East India Nepal and Bhutan (12 Days / 11 Nights)
Start with the largest city of India, Kolkata and proceed to Nepal, with wonderful mountainous landscape of the mighty Himalayas, including the majestic Mount Everest.
Then travel on the eastern frontier of India, into Bhutam, known as the last Shangrila on earth. After taking a fascinating excursions in the natural heritage of Himalayas, return to Kolkata from where one can take extension of the Eastern triangle, which includes the ancient world heritage site of Konark and the serene beaches of Puri.
Day 1: Kolkata
Thursday, May 23, 2024 - Friday, May 24, 2024
Arrive at Kolkata, THE CITY OF JOY. Transfer to hotel, check in and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2: Kolkata
Friday, May 24, 2024 - Saturday, May 25, 2024
Kolkata, capital of West Bengal is the misture of old and new and rich and poor.
Post b/f in the morning, take a full day city tour visiting Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu, connecting both the banks of the Hooghly River. Later visit the
Victoria Memorial and the Indian Museum. Drive past
Dalhousie Square,
St. Paul's Cathedral, National Library, Shaheed Minar, Eden Garden, Fort William and city centre. Optional visit to Mother Teresa's home of Charity. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Kolkata - Kathmandu
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Sunday, May 26, 2024
Transfer to airport to leave by air for Kathmandu. Arrive andtransfer to Hotel Evening try your luck at Casino.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 4: Kathmandu
Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Monday, May 27, 2024
Morning OPTIONAL MOUNTAIN FLIGHT (Approx. One Hour Duration) to have an aerial view of the mighty Himalayan Peaks including Mt. Everest. This is the closest one can go to the peaks without having to trek. OR Browse through bazars.Afternoon visit Kathmandu city-known as Kantipur. the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Visit the temple of the Living Goddess who will acknowledge the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, the Durbar Square are with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the NepaleseRoyalty. Later visit the famous Swayambhunath - Buddhist stupa is said to be 2000 yrs. old.Evening try your luck at Casino. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 5: Kathmandu
Monday, May 27, 2024 - Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Morning half day visit Patan also known as Lalitpur, is the city of fine arts. Enclosed within four stupas, the city is said to be built in the 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. Also visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft centre, where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and moulding of metal statues.Afternoon visit Boudhnath- stupa which is one of the biggest stupas of the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity; onto Bhadgaon-Also known as Bhaktapur meaning the city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. This place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. Later visit the famous PASHUPATINATH - Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple of Lord Shiva-Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture, (Entrance into the temple premesis is permitted to the Hindus only) Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 6: Kathmandu - Paro
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Transfer to airport to leave by Druk air for Paro. ( P.S. The flight has limited operations.)The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Mount Everest, Mount Kanchadzonga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Arrive and transfer to Hotel DRUK or similar. Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint clusters of hamlets amidst terraced paddy fields. The town still maintains traditions by way of its architecture and the simple way of life. Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and a traditional Bhutanese Farm House. Evening at leisure to visit local shops. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 7: Paro - Thimphu
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - Thursday, May 30, 2024
Morning after breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom. Arrive and stay at Hotel DRUK or similar Afternoon, visit to King's Memorial Chorten, majestic Tashichhodzong, interesting Handicrafts Emporium and market.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 8: Thimphu - Punakha
Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Friday, May 31, 2024
Morning visit National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute for TeaCoffee at Dochula pass(3,100 m) and enjoy mountain scenery.
Day 9: Punakha - Paro
Friday, May 31, 2024 - Saturday, June 1, 2024
Morning proceed to Paro. Enroute lunch halt at ThimphuArrive and stay at Hotel DRUK or similar. Late afternoon visit Ta Dzong ( National Museum ) and then walk down the trail to see, Rinpung Dzong.
Day 10: Paro - Kolkata - Puri
Saturday, June 1, 2024 - Sunday, June 2, 2024
Transfer to airport to leave by Druk air for KolkataArrive and transfer to Hotel.Afternoon free to buy souveniers. Evening transfer to Railway Station to leave by Howrah Puri Express Train in the late evening by AC Sleeper ( overnight in the train).
Day 11: Puri
Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Monday, June 3, 2024
Arrive Puri in the morning and transfer to Hotel. Morning visit Jaganath Temple-situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It has the largest kitchen of the world feeding thousands of devotees every day with its unique food called MAHAPRASAD. Afternoon visit the famous Sun Temple at Konark with its fantastic quietness on the wind swept Sand-dunes of the blue bay an amidst the palm and casuarina planations is a breath taking. The Konark Temple formerly known as Black Pagoda is an architectural grandeur of the mythical chariot of the Sun-God speeding across the heaven. Seven impetuous horses attempt to pull the massive chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels on the two sides. The Sun Temple is a living testimony of the speculative and artistic sensibility of a race that once new how to live, love, worship and create. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 12: Puri - Bhubaneshwar - Kolkata
Monday, June 3, 2024 - Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Morning relax on the Sunny Beach. Puri beach is one of the finest beaches of the world. Afternoon transfer to Bhubaneshwar Airport enroute Pipli Village famous for its colourful applique Works.Arrive and leave by air for Kolkata. Arrive and transfer to International Airport to leave back homeonward destination.
