Sikkim - Bhutan

Sikkim - Bhutan Overland Tour

DAY 01: Arrival Calcutta or Delhi
Assistance upon arrival followed transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 02: Delhi or Calcutta
Full day city sightseeing.

DAY 03: Delhi or Calcutta/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 center 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. Evening Tour briefing at the Hotel by Trek Manager. Meals & Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 04 : 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. Meals & overnight at Hotel.

DAY 05: Darjeeling/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. Pemayangtse, monastery is one of the states oldest and important monasteries. 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. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 06: Pemayangtse/Martham
After breakfast we commence drive towards Martham (1,800m) 04 hours. Meals and overnight at resort.

DAY 07: Martham/Gangtok
Commence drive to Gangtok (1,600m) 06 hours, through the heart of Sikkim. The drive is over a winding road and occasionally passes through the Cardamom plantations and Orange orchards. En route we stop to visit a monastery. 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. Meals & overnight at Hotel.

DAY 08: Gangtok

DAY 09: Gangtok/Kalimpong: Morning sightseeing of Gangtok visit: Rumtek monastery, Tibetan refugee centre and institute of Tibetology. Afternoon drive to Kalimpong - 04 hrs drives. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 10: Kalimpong/Phuntsoling After leisurely breakfast we return to plains along the main road through Assam to reach the Bhutan frontier at Phuntsholing. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 11: Phuntsoling/Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu. The capital town passing countryside, through villages & paddy fields. After noon sightseeing of Thimphu valley, visiting Tashichhodzong" the seat of the government memorial chorten. The Stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King & handicraft emporium displaying rich traditional crafts of the Kingdom also, you may be able to catch a game of Archery in progress at the Changlimethang compound, just below the town. Evening explore the market. Meals & overnight at the hotel.

DAY 12: Thimphu / Punakha
Morning in Thimphu visit to national library, which has fascinating collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the painting school; famous for traditional medicine institute; where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Then proceed to Punakha cross Dochu la pass (3100m). The pass is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten & prayer flags. The pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the Eastern Himalaya. On arrival check-in to the hotel. Punakha served as the capital town of Bhutan & still in the winter seat of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot. Visit to Punakha dzong, built by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 17th century & situated at the junction of Pho Chu & Mo Chu Rivers. Later visit to Punakha town & market. Meals & overnight at hotel.

DAY 13: Punakha/Paro
Drive to Paro, on arrival transfer to hotel. Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint clusters of hamlets paddy fields. The town still maintains traditions by way of architecture & the simple way of life. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong or National museum, rated among the best natural history museum in Asia. The Ta Dzong offers a unique and varied collection raining from ancient armor to textiles & thankas paintings then walk down the trail to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built during the time of SHABDRUNG NAWANG NAMYAGAL in 1646. It now houses the Paro monastic school & office of the civil administration. Also is venue of Paro Tshchu, held ones a year in spring. Meals & overnight at hotel.

DAY 14: Paro/Calcutta
The flight from Paro is one of the most spectacular of the mountain flight. One can see Mt. Everest, Kanchanjanga, Makalu & other peaks of Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Darke & Tsrim Khang. Assistance at airport drives to the hotel.

DAY 15: Fly home.