Duration: 15 nights/ 16 days
Destination Covered: Kathmandu- Martan- Gangtok- Darjeeling- Thimphu-Paro

This is an exclusive trip covering three Himalayan Shangri-La's - Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal in 16 days. It gives you an insight of the culture, religion, traditions and life styles of people living in these Himalayan countries. The trip begins from Kathmandu , goes across Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kalimpong and finally ends at Bhutan -the kingdom of thundering dragon.

NEPAL

Itinerary:

DAY 01: COUNTRY – KATHMANDU: Arrive Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu . Welcome & assistance on arrival at Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Hotel check in. Over Night in Hotel. Hotel Vaishali.

DAY 02 – KATHMANDU: Breakfast at Hotel. Full day sightseeing including: Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city 15 km from Kathmandu, known as city of Devotees and center of medieval art and architecture founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD, visit Nyatpola temple, the most beautiful temple of Nepal, the 15th century palace of 55 windows, Golden gate and other place of Interest. PM: Visit Pashupatinath temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrine in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning ghats and also visit one of the oldest and biggest stupa of Boudhanath, Overnight stay at Hotel. PM: Patan is often referred to as Lalitpur, which means “city of beauty”. Patan has a long Buddhist History and the four corners of the city are marked by Stupas erected by the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka around 250 BCE.Visit Patan City second largest city of valley including Royal Palace, Bhimsen temple, Manga Hiti, King Yogaendra Malla’s Statue, Krishna temple, Taleju temple, 15th century Golden Temple and Mahaboudha Temple known as temple of 10,000 Buddha, Kumbeshwar Temple. Bishwakarma Temple, Uma Maheshwar Temple. Over Night in Hotel. Hotel Vaishali. "B"

SIKKIM TOUR

DAY 03: KATHMANDU-MARTAN: In the Morning Sightseeing tour Breakfast at Hotel. Full day sightseeing including: AM: Visit 2000 years old Buddhist shrine Swyambhunath, situated on the top of the hill west of the city the most popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the “Monkey Temple”. There are many small buildings and shrines down the hillside behind Swayambhunath. Explore the colorful Kathmandu Durbar Square- The Old Royal Palace of Kathmandu, Temple of living goddess Kumari, the Jagannath temple, 17th century temple known for colorfully painted erotic carvings, Kasthmandap temple a three story temple built from a single tree in 12th century. Come back to the Hotel. Have Breakfast. After Breakfast at the Hotel we fly to Bhadrapur. Meet the guide at the airport and drive to Martan (180km, 05 hours). Overnight hotel. Martan village Resort. "B"

DAY 04: MARTAN - GANGTOK: Early morning sightseeing of Rumtek Monastery-the principal seat of Karma pa out of Tibet and the largest one in Sikkim, and go to Kanchejunga View Point, Drul-Chorten , Sikkim Research Institute of Tibet logy, handicraft centers and check in hotel at Gangtok.. Evening Free to explore Gangtok.  Mantokling / Sonam Delek. "B"

DAY 05: GANGTOK- DARJEELING: Drive to Darjeeling -the British developed hill resort , producer of world famous tea. ( 115 kms / 04 hrs).Evening free to explore the town. Overnight hotel. Hotel Dekeling. "B" 

DAY 06: SIGHTSEEING IN DARJEELING: Early morning tour to Tiger Hill (at around 4 am) to view sunrise over mighty Kanchenjunga. The view is splendid on clear weather day. On the way back, take a look at Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop. Afternoon visit to Himalayan Zoological Park (Closed on Thursday), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Gumbu Rock site and Tibetan Refugee self-help (Closed on Sunday) Center Tea Estate. Overnight hotel. Hotel Dekeling. "B"

DAY 07: DARJEELING - PHUNETSHOLING: Drive to Phuntsoling -the Bhutanese boarder town.Today you stay in Phuntsoling a commercial and industrial center as well as overland gateway to Bhutan . This is the best place to buy the famous stamps of Bhutan. Hotel Kasturi. "B"

BHUTAN TOUR:

DAY 08: PHUNETSHOLING - THIMPHU –(179 km, 6 hours): After breakfast, drive to Thimpu enroute visit Kharbandi Goemba, the monastery built in 1967. It houses the large and attractive statues of Sakyamuni, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche.  visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Phunetsholing / Thimphu road was built in 1962 by Dantak, the Indian Border road organization. The drive on this route is very pleasant with with numerous scenic spots enroute. "B,L,D" Hotel Phuntshopelri.

DAY 09: THIMPHU: Today's full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit to ; National Library; it holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Painting School; famous for traditional thangka paintings.Traditional Medicine Institute; the rich herbal medicines abundant in Kingdom is prepared here. The institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines to would be practitioners. Textile and Folk Heritage Museum; the fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. Memorial Chorten; the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Trashichhodzong; the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King's Throne room and other government's offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot. Handicrafts Emporium; it displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. "B,L,D" Hotel Phuntshopelri.

DAY 10: THIMPHU / TRONGSA ( 200 Km, 6 Hours ): After early breakfast, drive to Dochula pass (3,050m). If the weather permits, you can see a range of high Himalayan peaks towards the north east. Following peaks can be seen from this pass, on a clear day ; Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Further drive onwards arriving Wangduephodrang town for lunch. The descent from Dochula into Wangduephodrang valley is quite long as the altitude difference is 1700 meters. Proceed to Tongsa across Pelela pass (3,300 m ), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop enroute at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by a Lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Arrive Trongsa and check into the lodge. "B,L,D"

DAY 11: TRONGSA / BUMTHANG ( 68 Km, 3 Hours ): After breakfast walk by Trongsa Dzong built by Shabdrung in 1647 and visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of ling. Then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours. 29 km from Trongsa road reaches the Yutong La pass (3,400m). Further 13 km ahead, the road enters into a wide open cultivated valley known as Chumey valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge. After lunch, visit to Kurje Lhakhang where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock., the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic school), the Jakar Dzong (administrative centre of the region) and Swiss Farm House. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang. "B,L,D"

DAY 12: BUMTHANG / PUNAKHA ( 205 Km, 6 Hours ): After breakfast explore fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Trongsa where lunch would be served in local restaurant, famous for its traditional cuisine. Before arriving Punakha visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and town enroute. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. "B,L,D"

DAY 13: PUNAKHA-PARO ( 125 Km, 4.1/2 Hours ): Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct' 1994 caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa. After lunch, proceed to Paro enroute visit traditional Bhutanese farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people and their culture. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel for overnight stay. "B,L,D" Hotel Olathang.

DAY 14: IN PARO: Today's full day sightseeing in Paro valley includes, visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum which in the past served as watch tower for the Paro Dzong, the Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After lunch drive to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644. Also enroute visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. "B,L,D" Hotel Olathang.

DAY 15: IN PARO: Morning take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the father of the Bhutanese strain of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. Taktsang was severely damaged by fire in year 1998 and now has been restored in its original grandeur. Afternoon is free,. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. "B,L,D" Hotel Olathang.

DAY 16: PARO-DEPARTURE: Trip Ends ! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B"
For Detail: advnepal@wlink.com.np

Back to Top