THE JOURNEY TO THE MOUNTAIN KINGDOMS- Bhutan and Sikkim 17 days
Explorer Bhutan and Sikkim
Bhutan → Sikkim
Feel the power of being under Kanchenjunga, the beautifully shaped range that dominates Sikkim. Unique fauna and flora, wild nature and some of the most welcoming people of India awaits you. Complete this itinerary with a visit to the main attractions of Bengal, the British heritage of Kolkata and the tea culture in Darjeeling will take you through a shortcut to the Raj times and Bhutan, the isolated country, the untouched destination of the Himalayas. In Bhutan tourism is handled with care to preserve the unique natural beauty and the unspoilt heritage of its people.
The Adjustable Itinerary
Enjoy complete flexibility with a customizable itinerary, allowing you to adjust destinations, activities, and pace to perfectly match your travel preferences.
01
ARRIVAL KOLKATTA
We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the selected hotel. Overnight at hotel.
02
KOLKATTA
The capital of West Bengal was the first establishment of East India Company in the subcontinent and its first capital, which houses the most impressive buildings Raj Bhavan. visit the British Architecture of Victoria Memorial and Fort William. Meet the projects of Mother Teresa, the nun who has influenced in the 20th century we also will contact the rituals goddess Kali, the main deity of the city. Overnight at hotel.
03
KOLKATTA - BAGDOGRA ( FLY) - GANGTOK
After breakfast proceed to catch the flight to Bagdogra and from Airport transfer to the capital, Gangtok of Sikkim. The city is the main center of population a perfect base for various places you may like to visit in the state. Overnight at hotel.
04
GANGTOK - RUMTEK - GANGTOK
Today we will visit Rumtek, the biggest centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. Built in 16th Century by the 9th Karmapa as the seat for its lineage, it became again a focal religious point after Tibetan had to seek refuge in India in 1957. The monastery was partly rebuilt and nowadays hosts the biggest monk community in Sikkim. Overnight at hotel.
05
GANGTOK - CHANGU LAKE - GANGTOK
Only 40 kilometres far from Gangtok we find the Changu Lake. At 3780 metres, this glacial lake in East Sikkim will put you in the wildest of Himalayan landscapes. It is a unique opportunity to walk in such a remote natural sight, only 18 kilometres by road from the Chinese border. Overnight at hotel.
06
GANGTOK - PEMAYANGTSE
It`s time to visit the most prestigious monastery in Sikkim. Pemayangtse was built in 18th Century and still retains the old traditions untouched. Only the main lama in the monastery could bless with water the kings of Sikkim. The way to the monastery will let us appreciate the wonderful landscapes of Sikkim, always under the eyes of Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in this side of Himalayas. Overnight at hotel.
07
PEMAYANGTSE
Pemayangtse monastery is the better way to be in touch with pure Sikkimese culture. The monks are still selected only between Bhutia clan, a group of population descendant of the Tibetan settled in the valleys of Sikkim. Being the head of the Sikkim monasteries, you can learn a lot about the Buddhist religion in the state and share the prayers and rituals with the monks. Overnight at hotel.
08
PEMAYANGTSE - DARJEELING
Leaving Sikkim back to West Bengal. The road will offer us some unforgettable moments. We won`t leave the Himalayas, since we are going to the mid mountains of Darjeeling capital of the best tea. But there we will find a colonial touch. Overnight at hotel.
09
DARJEELING
Darjeeling is synonymous of tea culture. The British planted the still nowadays best Indian tea. The hills covered by tea bushes and colourful women recollecting will leave and unforgettable image in your memory. We will devote one day to learn about the production of tea in the region, the taste and the purchase of some of the best specialities in the world. Overnight at hotel.
10
DARJEELING - KALIMPONG
We will take the toy train, a historical jewel that can take you through the slopes of this part of the Himalayas up to Kalimpong. Overnight at hotel.
11
KALIMPONG - PHUNTSHOLING
Get ready to enter one of the most unique countries in the world. Bhutan was closed to tourism since very recent date, and still now it is handled with care to maintain the singularities of this land and culture as untouched as possible. Overnight at hotel.
12
PHUNTSHOLING - THIMPHU
As the capital of a small mountain country, Thimphu is not a cosmopolitan place. Here you will find the peace of a scattered city where brands and international chains haven`t reached. A very genuine city with a warm and welcoming people dominating the main valley in Bhutan. The 17th Century forts or dzongs and the palaces of the current kings are the main attractions of Thimphu, although you can take advantage to visit some monasteries in the capital city. Overnight at hotel.
13
THIMPHU - PHUNAKA
Phunaka Dzong has a strategic position in its valley. Built over an island between two rivers, the fortress is an impressive architectural masterpiece in the most beautiful location. Here we will appreciate the peaceful environment and the delicate decorations of the traditional Bhutanese constructions. Overnight at hotel.
14
PHUNAKA - WANGDI PHODRANG - PARO
Wangdi Phodrang is a small town, with most of its populations living scattered. The dzong or fort is the main attraction in the city and dominates the region from the peak of a mountain. Feel the uniqueness of being away from the world in this city surrounded by the silence of wild nature. In the evening, we will proceed to Paro. Overnight at hotel.
15
PARO
Paro symbolizes the will of Bhutanese to keep its independence. The Rinpung Dzong, a monastery fortress located in the city fight against various Tibetan invasions to keep the kingdom independent from foreign influences. Paro is nowadays the home of the only international airport in the country, but a visit to its heritage will bring to notice the main historical episodes of a country struggling to preserve its uniqueness. Overnight at hotel.
16
PARO (FLY) KOLKATA
Last hours in Kolkata to do the last minute shopping or treat yourself in the best restaurant to give a proper farewell to this amazing experience in the Indian subcontinent. Overnight at hotel.
17
KOLKATA - YOUR COUNTRY
Departure to your country. Happy Journey.
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Hear From Our Happy Travellers
Our India trip was absolutely incredible! Everything was perfectly organized from hotels to local experiences. The team made our journey smooth and stress free. Highly recommended!
