North India with Bhutan Tour

New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. Narrating the city's Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj.

On arrival, assistance & transfer to Darjeeling by road. Check in at hotel on arrival & in the evening walk around the Mall.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 2. Darjeeling
Early morning at about 4 am, drive to Tiger Hill to witness the beauty of the sun rise. On the way back visit Ghoom, Samten, Chholing monastery & Darli monastery. After late breakfast, leave for a guided tour of Darjeeling town visiting the Mountaineering Institute, Zoo, Rope Ways, Tenzin Rock, Tibet Handicraft Centre and the Tea gardens. In the evening visit the Observatory Hill and the Mall.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 3. Darjeeling
Morning at 07h45, reach railway station for Toy train ride from Darjeeling to Sonada or Kurseon. One can enjoy Badhash Loop & full view of Kunchanjunga Range. Lunch at Kurseon & then drive back to Darjeeling. In the evening, walk to Observatory Hill & around the Mall.

Overnight hotel.

Day 4. Darjeeling - Pemayangtse
Early morning depart for Pema Yangtse. Check in at tourist lodge on arrival.. In the afternoon, visit Pema Yangtse monastery, a premier monastery in Sikkim built in the 17th century. The unique feature of this monastery is the wooden structure depicting Sanglokpahi, the Heavenly Abode of Guru Padma Sambhava.

Overnight at Tourist Lodge or similar.

Day 5. Pemayangtse - Gangtok
After an early breakfast, depart for Gangtok via Ravangla, where one will visit the Tibetean Settlements. Enroute also visit Rumtek monastery, the premier monastery in Sikkim & headquarter of Kyagyupa sect of Tibetean Budhhism. Continue for Gangtok

check in at hotel for overnight.

Day 6. Gangtok - Rumtek
After breakfast, visit Tibeteology Chorten & Nyingpa monastery at Deorali & Cottage Industry. After lunch, visit around MG Marg & then depart for Rumtek, which is the seat of the Kagyu Order. The largest monastery in Sikkim, traditional in design, it is a close replica of the original in Tibet with beautiful murals & religious artefacts. The monastery has 200 centres around the world. A must for all visitors.

Overnight in Rumtek.

Day 7. Rumtek - Phuntsholing
After breakfast, depart for Phuntsokling by coach (about 220 kms - almost 6 hours). Check in at Hotel Sinclairs. In the afternoon, walk around Phuntsokling town & market.

Overnight hotel.

Day 8. Phuntsholing - Thimpu (175 kms, takes about 6 hours)
After breakfast, depart for Thimpu through winding and gentle uphills till we reach Chapchhal Pass. The road desecends from the pass till Chuzomsa (meeting point of two rivers) and enroute we can see Chhuka Hydel Project which is the biggest hydro power plant in Bhutan. Packed lunch will be served half the way to Thimpu, just above Chhuka Hydel colony. Enroute also visit Kharbandi Gompa. Nearby Thimpu visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the kingdom. On arrivel at Thimpu,

check in at hotel for overnight.

Day 9. Thimpu
Full day sight seeing in Thimpu including visits to Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Painting School & the Traditional Medicine Institute. Evening visit the local market and Handicrafts Emporium.

Overnight hotel.

Day 10. Thimpu - Punakha (77 kms - 3 hours)
After breakfast, depart for Punakha, across Dochula Pass (3,100 m). From this point the major peaks of Bhutan can be seen, on a clear day. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still is the winter seat of the chief abbot. On arrival, check into hotel. Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong. Later take a stroll through Punakha market & town. After that take excursion to Wangdi Phodrang, the interesting town towards the south of Punakha. Also visit the local market at Wangdi. Evening return to Punakha

overnight at hotel.

Day 11. Punakha - Gangtey (90 kms - 3 hours)
In the morning, leave for Gangtey. On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon explore Gangtey Gompa & Phobjikha valley. Spotting black necked cranes in the meadows next to Gangtey is an ornithologists delight. The cranes migrate here from the high plains of the Tibetean plateau in winter to milder climate of Phobjikha valley. Also visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region.

Overnight hotel.

Day 12. Gangtey - Paro (200 kms - 7 hours)
After breakfast in the hotel, proceed to Paro, arriving by lunch time. On arrival check into hotel. Evening visit Paro market and twon.

Overnight hotel.

Day 13. Paro
Full day sight seeing of Paro including visits to Drukgyel Dzong (on a clear day one can see the commanding view of Mt. Chomolhari from the village nestled below the dzong). Then visit a traditional farm house. The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by the cluster of farm houses. Stop enroute for a glimpse of Takstang monastery. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the kingdom. After lunch visit Ta Dzong & Rinpung Dzong.

Overnight hotel.

Day 14. Paro - Delhi
Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. On arrival, check in at hotel.

Afternoon leave for a combined sight seeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Akshardham Mandir, India Gate, etc.

Overnight at hotel

Day 15: Delhi Deaprt
Monring after breakfast at Hotel, you will proceed towards the airport, for the flight to your onward destination.