Journey to Himalayas - Bhutan, Darjeeling and Sikkim 11 Days / 10 Nights
The Journeys to Himalayas will take you to the three Himalayan jewels of Bhutan, Sikkim and Darjeeling. Discover Sikkim, a perfect gateway for those seeking fascination or adventure. You will also tour Darjeeling, which is internationally acclaimed as one of the best hill stations in the world.
Darjeeling provides the perfect atmosphere of a hill resort with its mild climate and laid-back charm. Its lush hills and valleys are steeped in color, and are interspersed with vast stretches of lush green tea gardens. You will visit Kalimpong, 50 km to the east of Darjeeling, is a quite little town, which was once a hub for the trans-Himalayan trade between Indian and Tibet. Visit Sikkim, where the fascinating colors of nature are matched by the colorful imagination of a friendly and charming people.
Day 1: ARRIVE PARO:
During the journey, the traveler will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekkers (Tours). Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide.
After lunch drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16 kilometers away from Paro town. Although it has been in ruin but this Dzong has its great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess). Its altitude is 7,329m.Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple). Which was built in 659 AD by the King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest place in the country, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Visit National Museum which used to be a watch tower for Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress). It was converted into Museum in 1968. Visit Paro Rimpong Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1646 AD, and walk down to town one the way you can see the traditional wood bridge of ancient style.Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and sightseeing trip to the Paro town.
Over night in Paro.
Day 2: PARO - THIMPHU
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche, great Indian spiritual master, is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the afternoon you will drive to Thimphu. In the evening you can explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and absorb the lifestyle of the people. You can also visit some interesting handicraft shops.
Over night in Thimphu.
Day 3: THIMPHU – SIGHT SEEING
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the ational Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory and the majestic Tashichhodzong.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: THIMPHU – WANGDUE – A DAY EXCURSION TO PUNAKHA:
After breakfast you will drive to Wangdiphodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish.
Over night in Wangdiphodrang.
Day 5: WANGDUE - THIMPHU:
In the morning you will drive back to Thimphu. If it's the weekend, you can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. In the evening you can explore Thimphu town.
Over night in Thimphu.
Day 6: THIMPHU – PHUENTSHOLING:
After breakfast drive to Phuentsholing en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627 which now houses the school for religious studies. The drive on this route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Lunch will be served on the way. On arrival, check into hotel.
Over night in Phuentsholing.
Day 7: PHUENTSHOLING – DARJEELING:
After breakfast drive to Darjeeling passing through the sub-himalayan regions in the eastern India, which presents a large range of foothill forests, famous tea gardens, transparent rivers interspersed with quiet villages, and small townships of vibrant culture. Check into hotel on arrival.
Over night hotel in Darjeeling.
Day 8: DARJEELING – SIGHT SEEING:
Early morning enjoy the sun rise view from the Tiger Hill. The distant view of Mount Everest is also visible form the Tiger Hill. Then visit Chom Monastery, built in 1850 by the Mongolian Lama Sherub Gyatsho. Later visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, house of the late Tenzin Norgay, the Sherpa who first claimed Mount Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953. In the evening, visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, which produces a wide range of artifacts.
Over night at hotel in Darjeeling.
Day 9: DARJEELING – GANGTOK:
After break fast, drive to Gangtok. Later sightseeing in Gangtok includes: visit to Enchu Monastery which is adorned by multicolored prayer flags. Then visit Government Institute of Cottage Industries, where young students are being taught the traditional arts of painting and weaving. Also visit the Institute of Tibetology, which is housed in a traditional Tibetan style building.
Over night hotel in Gangtok.
Day 10: GANGTOK – KALIMPONG:
In the morning, you will drive to Rumtek Monastery, which is the head quarter of Karma Kajupa School. Then drive to Kalimpong and in the evening visit the monastery belonging to Galugpa school of Dalai Lama.
Over night hotel in Kalimpong.
Day 11: KALIMPONG – BAGDOGRA:
Early morning drive to Bagdogra Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekkers (Tours) will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.
