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Day 01: Arrival Delhi- Assistance upon arrival followed transfer to hotel for overnight stay. Hotel Le Meridian with dinner.
Day 02: Delhi to Darjeeling- After breakfast transfer to Domestic airport to Connect flight to Bagdogra. Meeting and assistance on arrival in Bagdogra followed by 03-hour drive to Darjeeling. Darjeeling (2,135m) was built by the British in mid 1800 primarily an R & R centre for their troops. But over a period of time it has been recognized itself as one of the most important hill stations in India. Darjeeling still has a lot of the Old World charm of a typical English summer retreat. The road climbs very gradually along the tracks of the Ancient Toy Train, which was started as well by the British passing through numerous small villages and the important town of Kurseong. On arrival in Darjeeling check into Hotel. Rest of evening at leisure to explore this beautiful town. Hotel Mayfair Resort with dinner.
Day 03: Darjeeling- Early morning wake up around 0430 hrs and drive for about 30 minutes to see the dawn views over the Kanchenjunga (8,548m) massive and other Eastern Himalayan peak from the Famous Tiger Hill, incidentally Tiger Hill is the highest point of this area (2,540m) and is about 11 Kms from Darjeeling. On return one visits the famous Ghoom monastery, which is one of the most famous monasteries in Darjeeling; it also enshrines an image of "MAITREYA BUDDHA". Return to Hotel in time for breakfast. After breakfast we commence local sightseeing, visiting Botanical Gardens, Observatory Hill, Planters Club, and Bhutia Busty Monastery. Return to Hotel for Lunch. Afternoon visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the First home of the famous climber Tenzing Norgay….HMI, also has a small museum which houses all the equipment used on the First successful expedition on Everest lead by Tenzing Norgay & Sir Edmund Hillary…From here one drive to a nearby Tea Estate to get a first hand experience of the Famous Darjeeling Tea. Return to Hotel in the evening. Hotel Mayfair Resort with dinner.
Day 04: Darjeeling to Pemayangtse- After breakfast commence drive for Pemayangtse (2,045m), the drive takes about 06 - 07 hrs. The first part of the drive is through some very spectacular Tea Gardens over a gradually descending road. The later part of the drive we follow the mighty Rangit River, which is one of the main tributaries of the Teesta River. Pemayangtse lies in the west part of Sikkim overlooking the mighty Kanchenjunga range. Enroute we stop at Jorethang for an early lunch. It was originally founded in 1705 but was totally damaged in the earthquake of 1913 & 1960. It has been constructed several times and belongs to the Tantric NYINGMAPA SECT. On arrival in Pemayangtse by late afternoon, check into Hotel. Late afternoon visit Pemayangtse monastery which is one of the state’s oldest and important monasteries. The Pemayangtse Monastery draws religious sustenance from the Mindoling Monastery in Central Tibet. About a century ago, batches of monks from Pemayangtse were sent to Mindoling for instructions in strict discipline and rites. The practise is, of course, now discontinued.The monastery contains numerous antique idols and objects of worship and is filled with wall paintings and sculptures. A stand-out feature of the Monastery is a seven-tiered painted wooden structure on the top floor portraying the Guru Rimpoche’s Heavenly Palace ‘Santopalri’ which was completed single handily by the late Dungzin Rimpoche in a span of five years. Hotel Mount Padmin with dinner.
Day 05: Pemayangtse to Gangtok- Commence drive to Gangtok (1,600m) less than 02 hours total drive but visit to Rumtek Monastery will be a time consuming and a worth place to visit. The drive is over a winding road and occasionally passes through the Cardamom plantations and Orange orchards. En route we stop to visit Rumtek monastery and later have lunch before we proceed to Gangtok. We arrive in Gangtok by late afternoon. Gangtok is the capital of the tiny Shangri-la and is dotted with some very interesting Monasteries, The Kings Palace (which is out of bounds for the outside world) and numerous other interesting places. Evening is at leisure for one gets the first glimpse of this beautiful place. Norkhill Hotel with dinner.
Day 06: Gangtok full day to visit- DO DRUL CHORTEN, Enchey monastery and Tashiling which provides the fantastic sight of mount Kanchenjunga. If you have interest in orchid sanctuary, it should be visited which has 454 species of orchids. Namgyal Institute is built in 1958 as a seat of learning of Mahayana Buddhism. The day can be concluded with Tsuk la Khang and you can reach back to your hotel. Norkhill Hotel with dinner.
Day 07: Gangtok to Kalimpong: - Kalimpong once used to be the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor. It was ruled by Bhutan for 155 years, and was annexed by the British only in 1865, after which it flourished as a centre of wool trade with Tibet. Here Buddhism rubs shoulders with Hinduism and Christianity. Gompas, unusual churches, temples, monks andmissionaries coexist in a jovial society. The quaint bustling bazzar(markets), is a wanderers delight, and a Pandora's box of surprises containing Buddhist thankas, hand beaten silver, Bhutanese weaves, Chinese lamps, Lepcha daggers, masks and a lot more For this day too we have a lot of different places to visit including Dzongdogphelri Monastery, Flower Nursery, Tsongsa Monastery and walk around Kalimpong bazaar with a visit to Tibetan refugee centre and institute of Tibetology. The total drive will take about 4 hours. Himalayan Hotel with dinner.
Day 08: Kalimpong to Phunetsholing: (185 Kms/ 5 hours). After breakfast drive to Bhutan’s border town of Phunetsholing enroute passing through lush green tea gardens. The gateway to the south, Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills, Phunetsholing is a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of mingling of people and their culture. On arrival in Phuentsholing, met by our representative, after clearing immigration formalities, check in at the Hotel. Later visit Zangtho Pelri which is situated in city centre, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. On ground floor there are statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha’s life while the next floor contains eight Bodhisattavas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On top floor, there is a main statue of Amitabha. Later in the evening explore the local market. Hotel Lakhi or Druk or Centennial Hotel with all meals.
Day 09: Phuentsholing – Thimphu (180 km, 6 hours drive) After breakfast drive to Thimphu. Just 4 km ahead of Phuentsholing, visit Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery situated in garden of tropical plants and flowers. The monastery contains paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and plains of West Bengal and their tea gardens beyond. Proceed further to Thimphu. This entire drive is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Lunch would be served at Bunakha cafeteria and later after it about 10 Kms before Thimphu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies. Kisa hotel or Hotel Phuntsho Pelri or River view with all meals
Day 10: Thimphu full day sightseeing - After leisurely breakfast at hotel embark on the guided tour of Thimphu starting with a visit of National Library, 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 later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum- These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Kisa hotel or Hotel Phuntsho Pelri or River view with all mealsAfternoon visit 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 modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Conclude sightseeing with a visit of Trashichhodzong- this impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.Late afternoon or early evening visit Handicrafts Emporium government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture. Kisa hotel or Hotel Phuntsho Pelri or River view with all meals
Day 11: Thimphu / Trongsa (200 Km, 6 Hours) - After early breakfast, drive to Dochula pass (3,050m). If the weather permits, you can see a range of high Himalayan peaks towards the north east. The peaks on a clear day, can be seen from this pass are; Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Further drive onwards arriving Wangduephodrang town for lunch. The descent from Dochula into Wangduephodrang valley is quite long as the altitude difference is 1700 meters. Proceed to Tongsa across Pelela pass (3,300 m), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop enroute at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by a Lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Yankhil resort or Phueni lodge with all meals.
Day 12: Trongsa – Bumthang (68 km, 3-4 hrs approx)- Morning visit to striking Tongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in the afternoon and visit the 17th century Jakar Dzong and then Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century to mark the place where Guru Padmasambhava had meditated in the 8th century, leaving his body imprint on the rock. Wangdichholing resort or Jakar village lodge with all meals.
Day 13: Bumthang / Wangdue/ Punakha (205 Km, 6 Hours) - After breakfast explore fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Trongsa where lunch would be served in local restaurant, famous for its traditional cuisine. Before arriving Punakha visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and town enroute. Evening at leisure. Meri Punsum Resort with all meals.
Day 14: Punakha/ Paro (125 km, 4.1/2 hours drive)- Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct' 1994 caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa. Drive to Paro . Upon arrival check in at the Hotel. Later visit Ta Dzong which was once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in 1968. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors. Afterwards, walk down to a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Village Lodge or Kichu Resort or Namsey Choling or Olathang with all meals.
Day 15: Paro full day sightseeing- Morning after breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. Afternoon visit Drukgyel Dzong ; this Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong. Kyichu Lakhang, the next spot is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern. Village Lodge or Kichu Resort or Namsey Choling or Olathang with all meals.
Day 16: Fly to Delhi or Kathmandu and later fly home.
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