BHUTAN
GLIMPSES JEEP HIMALAYAN SAFARI.....
Places
to See:- Delhi, Darjeeling, Permanagtse, Martham, Gangtok, Kalimpong,
Phuntsoling, Thimpu, Punakha, Paro
BEST TIME : OCTOBER - MAY
DAY 01 ARRIVAL CALCUTTA OR DELHI:- Assistance upon arrival
followed transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 02 DELHI OR
CALCUTTA:- Full day city sightseeing.
DAY 03 DELHI OR
CALCUTTA/IXB/DARJEELING:- After breakfast transfer to Domestic airport
to Connect flight to Bagdogra. Meeting and assistance on arrival in Bagdogra
followed by 03-hour drive to Darjeeling. Darjeeling (2,135m), was built by
the British in mid 1800 primarily an R & R center for their troops. But
over a period of time it has been recognized itself as one of the most
important hill stations in India. Darjeeling still has a lot of the Old
World charm of a typical English summer retreat. The road climbs very
gradually along the tracks of the Ancient Toy Train, which was started as
well by the British passing through numerous small villages and the
important town of Kurseong. On arrival in Darjeeling check into Hotel. Rest
of evening at leisure to explore this beautiful town. Evening Tour briefing
at the Hotel by Trek Manager. Meals & Overnight at Hotel.
DAY
04 DARJEELING:- Early morning wake up around 0430 hrs and drive for
about 30 minutes to see the dawn views over the Kanchenjunga (8,548m)
massive
and other Eastern Himalayan peak from the Famous Tiger Hill, incidentally
Tiger Hill is the highest point of this area (2,540m) and is about 11 kms
from Darjeeling. On return one visits the famous Ghoom monastery, which is
one of the most famous monasteries in Darjeeling, it also enshrines an image
of "MAITREYA BUDDHA". Return to Hotel in time for breakfast. After
breakfast we commence local sightseeing, visiting Botanical Gardens,
Observatory Hill, Planters Club, Bhutia Busty Monastery. Return to Hotel for
Lunch. Afternoon visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the First
home of the famous climber Tenzing Norgay….HMI, also has a small museum
which houses all the equipment used on the First successful expedition on
Everest lead by Tenzing Norgay & Sir Edmund Hillary…From here one
drive to a nearby Tea Estate to get a first hand experience of the Famous
Darjeeling Tea. Return to Hotel in the evening. Meals & overnight at
Hotel.
DAY 05 DARJEELING/PEMAYANGTSE:-
After breakfast commence drive for Pemayangtse (2,045m), the drive takes
about 06 - 07 hrs. The first part of the drive is through some very
spectacular TeaGardens over a gradually descending road. The later part of
the drive we follow the mighty Rangit river, which is one of the main
tributaries of the Teesta river. Pemayangtse, lies in the west part of
Sikkim overlooking the mighty Kanchenjunga range. Enroute we stop at
Jorethang for an early lunch. Pemayangtse, monastery is one of the states
oldest and important monasteries. It was originally founded in 1705 but was
totally damaged in the earthquake of 1913 & 1960. It has been
constructed several times and belongs to the Tantric
NYINGMAPA SECT.
On arrival in Pemayangtsee by late afternoon, check into Hotel. Late
afternoon visit Pemayangtsee monastery. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 06 PEMAYANGTSE/MARTHAM:- After breakfast we commence
drive towards Martham (1,800m) 04 hours. Meals and overnight at resort.
DAY 07 MARTHAM/GANGTOK:- Commence drive to Gangtok
(1,600m)06 hours, through the heart of Sikkim. The drive is over a winding
road and occasionally passes through the Cardamom plantations and Orange
orchards. En route we stop to visit a monastery. We arrive in Gangtok by
late afternoon. Gangtok, is the capital of the tiny Shangri-la and is dotted
with some very interesting Monasteries, The Kings Palace (which is out of
bounds for the outside world) and numerous other interesting places. Evening
is at leisure for one gets the first glimpse of this beautiful place. Meals
& overnight at Hotel.
DAY 08 GANGTOK:-
Early
morning wake up to once again witness another spectacular sunrise of the
Kanchenjunga massif from Tashi viewpoint, which is, located 16 kms from
Gangtok. Return to hotel for breakfast followed by drive to Rumtek Monastery
which is situated 24 kms from Gangtok and is the seat of the
KAGYU - PA
SECT of Tibetan Buddhism. This sect was founded in the 11th century by
Lama Marpa, The disciple of Indian Guru Naropa and later split into several
subjects. The most important of which are
DRUK PA, KAGYU PA & KARMA
PA. The main monastery is a recent structure built in 1960 by the
GYALWA
KARMAPA in strict accordance with the traditional designs of this
monastery in Tibet. After visit of the monastery we visit Dodrul Chorten and
Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology, Orchid sanctuary and Institute of
Cottage Industries. Late afternoon walk to Enchey Monastery perched high
above Gangtok. Evening is free for shopping a
nd other activities. Meals and overnight at
Hotel.
DAY 09 GANGTOK/ KALIMPONG:- After breakfast depart
for Kalimpong (1,250m) 03 hrs, The road winds its way through the hill side
following the Teesta all along the way passing through some of the most
beautiful countryside in this region. Kalimpong, is a bustling and rapidly
growing town, though relatively small and is set amongst the rolling
foothills and deep valleys of the Himalaya. Kalimpong, attractions include
Three monasteries, a couple of solidly built Churches, Sericulture Center,
Orchid Nurseries, and Library of Tibetan & Himalayan language Culture.
On arrival check into hotel. Afternoon is spent visiting this town. Meals &
Overnight HTL.
DAY 10 KALIMPONG/PHUNTSOLING:- After
breakfast commence 05-hour drive to the border of Bhutan, Phuntsoling. Meals
& overnight at hotel.
DAY 11 PHUNTSOLING/THIMPU:- After
breakfast drive to Thimphu. The capital town passing countryside, through
villages & paddy fields. After noon sightseeing of Thimphu valley,
visiting Tashichhodzong" the seat of the government memorial chorten.
The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King & handicraft
emporium displaying rich traditional crafts of the Kingdom also, you may be
able to catch a game of Archery in progress at the Changlimethang compound,
just below the town. Evening explore the market. Meals & overnight at
the hotel.
DAY 12 THIMPHU / PUNAKHA:- Morning
in Thimphu visit to national library, which has fascinating collection of
ancient Buddhist manuscripts, The painting school; famous for traditional
medicine institute; where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Then
proceed to Punakha cross Dochu la pass (3100m). The pass is marked by a
large Bhutanese Chorten & prayer flags. The pass offers the most
spectacular view over the high peaks of the Eastern Himalaya. On arrival
check-in to the hotel. Punakha served as the capital town of Bhutan &
still in the winter seat of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot. Visit to Punakha
dzong, built by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 17th century & situated at
the junction of Pho Chu & Mo Chu rivers. Later visit to Punakha town &
market. Meals & overnight at hotel.
DAY 13 PUNAKHA/PARO:- Drive to
Paro, on arrival transfer to hotel. Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint
clusters of hamlets paddy fields. The town still maintains traditions by way
of architecture & the simple way of life. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong or
National museum, rated among the best natural history museum in Asia. The Ta
Dzong offers a unique and varied collection raining from ancient armor to
textiles & thangkha paintings Than walk down the trail to visit Paro
Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built during the time of
SHABDRUNG NAWANG NAMYAGAL
in 1646. It now houses the Paro monastic school & office of the civil
administration. Also is venue of Paro Tshchu, held ones a year in spring.
Meals & overnigth at hotel.
DAY 14 PARO/CALCUTTA:- The
flight from Paro is one of the most spectacular of the mountain flight. One
can see Mt. Everest, Kanchanjanga, Makalu & other peaks of Bhutan such
as Chomolhari, Jichu Darke & Tsrim Khang. Assistance at airport drives
to the hotel.
DAY 15 CALCUTTA DEPARTURE:- In time
departure transfer from Hotel to International airport to catch flight for
International Destination
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