Sikkim-Darjeeling-Bhutan |
| The Himalayas, the most
fragile ecosystem in the world, land of myths and legends, the cradle
of ancient kingdoms that survived thanks to their bravery and their
isolation. Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan are closely related both
culturally and spiritually, but each has retained its originality, its
lifestyle and its own culture. Name of Program : Sikkim-Darjeeling-Bhutan Places Visit : Delhi or Kolkata-Bagdogra-Darjeeling-Pelling-Gangtok-Kalimpong-Puntsoling-Thimpu-Punakha-Paro-Kolkata or Delhi Dep. Duration : 14 Nights Best Time : Except June-July-Aug. (monsoon) Day 1: Arrival Delhi or Kolkata, and transfer to hotel. Installation and overnight stay. Day 2 : Kolkata : Visit this city of vivid contrasts, a curious mixture of old and new, east and west, giving Kolkata charm in a breathtaking excitement and confusion. Lunch specialties Bengali. You will find the memorial of Queen Victoria, one of the finest museums in Asia, St. Paul's Cathedral and the "Indian Museum, one of the best collections of Indian art and temple of Kali (Kalighat), who gave his name in Calcutta and the memorial of Mother Teresa. Delhi : Visit Old and New Delhi combined sightseeing, Red Fort, Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial) Akshardham Swainarayan Temple, Government Buildings, Humayuns Tomb, Qutab Minar, & Lotus temple. Overnight at hotel. Day 3: Kolkata OR Delhi -Bagdogra (Flight) - Darjeeling (4h-95km). Flight to Bagdogra and transfer by bus t or jeeps to Darjeeling, charming colonial town perched along a steep hill of the Himalayas amidst tea plantations. The population of Tibetan and Nepalese party gives the city a unique character. City has many temples and craft markets. Day 4: Darjeeling. Early morning excursion to Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise and its reflection on the great chain of Kanchenjunga. After breakfast, climb aboard the legendary train Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, World Heritage of Unesco to reach the Tibetan Ghoom monastery, dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha belonging to the sect of the Yellow Hats. Afternoon, visit to the city of Darjeeling situated on one of the most beautiful hills of eastern India, visiting a tea plantation, the racecourse, the village of Lablong, the HMI & Zoo the first heroes of Everest Mr Tenzing Norgey. Rest of the time visit Chowrasta. Dinner with the locals. Day 5 : Darjeeling-Pemayangtse-Pelling (6hrs-110km). After breakfast drive to Pelling (Sikkim), Pelling the town with a magnificent view of the Khangchendzonga. Visit the beautiful monastery Pemayangste (the sublime Lotus) founded in 1705, one of the oldest monasteries and most important of Sikkim. The afternoon ruins Rabtense located at 2805m in the Snowy Mountains. Rest of the time leisure for individual activities. Overnight at hotel. Day 6: Pelling-Gangtok (7am-116km). Early morning drive through beautiful landscapes (teak, magnolia, etc.), to Gangtok, via Ravang la capital of modern Sikkim, a small kingdom annexed to India in 1975 whose name means "top of my hill." The landscape is impressive and one can admire the panorama on the Khangchendzonga from the city. On arrival check in hotel rest of the time leisure. Overnight at hotel. Day 7: Gangtok. The morning excursion to Rumtek Monastery, the return visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which contains one of the largest libraries in the Buddhist world and Chorten (monument to the memory of the dead), the sanctuary of Orchids (seasonal ) and after lunch, visit the charming monastery Enchey offering magnificent views over the town, its bazaar on the road to Nathula and craft center. Day 8: Gangtok-Kalimpong (3h-60km) route (4h) to Kalimpong in Bengal, although welcoming city bazaar, nestled among rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas. Check into your hotel and visit the afternoon of the monastery Zang Do Phelri of Phobrang and the market town bustling bazaar.Overnight hotel. Day 9: Kalimpong-Phuentsholing (7am-220km). Departure for the Kingdom of Bhutan by road along the Tista river to the "Coronation bridge" and transfer to hotel. The afternoon visit to Phuentsholing, a thriving market town situated on the hills of the Himalayas, a perfect example of mixing and coexistence of cultures between India and Bhutan. Visit Zangtho Petri Lhakhang, a small temple built in the center of town, and stroll around the bustling market town. Day 10: Phuentsholing-Thimpu (8h-180km). Road to Thimphu. Visit Kharbanda Gompa, a monastery located in a beautiful tropical garden with a beautiful panoramic view over the plains of West Bengal. Arrival at the hotel late afternoon, free time for personal discovery of the town and its market. Day 11: Thimpu. Sightseeing: National Library and its large collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the national institute of traditional Tibetan medicine, a school of painting Tangka, a traditional workshop, the Memorial Chorten stupa which without interruption the faithful are murmuring incantations turning their prayer wheels and the oldest monastery Chang Gang Kha Lakhang. Day 12: Thimpu-Punakha (3h-90km) Route for Punakaha (3h) by Dochula Pass the 108 stupas, you'll have a spectacular view of the highest Himalayan peaks (up to 3088m). Arrive former capital Punakha, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo. Visit Punakha Dzong, the former political center of Bhutan. Day 13: Punakha-Paro (4hrs-110km) Early morning departure to Paro (5h). Visit Ta Dzong, which was once the "Watchtower", which is now the national museum (rich collection of ancient paintings Tangkha, textiles, armor, etc..). Walk to Rinpung Dzong, "the fortress of jewels." Day 14: Paro. Walking (6am) until Taktsang Monastery (one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan, meditation place of Guru Rinpoche) and ruins of ancient fortress Drukgyel Dzong. Day 15: Paro-Calcutta-Paris (flight). Free until transfer to airport for your return flight to Calcutta or Delhi, rest of the time leisure for individual activities, later in time dep. transfer to airport return flight home. |
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