| Day 1 - Flight to India (New Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in New Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travellers to India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel. |
| Day 2 - New Delhi
In the morning we will have sightseeing in Old Delhi. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat" where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid and the great mosque of Old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and "Kutab Minar" which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before we proceed to the hotel we will drive through New Delhi where we will visit the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies. |
| Day 3 - New Delhi - Bagdogra (by air) - Darjeeling (about 100 km)
In the morning flight from Delhi to Bagdogra. From Bagdogra we will start our jeep safari. From Bagdogra in our jeeps we proceed north of the state through the coniferous forests and terraced tea gardens and arrive in Darjeeling (Darjeeling). Darjeeling (place of the thunderbolt) has spectacular scenery. Darjeeling 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. Due to its altitude of 2134 m and soothing temperature in summers Darjeeling has become a famous hill station in India. By clear weather we can enjoy the unforgettable views of Himalayas. |
| Day 4 - Darjeeling
Very early in the morning we drive in our jeeps to Tiger Hill to enjoy the sunrise at the Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill (2590 m) is the highest point in this area. There is a breathtaking view of the sunrise on Kanchenjunga. Mount Everest (8842) is also visible on a clear day. The moments of sunrise from Tiger Hill are described by most of the visitors as unforgettable. In the afternoon we explore Darjeeling and its surroundings. We visit the village Lablong where we get the detailed information about the natural surrounding and habitants of this area. We will visit the institute of mountaineering which is the First home of the famous climber Tenzing Norgay. It also has a small museum which houses all the equipment used on the first successful expedition on Everest by Tenzing Norgay & Sir Edmund Hillary. |
| Day 5 - Darjeeling - Pemayangtse (Sikkim)
Today in the morning after having our breakfast and a great jeep safari in West Bengal we enter into Sikkim. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. Sikkim, in the East Himalayas is sandwiched between Nepal to its west and Bhutan to its east. In the North lies China. Sikkim has so rich of flora, fauna and a diverse ethnic and cultural population as no other state in India. We drive through the forests and tea gardens and also follow the mighty Rangit River, which is one of the main tributaries of the Teesta River and proceed to Pemayangtse (The perfect Sublime Lotus). Pemayangtse lies in the western part of Sikkim overlooking the mighty Kanchenjunga range. We visit the headquarters of the Nyingama sect in Pemayangtse. We spend night in Pemayangtse. |
| Day 6 - Pemayangtse
Today we shall have an excursion to the monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order, which is known as Tashiding. The monastery of Tashiding lies nestled on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong River and the Rangit River and is surrounded by a profusion of Prayer flags that flutter in the air. There are also many chortans dedicated to some Chogyals and some religious personalities of Sikkim. Carved skillfully on stone plates surrounding the monastery are holly Buddhist mantras like "Om Mane Padme Hum" by the master craftsman Yanchong Lodil. We spend night in Pemayangtse. |
| Day 7 - Pemayangtse - Gangtok (about 200 km)
Today in the morning after having our breakfast we drive in our jeeps through wonderful landscaping to the capital city of the former Royal state of Sikkim. The drive is over a winding road and also passes through the Cardamom plantations and Orange orchards. 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 to get the first glimpse of this beautiful place. |
| Day 8 - Gangtok
Today in the morning after having our breakfast we drive to the monastery of Enchey. This monastery is believed to be 200 years old. The monks of this monastery belong to the Mahayana Buddhism. After the visit of Enchain monastery we proceed to Martha Village-Resort, where we have afternoon at leisure. Rest of the day is free to have walk in the local markets. |
| Day 9 - Gangtok
Today in the morning after having our breakfast we visit the unique Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop which was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. Here we will see the biggest collection of Tibetan scripts and an excellent collection of rare bronze and cult objects. We also visit orchid Sanctuary which is lying south of the institute. This sanctuary contains over 450 indigenous species. Sikkim is considered paradise for orchid lovers. After the visit of sanctuary we walk through the bazaar of Bangkok through the area of old palace and visit the monastery Gylwa. The Gyalwa Karmapa built this monastery in 1960 in strict accordance with the traditional designs of the monastery in Tibet. The main attraction of our excursion remains today the monastery of Rumtek. Rumtek monastery was built as a true copy of a Tibetan monastery in recent years. Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the Kagyu - Pa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This sect was founded in the 11th century by Lama Marpa, the disciple of Indian Guru Naropa and later split into several subjects. |
| Day 10 - Gangtok - Kalimpong
Today in the morning after having our breakfast we depart in our jeeps for Kalimpong. The road winds its way through the hillside following the Teesta all along the way passing through some of the most beautiful countryside in this region. Kalimpong is a bustling and rapidly growing town, though relatively small and is set amongst the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas. In Kalimpong various tourist attractions include various monasteries, a couple of solidly built Churches, Sericulture Center, Orchid Nurseries, and Library of Tibetan and Himalayan language Culture. |
| Day 11 - Kalimpong - Phuntsoling
In the morning after having our breakfast and exciting jeep drive in India we will cross the border between India and Bhutan. After various immigration formalities are cleared by the help of Indo Vacations representative we shall proceed to the hotel on the Bhutanese territory. Rest of the day at leisure at the hotel. |
| Day 12 - Phuntsoling - Thimpu (about 231 km)
Today we will have jeep safari in Bhutan and drive to Thimpu, capital city of Bhutan. At 7,710 feet in the fertile valley of the Wang Chu River, the capital Thimphu is an engaging blend of the old and the new Tibet. The capital's most striking visual landmark is the magnificent Taschichho-Dzong, which is the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body. Evening free for leisure. |
| Day 13 - Thimpu
Today in the morning after having our breakfast we visit the national library to see the rare and precious collection of Buddhism. Today we also visit a painting school and the center of the traditional medicines. In the evening we visit the Taschichho-Dzong von Thump und Memorial Chorten. The postage stamps of Bhutan are very famous. Therefore we shall drive to the main post office to see and buy the stamps. Evening free for leisure. |
| Day 14 - Thimpu - Punakha
Today in the morning after having our breakfast we drive in our jeeps to Punakha. On the way to Punakha we will cross the pass Dachu-La Pass (3100 m). This pass is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten & prayer flags. The pass offers the most spectacular view of the high peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. At 4,300 feet Punakha with its sub-tropical climate is Bhutan's ancient capital and winter seat of the Central Monastic Body. Punakha has its own festive, the Panache Douche that concludes with the Sera, a colourful re-enactment of an episode of the war against the invading Tibetans in the 17th century. The body of the Shabdrung, who died in 1651 while in meditation at Punakha, is preserved at the Dzong. After our arrival in Punakha we shall visit the unique Pungthang Decent Hording Dozing, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung. The Dzong is situated on a triangular spit of land at the confluence of the Mo chu and Pho chu River. |
| Day 15 - Punakha - Paro (about 180 km)
Today in the morning after having our breakfast we drive in our jeeps to Paro. At 7,382 feet Paro is the site of Bhutan's only airport and is the most beautiful western valley. Besides the Colourful Spring Festival, which is Tsechu, Paro has a number of sights and monuments to enthrall the visitor. The pastoral beauty of Paro valley, magnificent views of Mount Jhwmolhari, the incredible monastery of Tartan which clings to a sheer rock cliff, the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drupas) and the National Museum, housed in an ancient watchtower, are a few of the attractions that make Paro one of the high-points of any holidays in Bhutan. |
| Day 16 - Paro
Today we start our day by visiting the National Museum or Ta Dzong, rated among the best natural history museum in Asia. The Ta Dzong offers a unique and varied collection starting from ancient armor to textiles and thangkha paintings. After the visit of the National museum we go for an excursion to Takstang monastery. In April 1998 a fire destroyed the main structure of Tatiana Monastery, perhaps Bhutan's most photographed and famous site, perched on the side of a cliff 900m (2952ft) above the valley floor. It is also known as 'tiger's nest' because Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site on the back of a tigress in the eighth century. It has been one of the kingdom's most sacred sites ever since, and will be rebuilt in its original style once an auspicious date has been chosen. |
| Day 17 - Paro - New Delhi
Today we leave the country of dragons and drive early morning to the airport for a flight to New Delhi. Our jeep safari will end in Paro. By the afternoon we will arrive in New Delhi. Rest of the day at leisure. Rooms are available to get fresh and change before we depart to the airport with Indo Vacations representative. |
| Day 18 - New Delhi
Around midnight flight to home destination. |
