Darjeeling, Sikkim & Bhutan (EDAKB)
Duration:
15 days (may vary)
Areas: Butan, India
Tour types: History & Culture
Description
This corner of the Eastern Himalaya has a great deal to offer. Bhutan is unique in its appeal, almost completely unaffected by Western influences, and one of the true homes of Tibetan Buddhism. Sikkim is renowned for its flora and large number of Buddhist monasteries, including Rumtek, Labrang and the rarely-visited Phodang, with their fine collections of paintings and relics. Darjeeling, 2000m above the plains of Bengal, is surrounded by tea plantations and is the archetypal hillstation; slightly faded, but still a lively centre for the different hill peoples. The view from Tiger Hill at sunrise is one of the most impressive in the Himalaya, with the great bulk of Kanchenjunga dominating the northern horizon. The spring departure includes the Paro Tsechu, Bhutan's most important and colourful festival, whilst the autumn departure will visit festivals in Wangdi Phodrang and Thimpu.
Itinerary options
Tour only
Flight inclusive
Tour itinerary
Day 1:
Start Delhi.
Day 2:
Early morning flight to Bagdogra; drive through Himalayan foothills to Darjeeling.
Day 3:
Sightseeing, including visit to Tibetan Refugee Centre, a tea plantation and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Day 4:
Drive through tea plantations to Gangtok, Sikkim's capital; en route visit Research Institute of Tibetology.
Day 5:
Visit Phodang and Labrang Monasteries.
Day 6:
Drive to Kalimpong, visiting Rumtek Monastery en route.
Day 7:
Explore the markets and monasteries and walk up to Dr. Graham's school; evening visit to Dorpin Monastery.
Day 8:
Return to the plains to reach the Bhutan border at Phuntsholing.
Day 9:
Drive to Thimpu, capital of Bhutan.
Day 10:
Sightseeing in and around Thimpu including the Memorial Chorten and the National Library
Day 11:
Drive to old capital of Punakha with superb mountain views from the Duchula pass (3050m); on to Wangdiophodrang.
Day 12:
Drive to beautiful Paro Valley.
Day 13:
Full day to explore Paro; visit the National Museum, Paro Dzong and the Tiger's Nest Monastery.
Day 14:
Fly to Delhi, evening free.
Day 15:
End Delhi.