Bhutan - Sikkim Tour Packages
Places to visit : Delhi - Paro - Punakha - Thimpu - Dooars - Darjeeling
- Gangtok - Kalimpong Bagdogra
Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Day
01: Aboard - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi , a warm welcome with flower garlands and transfer to
hotel . overnight
Day 02: Delhi
Morning full day sightseeing in Old & New Delhi . overnight at hotel
.
Day 03: Delhi - Paro by Druk Air
In clear weather, Druk Air's flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view
of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu
or over the foothills from Calcutta, it is a breathtaking journey,culrrinating
in all exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. Received
by our representative at the airport and after completion of airport formalitie!i,
drive t:hrough lovely valley of Paro to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel In Paro.
Day 04: Paro - Punakha (125 km, 4.1/2 hours)
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress
where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy
dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess" can be seen
in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Along the way, see
the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalaya
-as by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks
the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Then visit Ta Dzong, originally
built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection
Includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household
objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ("fortress
of the heap of jewels") which has a long and fasdnating history.
Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings
illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life,
the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Mllarepa, Mount. Sumeru 3nd
other cosmic Mandala. Later drive to Punakha. Overnight at the hotel in
Punakha.
Day
05: Punakha - Thimphu (75 km, 2.1/2 hrs)
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the seat of government
moved to Thlmphu. Originally situated on the riverbank and dominated by
the towering walls of Pu.lakha Dzong, the township was relocated to a
safer site a few kilometers down the valley, consequent upon extensive
flooding In the early 1990s. At the same time, extensive renovation work
was undertaken on Punakha Dzong itself, which is now a breathtaking and
glorious site as you first glimpse it from the road. Although four catastrophic
fires and an earthquake in past times destroyed many historic documents,
Punakha Dzong still houses many sacred and historic artifacts and also
the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Also visit in Punakha,
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the newly built stupa. Later drive to
Wangduephodrang, the last town on the highway before entering Central
Bhutan. Situated on a ridge overlooking a river junction, the formidable
Wangduephodrang Dzcng is the town's most visible feature. In the 17th
century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying the western, central
and southern regions of the country. Also visit the local market.
Afternoon drive to Thimphu for overnight stay.
Day 06: Thimphu

Today's
full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit to; National Ubrary,
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; Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly
known as Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on
the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.Textile and Folk Heritage Museum:
These museums, both of which opened In 2001, provide fascinating Insights
into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. 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 modem Bhutan") and a monument to world peace.
The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight Into
Buddhist philosophy. Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery
houses Secretariat bU,ilding, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and
various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot
and central monkbody, Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise
displays a wide range of beautifully handwoven textiles and craft products.
It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan
culture. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 07: Thimphu - Dooars (290 km, 8 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Phuentsholing en route visit Simtokha Dzong,
the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, v'hich now houses the
School for Buddhist studies. Thimphu / Phunetsholing road was built in
1962 b';' Dantak, the Indian Border road organization. The drive on this
route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Just before,
arriving Phunetsholing, visit Kharbandi Gompa. This beautiful monastery
situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers, was built by Royal
Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron in 1967. There is a splendid view
of Phuentsholing town and the Indian plains from the monastery garden.
After a short break drive further to Dooars.
Day 08: Dooars - Darjeeling
Morning drive to Darjeeling , afternoon at leiusre . Overnight at Hotel
Day 09: Darjeeling
Early morning excursion to Tiger Hili and Ghoom Monasery , after breakfast
city sightseeing in darjeeling visiting Himalayan Mountaineering Institute,
Zoologocal Park , Tibetan camp and local bazaar, aftaernoon at leisure
. overnight at Hotel
Day
10: Darjeellng
Morning excursion to Happy Valley Tea Estate, afterncon Toy train ride.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 11: Darjeeling - Gangtok
Morning drive to Gangtok , afternoon at leisure . Overnight at Hotel
Day 12: Gangtok
Morning full day excl1rsion to Phodong Monastery . Overnight at Hotel
.
Day 13: Gangtok
Morning excursion to Rumtel Monastery & Institute of Tlbetology. Afternoon
sightseeing in Gangtok to include Cottage industry, Enchey Monastery,
local bazaar. Overnight at Hotel
Day 14: Gangtok - Kalimpong
Morning drive to Kalimpong , afternoon sightseelng in Kalimpong to Include
Durpin Monastery, Flower Nursary and Bazzar. Overnight at Hotel
Day 15: Kalimpong - Bagdogra - Delhi
Morning transfer to airport to connect flight to Delhi, on arrival transfer
to hotel. Overnight at hotel
Day 16: Delhi - departure
Early morning transfer to airport for your onward flight