The landlocked country, Nepal is a Birthplace of the Buddha, home of Gurkhas, roof of the world, land of legend and beauty. Within its intricate lanes, Nepal contains an absolutely remarkable diversity of cultures and landscapes. The mystics ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ has an allure of ancient cultures, architecture, exotic festivals and the timeless practice of Buddhism. A trip to the unparalleled destination of North East India, Sikkim discloses some of the amazing tourist destinations. Encompassed by pure natural beauty, this small but captivating state offers a spectacular view of mighty Kanchenjunga.

1

Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. Located in Kathmandu Valley, city is the cultural center. The city boasts of several tourist attractions that are worth exploring.

Overnight stay in hotel.

2

In the morning city tour of Kathmandu.

We will start our Kathmandu sightseeing tour with a visit to Durbar Square, which was a royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century. The palace is also known as the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. The square is surrounded by wonderful architecture displaying the skills of Newar craftsman. It is a UNSECO World Heritage Site.

Then we will move ahead to visit one of most beautiful attractions in the city, Kumari Chowk. It is a house of the living goddess. The Kumari is a young girl who is the reincarnation of Taleju. She was discovered when she was about four years old after passing many tests. She did not show fear from the severed head of a water buffalo; she had to select items that belonged to the last incarnation of the Kumari from many objects to prove that she was the reincarnation of the Goddess.

Then we will move forward to see Swayambhunath. It is an ancient religious complex that is perched high in the Kathmandu valley. It is also known as the monkey temple and is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The complex encompasses a stupa, temples and shrines and provides a spectacular view of Kathmandu valley.

Afternoon, we shall visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath.

Pashupatinath Temple, the oldest Hindu shrine in Nepal and also the most sacred place of worship for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath. It is a UNSECO World Heritage Site.

Then we shall go to visit Boudhnath Stupa which is the largest stupa in Asia. The stupa is located on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu, built in 14th century after Mughal invaded the city. Being the holiest Buddhist Temple outside Tibet, it is a center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu.

Overnight stay at hotel.

3

In the morning visit Bhadgaon or Bhaktapur as it is now called.

Bhaktapur is the best preserved city of the country. Till date, the former name of the city- Bhadgaon meaning the City of Devotees -is used by locals. Bhaktapur houses three major squares full of lofty temples that comprise some of the finest sacred architecture in the entire country.

In the afternoon we shall visit once a ferociously self-governing city-state, Patan is located in the suburb of Kathmandu, detached only by the misty Baghmati River. A visit to Patan is remarkable because of Durbar Square as it has best collection of temples and palaces. It comprises of the Royal Palace, which encompasses an opulently ornamented bathtub, and the two-tiered brick Jagannarayan Temple.

Overnight stay at hotel.

4

Transfer to Kathmandu airport to board a flight to Paro to visit Bhutan.

Arrive at Paro airport and transfer to hotel.

The beautiful valley of Paro is situated on the confluence of two rivers and is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom. Fertile rice fields and crystalline rivers gushing down the valley, traditional style houses are make it a picturesque valley.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel.

5

In the morning visit Drukgyel Dzong, also known as Fortress of the victorious Bhutanese. It was erected by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in year 1696 to commemorate victory over the Tibetan armies. Though the fortress has been destroyed in a fire, site of ruins still remains very impressive.

Proceed through the valley to visit Ta Dzong, the national museum. Housed in 17th century watch tower, it offers picturesque views over the valley. The national museum houses a unique collection of fine arts, textiles, jewelry, handicrafts and the most popular section of the museum is stamp hall. The hall has a unique collection of 3 D stamps, record stamps, silken stamps, embosses stamps and very famous around the world triangular yeti stamp.

Take a short tour down to Rinpung Dzong was built in 1646 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. A stroll to Dzong through the bridge offers a panoramic view of the Dzong. It is one of the finest examples of Bhutanese monastery.

Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro town.

Stroll around the market and return to hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

6

After breakfast leave for Thimpu.

Arrive and check in at hotel.

Thimpu is the capital city of fascinating country, Bhutan. A large gate and a stupa welcome visitor to the city. Thimpu’s charm is still prevalent in the juxtaposition of old and new. Thimpu is not only famous for traditional Buddhist monasteries, but it also offers cafes, bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. If you are looking for the balance between the old and the new then this city is the key to that treasure.

Visit Memorial Chorten
Established in 1974 as a memorial to the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, this large Tibetan style chorten is one of the most visible religious sites of the city. The overwhelmed chorten, with its lofty golden dome, is ornamented with opulently painted extensions facing the basic four directions, and features intricate mandalas, figurines and a temple devoted to the popular king.

Changgangkha Temple is one of the oldest temples in Thimpu valley. It was Built in 15th century by the founder of Drukpa sect. The temple was renovated at the end of 20th century and resembles a fortress. This sacred site is mostly visited to seek blessing from the deity. One should not miss an excellent view of Back Bora from here.

Built by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in 1641, Tashicho Dzong is one of the most impressive structures of Bhutan. The structure is the seat of Bhutanese government. The northern part of the dzong is still a summer residence of the royal family.

Also visit National Library and the school of arts and crafts.

The national library is the main spiritual repository and research facility dedicated to preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of our country. if you are interested in Bhutanese religion, history, traditions and lifestyle, then a visit to this library is a must as it a treasure trove of documents related to Bhutan.

Overnight stay

7

Day excursion to Punakha, the road winds up to from Simtokha Dzong into Pine forest and through villages for 20 km. Punakha is regarded as the winter capital of the country. The Punakha valley offers the first glimpse of the Himalayan Range. It is breathtaking to watch the sun setting and the distant mountains changing its hues.

Visit Punakha Dzong which is strategically located at the confluence of two rivers. It served as Bhutan’s winter capital for over 300 years. Built in 1637 by Ngawang Namgyel, it is the most glorious structure that dominates the valley.

Drive back to Thimpu for overnight stay.

8

Breakfast at the hotel and then leave for Phuntsholing.

En-route stop and visit Chukha Hydel Project.

Chukha Hydel Project is one of the largest investments undertaken in Bhutan in the history. It offers a scenic view to the tourist of the surroundings. The lush green mountains and gushing water streams have made it a great stopover for the tourist.

Arrive at Phuntsholing and check in at hotel.

Phuntsholing is a gateway to Bhutan. It shows a fascinating mix of cultures, people, languages and costumes. The town offers a scenic view of the Himalayan slopes covered with orchids.

Overnight stay at hotel.

9

In the morning leave for Kalimpong and after arrival check in at hotel.

Perched on a Himalayan crest enclosed with lush green forests and overlooking the meandering Teesta River, Kalimpong is a captivating hill station near Darjeeling. Kalimpong is a tranquil town situated in the lap of Nature from where the skyline of mountains resembles a green ocean and Kanchenjunga offers a imposing view when one gazes at it from Deolo Hill.

Drive to old Bhutanese Ruins where old Bhutanese monastery stood.

Go for shopping of interesting souvenirs at Haat Bazaar.

Haat Bazaar in Kalimpong is a local village market that is set up on every Wednesday and Saturday. It is a scenic market as you can experience the lifestyle and culture of local people. You can savor the taste of local food such as momos, alu thukpa, and phambis. Rishi Road offers you to buy wonderful items such as Dallay Khorsani, Kalimpong cheese and lollypops, fing, handmade paper products, Tibetan art and crafts.

Overnight stay at hotel.

10

In the morning drive to Gangtok.

Gangtok, capital city of Sikkim State, is a perfectly landscaped town which is nestled amidst some spectacular sceneries and glorious snowcapped hills. Gangtok became a popular tourist pilgrimage because of the magnificent and extraordinary Buddhist monasteries. Due to these beautiful monasteries, Gangtok has earned the title of “Land of Monasteries”. Gangtok is also a land of bright sunrise and lush greens, which inspires, impresses and enchants all.

Arrive and check in at hotel.

In the afternoon leave for sightseeing of Gangtok. We will first visit Directorate of handicrafts and handlooms is a major center for learning in Sikkim. The center preserves languishing tradition of culture through its vibrant art and craft. Established in the year 1957, the center is a hub of activity, development and progress. Some of the items that can be found in center are Thangka paintings, wooden carved, carpets, handlooms, cane and bamboo works.

Then visit Enchey Monastery. Established in 1909, Enchey monastery belongs to Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The monastery is located over a stunning ridge of a hill. The monastery provides a wonderful view of Mount Kanchenjunga. The monastery houses number of images of gods, Goddesses, and religious objects, topped with shining golden cupola. Buddha, Loki Sharia and Guru Padmasambhava are worshipped in the monastery.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

11

In the morning visit Do Drul Chorten Stupa. Situated on a hillock, Do Drul Chorten Stupa is one of the most important Chortens of Sikkim. The place is marked by its golden dome, which is visible from various places of the city. It is believed that the place was haunted by evil spirits and in order to remove those evil spirits, Trulshig Rinpoche built a stupa.

Hanuman Tok temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is perched beautifully over a hill. The temple offers a magnificent view of the capital city Gangtok.

Research Institute of Tibetology founded in 1958 to promote the religion, culture, history, art and craft of the Tibetan culture. It houses a library which is a trove of largest collection of Tibetan works. The museum holds a huge collection of statues, ritual objects, traditional art objects, Thangkas and ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Lepcha.

The Ganesh tok temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The path leading to the temple is decorated with colorful flags and each flag has a sacred inscription written. It is the most famous temple in Sikkim.

Tashi view point offers a delightful view of Mount Kanchenjunga. It offers an unforgettable view of sunrise where you witness the mountains changing various hues.

Overnight stay at hotel.

12

In the morning transfer to Darjeeling.

Darjeeling is a beautiful hill resort located in the eastern Himalayas and has earned the title of Queen of Hills. This small hill resort is cuddled up modestly on the lap of Eastern Himalayan ranges and boasts of burbling rivers, lush green meadows, flowering valleys, gushing waterfalls, majestic mountains and the main magnetism – gleaming peak of Mount Kanchenjunga. During the British Raj, the hill resort was the popular summer resort.

Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

13

Early morning, drive to tiger hill by jeep to get a wonderful view of the sunrise on the Himalayas. Tiger Hill is located at the distance of 11 km from Darjeeling and provides a spectacular view of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

Later enjoy Toy train joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum Monastery. The Toy Train built between 1879 and 1881, is so special that it has been given the UNESCO World Heritage status. It is a romantic journey and a unique ride with picturesque mountain views. The train passes by many village and you can have a glimpse of children waving at you while you take this relaxes and charming ride through the hills.

Later go for city tour of Darjeeling, we will first visit Mountaineering Institute. Established in 1954, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling was set up to encourage mountaineering as a sport. The institute was built to commemorate the success of Tenzing so that he could impart his skills to all those who were interested in mountaineering. The complex comprises of a Swiss stylized house for Sherpa trainers, residential school for mountaineering students, and a well-equipped museum which displays mountaineering artifacts and many expedition displays.

Then we shall visit Lebong Race Course, highest racecourse in Asia. It is beautifully nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and aromatic tea gardens.

Darjeeling is known as the Mecca of Tea as it boasts of sprawling tea estates. There are 80 Odd Tea Gardens in Darjeeling. You can spend some time in Tea gardens, visit the tea factory, glare the role of a tea taster, and talk to the tea pickers, taste fresh brewed tea.

Overnight stay.

14

In the Morning transfer to Bagdogra airport to board a flight to onward destination.