Day 01 : Arrival Calcutta Or Delhi
Assistance
upon arrival followed transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02 : Delhi Or Calcutta
Full day city sightseeing.
Day 03 : Delhi OR Calcutta - Ixb - Darjeeling
After breakfast transfer to Domestic airport to Connect flight to Bagdogra.
Meeting and assistance on arrival in Bagdogra followed by 03-hour drive to
Darjeeling. Darjeeling (2,135m), was built by the British in mid 1800
primarily an R & R center for their troops. But over a period of time it
has been recognized itself as one of the most important hill stations in
India. Darjeeling still has a lot of the Old World charm of a typical
English summer retreat. The road climbs very gradually along the tracks of
the Ancient Toy Train, which was started as well by the British passing
through numerous small villages and the important town of Kurseong. On
arrival in Darjeeling check into Hotel. Rest of evening at leisure to
explore this beautiful town. Evening Tour briefing at the Hotel by Trek
Manager. Meals & Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 : Darjeeling
Early morning wake up around 0430 hrs and drive for about 30 minutes to see
the dawn views over the Kanchenjunga (8,548m) massive
and other Eastern Himalayan peak from the Famous Tiger Hill, incidentally
Tiger Hill is the highest point of this area (2,540m) and is about 11 kms
from Darjeeling. On return one visits the famous Ghoom monastery, which is
one of the most famous monasteries in Darjeeling, it also enshrines an image
of "MAITREYA BUDDHA". Return to Hotel in time for breakfast. After
breakfast we commence local sightseeing, visiting Botanical Gardens,
Observatory Hill, Planters Club, Bhutia Busty Monastery. Return to Hotel for
Lunch. Afternoon visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the First
home of the famous climber Tenzing Norgay….HMI, also has a small museum
which houses all the equipment used on the First successful expedition on
Everest lead by Tenzing Norgay & Sir Edmund Hillary…From here one
drive to a nearby Tea Estate to get a first hand experience of the Famous
Darjeeling Tea. Return to Hotel in the evening. Meals & overnight at
Hotel.
Day
05 : Darjeeling - Pemayangtse
After breakfast commence drive for Pemayangtse (2,045m), the drive takes
about 06 - 07 hrs. The first part of the drive is through some very
spectacular Tea Gardens over a gradually descending road. The later part of
the drive we follow the mighty Rangit river, which is one of the main
tributaries of the Teesta river. Pemayangtse, lies in the west part of
Sikkim overlooking the mighty Kanchenjunga range. Enroute we stop at
Jorethang for an early lunch. Pemayangtse, monastery is one of the states
oldest and important monasteries. It was originally founded in 1705 but was
totally damaged in the earthquake of 1913 & 1960. It has been
constructed several times and belongs to the Tantric NYINGMAPA SECT. On
arrival in Pemayangtsee by late afternoon, check into Hotel. Late afternoon
visit Pemayangtsee monastery. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06 : Pemayangtse - Martham
After breakfast we commence drive towards Martham (1,800m) 04 hours. Meals
and overnight at resort.
Day 07 : Martham - Gangtok
Commence drive to Gangtok (1,600m)06 hours, through the heart of Sikkim.
The drive is over a winding road and occasionally passes through the
Cardamom plantations and Orange orchards. En route we stop to visit a
monastery. We arrive in Gangtok by late afternoon. Gangtok, is the capital
of the tiny Shangri-la and is dotted with some very interesting Monasteries,
The Kings Palace (which is out of bounds for the outside world) and numerous
other interesting places. Evening is at leisure for one gets the first
glimpse of this beautiful place. Meals & overnight at Hotel.
Day 08 : Gangtok
morning wake up to once again witness another spectacular sunrise of the
Kanchenjunga massif from Tashi viewpoint, which is, located 16 kms from
Gangtok. Return to hotel for breakfast followed by drive to Rumtek Monastery
which is situated 24 kms from Gangtok and is the seat of the KAGYU - PA SECT
of Tibetan Buddhism. This sect was founded in the 11th century by Lama
Marpa, The disciple of Indian Guru Naropa and later split into several
subjects. The most important of which are DRUK PA, KAGYU PA & KARMA PA.
The main monastery is a recent structure built in 1960 by the GYALWA KARMAPA
in strict accordance with the traditional designs of this monastery in
Tibet. After visit of the monastery we visit Dodrul Chorten and Sikkim
Research Institute of Tibetology, Orchid sanctuary and Institute of Cottage
Industries. Late afternoon walk to Enchey Monastery perched high above
Gangtok. Evening is free for shopping and other activities. Meals and
overnight at Hotel.
Day
09 : Gangtok - Kalimpong
After breakfast depart for Kalimpong (1,250m) 03 hrs, The road winds its
way through the hill side following the Teesta all along the way passing
through some of the most beautiful countryside in this region. Kalimpong, is
a bustling and rapidly growing town, though relatively small and is set
amongst the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalaya. Kalimpong,
attractions include Three monasteries, a couple of solidly built Churches,
Sericulture Center, Orchid Nurseries, and Library of Tibetan & Himalayan
language Culture. On arrival check into hotel. Afternoon is spent visiting
this town. Meals & Overnight HTL.
Day 10 : Kalimpong - Phuntsoling
After breakfast commence 05-hour drive to the border of Bhutan,
Phuntsoling. Meals & overnight at hotel.
Day 11 : Phuntsoling - Thimpu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu. The capital town passing countryside,
through villages & paddy fields. After noon sightseeing of Thimphu
valley, visiting Tashichhodzong" the seat of the government memorial
chorten. The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King &
handicraft emporium displaying rich traditional crafts of the Kingdom also,
you may be able to catch a game of Archery in progress at the Changlimethang
compound, just below the town. Evening explore the market. Meals &
overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : Thimphu - Punakha
Morning in Thimphu visit to national library, which has fascinating
collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, The painting school; famous for
traditional medicine institute; where centuries old healing arts still
practiced. Then proceed to Punakha cross Dochu la pass (3100m). The pass is
marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten & prayer flags. The pass offers the
most spectacular view over the high peaks of the Eastern Himalaya. On
arrival check-in to the hotel. Punakha served as the capital town of Bhutan
& still in the winter seat of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot. Visit to
Punakha dzong, built by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 17th century &
situated at the junction of Pho Chu & Mo Chu rivers. Later visit to
Punakha town & market. Meals & overnight at hotel.
Day
13 : Punakha - Paro
Drive to Paro, on arrival transfer to hotel. Paro is a picturesque valley
with quaint clusters of hamlets paddy fields. The town still maintains
traditions by way of architecture & the simple way of life. Afternoon
visit to Ta Dzong or National museum, rated among the best natural history
museum in Asia. The Ta Dzong offers a unique and varied collection raining
from ancient armor to textiles & thangkha paintings Than walk down the
trail to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built during the time of SHABDRUNG
NAWANG NAMYAGAL in 1646. It now houses the Paro monastic school & office
of the civil administration. Also is venue of Paro Tshchu, held ones a year
in spring. Meals & overnight at hotel.
Day 14 : Paro - Calcutta
The flight from Paro is one of the most spectacular of the mountain flight.
One can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu & other peaks of Bhutan
such as Chomolhari, Jichu Darke & Tsrim Khang. Assistance at airport
drives to the hotel.
Day 15 : Calcutta Departure
In time departure transfer from Hotel to International airport to catch
flight for International Destination
Corbett
National Park
