Best time : April to June & Mid Sept to December.
Red
Tape : Need permission (for details contact us)
Day
1, Arrive Kolkata: Assistance and garland welcome on arrival and
transfer to pre-booked. Morning free. Afternoon sightseeing around Calcutta,
originally three small villages stood here upon the banks of the Hooghly,
one was devoted to the fearsome goddess Kali of the Hindu Pantheon and was
called Kalikata, later anglicized to Calcutta. We visit Victoria Memorial,
the most solid reminder of the Raj to be found in India. Built in white
marble, it represents a combination of classical European architecture with
Moghul influences. Also visit Kali Temple. Return to hotel for overnight.
Day 2, Kolkata - Bagdogra - Darjeeling :
Today we fly to Bagdogra, and then drive by road to Darjeeling (the name
means 'Place of Thunderbolt") founded by British in the 19th century,
Darjeeling is spectacularly set on a ridge surrounded by snowcapped
mountains and dense conifer forests. The town is full of exotic bazaars and
markets selling colourful handicrafts. We stay in a charming hotel.
Day
3, Darjeeling : Early morning drive to Tiger Hill (2590 M) for the
stunning sunrise over the mighty Kanchenjunga. Return to Darjeeling via
Ghoom Buddhist monastery, which belongs to the Yellow Sect. Afternoon visit
to Happy Valley Tea Estate.
Day 4, Darjeeling -
Gangtok : After breakfasta 105 kms spectacular mountain drive takes
us to Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, which is perched on a ridge above Ranipul
River. The views across to Kanchenjunga (third highest mountain in the
world) and the peaks on the Singali Ridge between Nepal and Sikkim are
stunning. We stay in beautiful hotel for 2 nights.
Day
5, Gangtok : Today we visit the Tibetan Style Rumtek Monastery, the
monastery is the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kangyupa sect of
Tibetan Buddhism. The seat was founded in the 11th century. We also visit
the institute of Tibetology, established in 1958 to promote the language and
cultural traditions of Tibet. There is a comprehensive library, stocked with
manuscripts brought from Tibet, together with many valuable tankas.
Overnight in hotel.
Day
6, Gangtok - Puntsholing : After breakfast we continue our drive to
Phuntsholing, gateway to Bhutan. Lunch enroute. Overnight in hotel.
Day
7 : Morning visit to Kharbandi Monastery and then fascinating drive
through jungle - clad mountains and passes to the capital of Bhutan - Thimpu
(7,500 fts). Bhutan is a land of spectacular contrasts and stunning beauty.
Overnight in Hotel.
Day 8 : The day
begins with a visit to the National Memorial chorten built in honor of late
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Also visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses the seat
of Government and is also the nations largest monastery and the summer abode
of 2000 monks. After lunch we visit to the Traditional Medicine Institute
where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Evening free
for shopping. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 9 :
Today we drive 2 hrs. to the beautiful valley of Paro (7,500 fts), located
on the old trade route to Tibet. Transfer to Hotel Afternoon, a thrilling
uphill walk to visit the 300 year old Taktsang monastery. Ponies can be
provided for those who feel the walks too strenuous. Overnight in hotel.
Day
10 : After breakfast fly with Druk Air to Kolkata. Arrive and
transfer to the hotel.
Day 11 : Day at
leisure and independent activities (rooms retained until 1200hrs). Late
night transfer to the airport.
Day 12 : Early
morning flight back to your home country.
House
Boat