Eastern India Sikkim and Bhutan (13 Days / 12 Nights)
This tour takes you to the lands of splendour and wonder. From the largest city of India, Kolkata, to the nature''s paradise of Sikkim, full of blooming orchids and flowing rivers to the verdant greenery till the eyes can reach of Bhutan. Bhutan is also known as the world''s last remaining Himalayan kingdom. Visiting the spectacular Paro and Thimpu valley reach back to Kolkata from where an extension to Bhubaneshwar Konark with an ancient world heritage site of the beautiful Sun temple and the seren beach of Puri can be undertaken.
Day 1: Kolkata
Thursday, May 23, 2024 - Friday, May 24, 2024
Upon arrival at Kolkata- the City Of Joy transfer to the hotel. Over night stay at hotel.
Day 2: Kolkata
Friday, May 24, 2024 - Saturday, May 25, 2024
Kolkata, capital of West Bengal is the nerve centre of intellectual and human values where many modern movements began in literature, art, cinema, theatre, science, politics and industry. Full day city tour visiting Howrah Bridge major - landmark of the city of joy. This hanging bridge is an architectural marvel of the country. The recently built Vidyasagar Setu, another architectural marvel, connects both the banks of the Hooghly River. Move onto
Victoria Memorial built of White Marble. It was opened by Prince of Wales in 1924 and has a statue of Queen Victoria with other innumerous exhibits. Visit the Indian Museum and 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 - Paro
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Sunday, May 26, 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 the mountain flights. One can see Mount Everest, the Kanchandzonga, 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 4: Paro - Thimphu
Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Monday, May 27, 2024
Morning proceed to Thimpu.One should occassionally stop on the way so as not to miss the magnificent view of the Brahmaputra plains and the Torsa river. Shorlty before entering Thimphu city, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Arrive and stay at Hotel DRUK or similar. Afternoon, visit to King's Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan and the most impressing building Tashichhodzong, the home of National Assembly and summer residence of Chief of monk body and visit to interesting Handicrafts Emporium and market.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 5: Thimphu
Monday, May 27, 2024 - Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Morning visit National Library, which houses vast collection of manuscripts and texts related with Buddhist studies and Painting School, is indeed pleasant experience where the age old style oftraditional Bhutanese painting is taught. Also visit the Traditional Medicine Institute. Where centuries old healing arts is still practised.Afternoon at leisure to visit Thimphu's Market.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 6: Thimphu - Dooars
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Morning proceed by road to Dooars. Enroute lunch halt at Phuntsholing. Arrive and stay at Hotel Sinclair's retreat.
Day 7: Dooars - Gangtok
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - Thursday, May 30, 2024
Morning proceed by road to Gangtok Arrive and check-in at Hotel.Afternoon visit Du-drul Chorten, the Research Institute of Tibetology, the most prestigious and one of its kinds in India. Visit the Orchid Sanctuary where it is possible to see almost 500 varities of Orchids. Evening visit Cottage Industries and explore Bazars for souvenirs.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 8: Gangtok
Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Friday, May 31, 2024
Morning visit the famous
Rumtek Monastery of great significance. The head of Kagyupa sect of Buddhism from Tibet was given refuge in Sikkim. He was granted land to build the monastery and finally raised Rumtek in 1960s. It is replica of the Taruphu monastery in Tibet, the residence of His Holiness and also the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre. Afternoon visit sacred Tsomgo Lake located at the height of 12,000 ft. that legend says is the lake of Gods. Feast your eyes on the beautiful flowers like RHODODENDRONS.
Day 9: Gangtok - Darjeeling
Friday, May 31, 2024 - Saturday, June 1, 2024
Morning proceed by road to Darjeeling.Arrive and check-in at Hotel.Afternoon at leisure to explore the local bazars.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 10: Darjeeling
Saturday, June 1, 2024 - Sunday, June 2, 2024
Darjeeling, ( 2123 m) popularly known as the Queen of the Hills, is the jewel in the crown of the East Himalayas and a perfect destination for nature lovers and trekkers.Early morning visit Tiger Hill to view Sunrise Over Kanchenjunga and the great Eastern Himalayan mountains. Even Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here. Tiger Hill is situated at an altitude of 2590 meters.(8482 ft.). Return via
Ghoom Monastery. It is one of the oldest Buddhist Monastery where manuscripts written on birch bark are preserved. Enjoy Toy Train Ride between
Ghoom & Darjeeling (subject to operation). Which has been awarded world heritage status by UNESCO. Afternoon half day city tour visiting Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre where you can see Tibetan Craftsman making traditional items like carpets, woolen boots, carvings and leather goods and onto Tea Gardens & Factory (within 20 kms radius). Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 11: Darjeeling - Kalimpong
Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Monday, June 3, 2024
Morning proceed by road to Kalimpong. Arrive and check-in at hotel at Hotel. Afternoon at leisure.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 12: Kalimpong
Monday, June 3, 2024 - Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Morning visit Dr.Graham's Homes School and the Tong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery. Also visit Seri Culture Institute on Silk Production. Afternoon take an Orchid Tour to neighbouring areas by Jeeps and partially by trek.
Day 13: Kalimpong - Kolkata
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Morning transfer to Bagdogra airport to leave by air for Kolkata. Arrive and transfer to International airport to fly back homeonward destination.
