BHUTAN and SIKKIM - 16 Days
Delhi • Darjeeling • Gangtok • Kalimpong • Phuntsoling • Thimpu • Punakha • Paro • Delhi

Small but beautiful. Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas . Spread below the  Mount Kanchenjunga (8534 meters), the third highest mountain in the world, and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity.

 Darjeeling is popularly known as the "Queen of the Hills" and produces the famous Darjeeling Tea, one of the world's finest teas.

Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon is one of the most exotic destinations in the world today. This kingdom, often referred to as the last Shangri-la, is a land of outstanding people, remarkable scenery and natural wonders, and a proud and vibrant culture. A unique and rare place that few have had the privilege of visiting.

Day 1 - Delhi
Depart from New York / Newark / Chicago or Los Angeles aboard your Air India flight for Delhi. If you prefer to travel from any other city or any other airline, we will provide arrangements according to your requirements.

Day 2 - Delhi
Arrive Delhi where you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Day 3 - Delhi
Enjoy a day of leisure or travel around Delhi, a city of immense past. It is dotted with hundreds of landmarks and has accumulated a tremendous heritage of art, architecture and culture.

Day 4 - Delhi - Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Fly to Darjeeling, a sparkling hill resort perched at an altitude of 7,400 feet. The town is a maze of steps, terraces and exotic little bazaars, lovely villas, gardens and waterfalls.

Day 5 - Darjeeling
For a spectacular view of sunrise behind the Mt Everest and Kanchenjunga, you will visit Tiger Hills followed by afternoon visit to Ghoom Monastery, Himalayan Zoo, Tibetan Center and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

 Day 6 - Darjeeling
Morning city tour visiting the Victoria Falls, Tenzing's House, Tea Estate, Tibetan Center, Gumbu Rock Garden.

Day 7 - Darjeeling - Gangtok 
Drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim ,driving along the side of the famous Teesta River. Sikkim has drifted through time and the life here is still quite and undisturbed. In a sense this is a vertical country with villages tucked on the slopes of high ridges. Visit Do Drul Chorten-the most sacred stupa that is surround by 108 prayer wheels, Deer Park and Orchid Sanctuary.

Day 8 - Gangtok
Today you will visit the sacred Rumtek and Enchey Monasteries, Cottage Industry and the city. Evening free for shopping at the Gangtok market.

Day 9 - Gangtok - Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a medley of diverse mountain people – Nepalese, Tibetans, Bhutanese and Lepchas. Sightseeing tour includes Tharpa Choling, Buddhist Monastery, Lepcha Museum and Durpin Dara

Afternoon excursion to the famous Zang Do Palri monastery, Fo-Brang Gompa, Flower Nurseries and Sericulture Research institute.

Day 10 - Kalimpong - Phuntsoling -Thimphu
Drive to Phuntsholing-the gateway to Bhutan. After city tour and lunch we will drive to Thimpu, Bhutan

Day 11 - Thimphu
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten built  in memory of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. Then visit the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. After lunch, visit the National Library stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of Tanka painting. (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls) and the Folk Heritage Museum Finally visit the Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery which houses most of the Government's office and the King's Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot

Day 12 - Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the former of Bhutan. Take a short walk to Chime Lhakhang through the village of Mestina, the Lhakhang is known for childless women to go and receive a magic wang (Blessing from the temple). Built in the 15th century by the Divine man Lama Drukpa Kunlay. Then visit the Punakha Dzong / fortress, an architectural masterpiece and situated strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region.

Day 13 - Punakha - Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro. The beautiful terraced valley has many of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Drive through the valley and visit Paro Dzong with its traditional cantilever bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River).

Day 14 - Paro
The Taktsang monastery is the most famous Bhutanese monastery in Bhutan. Perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley, it is also known as "Tiger's Nest" because Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. He then meditated in a cave here for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan

Day 15 - Paro - Delhi
Fly to Delhi. Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 16 - Homebound
Depart for New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Newark by Air India. Arrive in the afternoon.

*********

Itinerary is based on current Druk Air flight schedule and remains subject to change.

 Departure Dates - 2008

***Meals supplement is for Delhi and Sikkim. Three meals are included in Bhutan.

International airfares:
Low season: $1044.00
Feb 1 – May 31 / Sep 14 – 20

Low Shoulder Season: $1107.00
Aug 10 – Sep 13 / Jan 14 – 31

Shoulder Season: $1202.00
Jun 1 – 13 / Nov 21 – Dec 4 /
Dec 25 – Jan 31.

Peak Season: $1581.00
Jun 13 – Aug 9 / Dec 6 – 24

Competitive airfares are available on other airlines of your choice and from your hometown. Airport Security fee, fuel surcharges and taxes not included.

Land Prices are guaranteed at the time of booking. Airfares are guaranteed only when ticketed. International airfares are from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Newark. Airfares from other cities are available upon request.

Airport Security and usage fee and Taxes extra.