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| 12 Days Gateway to Sikkim & Bhutan |
'PRIVATELY GUIDED' TOUR AVAILABLE DAILY EXCEPT DAYS WHEN FLIGHTS NOT OPERATING
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Featuring Darjeeling, Gangtok(Sikkim), Kalimpong, Chalsa, Thimpu,
Punakha and Paro |
SIKKIM was a monarchy and an Indian protectorate till it emerged as the 22nd Indian State in 1975. You visit Sikkim to see the people...Lepchas, Bhutis, Nepalis...gracious, friendly and fun loving. There are monasteries-around 200-, which are oases of serenity and repositories of centuries-old wisdom and scriptures, and then there are the mountains, glaciers and passes with mighty Kanchenjunga towering over. There are the flora and fauna including 4,000 species of plants, 600 varieties of orchids, 30 species of Sun rhododendrons, 500 species of birds, 600 species of butterflies in addition to musk deer, yak and the Red Panda. BHUTAN'S jealously guarded isolation and stunning scenery makes it one of the most desired places to visit by seasoned travelers. It is often said that even the most experienced traveler will find Bhutan to be a 'revelation'. The air is clean and unpolluted, the mountains are magnificent and the architecture awe-inspiring. Bhutan is very protective of its natural environment and the culture of its people. The fortunate visitor will find a rare combination of harmony and accord, amongst a landscape of incredible natural beauty.
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Day 1 ARRIVE BAGDOGRA- DARJEELING (D)
Arrive to Bagdogra and continue drive uphill to Darjeeling (7000ft). Later a walk on the Mall road and its bazaar.
WINDAMERE HOTEL. |
Day 2 DARJEELING (BLD)
Sunrise view of the Himalayas from Tiger Hill and on return, visit Ghoom monastery. Afternoon tour of Darjeeling visiting the Himalayan Mountaineering institute, zoo, Tibetan refugee center and other environs. Your local guide will try to arrange a visit to a tea estate/factory.
Day 3 DARJEELING - GANGTOK, Sikkim (BLD)
Drive to Gangtok (5500ft), Sikkim. Later enjoy a walk in the Gangtok bazaar.
NORKHILL HOTEL. |
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Day 4 GANGTOK (BLD)
Morning excursion to Rumtek Monastery visiting en route the Orchid sanctuary and Do- Drul Chorten, a Tibetan pagoda. Afternoon tour of Gangtok city including visit to Enchey Monastery, Research institute of Tibetology, Handicraft Center, Bazaar etc.
Day 5 GANGTOK - KALIMPONG - CHALSA (BLD)
Drive to Kalimpong (4100ft). Later tour of Zang-do Phalari Phobrang Monastary and walking tour of Kalimpong with a visit to the 'bazaars'.
Continue on your drive to Chalsa. SINCLAIRS RETREAT.
Day 6 CHALSA - THIMPU, Bhutan (BLD)
Today we begin our scenic drive to Thimpu (8192ft). An orientation drive in the city and visit the Memorial Chorten. RIVERVIEW HOTEL.
Day 7 THIMPU (BLD)
Tour of Thimpu includes Tashichhodzong, National Library, Handicraft center, Nunnery, Takin Zoo, Folk Heritage & textile museum. Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese Dinner.
Day 8 THIMPU - PUNAKHA (BLD)
Drive to Punakha across the Dochu La pass (10000ft) into Punakha Valley (4500ft). Later tour the Punakha Dzong. MERI PUENSUM RESORT.
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Day 9
PUNAKHA - PARO (BLD)
Today we drive to Paro (7800ft), a beautiful terraced valley, home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and its first airport. Tour of Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong National museum. TENZINLING RESORT.
Day 10 PARO (BLD)
Drive to view the Tiger's Nest monastery and visit the Drukgyel Dzong. Your guide will try arrange visit to a Bhutanese farmhouse.
Day 11 PARO (BLD)
Excursion to Haa via Chele-la pass (13000ft), with scenic views of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey. Visit the Lhakhang Karpo & Nagpo.
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Day 12 PARO - DELHI - HOMEBOUND (B)
Board homebound flights via Delhi. |
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