Eastern India Sikkim and Bhutan
Kolkata-Paro-Thimphu-Dooars-Gangtok-Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Kolkata
Day 1: Kolkata
Upon arrival at Kolkata- the City Of Joy transfer to the hotel. Over night stay at hotel.
Day 2: Kolkata
Kolkata, capital of West Bengal is the nerve centre of intellectual and human values where many modern movements began in literature, art, cinema, theatre, science, politics and industry. Full day city tour visiting Howrah Bridge major - landmark of the city of joy. This hanging bridge is an architectural marvel of the country. The recently built Vidyasagar Setu, another architectural marvel, connects both the banks of the Hooghly River. Move onto <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'VTM','CCU','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Victoria Memorial</a> built of White Marble. It was opened by Prince of Wales in 1924 and has a statue of Queen Victoria with other innumerous exhibits. Visit the Indian Museum and drive past <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'DSQ','CCU','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Dalhousie Square</a>, <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'STP','CCU','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">St. Paul's Cathedral</a>, National Library, Shaheed Minar, Eden Garden, Fort William and city centre. Optional visit to Mother Teresa's home of Charity. Overnight at Hotel.
Transfer to airport to leave by Druk air for Paro. (P.S.:The flight has limited operations) The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all the mountain flights. One can see Mount Everest, the Kanchandzonga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Arrive and transfer to Hotel DRUK or similar. Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint clusters of hamlets amidst terraced paddy fields. The town still maintains traditions by way of its architecture and the simple way of life. Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and a traditional Bhutanese Farm House. Evening at leisure to visit local shops. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 4: Paro
Morning proceed to Thimpu.One should occassionally stop on the way so as not to miss the magnificent view of the Brahmaputra plains and the Torsa river. Shorlty before entering Thimphu city, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Arrive and stay at Hotel DRUK or similar. Afternoon, visit to King's Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan and the most impressing building Tashichhodzong, the home of National Assembly and summer residence of Chief of monk body and visit to interesting Handicrafts Emporium and market.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Morning visit National Library, which houses vast collection of manuscripts and texts related with Buddhist studies and Painting School, is indeed pleasant experience where the age old style oftraditional Bhutanese painting is taught. Also visit the Traditional Medicine Institute. Where centuries old healing arts is still practised.Afternoon at leisure to visit Thimphu's Market.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 6: Thimphu
Morning proceed by road to Dooars. Enroute lunch halt at Phuntsholing. Arrive and stay at Hotel Sinclair's retreat.
Day 7: Thimphu
Morning proceed by road to Gangtok Arrive and check-in at Hotel.Afternoon visit Du-drul Chorten, the Research Institute of Tibetology, the most prestigious and one of its kinds in India. Visit the Orchid Sanctuary where it is possible to see almost 500 varities of Orchids. Evening visit Cottage Industries and explore Bazars for souvenirs.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Morning visit the famous <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'RMG','GTK','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Rumtek Monastery</a> of great significance. The head of Kagyupa sect of Buddhism from Tibet was given refuge in Sikkim. He was granted land to build the monastery and finally raised Rumtek in 1960s. It is replica of the Taruphu monastery in Tibet, the residence of His Holiness and also the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre. Afternoon visit sacred Tsomgo Lake located at the height of 12,000 ft. that legend says is the lake of Gods. Feast your eyes on the beautiful flowers like RHODODENDRONS.
Day 9: Dooars
Morning proceed by road to Darjeeling.Arrive and check-in at Hotel.Afternoon at leisure to explore the local bazars.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Darjeeling, ( 2123 m) popularly known as the Queen of the Hills, is the jewel in the crown of the East Himalayas and a perfect destination for nature lovers and trekkers.Early morning visit Tiger Hill to view Sunrise Over Kanchenjunga and the great Eastern Himalayan mountains. Even Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here. Tiger Hill is situated at an altitude of 2590 meters.(8482 ft.). Return via <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A6N','DAI','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Ghoom</a> Monastery. It is one of the oldest Buddhist Monastery where manuscripts written on birch bark are preserved. Enjoy Toy Train Ride between <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A6N','DAI','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Ghoom</a> & Darjeeling (subject to operation). Which has been awarded world heritage status by UNESCO. Afternoon half day city tour visiting Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre where you can see Tibetan Craftsman making traditional items like carpets, woolen boots, carvings and leather goods and onto Tea Gardens & Factory (within 20 kms radius). Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 11: Gangtok
Morning proceed by road to Kalimpong. Arrive and check-in at hotel at Hotel. Afternoon at leisure.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 12: Gangtok
Morning visit Dr.Graham's Homes School and the Tong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery. Also visit Seri Culture Institute on Silk Production. Afternoon take an Orchid Tour to neighbouring areas by Jeeps and partially by trek.
Day 13: Gangtok - Darjeeling
Morning transfer to Bagdogra airport to leave by air for Kolkata. Arrive and transfer to International airport to fly back homeonward destination.
