Exotic Journeys' Bhutan and Sikkim - 15 Days

Delhi • Darjeeling • Gangtok • Kalimpong • Phuntsoling • Thimphu • Punakha • Paro • Delhi

The Kingdom of Bhutan remained largely cut off from the rest of the world up until the early 1960’s.
The tourism in Bhutan is based on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. Tourism has been strictly limited in Bhutan in order to preserve and nurture the traditional culture.

Visitors must have a visa prior to arriving in Bhutan. Visas are granted by the government in Bhutan, subject to advance booking of tour arrangements.. Exotic Journeys International will obtain visas for its clients. It may take about 60 days for paper work.

Flying into Bhutan’s only international airport, Paro, is an exciting experience. The descent into Paro valley brings you to the close proximity to the mountain tops than most other flights in the world. The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is one of the most exciting ones as the aircraft passes over four of the five highest mountains in the world. In clear weather, you will enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kangchenjunga.

At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Currently, there are flights to Paro, from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.

Weather Bhutan has all four seasons and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.

Autumn (September, October & November) The weather is lovely with clear blue skies, provide clear views of some of the highest mountains in the world. It is nice time for out door active tours and trekking. The climate is cool and temperate.

Sikkim is a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and enchantment. It is nestled between Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet. Amidst the grandeur of the Himalayan mountain peaks, lush green valleys, powerful rivers, terraced hills and warmth of its people, this primeval land offers the visitors a truly unique and delightful experience. It is captivating and offbeat. Although nearly 7,300 square kilometers in area, Sikkim nevertheless has a dramatic terrain with elevation ranging from of 244 meters to as high as 8586 meters Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. It's charm lies in its isolated interiors, serene villages, hidden valleys and ancient monasteries.

DAY 1 - Delhi

Arrive Delhi. A representative from Exotic Journeys International Group will meet you in the arrival lounge and escort you to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight:
The Obeori, Dellhi
The Taj Mahal, Delhi
The Leela Palace

DAY 2 - Delhi

Enjoy a day of leisure or travel around Delhi, a city of immense past. It is dotted with hundreds of landmarks and has accumulated a tremendous heritage of art, architecture and culture.

Overnight:
The Obeori, Dellhi
The Taj Mahal, Delhi
The Leela Palace

DAY 3 - Delhi - Bagdogra - Darjeeling

Fly to Darjeeling, a sparkling hill resort perched at an altitude of 7,400 feet. The town is a maze of steps, terraces and exotic little bazaars, lovely villas, gardens and waterfalls.

Overnight:
Matfair, Darjeeling
The Elgin, Darjeeling

DAY 4 - Darjeeling

For a spectacular view of sunrise behind the Mt Everest and Kanchenjunga, you will visit Tiger Hills followed by afternoon visit to Ghoom Monastery, Himalayan Zoo, Tibetan Center and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

Overnight:
Matfair, Darjeeling
The Elgin, Darjeeling

DAY 5 -Darjeeling

Morning city tour visiting the Victoria Falls, Tenzing's House, Tea Estate, Tibetan Center, Gumbu Rock Garden.

Overnight:
Matfair, Darjeeling
The Elgin, Darjeeling

DAY 6 - Darjeeling - Gangtok

Drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim ,driving along the side of the famous Teesta River. Sikkim has drifted through time and the life here is still quite and undisturbed. In a sense this is a vertical country with villages tucked on the slopes of high ridges. Visit Do Drul Chorten-the most sacred stupa that is surround by 108 prayer wheels, Deer Park and Orchid Sanctuary.

Overnight:
The Elgin Nor-Khil, Gangtok
Mayfair Spa Resort & Casico, Gangtok

DAY 7 - Gangtok

Today you will visit the sacred Rumtek and Enchey Monasteries, Cottage Industry and the city. Evening free for shopping at the Gangtok market.

Overnight:
The Elgin Nor-Khil, Gangtok
Mayfair Spa Resort & Casico, Gangtok

DAY 8 - Gangtok - Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a medley of diverse mountain people – Nepalese, Tibetans, Bhutanese and Lepchas. Sightseeing tour includes Tharpa Choling, Buddhist Monastery, Lepcha Museum and Durpin Dara

Afternoon excursion to the famous Zang Do Palri monastery, Fo-Brang Gompa, Flower Nurseries and Sericulture Research institute.

Ovewrnight:
Mayfair Himalayan Soa Resort, Kalimpong
The Elgin Silveroaks, Kalimpong

DAY 9 - Kalimpong - Phuntsoling - Thimphu

Drive to Phuntsoling - the gateway to Bhutan. After city tour and lunch we will drive to Thimphu, Bhutan

Overnight at:
Taj Tashi, Thimpu
Termalinca Resort, Thimpu

DAY 10 - Thimphu

The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten built in memory of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. Then visit the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. After lunch, visit the National Library stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of Tanka painting. (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls) and the Folk Heritage Museum Finally visit the Trashichho dzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery which houses most of the Government's office and the King's Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot

Overnight at:
Taj Tashi, Thimpu
Termalinca Resort, Thimpu

DAY 11 - Thimphu - Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the former of Bhutan. Take a short walk to Chime Lhakhang through the village of Mestina, the Lhakhang is known for childless women to go and receive a magic wang (Blessing from the temple). Built in the 15th century by the Divine man Lama Drukpa Kunlay. Then visit the Punakha Dzong / fortress, an architectural masterpiece and situated strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region.

Overnight at:
Uma by COMO
Dhensa Boutique Resort

DAY 12 - Punakha - Paro

After breakfast, drive to Paro. The beautiful terraced valley has many of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Drive through the valley and visit Paro Dzong with its traditional cantilever bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River).

Overnight at:
Uma by COMO
Zhiwaling

DAY 13 - Paro

The Taktsang monastery is the most famous Bhutanese monastery in Bhutan. Perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley, it is also known as "Tiger's Nest" because Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. He then meditated in a cave here for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight at:
Uma by COMO
Zhiwaling

DAY 14 - Paro - Delhi

Fly to Delhi. Change planes.

(From Paro, you can also fly to Bangkok, Kathmandu or Kolkata depending on Druk Air / Bhutanese Airline flight schedules.)

DAY 15 - Departure
Fly to Delhi. Change planes.

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Itineraries are designed with current flight schedules and remain subject to adjustment / change.