Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Meeting and assistance transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi. Morning tour of historic city of Old Delhi to include the magnificent Red Fort, The Jama Masjid, India`s largest mosque, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon sightseeing in New Delhi to include Qutab Minar, Birla Mandir, Huyamun`s Tomb, India Gate, Bhai Temple and Government buildings. Overnight at hotel
Day 3: Delhi/ Paro. Morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Paro. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening take a stroll around town's main street. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Paro. Morning take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the father of the Bhutanese strain of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. Taktsang was severely damaged by fire in year 1998 and now has been restored in its original grandeur.
After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons and country's exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong situated at commanding height, overlooking Paro valley. This Dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley. Evening visit a traditional farm house to get an idea on lifestyle of local people. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Paro / Punakha. After breakfast drive to ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, about 18 km from the town. From this fortress, Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples of the Kingdom, reflecting the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. After that drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,050m) which heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.
Until 1955 Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo. Visit Punakha Dzong built in 17th century at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It has been destroyed by four fires and an earthquake in 1897 and has frequently been devastated by flood water coming from the great northern glaciers. The Dzong has now been fully restored to its original splendor. Evening visit to local market. Overnight at the hotel Zangtho Pelri or similar, Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Thimphu (90 km, 3 hours). After breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang. The last town in the west before arriving at the central region of Bhutan, Wangdue is typical small Bhutanese town. The town's formidable Dzong is its most visible feature. In the 17th century Wangdue played a criticial role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese districts.
After lunch, drive to Thimphu, small charming city sandwiched in the heart of Himalayas. Thimphu's charm is not only embedded in its wealth of museums or places of historic interest but visitors must wander along the main street and into shops, all of which are decorated in traditional style. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Thimphu. Morning visit, Trashichhodzong, situated on the banks of Wang Chhu. It is home of the National Assembly and the summer residence of capital's venerated monastic community. The Dzong is the impressive result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, HM Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, when he moved Bhutan's permanent capital to Thimphu.
Bhutan's National Library is located close to the Thangkha painting school and contains arguably the best collection of religious and historic literature in the Himalayas. The country has its own brand of Himalayan medicines and this can be seen at the Indigenous Hospital. The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum opened in year 2001 is fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. The Memorial Chorten, a pious landmark for Thimphu's residents, was erected in 1974 by the mother of Third King, in memory of her son. Visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Thimphu - Phunetsholing – Doars. After breakfast, drive to Phuentsholing en route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Thimphu / Phunetsholing road was built in 1962 by Dantak, the Indian Border road organization. The drive on this route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Later drive to onward destination. Pick up from Phuntsholing and drive to Doars. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9: Doars / Kalimpmong. Morning drive to Kalimpong. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Kalimpmong / Gangtok. Morning visit to Dzong-Dog-Pelri Monastery, Tshonga Monastery and Flower Nursery. After lunch transfer to Gangtok. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Gangtok / Darjeeling. Morning visit to Enchey Monastery, Handicraft Centre and the Institute of Tibetology. After transfer from Gagntok to Darjeeling via Rumtek Monastery. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Darjeeling. Morning excursion to Tiger Hlill and Ghoom Monastery. Afternoon sightseeing visiting Himalayas Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, Tibetan Camp and Local Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Darjeeling / Bagdogra / Calcutta. Morning drive to Bagdogra airport to board the flight to Calcutta (1345/1445 hrs). Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Calcutta. Morning sightseeing tour of Calcutta - The capital of the British Empire until 1911, Calcutta has made an important contribution in the fields of culture, art, literature and social reforms. Today it is famous all over the world for Mother Teresa's Home for destitute and leprosy patients. Victoria Memorial, built earlier in this century, is Lord Curzon's white marble monument to Queen Victoria and Raj was designed in Italian Renaissance Mughal style, its museum has about 3000 exhibits from the British times; also visit the Kali temple dedicated to the patron Goddess of Calcutta; Fort Williams and Dalhousie square. Afternoon free. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15: Leave Calcutta. Transfer to the airport intime to board the flight for onward destination.
Per person cost for the above program minimum based on 2 pax:
October to December 2007:
Twin sharing per person basis $2500 USD per person
Room Supplement $790 USD nett
Air Fare Supplement $498 USD per person (subject to change)
(Delhi/Paro and Bagdogra / Calcutta: Economy class)
January to April 2008:
Twin sharing per person basis $2600 USD per person
Room Supplement $812 USD nett
Air Fare Supplement $498 USD per person (subject to change) (Delhi/Paro and Bagdogra / Calcutta: Economy class)
Hotels used: Oberoi Maidens / City Park - Delhi, Olathang - Paro, Zangtho Pelri / Punakha, Pheutnshu Pelri / Thimphu, Sinclairs - Doars, Silver Oaks - Kalimpong, Norkhill - Gangtok, Hotel Elgin- Darjeeling, Peerles Inn - Calcutta.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- Accommodation on twin sharing as per the above mentioned hotels or similar
- Delhi and Calcutta will be on bed and breakfast basis, Bhutan & Sikkim will be on Full board basis
- Arrival/departure transfer and sightseeing with private car with English speaking driver
- English speaking local guide for sightseeing
- Entrance fee at monuments
- Welcome with flower garlands at airport
- Assistance at airport and hotels by our representative
- Bhutan Visa fees
Not Included:
- Any air fare, airport tax
- Unspecified meals, table drinking
- Telephone call, laundry, camera fee, tips
- Insurance and any other expenses of personal nature and not mentioned above
- Above Rates does not includes any x mas or New Year's Eve Dinner Supplement
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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