1

Upon arrival in Kolkata, receive a warm welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Kolkata, previously known as Calcutta, is fondly nicknamed the City of Joy. It truly holds the title of the cultural capital of India. In the afternoon, explore the city by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, a marble building with influences from English and Mughal architecture, and the Indian Museum, the earliest and largest multipurpose museum in Asia Pacific. A visit to Mother Teresa’s home concludes the day with an Overnight stay at hotel.

2

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bagdogra, followed by a transfer to the hotel in Darjeeling. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in this beautiful hill resort, often referred to as the Queen of Hills. Overnight stay at hotel.

3

In the early morning, we embark on a jeep ride to Tiger Hill, located 11 km from Darjeeling, to witness the breath-taking sunrise over the Himalayas. This vantage point provides a stunning view of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

Come back to hotel later leave for visiting Darjeeling, often referred to as the Mecca of Tea, boasts 80 distinctive tea gardens. If time permits, a visit to the sprawling tea estates offers a unique opportunity to explore the tea-making process, from plantation to factory. Engaged in the role of a tea taster, converse with tea pickers, and savor the taste of freshly brewed tea.

Important Note: Tea Processing is closed from Mid Nov to Mid-March of every month.

Later visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday) established in 1954 to promote mountaineering as a sport. This institute, dedicated to honoring the success of Tenzing Norgay, includes a Swiss-styled house for Sherpa trainers, a residential school for aspiring mountaineers, and a well-equipped museum showcasing mountaineering artifacts and expedition displays.

Also enjoy Darjeeling Himalayan Railway popularly known as Joy Train Ride: It is a 14 Kms (2 hour) ride, round trip from Darjeeling up to Ghoom and back. It covers Batasia Loop, War Memorial and Ghoom Railway Museum, with 10 minutes stop at each place. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

4

Depart for Pelling in the morning. It is famous for magnificent views of the snow-capped mountain peaks of Kanchenjunga. Located at an altitude of more than 6000 ft, it offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. In the afternoon visit Pemayangtse Monastery which is very important monastery in Sikkim. Established in 1705, this monastery belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect. The three storied structure of the monastery boasts of a great collection of wall paintings and sculptures. Overnight stay at hotel.

5

After breakfast, we set out for Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. It is a meticulously landscaped town nestled in the embrace of nature, surrounded by breath-taking scenery and majestic snow-capped hills. Renowned for its magnificent Buddhist monasteries, Gangtok has earned the moniker “Land of Monasteries.” Upon arrival check in at hotel.

In the afternoon, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Gangtok visiting The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms stands as a prominent center for learning in Sikkim, preserving the rich cultural tradition through its vibrant art and craft. Established in 1957, the center is a hub of activity, fostering development and progress.

We then visit Enchey Monastery, established in 1909 and belonging to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. Adorned with numerous images of gods, goddesses, and religious artifacts, topped with a gleaming golden cupola. Overnight stay at hotel.

6

In the morning, embark on a city tour of Gangtok. Visit Do Drul Chorten which is the most popular stupa in Sikkim. It was constructed in 1945 by Trulshik Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist. It is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels on which Buddhist mantras have been engraved. It is also famous for the gold-plated steeple atop the Chorten.

We then visit Rumktek monastery which is 24 km away from Gangtok. The monastery is also known as the Dharma Chakra Center and serves as the seat of His Holiness Gyawla Karmapa the XVI, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is replica of the original monastery in Tsurpu in Tibet. The entrance of the monastery is decorated with murals and the beautiful paintings of the four guarding deities of the four directions. There is a good collection of beautiful paintings of Kargyu lineage and the Eight Bodhistavas. There is also ten feet high statue of Sakyamuni with Sariputra and Mangalputra. Return to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy scenic beauty of Gangtok. Overnight stay.

7

After breakfast, leave for Kalimpong. Perched on a Himalayan crest enclosed with lush green forests and overlooking the meandering Teesta River, Kalimpong is a captivating hill station. It is a tranquil town situated in the lap of Nature from where the skyline of mountains resembles a green ocean and Kanchenjunga offers an imposing view when one gazes at it from Deolo Hill. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

In the afternoon visit this bustling bazaar town. sprawling along a saddle-shaped mountain ridge overlooking the roaring Teesta. Go for shopping of interesting souvenirs at Haat Bazaar if you happen to be there on Wednesday or Saturday as this local village market is set up only on these two days in the week. You can also explore Rishi Road as It is a scenic market and you can experience the lifestyle and culture of local people. Overnight stay at hotel.

8

After breakfast get ready to leave India and arrive in Bhutan. Drive to Phuentsholing which is the border town in Bhutan. it is Situated at an altitude of nearly 980 feet is a small settlement. Once you reach border, you need to stop at check post and clear the immigration. Arrive at Phuentsholing hotel for overnight stay.

9

After breakfast, departure for Thimphu. En-route stop at Chuzom one of the most popular spots at the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three beautiful chortens are built at the confluence to grant it an auspicious significance. On arrival check into your hotel. Spend the evening by strolling around the main street and market area. Overnight stay at hotel.

10

After breakfast, get ready for first sight-seeing tour of Bhutan. The city tour of Thimphu starts with a drive to Buddha Point – a popular point offering a spectacular view of the country’s largest Buddha statue. You may Offer your prayers and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the valley from here. This is followed by visit to King’s Memorial Chorten, a monument standing tall for world peace and prosperity. You will find people murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels.

Later visit Changangkha Lhakhang. It is the oldest Lhakhang in Bhutan, popularly known as the wish-fulfilling temple. You will see here 11 head statues of Chenrezig.

In the afternoon city tour continues with Textile Museum. Here you will explore the art of weaving with exhibitions of antique textile artifacts exclusive to the country. It is a nationally and internationally acclaimed museum.

Then visit Folk Heritage Museum which is in a mud and timber building.

The tour also includes Trashichhoe Dzong, a majestic fortress and monastery. It is also the official sitting place of Bhutan’s King and government.

Finally, you will visit Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar, which exhibit some of the most exclusive traditional arts of Bhutan like thangkas, paintings, ceramics, slate, wood carvings, jewellery, and many more hand-woven items.Overnight stay.

11

After breakfast drive to Punakha across Dochu La – a high altitude mountain pass in the Himalayas, which houses 108 memorial chortens. With clear skies, you may have a glimpse of spectacular mountain peaks like peaks Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang, Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, Zongphugang and Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan.

In the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong – The administrative center of the Bhutan government until 1955. It is also the second-largest Dzong in the country with majestic architectures and structures.

Later go for an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, standing on a round hillock, Chimi Lhakhang is a monastery/temple believed to be blessed by the divine saint “Drukpa Kunley”. It is widely believed that couples that do not have children come here to pray for children. The paintings on the walls of the monastery depict the saint’s colourful life. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

12

After breakfast, be ready for action packed day. The day starts with a nice hike covering about 2 hours round trip walk to visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten – a symbol of peace and harmony. It is highly believed by the people that the stupa keeps away evil spirits. Statutes and shrine of wrathful deities are housed in this Stupa.

Int the afternoon visits Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (nunnery). The magnificent structure of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang is perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara along with few other statutes, 21 Taras and Tsepamay.

Later excursion to Talo village over a plateau overlooking majestic views of the mountains. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in the region. The village is popular for the Talo Sangnacholing Dzong with remarkable architectures reflecting Bhutanese traditions.Overnight stay at hotel.

13

After breakfast, departure for Paro. The drive will take you through the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu River valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the valley. Stop en-route and visit includes Simtokha Dzong. Though it is a small Dzong but it is of great historical significance as it is the oldest in the country and used to be the former Buddhist monastery. Today, it is one of the institutes in the country for the Dzongkha learning language.

Check in to your hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong and then a short excursion down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. The inner courtyard is a home for wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lores. Return to your hotel in Paro for overnight stay.

14

Early morning, you will be taken for the excursion/ hike to Tiger’s Nest.

Sitting precariously 3,000 metres above the Paro valley, the Paro Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) was built in the late 17th century on the site of a cave set into the cliff. Although we call it the Tiger’s Nest in English, Taktsang more accurately translates to “tigress’ lair” and aptly gets its name from the legend of its founding.

According to that legend, the 8th-century Indian Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche was carried up the mountain on the back of a disciple who had transformed herself into a tigress. The monastery is a revered site for the Bhutanese. The walk up to the viewpoint takes roughly two hours and is an uphill climb through alpine forests meant only for physically fit.

OR – Chele la driving excursion

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Chele la (mountain pass), at an elevation 3,988 meters, considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour’s drive along a thickly-forested road, is this botanical paradise located. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, visitors can see cascades of wild roses; purple and yellow primulas; and swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. The top of the pass bloom with rhododendrons in a variety of colours-pale pink, deep pink, burnt orange, mauve, white and scarlet. Later return to hotel for overnight stay.

15

After a leisurely breakfast check out and transfer to the Airport for your departure to onward destination.