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 TeaGardens 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
Trek back to Gangotri and drive to Uttarkashi. O/n at Uttarkashi.
DAY 09 : Gangtok/Kalimpong
Early Morning departure for the drive to Haridwar/ Leopard Beach Tented
Camp.
DAY 10 : Kalimpong/Phuntsoling
Depart on the six hour drive to Delhi
DAY 11 : Phuntsoling/Thimphu
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 & overnigth 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, Kanchanjanga, 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
From
primarily a cultural tourist destination for several decades, India
has emerged as one of the most sought-after adventure destinations
for discerning international travelers. Perhaps no other single
country in the world offers the variety of adventure opportunities
as India does.
