Himalayan Odyssey

Himalayan Odyssey

Known as the 'Queen of the Hills', Darjeeling was one of the most famous summer retreats of the British Raj. Stroll along the Mall to recapture the bygone heydays. Trek up to Tiger Hill to witness the spectacular sunrise over the peak of Kanchenjunga- Eastern Himalaya. On clear days you may be lucky enough to see the majestic peak of Kanchenjunga. Take the famous ‘Toy Train’, disembarking at Ghoom to visit the interesting Monastery. Other places. We also visit Gangtok and Kalimpong on this exotic journey through the Himalayas and through the Dragon Country – Bhutan, also known as the last “Shangri-La and, “Eden” have been doing rounds of more serious traveler. In Bhutan we give you an insight on of the corollaries to this Buddhist- inspired concept: humans will not be happy if their environment and its creatures aren’t. Tucked between the teeming Indian lowlands and the sere Tibetan Plateau, Bhutan is simply the most ecologically intact parcel of the Himalaya (or anywhere else, for that matter). We’ll visit some of the country’s most scenic valleys—Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, and Bumthang taking serene looks at gaily blooming wildflowers and rhododendrons and peacefully searching for the famed black necked cranes. Bhutan’s national parks are a birder’s Shangri-La (nuthatches and Ward’s dragons are stellar additions to a life list), and keep a lookout for the elusive Takin, a bizarre-looking creature whose nearest relative is the arctic musk ox.

Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days Touring

Day 01: Arrive Kolkata - Darjeeling, Day 02: Darjeeling, Day 03: Darjeeling - Kalimpong, Day 04: Kalimpong - Gangtok, Day 05: Gangtok,
Day 06: Gangtok - Phuentsholing, Day 07: Phuentsholing - Thimpu, Day 08: Thimpu, Day 09: Thimpu - Punakha, Day 10: Punakha - Paro,
Day 11: Paro, Day 12: Paro Departure

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leh, India © Sam D'Cruz plantations de thé, Kerala - Inde © globe-trotter

Day 01 : KOLKATA / BAGHDOGRA / DARJEELING

Short flight from Kalkota to Baghdogra. The flight winds its path through the Kanchenjunga mountain ranges and finally lands at Baghdogra airport, where you are met and proceed to Darjeeling. The drive is off course 4 hrs, but every minute you will be enthralled by the changing landscape. Perched at altitude of 2,134 m with a backdrop of mighty Himalayan peaks. In the early 1840s it was noticed that the climate of Darjeeling was very conducive to the growth of tea. Tea plantations were established and have expanded all over the area today because of growing demand. Darjeeling tea, which had a premium value in the international market, began to be called the 'Champagne of the East' and for years formed the mainstay of the economy of this area. Upon arrival you will check in at your hotel for overnight.

Day 02 : DARJEELING

Early today morning, you take a short drive to Tiger Hills. A spectacular view of sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak of the World. Pray for a clear sky, so you can catch a glimpse of the World’s highest peak- MT. EVEREST. You return to hotel for breakfast. Later you visit Ghoom monastery. Built in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatsho, a monk from Mongolia. The main feature of this Gelugpa monastery is the magnificent statue of Maitreya, This is followed by a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center where you can see Tibetan craftsmen making traditional items like carpet, woolen boots, wood carvings and feather goods. You return to your hotel by the Toy Train, which again is a piece of marvel of World Heritage. Overnight at the hotel

Day 03 : DARJEELING / KALIMPONG

After breakfast you undertake a 70 kms drive, which will take apprx 3 hrs to reach Kalimpong. Nestling at modest altitude of 1,250m, Kalimpong enjoys moderate climate. Forming a triangle with its more illustrious neighbors, it is known for flowers and nurseries. Entire hillsides are blaze with color during the season. Upon arrival you check in at your hotel. This afternoon visit Tharpa Choling Gompa belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, founded in the Tibet in the 14th century and to which the Dalai Lama belongs. Lower down the hill, the Thongsa Gompa, of Bhutanese Monastery, is the oldest monastery in the area and was founded in 1692. The present building is not so old - the original was destroyed by the Gorkha’s in their rampage across Sikkim before the arrival of the British. Later we visit to the flower nurseries. Kalimpong produces 80% of India's gladiolas and is an important orchid - growing area; flowers are exported from here to many cities in northern India. Return to your hotel for overnight.

Day 04 : KALIMPONG / GANGTOK

After breakfast you drive to Gangtok-the capital of Sikkim, located 77 kms from Kalimpong and will take apprx 3 hrs. A perfect symbol of the confluence of the past and present is Gangtok. Built on the flank of ridge, Gangtok is 1,600 m above sea level. The town’s unique ambience derives from the happy blend of tradition and modernity. Drive to Do-Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Research Institute of Tibetology & Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom. Do-Drul Chorten is one of the most important stupas built by Trulsi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingmapa order. It contains rare Mandalas of Dorje Phurpa, Holy Books, and Mantras. Enchey Monastery; is a 200 year old monastery was built on the site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Druptab Karpa, known for his flying powers. Research Institute of Tibetology is world-wide center for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion, a treasure house of rare ‘Thangkha’, Statues and over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art. Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom is the center for promoting and keeping alive the traditional arts and crafts, a veritable storehouse of exquisite carpets, blankets and shawls in Lepcha weaves. Return to your hotel for overnight.

Day 05 : GANGTOK

After breakfast, you take on an excursion to Rumtek Monastery. Rumtek Monastery is situated about 24 km from Gangtok. Rumtek Gompa, the largest and most powerful monastery in Sikkim. Traditional in design, Rumtek is a close replica of the original in Tibet. Rumtek is also an important centre for Kagyu teaching. Later in the afternoon visit Tashi View Point which offers enchanting view of Mount. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world. Return to your hotel for overnight.

Day 06 : GANGTOK / PHUENTSHOLING

After breakfast drive to Bhutan’s border town of Phuentsholing at a distance of 200 kms and will take apprx 6 hrs. En-route passing through lush green tea gardens. The gateway to the south, Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills, Phuentsholing is a classic mixture of Indian and Bhutanese culture. Arrive and check in at your hotel. Evening visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang, the temple representing heaven of Guru Rinpoche. Then take a stroll around town and local market. Return to your hotel dionner & overnight.

Day 07 : PHUENTSHOLING / THIMPHU

After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, at a distance of 180 kms and will take apprx 6 hrs. The modern capital town of Bhutan. situated at the altitude of 2,400m. 4 km ahead of Phunetsholing, visit Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery built by Royal Grand Mother. The drive from Phuentsholing is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Near Thimphu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the school for Buddhist studies. Upon arrival, you check in at your hotel, followed by dinner & overnight stay.

Day 08 : THIMPHU

After breakfast Thimphu sightseeing, which includes, visit to National Memorial Chorten & Trashichhodzong. 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. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. 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. Return to hotel for lunch and later Textile and Folk Heritage Museum & Handicrafts Emporium. Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Handicrafts Emporium: This 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. Dinner & overnight is at the hotel.

Day 09 : THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (75 KM, 3 HOURS DRIVE)

After breakfast drive to Punakha, at a distance of 75 kms and will take apprx 3 hrs. You drive up to Dochu-la pass at 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang, Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, Zongphugang & Gangkar, the highest peak in Bhutan. On arrival, check into your hotel. After having lunch at the hotel, drive to Punakha Dzong. The 17th century fortress which has played important role in building up of modern Bhutan followed by visit to local market. Then visit, Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, the newly built stupa. Proceed to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17th century and later visit to Khamsm Yulley Namgyal Chhorten. Then drive to Wangduephodrang, the last town before central Bhutan. The town is like an enlarged village with its interesting local market. Visit majestic Wangduephodrang Dzong sitting on the top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers. Return for dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 : PUNAKHA – PARO (125 Km, 4.1/2 Hours drive)

After breakfast drive to Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong. 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. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 : PARO

After breakfast drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. Drukgyel Dzong is18 km from Paro on the northern side of the valley. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. After lunch proceed for an excursion to Taktsang Monastery. The most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 : DEPART PARO

After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our package tour prices are inclusive of transfers and tours as mentioned with English speaking guide, baggage handling, entrance fees, accommodation with breakfast, service charges and Taxes. Not included are other meals than mentioned in the program, optional tours, expenditures of personal nature

Please complete the form below to get our latest rates for this AMAZING travel programme. You will get your free quote within 24 hours.