Sikkim & Bhutan Adventure

Bhutan -The land of the peaceful thunder dragon is known to the world by several names such as the 'the Last Shangri-La' or 'the Last Place on the Roof of the World.' Though the original name from the time of Marco Polo was 'Bootan,' the natives prefer to call their country 'Druk Yul,' or the Land of the Peaceful Thunder Dragon. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhutan offers spectacular mountain views, immense scenic beauty and a unique culture and lifestyle. You can see beautiful Buddhist monasteries, carved wooden houses and the fine crafts of Bhutan, on tours to Bhutan with Tourism in Bhutan.

Day 01: Bagdogra - Lava
Arrives at Bagdogra airport and transfer to Lava Situated at an altitude of 7200 feet, Lava is famous for its proximity to the Neora Valley National Park and its beautiful view of the Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Lava is about 32 km east of Kalimpong. Oak and fir trees welcome the visitor at Lava. Lava is also known for its leaches. During the rainy season vegetation around the place remains covered by leaches.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02: Lava - Teesta
After breakfast go for white water Rafting from Tarkhola near Teesta river, Take the stretch of Melli to 29th Mile and spend the night on the bank of river Teesta. The Teesta River, is the main drainage of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong Hill Region. It has been graded on the International scale at Grade 4.

Overnight stay in tents.

Day 03: Teesta - Gangtok
After breakfast drive to Gangtok. Visit Rumtek Monastery, Droul Chorthen, Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom, Flower Show.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Gangtok
After an early breakfast an excursion to Tsomgo - situated at a height of 3,780 meters with an average depth of 50 feet. The cool water of the Lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty around. Also visit Nathula Pass (subject to permission).

Over night stay at hotel.

Day 05: Gangtok - Lachung
After breakfast drive to Lachung in North Sikkim - Lachung is a very small town with scattered settlements, dominated mostly by Bhutias. There is also an army cantonment for the border protection. You can visit monastery, handicraft centre, go around for village. If you are interested then you can do trout fishing.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 06: Lachung
After breakfast sightseeing in Lachung, A Bhutia village has a unique local self-governing body called the Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat. It is located about 25 kms from Yumthang Valley. To get a glimpse of Lachung Monastery you have to come to the opposite slope of the highway.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07: Lachung - Gangtok
After breakfast drive back to Gangtok the "Lofty Hill" or the "Hill made flat to build the Gangtok monastery in 1716". Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees it, one would believe exists only in picture-story books. In the mystery-laden mists prayer flags whip in the breeze; wheels spin in the hands of Lamas mumbling invocations to God, in the distance are the snows, on the streets amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses, lined with friendly smiling people are silver, silk and spice and jewellery to gladden an maiden's heart, from across the seven seas are gadget and goods to delight the collector of "imported goods', while directly overlooking the city is the hill Lukshyma, the 'Mother of Pearl' citadel of the magic mountain, Khang-Chen-Dzod-Nga.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 08: Gangtok To Pelling
After breakfast drive to Pelling - is famous for magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga. Placid Pelling pulls most of the visitors for its representative status in history, nature and culture of the state.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09: Pelling
After breakfast Later proceed for sight seeing tour of Pemyangtse Monastery, The Rabdentse palace ruins, Sangacheoling Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake & Sing Shore Bridge.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10: Pelling - Phuntsholing
After breakfast drive to Phuntsholing - is a border town in southern Bhutan, opposite the Indian town of Jaigaon, situated in Chukha Dzongkang. Cross-border trade has resulted in a thriving local economy; the town serves as headquarters for the Bank of Bhutan.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 11: Phuntsholing - Thimpu
After breakfast drive to Thimpu - is the capital of Bhutan, and also the name of the surrounding valley and dzongkhag, the Thimphu District. Thimphu became a town in 1961 and grew as the capital of Bhutan. Before 1960, Thimphu was a small settlement but was developed by the King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk to replace the ancient capital of Punakha.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 12: Thimpu
After breakfast, sight seeing in Thimphu. It includes: Visit to TashichhoDzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961 by the Late King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, who is regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. Then visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts followed by visit to Painting School, famous for carving and free hand art. After lunch visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan. His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The inside paintings and statues provide a very rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy. Then visit Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Evening free for shopping and leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 13: Thimpu - Punakha
After breakfast drive Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong; built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637, this sacred Dzong has played a prominent part in the country's life in both civil and religious fields. Punakha Dzong is open to visitors only in summer when the monk body has moved Thimphu.

Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 14: Punakha - Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro - is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. In addition, the Paro Valley is wide and verdant and is recognized a one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan. However, apart from the main street (which is constructed of traditional wooden structures), the bazaar area is a nondescript hodgepodge of concrete buildings that is totally bereft of charm and character. Along with Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the 'golden triangle' of popular tourist destinations in Bhutan.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 15: Paro
After breakfast sightseeing tour, Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa-Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fortress which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasion. This Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. On a clear day one can view Mt. Jumolhari the sacred Mountain. On the way back we visit one of the Typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch at the hotel, we drive to Ta-Dzong which was once the watch tower for Paro valley, now it houses the National Museum and then walk down hill pass the Paro Dzong and crossing the typical traditional roofed bridge to Paro town.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 16: At Paro
Full day at independent activities.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 17:
After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to onward destination.