2300 €, 9 Days
Let's discover the area of Sikkim and its capital Gangtok. Notable for its biodiversity and a land shaft combining alpine and subtropical climates, hosting Kanchenjunga - the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Combine this with Darjeeling. History fulfilled with kingdoms and temples, geography with forests, wildlife and stunning views and culture with its own spirit of colors and cuisine. We will visit the Tashichhoe Dzong a fortress of the glorious religion and the magnificent Kuensel Phodrang the tallest Buddha statue. And as we talk about sightseeing that should be missed - this is the story of Taktsang Ghoempa a combination between history, culture and spectacular views. A place that deserved the attention of the royal family of William and Kate. In the end, we will have a chance to explore the beauties of Kathmandu.
Highlights:
♦ Gangtok - capital and largest city in the Indian state of Sikkim
♦ Kuensel Phodrang - the tallest Buddha statue
♦ Paro Dzong - a massive fortress / monastery which is also the administrative center of dzonkhag.
♦ Taktsang Monastery - situated on a steep cliff in the Paro Valley
Itinerary:
Day 1. Bagdogra - Sikkim Gangtok
Arrival at Bagdogra International Airport. Pick up and drive to Gangtok. Stopover at the border town of Rangpo to apply for ILP ( Inner Line Permit). Arrival at the hotel. Free evening to visit MG Marg. (125 km/ 4 hrs)
Day 2. Sikkim Gangtok
After breakfast head to Rumtek Monastery, the place of His Holiness the 17th Karma which is located 24 km from Gangtok. Later visiting the Institute of Tibetology which has the most collection of rare Tibetan Buddhists in the world. Next visit the Dodrul Chorten, Handicraft Centre and the Tsuklakhang ( Royal Chapel). Free evening.
Day 3. Sikkim Gangtok - Darjeeling
After an early breakfast, we drive to Darjeeling via Rangpo. Stopover at Lopchu tea garden for refreshments. Continuing our drive to Darjeeling. Check-in at the hotel. After lunch visit Yiga Choling Monastery also known as Ghoom monastery which is the oldest monastery in Darjeeling built by Mogolian lamas in the year 1850. Later visit the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI). Evening free to walk around the Chowrasta Mall. (100 km/ 4 hrs)
Day 4. Darjeeling - Jaigoan
After an early breakfast drive to Jaigoan. Some necessary documentation at the Indian immigration office at Jaigoan and our Bhutanese representatives will take you to the border for a transfer to the hotel in Jaigoan. (189 km/ 6 hrs)
Day 5. Jaigoan - Thimphu
After breakfast, we will enter Bhutan and after brief immigration formalities, we will drive to Thimphu Bhutan. On arrival, we will check into our hotel and later visit the Craft Bazaar - A one-stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan-made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. And also visit other handicraft stores. Later we go to Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into the present structure by his majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. Overnight at Thimphu ( 160 km / 6 hrs drive )
Day 6. Thimphu sightseeing & Drive to Paro
We start with Kuensel Phodrang today and visit the tallest Buddha statue and enjoy the full view of Thimphu Valley below. Later we visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School. Then we go shopping at the Weekend Market where many valley dwellers congregate on the river banks where the market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides an opportunity to mingle with the local people. After lunch, we drive to Paro and our next stop - Tamchog Lhakhang Bridge. On our way, we can see Paro Airport from a bird's eye. It’s considered one of the most dangerous airports for landing and also the most beautiful airport in terms of landscape and architecture. Hotel Check-in and later visit the National Museum in Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. In the evening stroll through Paro town and visit local handicraft stores. Overnight at Paro ( 65 km/1 hr 30 mins).
Day 7. A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
After breakfast, hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Our first viewpoint will show us a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshments at the Cafeteria. Then walk further up. We will explore the history and the legends. After visiting the monastery, we walk downhill and on the way stop for lunch, then walk further downhill to the road. Drive to Drukgyel Dzong (fortress) which is situated on a ridge in the upper Paro valley. Visitors can easily understand the idea and the practices for defense in the older times. Overnight at Paro.
Day 8. Fly to Kathmandu and Kathmandu City Tour.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, your guide will transfer you to the hotel for refreshments and then start the city tour. We will do the Kathmandu Durbar Square and the local old market. Apart from its historical and cultural significance, Kathmandu Durbar Square also serves as a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. It is a bustling hub of activity with street vendors, food stalls, and musicians creating a lively atmosphere.
Day 9. Departure
Price Includes:
8 nights on full board basis in good standard hotels and restaurants
All transportation including airport transfers
Entry fees according to program
English Speaking Local guide
Visa fee USD 40 for Bhutan
Not Included:
International Flights
Nepal Visa: apply online- immigration.gov.np
India Visa: Apply online - indianvisaonline.gov.in
Insurance
Personal expenses
Cost for any services not mentioned in the program
Tips or any other services
Additional Services:
2 more days in Kathmandu: 1. Swayambhunath Stupa and Boudhnath Stupa with Pashupatinath Temple; 2. Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Currency fluctuations might cause correction of price at any time.
A
No special experience is needed; everyone who is in condition to cope with long Saturday walks in the forest can also cope with these tours. As a rule, the trips are short and at a low altitude. Often, it is your choice to join or skip a day-tour. The routes follow a hilly terrain without steep ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3/5h a day.
No special experience is needed; everyone who is in condition to cope with long Saturday walks in the forest can also cope with these tours. As a rule, the trips are short and at a low altitude. Often, it is your choice to join or skip a day-tour. The routes follow a hilly terrain without steep ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3/5h a day.
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