HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit the old cities of Patan & Bhaktapur in Nepal.

• Sightseeing of Swayambunath Stupa.

• Visit Kumari Palace - house of the Living Goddess.

• Scenic view of the Himalaya, including Mt Everest on flight to Pokhara.

• Boating in Phewa lake in Pokhara.

• Excellent view of Sunrise on Annapurna Peak from Peace Temple in Pokhara, Nepal.

• Excursion to Tiger's Nest in Paro, Bhutan.

• Visit Dochu La for an excellent view of Himalayan peaks in Bhutan.

• Visit Rumtek monastery in Gangtok.

• Joy ride in Toy train in Darjeeling.

• Visit the house of Mother Teresa in Kolkata.

This is an elevating cultural journey through the three Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim. Our journey begins in Kathmandu – the capital of Nepal which is an unforgettable cultural assortment of Hindu and Buddhist ethnicity. We see the marvelous old cities of Patan and Bhaktapur and visit Swayambunath Stupa – a jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography. We also visit Pokhara, from where we see the spectacular sunrise on Annapurna mountain before flying eastwards to the land of happiness – Bhutan. We explore the pristine life and nature of Bhutan, visiting some of the important landmarks such as Tiger’s Nest and Traditional Medicinal Institute where medicines from herbal plants are prepared and dispensed. We also visit old, traditional Bhutanese house to see the unhampered beauty that lies in the nation in the era of modernism. We then finally drive through scenic landscape and enter North East India. We visit Gangtok and Rumtek Monastery, which is the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage or the Black Hat Lamas. Driving through the green tea estates of the world-famous Darjeeling Tea, we reach Darjeeling. We make an excursion to Tiger Hill to view sunrise on Mt Kanchenjunga – the third highest peak in the world and take a joy ride in the Toy Train through scenic landscapes. Our journey ends in Kolkata, where we visit the chaotic rush of the second biggest city of India and see some of the prominent places of the city such as the house of Mother Teresa and Victoria Memorial before bidding farewell to the Himalaya and the Himalayan kingdoms.

ITINERARY:

• Day 1: Kathmandu
  Arrive in Kathmandu, where you will be received by our representative and transferred to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or for independent activities. Overnight in hotel.
• Day 2: Kathmandu
  Early in the morning, we visit Swayambunath Stupa, which is about 20 mins’ drive from Kathmandu. Later, we go for sightseeing of Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka and Kumari Palace - House of the Living Goddess. After sightseeing, we drive 1 hr to the old city of Bhaktapur, which is one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu valley. It is rich in architectural beauty and is filled with Hindu and Buddhist religious sites. We do sightseeing of this old city and drive back to Kathmandu.
  
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 3 - Kathmandu / Pokhara
  In the morning, we visit Swayambunath Stupa (about 20 mins’ drive from Kathmandu). Later, we transfer you to the airport for flight to Pokhara. In the evening, visit Phewa Lake and do boating.
  
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 4 - Pokhara / Kathmandu
  In the morning, view sunrise on Annapurna peak. Later, we drive 5 hrs through scenic landscapes to Kathmandu.
  
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 5 - Kathmandu / Paro
  We take a flight to Paro. Upon arrival in the airport, our representative will receive and transfer you to the hotel.
  
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 6 - Kathmandu / Paro
  We take a flight to Paro. Upon arrival in the airport, our representative will receive and transfer you to the hotel.
  
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 7 - Paro / Thimpu
  In the morning, we do an excursion to the famous Taktsang monastery, known as the Tiger’s Nest. Later, drive 50 km / 2 hrs to Thimpu – the capital of Bhutan. It 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.
  
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 8 - Thimpu / Dochu La Pass / Thimpu
  Drive 1 hr to Dochu La pass. We take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear the following peaks can be seen from the pass – Masagang (7158 m), Tsendagang (6960 m), Terigang (7060 m), etc. Later, we drive back to Thimpu. Overnight in hotel.
• Day 9 - Thimpu / Phuentsholing
  We drive 165 km / 6 hrs to Phuentsholing, which lies at the border of India and Bhutan and is the entry point. Overnight in hotel.
• Day 10 - Phuentsholing / Kalimpong
  We drive 175 km / 6 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. Overnight in hotel.
• Day 11 - Kalimpong / Gangtok
  Today, 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, drive 65 km / 2 hrs to Gangtok. Overnight in hotel.
• Day 12 - 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 13 - Gangtok / Darjeeling
  We drive 90 km / 3 hrs to Darjeeling. We visit Ghoom monastery, which has a 15 ft tall statue of Lord Buddha – considered to be the oldest and the biggest in Darjeeling. We also take a train ride in the Toy train of Darjeeling.
  
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 14 - Darjeeling / Bagdogra / Kolkata
  In the morning, we visit Tiger Hill to view sunrise over Kanchenjunga peak, which gets illuminated before the Sun rays reach the lower elevations. Later, we drive 65 km / 3 hrs to Bagdogra. We take flight to Kolkata.
  
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 15 - Kolkata / Departure
  After breakfast, we 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. Later, transfer to airport for your journey back home.