STATES OF EAST INDIA WITH BHUTAN & NEPAL TOUR

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Duration of Programme: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Places to Visit: Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Darjeeling - Pelling - Gangtok - Kalimpong - Phuentsholing - Thimpu - Punakha - Paro

India Gate-DelhiDay 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Evening arrive at Kathmandu - Tribhuvan International Airport.

Kathmandu - is the hub of Nepal's traditional culture and arts.  This is the place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments, and mountain views.

On arrival meeting, assistance at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Where our executive will explain the travel plan in detail and hand over the essential documents (Tour programme, hotel’s vouchers, feedback report etc) to you. Rest of the day free to relax at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

India Gate-DelhiDay 02: Kathmandu

After breakfast at hotel enjoy full day guided city tour including Swayambhunath - The most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley's holy shrines the golden-spired stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock, Pashupatinath - This is Nepal's most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the subcontinent's great Shiva sites. The supreme holiness of the site stems from the Shiva linga enshrined in its main temple and its location, Darbar Square, Bodhnath- This great stupa is one of Nepal's most distinctive monuments and one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal and, with a diameter of over 100 meters, amongst the largest in the world. Evening free to explore the local markets. Overnight at hotel

w3infotekDay 03: Kathmandu - EXCURSION TOUR TO PATAN & BHAKTPUR
After breakfast at hotel excursion to visit Patan city - The city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is known as the city of artists. Patan is the oldest of the three ancient cities of the Kathmandu valley which once ruled by the mallas.

Later in the afternoon drive to visit Bhaktapur city - Bhaktapur is the third largest city in the Kathmandu valley. The city was once the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom from the 12th to the 15th century. Later return back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 04: Kathmandu - Bhadrapur (Flight)- Darjeeling (153 kms )
After breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board on flight to Bhadrapur.

Bhadrapur is the nearest airport to re-enter in India (Darjeeling), on arrival meeting assistance at airport by 0our local representative and drive to Darjeeling.

Darjeeling conjures visions of snow peaks, serenity of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas. Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS. The crest of Kanchenjunga shining in the first dawn light truly supports the title. 
Darjeeling beckons thousands today for a leisurely respite from the bustle of the madding crowd. The traveller - whether a tourist or a trekker, an ornithologist or a photographer, a botanist or an artist - will find in Darjeeling an experience which will remain etched in the memory - forever.

On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 05: Darjeeling - ENJOY TOY TRAIN RIDE UPTO GHOOM
After breakfast at hotel enjoy full day Darjeeling City Tour.

Early morning tour in Darjeeling with visits to - Tiger Hill Sunrise Point, Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery (Timing 4.00AM to 7.30AM). Free time for personal activities between Breakfast and Lunch.


Post Lunch City Tour - visit 7 points - Darjeeling Zoo and Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Tea garden, Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock, Tibetan Refugee center (Closed on Sunday) and Lebong Race Course Area. Free evening at Mall for Shopping. Overnight at Darjeeling.

w3infotekDay 06: Darjeeling- Pelling (125 kms )
After breakfast at hotel drive to Pelling (Alt 7175Ft / 2150M).

On arrival enjoy the scenic beauty of this hilly town initially covered with wild thick jungle providing hideouts and shelter to many indigenous wild animals of that period including Wildman (may not be yeti though). Slowly this gentle ridge attracted cattle herders, shepherds and some mediators allowing human habitation around it.

This ridge being located in between two old Buddhist monasteries (Pemayangtse and Sangacholing) in took no long time to develop into a full fledged village named Pelling remained from the name of an old monastery Pemaling choeling. Today, this little village Pelling has become the best chosen tourist destination in Sikkim due to its scenic location and the advantage of having the closest view of world third highest mountain Mt. Khang - Chen-Dzonga and other snow peaks from here.

Local tour in Pelling with visits to 8 popular tourist points - Darap Village and Valley, Rimbi Waterfalls, Rock Garden, Kunchenjungha Water Falls and Khecheopalri Holy Lake. After lunch visit Pemayangtse Monastery, Helipad View Point, Rubduntse Palace Ruins and Bird Sanctuary. Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 07: Pelling - Gangtok (116 kms )
After breakfast at hotel drive to Gangtok (Alt 5550Ft / 1675M).

Wreathed in clouds, Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga, the town provides the perfect base for travel through the state. Once an important transit point for traders traveling between Tibet and India, it is today a busy administrative and business centre and presents an interesting mix of cultures and communities.

On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 08: Gangtok
After breakfast at hotel enjoy full day city tour including - Rumtek Monastery, Botanical Garden, and Santi View Point, Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology, Dodurl Chorten, Government Institute of Cottage Industry (Closed on Sunday, 2nd Saturday), Orchid House Flower Show. After lunch visit Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok and Bakthang Falls.

Evening free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 09: Gangtok - Kalimpong (74 kms )
After breakfast at hotel drive to Kalimpong (Alt 4175Ft / 1250M).

King's ministers strong hold a Bhutanese word. It is also called Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black spur". As per the Lepchas Kalimpong means 'Ridge Where we play'. It is said that these local tribesman used to organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit.
Situated at an altitude of 1250 meters it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under the big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quite and relaxed holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga.

The journey from Darjeeling to Kalimpong is a beautiful experience. The road drops from Ghoom 7407ft., to Teesta Bazar 700 ft. in 12km and passes through lush green forests and tea gardens. One can stop at the view point of 'Lovers Meet' from where the confluence of river Teesta and Rangeet can be seen.

On arrival, check in at hotel. After wash and change at hotel visit half day city Tour including - Graham's Home, Delo View Point, Pine View orchid nursery. Afternoon stroll in the local market and walk through the lonely Rinkingpong road. Overnight at Kalimpong.

w3infotekDay 10: Kalimpong - Phuentsholing (175 kms )
After breakfast at hotel drive to Phuentsholing. Phuentsholing (alt. 300m / 985 ft) - The frontier town, it is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where different ethnic groups mingle prominently Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese. Being the border town, Phuentsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and also the important link to visit the Indian state of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam.

On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 11: Phuentsholing - Thimpu (150 kms )
After breakfast at hotel visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang - small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche & Kharbandi Goemba - beautiful monastery.

Later drive to Thimpu.

Thimphu (alt. 2400m/7875ft) - The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 12: Thimpu

After breakfast at hotel enjoy full day city tour including Memorial Chorten - This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan., Simtokha Dzong, National Library, The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), Trashichhoedzong - Also know as "fortress of the glorious religion", Changangkha Lhakhang. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 13: Thimpu - Excursion tour to Punakha (70 kms )
After breakfast at hotel excursion to Punakha.

Punakha (alt. 1300m/4265ft) - Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. There are splendid views of the distant Himalayas at Dochula pas (alt. 3,050m) on Thimphu - Punakha road.

On arrival, explore this beautiful town.

Later return back to Thimpu. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 14: Thimpu - Paro (55 kms )
After breakfast at hotel drive to Paro.

Paro (alt. 2200m/7218ft) - The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country's only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valley in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 15: Paro
After breakfast at hotel enjoy full day city tour including Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong - One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country, Drukgyel Dzong - This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Druk Choeding - Built in 1525, this town temple was formed by Ngawang Chhogyel, one of the prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest) - It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". Overnight at hotel

Day 16: Paro / Departure

Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. In time transfer to airport to board your homebound flight with the happy memory of this tour.
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