Darjeeling and Bhutan Tour

Sightseeing of World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley including: Kathmandu Darbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

In the morning transfer to airport for Bhadrapur flight, our representative will pick up from Nepal Border and transfer to Darjeeling. On arrival in Darjeeling, check in at the hotel. Darjeeling with a backdrop of mighty Himalayan peaks perched at altitude of 2,134 m. In the early 1840s it was noticed that the climate of Darjeeling was very conducive to the growth of tea. Tea plantations were established and have expanded all over the area today because of growing demand. Huge tracts of forests were originally cut down and replaced with tea bushes that stretched for miles. The services of Chinese experts were then requisitioned to teach the art of tea making and thousands of Nepalese were hired in the tea plantations.

Darjeeling tea, which had a premium value in the international market, began to be called the ‘Champagne of the East’ and for years formed the mainstay of the economy of this area. To this day, the name ‘Darjeeling’ continues to be synonymous with tea. Rest the day is free at leisure. Overnight stay in the Hotel, breakfast included.

Today you will have Full day sightseeing of Darjeeling.
Early morning sunrise view from Tiger Hill (2,585m) and see Sunrise over Kanchenjunga Range. Also visit the Ghoom monastery.

Ghoom monastery built in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatsho, a monk from Mongolia. The main feature of this Gelugpa monastery is the magnificent statue of Maitreya, “the future Buddha” draped in white silk scarves of offering called Khadas. After breakfast enjoy Toy Train Ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back on World Heritage Toy Train. After breakfast enjoy Toy Train Ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back on World Heritage Toy Train Afternoon visit to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological park and Tibetan Refugee Centre.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday). In Tibetan Refugee Center, you will see Tibetan craftsmen making traditional items like carpet, woolen boots, wood carvings and feather goods. In the evening, visit Tea factory. Return back to hotel. Overnight stay in the Hotel, breakfast included.

Breakfast in the Hotel, In the morning drive to Gangtok – the capital of Sikkim. On arrival in Gangtok, check in at the hotel. Gangtok is a perfect symbol of the confluence of the past and present. Built on the flank of ridge, about 1,600m above sea level. The town’s unique ambience derives from the happy blend of tradition and modernity. Along the deeply felt presence of stupas and monasteries, Gangtok also bustles like any other town. Overnight stay in the Hotel, breakfast included.

Breakfast in the Hotel, Later we have full day sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Tibetology and Cottage Industry (Closed on Sunday)

We visit to Rumtek Monastery. Situated about 24 km from Gangtok, Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center is the seat of the Kagyupa order, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Since the late 1960s, after the arrival of His Holiness, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the Center houses some of the world’s most unique religious scriptures and objects. Traditional in design, it is replica of the original Kagyupa headquarters. In the afternoon we proceed to visit Enchey Monastery, 200 year old monastery, built on the site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Druptab Karpa, known for his flying powers. (Closed on Sunday)

Research Institute of Tibetology is a world-wide center for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion, a treasure house of rare ‘Thangkha’, Statues and over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art. (Closed on Sunday) In the evening return back to accommodation. Overnight stay in the Hotel, breakfast included.

Breakfast in the Hotel, In the morning we have excursion to visit the Tsomgo Lake.
The Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim is a holy lake worshipped by the sikkimese. Tsomgo (Changu) lake, which is hardly 20 km away from the famous Nathula Pass and about 400 km from Lhasa. Its cool, placid water harmonies with the picturesque beauty around, which are increased by its reflection in the lake. A small temple of Lord Shiva is built on the lakeside. Primula flowers and other alpine plantation grow around the Tsomgo lake Sikkim, which has an average depth of 50 ft., provides a pristine beauty to this place. A footpath along the Tsomgo lake takes one to a resting shed – a walk of about half a kilometer. During the winter months the Tsomo Lake becomes frozen.

The Tsomgo lake in Sikkim derives its water from the melting snow on the mountains around, The river Lungtze Chu originates from the Tsomgo lake Sikkim and meets the Rangpo-chu further down its course. During the olden times, lamas used to study the color of the water of the lake and forecast about the future. If the waters of the Tsomgo lake had a dark tinge, it foreshadowed a year of trouble and unrest in the state. Tsomgo lake in Sikkim has a few rainbow trout and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse at them. Overnight stay in the Hotel, breakfast included.

Morning breakfast in the Hotel, later we assist you and departure transfer to Coronation bridges in Bhutan Border of Phuntsholing. Our transport and guide will return back to Darjeeling after handover the clients to your Bhutan Associate in Coronation Bridge.

Upon Arrival in Phuntsholing, our Bhutanese representative will meet you at the border check point, assist you to complete your visa formalities and enter into Bhutan. Phuentsholing, which is the gateway to the south, is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of the Himalayan foothills, is a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of mingling of people and their culture. Overnight stay in the Hotel, breakfast included and dinner included.

After breakfast, you will begin your long exhilarating journey to Thimphu with stop en route for lunch. The drive is beautiful, and you’ll see some waterfalls along the way. You will stop at Chhuzom (confluence) where Paro and Thimphu rivers join. You can see here local farmers sit by the side of the road selling vegetables, apples and dried cheese. After little while, you will arrive Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Later in the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu city and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight stay in the Hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast, you will visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changangkha Monastery, Takin reserve, Nunnery temple, traditional paper factory and Kuenselphodrang overlooking Thimphu valley and where giant Buddha statue is under construction. 169 feet statue is reputed to be the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. After lunch, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a photo stop at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. Overnight stay in the Hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

In the morning, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. You will then drive to Paro. On the way, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. If you wish, receive the blessing from the Lama’s wooden phallus! Your lunch will be served at Dochula. After lunch, continue drive to Paro. Check into your hotel on arrival. Overnight stay in the Hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Today you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is absolutely breathtaking, situated at 10,400 feet and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Guru Rinpoche (the great Buddhist spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike down to the valley floor. In the evening, you can visit shops in Paro town. Overnight stay in the Hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast, drive to airport for departure then we receive you from Kathmandu airport and transfer to accommodation. Overnight Stay at the Hotel, breakfast included.

Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing.