The Land of Himalaya (Sikkim & Bhutan)

11 Days

Group: 10 - 50 People

India

Best Season: Oct - March

HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Visit Mother Teresa's house in Kolkata.

  • View Sunrise over Mt Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.

  • Joy train ride in Toy train.

  • Excursion to Rumtek Monastery.

  • Drive through some of the most scenic lansdscapes of tea estates to Phuentsholing.

  • Sightseeing of the beautiful capital city of Bhutan - Thimpu.

  • Drive to Dochu La Pass for an excellent view of Himalayan peaks.

  • Excursion to Tiger's Nest.

ITINERARY:
  • Day 1: Departure
    Depart from home country.
  • Day 2: Arrive Kolkata
    Arrival at the airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to hotel.

    After breakfast in the hotel proceed for sightseeing, visiting Howrah bridge built on river Hooghly which connects the city of Kolkata with the industrial town of Howrah. Later drive pass the Dalhousie Square Writers Building, Raj Bhawan, Kolkata Town Hall and the St. John’s Church. Thereafter we visit Victoria Memorial, a massive dome building made of white marble brought from Rajasthan. After that we visit Mother Teresa’s House, here lies the mother’s tomb and photo gallery on Mother Teresa and her work. We transfer you to the hotel for wash and change rooms before transferring you to the International airport for your journey back home.

    Overnight in hotel.
  • Day 3 - Kolkata / Bagdogra / Darjeeling
    Transfer to Airport in Kolkata for onward flight to Bagdogra. On arrival at Bagdogra Airport you will be met by our local representative who will assist you to board your vehicle to Darjeeling, which is a drive of 65 km / 3 hrs.

    Overnight in hotel.
  • Day 4 - Darjeeling / Gangtok
    In the morning, we visit Tiger Hill to view sunrise over Kanchenjunga peak, which gets illuminated by the Sun rays before it falls on lower elevation. We visit Ghoom monastery, which has a 15 ft statue of Lord Buddha – one of the highest statues in Darjeeling. We also take a joy train ride in the Toy Train. Later, drive 90 km / 3 hrs to Gangtok.

    Overnight in hotel.
  • Day 5 - Gangtok
    After breakfast, we proceed for sightseeing of Gangtok, covering Rumtek Monastery, visible from the Gangtok town and 24 km trip to the southwest of the capital. The large Gompa of Rumtek is the main seat of Karma Kagyu lineage. We also see Droul Chorten, Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom (Closed on Sunday), Flower Show and Enchey Monastery. Evening free to explore Gangtok town and Lal Bazaar.

    Overnight in hotel.
  • Day 6 - Gangtok / Kalimpong
    Drive 65 km / 2 hrs to Kalimpong. Kalimpong is situated on the foothills of the Himalaya; it is a green destination at an altitude of 1243 m. It offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel. Later, we go for sightseeing through scenic roads to Forest Museum (closed on Thursday), Deolo Hill, Hanuman Mandir, Dr Graham’s Homes and Durbin monastery. Later, we roam around the local markets. Overnight in hotel.
  • Day 7 - Kalimpong / Phuentsholing
    We drive 175 km / 6 hrs to Phuentsholing through scenic landscape of tea estates. Phuentsholing is the entry point to Bhutan.

    Overnight in hotel.
  • Day 8 - Phuentsholing / Thimpu
    Passing through the beautiful landscape we proceed to Thimpu, which is a drive of 165 km / 6 hrs. Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan is a beautiful valley with a mixture of modern facilities and culture. Thimpu Valley has cradled its culture and tradition in a sustainable manner. The valley is surrounded by hills and provides outstanding views. On festival days, one can see colourful celebrations with music and dance in the dzongs.
  • Day 9 - Thimpu / Dochu La Pass / Paro
    After early breakfast, we do sightseeing of Thimpu. We visit Buddha Point, which has the largest statue of Buddha in Bhutan. We also visit Memorial Chorten, built in memory of third king of Bhutan. Bhutan places equal emphasis on allopathic and traditional medicines - we visit the Traditional Medicine Institute, Folk Heritage Museum and National Institute for ZorigChusum - the school of arts and crafts. Later, we drive 1 hr to Dochu La Pass, which provides a splendid panoramic view of the snow capped Himalayan peaks. We take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. Later, we drive 2 hrs to Paro.

    Overnight in hotel.
  • Day 10 - Paro
    After early breakfast, we drive up to the Ramthangka, base camp of Taktsang and then hike up to the most famous monastery Taktsang - the Tiger’s nest. Tea/coffee at the cafeteria. We continue walking to Taktsang Monastery. This magical monastery clings to the vertical granite cliff of 3,000 above the valley floor. It is believed that Guru meditated here in the 8th century. The disciples of Guru built the temple, which was later enlarged by Zhabdrung in the 17th century.
  • Day 11 - Paro / Kolkata / Departure
    After early breakfast, we do sightseeing of Thimpu. We visit Buddha Point, which has the largest statue of Buddha in Bhutan. We also visit Memorial Chorten, built in memory of third king of Bhutan. Bhutan places equal emphasis on allopathic and traditional medicines - we visit the Traditional Medicine Institute, Folk Heritage Museum and National Institute for ZorigChusum - the school of arts and crafts. Later, we drive 1 hr to Dochu La Pass, which provides a splendid panoramic view of the snow capped Himalayan peaks. We take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. Later, we drive 2 hrs to Paro.

    Overnight in hotel.