Himalayan Odyssey

Arrive Kolkata
Evening, arrival at Kolkata airport. Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

In Kolkata
After breakfast depart for full day city tour. Visit the

India Museum - established in 1878. The museum has been built in Italian architectural style and has six sections: Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Industry (economic botany).

Howrah Bridge. It is one of three bridges on the river Hooghly and is the most famous symbol of not only Kolkata but also West Bengal.

Post lunch visit

Victoria Memorial, a splendid architectural structure in white marble, modeled on the Taj Mahal and was built in the early 20th century in memory of Queen Victoria which was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales in 1921. The magical lighting effect in the evening and a fairy tale 'Fountain of Joy' facing the memorial building create an atmosphere of unforgettable charm.

St Paul's Cathedral - Built between 1839 and 1847, it is India's one of the most important churches. After sightseeing return to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Kolkata-Bagdogra (Flight)-Darjeeling (93 Kms/ 3 Hrs by surface)
Morning after breakfast check-out from the hotel for a transfer to the airport to board the flight. Arrive at Bagdogra & then drive to Darjeeling.

On arrival check-in at your hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Darjeeling
Perched at an altitude of 2,134 m with a backdrop of mighty Himalayan peaks, Darjeeling derives its name from Dorje-ling, meaning the place of Dorje. This Place is famous for tea which had a premium value in the international market and now known as 'Champagne of the East' and for years formed the mainstay of the economy of this area. To this day, the name 'Darjeeling' continues to be synonymous with tea.

After breakfast embark on the sightseeing of Darjeeling which includes visit to

Ghoom monastery built in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatsho a monk from Mongolia. The main feature of this Gelugpa monastery is the magnificent statue of Maitreya, “the future Buddha” draped in white silk scarves of offering called Khadas.

Post lunch; visit the

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre where you can see Tibetan craftsmen making traditional items like carpet, woolen boots, wood carvings and feather goods.

Overnight at the hotel.

Darjeeling-Kalimpong (70 kms,3Hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to Kalimpong. Nestling at modest altitude of 1,250m, Kalimpong enjoys moderate climate. Forming a triangle with its more illustrious neighbours, it is known for flowers and nurseries. Entire hillsides are blaze with colour during the season. On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon visit to Tharpa Choling Monastery, belonging to the Gelugpa sect followed by visit to flower nurseries.

Overnight at the hotel.

Ahmedabad – Modera – Patan – Mount Abu By Road
(Approx 270 Kms/ 06 Hours)
After breakfast drive to Gangtok-the capital of Sikkim. A perfect symbol of the confluence of the past and present is Gangtok. Built on the flank of ridge, Gangtok is 1,600 m above sea level. Along the deeply felt presence of stupas and monasteries, it also bustles like any other town.

On arrival check-in at your hotel. Today’s sightseeing of Gangtok includes visit to ;

Do-drul Chorten - one of the most important stupas built by Trulsi Rinpoche head of the Nyingmapa order. It contains rare Mandalas of Dorje Phurpa, Holy Books, Montras. Then visit to Enchey Monastery. This 200 year old monastery was built on the site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Druptab Karpa, known for his flying powers.

Research Institute of Tibetology and Directorate of Handicrafs & Handloom; it is centre for promoting and keeping alive the traditional arts and crafts, a veritable storehouse of exquisite carpets, blankets and shawls in Lepcha weaves.

Overnight at the hotel.

Gangtok
Morning after breakfast, take an excursion to

Rumtek Monastery, situated about 24 km from Gangtok, Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is the seat of the Kagyupa order, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Since the late 1960, after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the Centre houses some of the world’s most unique religious scriptures and objects. Traditional in design, it is replica of the original Kagyupa headquarters.

Post lunch visit to Tashi view point which offers enchanting view of Mount. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu one of the most graceful peaks in the world.

Overnight at the hotel.

Gangtok-Phuentsholing (200 Kms, 6 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Bhutan’s border town of Phunetsholing passing through lush green tea gardens enroute.

The gateway to the south, Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills, Phunetsholing is a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of mingling of people and their culture. On arrival check-in at your hotel.

Evening visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang, the temple representing heaven of Guru Rinpoche. Then take a stroll around town and local market.

Overnight at the hotel.

Phuentsholing-Thimpu (180 Kms, 6 Hrs)
After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan situated at the altitude of 2,400m, 4 km ahead of Phunetsholing visit Kharbandi Goemba, the beautiful monastery built by Royal Grand Mother. The drive from Phunetsholing is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots enroute. Stop for lunch at local restaurant enroute. Nearby Thimphu, visit Simtkha Dzong the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the school for Buddhist studies.

Arrive Thimpu and check-in at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Thimpu
Following breakfast, proceed on a tour of the capital city of Bhutan. Visit the Trashichhodzong; the ‘fortress of the glorious religion’, Memorial Chhorten; the Stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s Third King, National Library, Art School, The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum and Government Handicrafts Emporium.

Overnight at the hotel.

Thimpu-Punakha (75 Kms, 2 ½ Hrs)
Morning after breakfast, drive to

Punakha across Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and still it holds the winter seat of Chief Abbot. On arrival check-in at your hotel. In Punakha, visit

17th century Punakha Dzong, followed by visit to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten.

Post Lunch drive to Wangduephodrang, the last town before central Bhutan. The town is like an enlarged village with its interesting local market. Visit majestic wangduephodrang Dzong sitting on the top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers.

After the visit return to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Punakha-Paro (125 Kms, 4 ½ Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Paro the beautiful valley which encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundred of myths and legends. On arrival check-in at your hotel.

Post lunch visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long, fascinating history.

Overnight at the hotel.

Paro
Morning after breakfast visit Durkgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese warriors repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Also visit a traditional farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people.

Post lunch take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, situated 900m above Paro valley floor. Evening visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

Overnight at the hotel.

Paro-Kolkata (flight)
After breakfast transfer to Paro airport to board the flight for Kolkata. On arrival transfer to your hotel in Kolkata, rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Depart Kolkata
Transfer to the international airport, to board the onward flight for your return journey.