Northeast India with Bhutan
Day 01 ARRIVAL KOLKATA
Assistance upon arrival. After arrival Transfer to the hotel. (Check-in time 1400 Hrs.)
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 02 KOLKATA
After breakfast full day city tour of Kolkata begin with a visit to Dalhousie Square (B.B.D. Bagh), the historic heart of British-era Kolkata, surrounded by magnificent colonial buildings and administrative landmarks such as Raj Bhawan, St. John’s Church, Calcutta High Court, General Post Office (GPO), Town Hall, Writers’ Building, and other important heritage structures, offering an excellent introduction to the city’s rich architectural and colonial past.
Proceed towards the iconic Howrah Bridge, one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world and a major symbol of Kolkata, enjoying views of the Hooghly River and daily city life, followed by a visit to the nearby Mullick Ghat Flower Market, one of Asia’s largest wholesale flower markets, famous for its vibrant colors, religious offerings, and lively atmosphere.
Continue to St. Paul’s Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic-style Anglican Church known for its stained-glass windows, peaceful ambience, and impressive architecture.
Thereafter, visit the grand Victoria Memorial, built in white marble and dedicated to Queen Victoria, surrounded by lush gardens and housing a museum showcasing Kolkata’s colonial history, paintings, and artifacts (closed on Mondays and National Holidays).
Also visit the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, featuring extensive collections of archaeological finds, fossils, sculptures, manuscripts, and historical relics (closed on Mondays and National Holidays).
Finally, visit Mother House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, where Mother Teresa lived and worked, and pay respects at her tomb while visiting the small museum dedicated to her life and humanitarian service (closed on Thursdays). Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 03 KOLKATA – BAGDOGRA BY FLIGHT 6E6785-0755/0900 HRS.
BAGDOGRA – GANGTOK (121 KMS, 05 HRS)
Assistance upon arrival. After arrival drive to Gangtok. Gangtok: At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid-19th century and has undergone rapid development since then. The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a traveller’s delight.
Day 04 GANGTOK – FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING (EST. TRAVEL TIME: 6 HRS.)
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for full day sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Ganesh Tok, Flower Show, Hanuman tok, The Cottage Industry and Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts,(closed on Sunday) ,Institute of Tibetology, (closed on Sunday) Do Drul Chorten. Overnight at Gangtok
Day 05 GANGTOK – TSOMGO LAKE EXCURSION (Approx. Distance: 120 Km • Est. Travel Time: 8 hours)
Breakfast at the hotel and full day excursion to Tsomgo Lake also known as Changu Lake which is 35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet. The lake derives its waters from melting snows off the surrounding mountains. Legends say that Lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s water.
Overnight at Gangtok.
OPTIONAL -: NATHULA PASS
Please note: Nathula Pass is an optional tour which fully depends on whether condition & availability of Permits. It can be cancelled at the last moment due to bad weather OR permit issues
The Amount Is Non-Refundable
Nathu La is an excursion from Gangtok and is located above Tsongmo Lake. This is a restricted area and special permits are required to visit the same. Permits are granted only between Wednesday and Sunday and can be cancelled anytime for security or weather conditions. Very limited number of vehicles is granted permits for Nathu La therefore the same are subject to availability and are never guaranteed in advance. The permits are applied only 01 day prior to the date of travel. This supplement cost needs to be paid directly on tour.
This cost not included in the package cost (this cost includes vehicle and permits) Documents – We need the full names, ages and gender of the passengers 02 days prior to the date of travel (by mail or sms). Copies of valid Indian Photo ID address proof and passport size photos will be collected 01 day prior to the date of travel from the guests directly on tour.
Nathula Pass are subject to availability of permits & once the permit is issued and Guest are not been able to visit due to some natural calamities/Security reason, Then the Amount Is Non-Refundable.
Please note that to Nathula Pass (approx. 7kms, both ways) the vehicle will be on clubbing/sharing basis (07 to 08 Pax in One Innova/Xylo and 08 to 10 PAX in One Sumo/similar car).
Day 06 GANGTOK – DARJEELING (95 KMS, 04 HRS)
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Darjeeling. Overnight at Darjeeling. DARJEELING: Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathe taking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow-capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.
Day 07 DARJEELING – Full day Sightseeing (Est. Travel Time: 8 hours)
Early morning at around 04:00 AM drive to 8000 feet / 2440 meters Tiger Hill (subject to availability of coupons)to view sunrise over Kanchendzonga Peak (subject to clear weather) , after visit transfer back to hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast Enjoy Toy Train Ride up to Ghoom then visit Ghoom Monastery (Subject to operation of this train & availability of the seats)
TOY TRAIN
The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in 1881, labours at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a bygone era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal. Based on its unique features, it is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind.
Later you will be visiting the places like -Tenzing/ Gumpo Rock, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park & Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Tea Garden (panoramic view), Japanese temple Peace pagoda, Tibetan Refugee center (closed on Sunday)evening free to stroll around the market, Overnight at Darjeeling.
Day 08 DARJEELING – PHUENTSHOLING (195 KMS, 05 HRS)
After breakfast drive to Phuentsholing.
On arrival at Phuentsholing border, you will be met & transferred to Phuentsholing followed by immigration process.
Phuentsholing is the gateway to the South, Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of the Himalayan foothills, it is a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of mingling of people and their culture.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 09 PHUENTSHOLING – PARO (150 KMS, 05 HRS)
After early breakfast; check out from the hotel & drive to Paro enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence.
Upon arrival at Paro, explore the local markets and streets of Paro. Overnight at Paro
Day 10 PARO
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Later proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11 PARO – PUNAKHA (150 KMS, 04 HRS)
After breakfast at the hotel, Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flags. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
After checking into hotel, proceed to 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.
Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.
Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 12 PUNAKHA – THIMPHU (80 KMS, 03 HRS)
After early breakfast; check out from the hotel & drive to Thimphu
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Later visit to Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).
Day 13 THIMPHU
After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
After lunch, take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, 16th century one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan located just north of Thimphu. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist student’s monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.
Afternoon visit, Zilukha Nunnery is also known as Druthob Goemba. Housing around 60 nuns in its premises, a visit to the site energizes the soul because of its peaceful surroundings, which lures one’s mind to never leave the site. This is the biggest nunnery in Bhutan and the interactive session with nuns is very informative. It is a good experience to know about their lifestyle from themselves. Knowing about their experiences, beliefs and education is quite a fun activity.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 14 THIMPU – PARO (50 KM, 02 HOURS)
Breakfast at the Hotel. Later Transfer to the Paro International Airprot