed sexes who want to travel together on the last leg to Dar es Salaam.
History -
aka the "Mother City" and the "Cape of Storms". The Dutch and the English played ping pong with the city for hundreds of years. Dutch 1692 - British 1795 - Dutch 1803 - British 1806. In the 1970's the government forcibly removed the 60,000 residents in District 6 to areas outside the Whites only city and demolished all of their houses.
was founded in 1884 by legendary Scottish railway man James Douglas Logan. It became a fashionable Victorian Health Spa. He built the hotel you will be staying in 15 years later. During the Boer War it was used as a hospital and a lookout post. Churchill's father and Rudyard Kipling came here to use the spa.
The first authenticated diamond was found at Hope Town in 1866. 3 years later the 83.5 carat the Star of South Africa triggered a diamond rush. The Kimberly mine was discovered in 1871 and would become the world's richest mine for nearly 100 years. At the beginning of the second Boer War Kimberly was held siege and the mine was closed for 124 days. The outbreak of WWI in 1914 caused mining operations to cease and the Kimberly mine never opened again.
aka Joburg / Jozi / "the City of Gold"and eGoli is the financial powerhouse of South and Southern Africa. Gold was found here in 1886 and it is now a world class city. it has the largest stock exchange in Africa and more than 70 % of South African companies have their headquarters here. Some of the rougher parts of the city are becoming gentrifried.
In response to German and Dutch annexation the leaders of Botswana did a deal with the British government and became a British Protectorate for 80 years. it was known as the Bechuanaland Protectorate and in 1966 they became the independent Republic of Botswana.
settlement goes back around 100,000 years. It was the home of many great kingdoms until the 1880's when it became a British colony called Southern Rhodesia. in 1965 the white minority declared independence and it became Rhodesia. A civil war ensued and lasted until 1980 when Robert Mugabe took control. In the nearly 40 years he held power he went from being a liberator to a brutal tyrant. He was ousted in a military coup in 2017.
was originally populated by tribes of hunter gatherers. in the 4th century AD farmers from the north moved in and introduced slash and burn agriculture. They lived in villages and kept animals. When the soil was exhausted they moved on to a new area. They cohabited peacefully with the bushmen for centuries. The first European in this area was David Livingstone in 1851. He was the first European to see Victoria Falls. He tried to develop trade in cotton and ivory to replace the slave trade but was unsuccessful. Cecil Rhodes got mining rights here in 1888 and by 1899 it was a British Protectorate which eventually became known as Northern Rhodesia. In 1964 it became the independent Republic of Zambia.
It is believed that we humans originated in the Rift Valley of East Africa and they have found Africa's oldest human remains in Tanzania. By 800 AD Arab and Persian traders had settled in Zanzibar. By the 1700's Zanzibar had become a centre for slave trading. In 1891 the colony of German East Africa was created and Zanzibar had become a British Protectorate. After WWI the British took over the colony and called it Tanganyika. The opposition to their rule achieved independence in 1961. Zanzibar won independence in 1963 and 5 months later merged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
Budget -
Fluctuation is the name of the game. You will have different options, but to enjoy this trip properly you should be prepared to spend up big every now and then. At other times there won't be any luxury options available. If you can't afford something just skip it and move on to the next stage. But if you can afford it splurge out on some of these luxuries. You only live once!
Airports -
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) -
Has direct flights to Eurpoe, New York, Atlanta, Dubai and Doha. You may have to fly via Johannesburg.
Johannesburg - OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) -
There are direct flights to Sydney / Perth / Singapore / Hong Kong / Sao Paulo / Atlanta / New York / Washington / Africa / Middle East and 8 countries in Europe.
Dar Es Salaam Airport (DAR) -
Has direct flights to Amsterdam, Istanbul, Cairo, Bangkok, Mumbai, Hanoi, UAE and Doha. It may be easier to connect through Johannesburg or Nairobi.
Zanzibar's Kisauni Airport (ZNZ) -
Has direct flights from Europe, Doha, Dubai and Johannesburg. You could probably get return flights from your home to Johannesburg as it is a major hub for South Africa.
Don't Miss -
Johannesburg
The Apartheid Museum
Souvenirs -
Zambia
Kabwata Cultural Village, Lusaka -
see craftsmen at work. Over 80 artists from all 9 provinces. Live performers and a traditional restaurant.
Dar es Salaam / tanzanian coffee
The Tinga Tinga Arts Co-operative Society
Zanzibar - Spices / Oils / Arts and crafts
Tips -
Book everything ahead that you can, most of the accommodation is on booking.com where you get free cancellation and no deposit.
You will need a Yellow fever vaccination for this trip.
Take some US$ cash with you. Always a good idea anyway. US$300 in a range of denominations. Will be useful for visas, the ferry to Zanzibar and the airport tax out.
Border crossings are straight forward and they come aboard the train so you don't even have to get up.
Take an international drivers license with you
Don't carry food around the falls or the baboons will harass you
Give warthogs a wide berth
Zanzibar is semi-autonomous so you will need your passport to get through immigration. No separate visa required.

India's UNESCO Toy Trains 26N
Itinerary -
Kolkata 3N
Darjeeling 3N
Gantok 2N
New Delhi 1N
Kalka 1N
Shimla 3N
Paprola 1N
McLeod Gange 3N
Pathankot 1N
Amritsar 3N
Dal Lake 5N
New Delhi 1N
= 28N
Highlights -
Three of the most beautiful railway lines in the world
3 UNESCO Listed Toy Trains
Historic Hill Stations
Dal Lake Houseboats
Kolkata / Darjeeling / Sikkim / Amritsar / Shimla / McLeod Gangj / Kashmir
Famous -
Mt Everest
Wagah Border Show - the Berlin Wall of Asia
Two former capitals of the British Raj
When -
March to May is best so let's say April. Late March early April would be good for cheaper airfares.
July to September is Wet. October onwards is getting cold.
Snow in January - White Christmas - Skiing in Shimla ☃️
Lines -
Kolkata - New Jalpaiguri sector -
This express line connects North and South West Bengal. This line was opened in 2009 and is the first direct line between Digha and New Jalpaiguri.
Toy Trains of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - 1881 - 88kms - 12 Stns
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most scenic mountain rides in the world. Breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, forests, tea gardens and local villages.
One of the highlights is the children in each village running alongside the train and having a great time.
Built by the British in the days of the Raj it is known as an engineering marvel. It features switchbacks and loop de loops to get you up the steep inclines. It's like Disneyland but much better.
It stops at several stations along the way. One of the stations Ghoom is the highest on the route at 7,404 feet. It is also the second highest station in the world.
Mark Twain rode the train in 1896 and said "It was the most enjoyable day I have spent on earth".
Sadly the steam engine has been replaced by diesel but it does cut 3 hours off of the trip. You can still ride the steam trains on shorter joy rides around Darjeeling.
Kalka - Shimla Toy Train - 1903 - 102 tunnels - 864 bridges - 96 kms - 18 Stns
Was known as the "British Jewel in the Orient".
Five and a half hour journey that passes through rugged mountains, lush pine forests, waterfalls, valleys and picturesque Hill Stations.
There is the Rail Motor Car which looks like a bus, has a glass roof and holds 18 people. It leaves at 5 am. There are several other trains during the day.
Kangra Valley Toy Train - 1929 - 164 kms - 7 Stns
A stunning ten hour journey with views of the Dauladhar Range and snow capped mountains. As well as having fast flowing streams running alongside and the Tea Gardens of Palampur. It has been called the most beautiful train journey in the world. This line isn't run as a tourist attraction like the other two. It's more of a turn up and grab a seat like the locals.
Due to problems with the track in 2022 (a major bridge collapsing) it may not be possible to do the whole line.
Tickets -
Getting tickets for Indian trains can be very tricky. I reccomend that you get them through these people. Have everything booked in advance. You'll never know how many headaches you have avoided. You can change the website to Canada, the UK and the USA and it has contact phone numbers. Work out your times, dates and train numbers from the timetables before hand then call them up and make all of your bookings.
You will need to book 7 legs
Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri Junction
New Jalpaiguri Junction to Darjeeling (Toy Train)
New Delhi to Kalka
Kalka to Shimla (Toy Train)
Paprola to Kangra (Toy Train) - probaly can't book & need to get ticket at station or just take a seat
Kangra to Nurpur Road (Toy Train) or further if possible towards Pathankot - probaly can't book & need to get ticket at station or just take a seat
Pathankot to Amritsar
Australia & New Zealand - (& Canada, UK & USA)
History -
The Toy Train Lines were built to take the Brits up to their Hill stations for holidays so they could avoid the summer heat down on the plains . Originally the trip from Calcutta to Darjeeling took well over 2 weeks. The Darjeeling line was the first Toy Train and is one of the oldest lines in India.
Narrow gauge was used because it is much cheaper for various reasons. Tunnels can be much smaller, curves can be much tighter and less materials are required.
Shimla (Simla) was established in 1864 and became the summer capital of the British Empire and the headquarters of the Army. It therefore needed a better transportation system and the Toy Train was the answer.
The Kanga Valley line was the last one to go through and is the longest.
There are 2 other Toy Train Lines in India. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu from Mettupalayam to Ooty. This is another UNESCO line and is the steepest in Asia. It is a lot further south than the others.
Lastly there is the Matheran Hill Railway from Neral to Matheran. This is a short one not too far from Mumbai (Bombay). It is famous for the "one kiss tunnel". It went out of service for a while but much to its fans delight it's back in business again.
====================================================
About -
Fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) and spend a couple of days looking at the many highlights it has to offer.
As a former capital of the British Raj there is some fascinating history and places. Some of the highlights of a walking tour include Mother Theresa's House, the Queen Victoria Memorial, the Black Hole of Calcutta and the Maidan to watch a bit of cricket.
Get into the great street food and markets. Nightlife action outside your door in Sudder Street.
Take the day time train to New Jalpaiguri Junction and spend the night resting up for your first Toy Train journey. You'll need to get an early start as the journey could take 7 - 12 hours depending on what train you take.
Off to Darjeeling on the best train trip of your life. So far.
Spend 3 nights soaking in the atmosphere of this wonderful place known as the Queen of the Hills. Hopefully you'll have some clear weather so you can see Mt Everest. Visit a Tea Garden and see some rare animals at the zoo.
Head up the road to another amazing Hill Station, Gangtok the capital of Sikkim. It is around 100 kms and will take 2 - 3hours. You could catch some buses but take a taxi if you can afford it. A couple of nights here to see the local attractions.
Fly from Gangtok to New Delhi and spend the night in a fancy hotel out by the airport recharging your batteries for the second half of the trip.
In the morning don't rush off - take advantage of the facilities available to you. When you're ready take the airport shuttle into the train station. They run every 10 mins and take 18 mins to get there. There is a station close to your hotel. From here catch the train to Kalka .
Spend the night before taking the Toy Train ride is up to Shimla, once the capital of the British Empire and the Queen of Hills. Have 3 days in the hill station looking around at the colonial history. See why it was so popular with the Brits.
Take the bus to Paprola and spend the night in a heritage palace. The next day from Baijnath Paprola station ride the possibly haunted toy train up to Kangra Station. Hop off here and catch the bus up to McLeod Ganj or organise local transport. Spend 3 nights in McLeod Ganj and hopefully the Dalai Lama is home in nearby Dharamshala. Head up to the Dharamkot Hippy Village for some treats like lasagne and shashuka.
For the last leg get back on the train at Kangra Station and ride it as far as possible towards Patahankot. Sadly the line is in disrepair and it doesn't get many funds for upkeep. A lot of the passengers ride for free. As of April 2023 the train was ending up at Nurpur Road due to the collapse of a major bridge across the Chakki River in August 2022. Leaving it 23 km short of Pathankot. If it hasn't been fixed you will need to do the last bit by by road with local transport. Spend the night here.
Catch the train or the bus from Pathankot to Amritsar which is a 2½ - 3 hour trip with numerous departures. Visit the Golden Temple and the outrageous Wagah Border.
Fly up to Srinigar and Dal Lake. Spend the end of your holiday unwinding in spectacular surroundings on your own houseboat. If it's too relaxing there's plenty to see and do around town.
Fly back to Delhi and one last night of luxury before going home having had some of the experiences of a lifetime.
Budget -
Most everything is pretty cheap in India. You could lash out on some historical hotels.
Airports - all flights are reasonable & direct
Kolkata Airport aka Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
previously Dum Dum International Airport - Fly here to start the trip.
Gangtok Pakyong Airport (PYG) -
Fly from here to New Delhi
Amritsar International Airport (ATQ) - aka Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport -
Fly from here to Srinagar
Srinagar International Airport (SXR) aka Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport -
Fly from here to Delhi
Delhi Indira Ghandi International Airport (DEL) -
Fly home from here
====================================================
Stay -
KOLKATA 3N
The Oberoi Grand Kolkata ***** -
Outdoor pool, 3 Restaurants - the first Olberoi ever (the 2nd hotel owned by Mr Oberoi after the Clarkes at Shimla)
in Kolkata or elsewhere in or near Sudder Street
NEW JALPAIGURI JUNCTION 1N
near the train station
DARJEELING 3N
Udaan Nirvana Resort Darjeeling
or somewhere with a great view
GANGTOK 2N
in the heart of town
NEW DELHI AIRPORT 1N
All hotels are in the Aero City close to the Metro station into the city. No need to rush in the morning, enjoy your facilities and have a recharge. They have Airport Shuttles for an additional charge or you could use the Metro.
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity- International Airport ***** -
Outdoor pool, 4 Restaurants, bar, Spa & Wellness
Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, an IHG Hotel ***** -
Outdoor pool, 2 Restaurants, bar, Spa & Wellness
Novotel New Delhi Aerocity- International Airport ***** -
Outdoor pool, 2 Restaurants, bar, Spa & Wellness
There are a heap of cheap ones around as well. Just look at the Booking.com map.
KALKA 1N
Where there are a group of hotels and restaurants 5 mins walk from the railway station
SHIMLA 3N
have a bit of a splurge at this heritage hotel which was the first aquisition for the famous Indian hotelier Mohan Singh Oberoi.
On the Mall Rd
Near Victory Tunnel, restaurant
or
PAPROLA 1N
WelcomHeritage Taragarh Palace Hotel Palampur *** तारागढ़ पैलेस होटल
Outdoor pool, Restaurant, bar, patio, gift shop, fitness centre
McLEOD GANJ 3N
The Hosteller McLeodganj, Mall Road
Restaurant, patio, fire
Restaurant, Patio, awesome views
PATHANKOT 1N
Bar & Restaurant, close to the bus and train stations
AMRITSAR 3N
Hotel Sapphire Opposite Golden Temple *** -
Views from terrace
Views from the rooftop
SRINIGAR 5N
NEW DELHI 1N
Overnight stopover at the airport - have a look at the choices above. ⬆️
====================================================
See -
Partition Museum - 20 million displaced people
India's most beautiful cricket ground - Dharmshala
Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeeling - see rare and endangered species like the red panda and snow leopard in one of India's best maintained zoos
Do -
Hill Station Golf Courses
Ride the Jakhu Ropeway - Shimla
Sunset at Scandal Point - Shimla
Sunset at sunset point - McLeod Gange
White water rafting / Hang Gliding / Paragliding / Mountain biking
====================================================
Eat -
Bengali cuisine, Tibetan cuisine, Sikkimese cuisine, Punjabi cuisine, Himachali cuisine, Kashmiri cuisine
Authentic afternoon tea at the Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling
Full English on the rooftop terrace at Keventers
Bharawan da Dhaba - since 1912
Afternoon Tea at Wildflower Hall - Lord Kitcheners old house
Kailash restaurant - McLeod Ganj - Tibetan food with agreat view fron the rooftop setting
Famous Shiva Cafe - McLeod Gange
====================================================
Drink -
Joey's Bar / Getty's Cafe - Live local acts / Glenary's bar - Darjeeling
Mcllo Beer Bar and Restaurant - McLeod Ganj
Don't Miss -
Seeing the Dalai Lama - McLeod Ganj
Souvenirs -
Darjeeling Tea / Sikkim Tea / Kashmiri Tea / Handicrafts / Tibetan Jumpers / Sikkim Rum / Phulkari - Punjabi shawl / Saffron - watch out for fakes
====================================================
Visa -
You will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Embassy or Consulate
To into Sikkim you will need to pick up a pass in Kolkata at Sikkim House. It is free and issued on the spot. All you will need is are two passport photos and photocopy of your passport. It's always wise to carry a few of these around anyway. Also you'll need a photocopy of your visa. You can probably do this at the checkpoint but it's less hassle in Kolkata. You can get it online but it still needs to be stamped.
Go to Sikkim House 4/1 Middleton St. Kolkata Ph 033- 2281 7905
Tips -
Kashmir is a volatile region. be sure to get the latest security advice before going there. Tourists aren't targeted and tourism is valued.
Remember to be respectful of their culture.
Take photocopies of your passport - one or two of your visa and at least 2 x passport photos for your Inner Line Permit to get into Sikkim
Extra -
Have a look at 'Holi Moo' in Festivals.