Bhutan - Sikkim

Places to visit : Delhi - Paro - Punakha - Thimpu - Dooars - Darjeeling - Gangtok - Kalimpong ­Bagdogra
Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days

Day 01: Aboard - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi , a warm welcome with flower garlands and transfer to hotel . overnight

Day 02: Delhi
Morning full day sightseeing in Old & New Delhi . overnight at hotel .

Day 03: Delhi - Paro by Druk Air
In clear weather, Druk Air's flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Calcutta, it is a breathtaking journey,culrrinating in all exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. Received by our representative at the airport and after completion of airport formalitie!i, drive t:hrough lovely valley of Paro to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel In Paro.

Day 04: Paro - Punakha (125 km, 4.1/2 hours)
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess" can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Along the way, see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalaya -as by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Then visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection Includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ("fortress of the heap of jewels") which has a long and fasdnating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Mllarepa, Mount. Sumeru 3nd other cosmic Mandala. Later drive to Punakha. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha - Thimphu (75 km, 2.1/2 hrs)
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the seat of government moved to Thlmphu. Originally situated on the riverbank and dominated by the towering walls of Pu.lakha Dzong, the township was relocated to a safer site a few kilometers down the valley, consequent upon extensive flooding In the early 1990s. At the same time, extensive renovation work was undertaken on Punakha Dzong itself, which is now a breathtaking and glorious site as you first glimpse it from the road. Although four catastrophic fires and an earthquake in past times destroyed many historic documents, Punakha Dzong still houses many sacred and historic artifacts and also the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Also visit in Punakha, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the newly built stupa. Later drive to Wangduephodrang, the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. Situated on a ridge overlooking a river junction, the formidable Wangduephodrang Dzcng is the town's most visible feature. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country. Also visit the local market.
Afternoon drive to Thimphu for overnight stay.

Day 06: Thimphu
Today's full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit to; National Ubrary, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion; Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened In 2001, provide fascinating Insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King ("the Father of modem Bhutan") and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight Into Buddhist philosophy. Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat bU,ilding, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monkbody, Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand­woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 07: Thimphu - Dooars (290 km, 8 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Phuentsholing en route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, v'hich now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Thimphu / Phunetsholing road was built in 1962 b';' Dantak, the Indian Border road organization. The drive on this route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Just before, arriving Phunetsholing, visit Kharbandi Gompa. This beautiful monastery situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers, was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron in 1967. There is a splendid view of Phuentsholing town and the Indian plains from the monastery garden. After a short break drive further to Dooars.

Day 08: Dooars - Darjeeling
Morning drive to Darjeeling , afternoon at leiusre . Overnight at Hotel

Day 09: Darjeeling
Early morning excursion to Tiger Hili and Ghoom Monasery , after breakfast city sightseeing in darjeeling visiting Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoologocal Park , Tibetan camp and local bazaar, aftaernoon at leisure . overnight at Hotel

Day 10: Darjeellng
Morning excursion to Happy Valley Tea Estate, afterncon Toy train ride. Overnight at Hotel

Day 11: Darjeeling - Gangtok
Morning drive to Gangtok , afternoon at leisure . Overnight at Hotel

Day 12: Gangtok
Morning full day excl1rsion to Phodong Monastery . Overnight at Hotel .

Day 13: Gangtok
Morning excursion to Rumtel Monastery & Institute of Tlbetology. Afternoon sightseeing in Gangtok to include Cottage industry, Enchey Monastery, local bazaar. Overnight at Hotel

Day 14: Gangtok - Kalimpong
Morning drive to Kalimpong , afternoon sightseelng in Kalimpong to Include Durpin Monastery, Flower Nursary and Bazzar. Overnight at Hotel

Day 15: Kalimpong - Bagdogra - Delhi
Morning transfer to airport to connect flight to Delhi, on arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 16: Delhi - departure
Early morning transfer to airport for your onward flight




Bhutan - Sikkim Reservation Form

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