EAST HIMALAYAN DISCOVERY (11 days)
Discover the hidden mystery of the East Himalayas. After traversing through Paro, Punakha and Thimphu, this tour departs Bhutan via the subtropical frontier town of Phuentsholing. Includes exploration of the Indian Hill Stations including Darjeeling, and the former Kingdom of Sikkim.

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
The flight into Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights, with constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Whilst still in the air fill out your disembarkation form and immigration/declaration forms. Your address in Bhutan is Bhutan Travel Bureau. On arrival at the visa check in, please quote your visa clearance number which was provided along with the Druk Air tickets. This enables a fast check out.
Your guide awaits you at the exit door. Paro is at an altitude of 2300m above sea level, making this valley an ideal spot for rice growing. As well as being a staple of the Bhutanese diet, the special red rice from this valley has found its place into some restaurants in America. This valley is famous for its broad variety of fruits including strawberries, apples, pears, plums and peaches. After lunch, visit the Ta- Dzong, or the museum. This museum offers a fantastic orientation of Bhutan's history, culture, religious, natural and economic life. Next, visit the imposing Rimpong Dzong, and take particular notice of the magnificent painting of the great saint - Milarelpa. Milarelpa is considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and is believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. We will walk to the historical cantilever bridge, still in use today. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 02: PARO
Today after breakfast, we hike to the Taktsang monastery built on a cliff face. It is a spectacular sight. The trail is broad and the walk uphill takes you a little more than 1000ft above the Paro valley. Taktsang is a great pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists and is also one of the most sacred sites in the Himalayan world. It was fully restored to its original appearance after a fire in 1998. For a close look at the cliff-hanging site, hike about 2 hrs up hills to view points filled with prayer flags directly opposite the monastery. From here Taktsang is clearly seen clinging to a sheer rock wall 3000 ft above the valleys floor, at an altitude of 10,000ft. Beyond the viewpoint, the path is narrow and steep as it climbs to a point above the temple, from where walkers can descend to the building itself.
The main deity of Taktsang is Dorje Drolo, the wrathful form of Guru Rinpoche, the precious Teacher, also known as Padmasambhava. The great tantric mystic is said to have flown here on the back of a tiger, a manifestation of his consort, Yeshi Tsogyal, when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. The image of Dorje Drolo inside the temple is shown standing on a tiger. There are 13 sacred sites at Taktsang, and several meditation caves in the cliffs above. Many saints have meditated here. Not only Guru Rinpoche, but also Milarepa and the female yogin Machig Labdronma. Here you can meditate awhile before beginning the descent. Nearby there is a teahouse, where you can stop for lunch or a snack.
In the afternoon we drive to the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong, once an historic monument built as a symbol of victory for the Bhutanese against the northern invaders, now a burnt out shell of its former structure. In a 1914 issue of National Geographic magazine Drukgyel Dzong was shown in its full glory. This was the first time Bhutan appeared in western news, and may have influenced the design of the University of Texas EI Paso buildings constructed in Bhutanese Dzongs' style. Restoration works have begun at this place after many years of abandonment. Along the way, see 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, and one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other is in Bumthang). Kyichu is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa. Inside there is a great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni. On the way back, take a short walk along Paro's main street, lined with small shops. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 03: PARO - PUNAKHA
This morning after breakfast we drive to Punakha, the old capital which is 4 1/2 hours drive from Paro. The road follows the Pachu River and at the confluence where Thimphu River meets the Paro River, we view three styled stone monuments, Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese. These kinds of monuments are built to ward off evil spirits believed to be haunting the places where rivers and spurs meet. They are also used as trail markers. Most of these monuments are built by high monks or by laymen who have dedicated the monuments to deceased relatives. From Semtokha the road to Punakha branches off from the road to Thimphu.
Drive over the 10,000ft Dochu La pass (about an hour outside Thimphu) into the balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochhu La area there are vast Rhododendron forests. These grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May, covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring color. From the height of the pass, with its sweeping view of the snow peaks in clear weather, the road descends into the lush green Punakha Valley.
Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan is situated at the merging point of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father rivers). It is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location in November where they remain until May. Rice paddies, orange groves, cactus and banana trees flourish in the warm sun and temperate climate. The bodies (Kudung) of the great unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal who died in the mid 17th Century, and of Terton Pemalingpa, the Spiritual Treasure- finder and founder of the Nyingmapa (old) sect, are preserved in the new Machhen Lhakhang. This is a Temple room inside the Dzong which was consecrated in late 1996. The Dzong was build by Shabdrung in 1637, as predicted by Guru Rinpoche. Ceremonial offerings are still made to him. In the monks Assembly Hall, otherwise known as the golden - pinnacled Kurney, are cosmic mandalas representing the Wheel of Life and a pattern of squares which is used to predict a person's future. Punakha Dzong has undergone flooding from a glacial lake high above in the mountains of Lunana, which periodically has broken through its barriers. It has also been ravaged by fire, but has stood on its remarkable site since the 17th Century. The flash flood of October 1994 caused a great deal of damage, but miraculously spared the statue of Lord Buddha. The three-story Machhen Lhakhang is a fine example of traditional architecture, crafted from cypress with four intricately embossed entrance pillars decorated in gold and silver. The inside walls are covered with elaborate colourful murals depicting the teaching of the Buddha. The Chorten which contains the Kudung is adorned with precious jewels and took twenty craftsmen four years to construct. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

DAY 04: PUNAKHA - THIMPHU
After breakfast, drive to Wangdue about 45 minutes from Punakha and the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. Wangdue is a typical, bustling small Bhutanese town and its formidable Dzong is the town's most visible feature. In the 17th century Wangdue played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country. After lunch drive to the nation's capital, Thimphu, a small, bustling city in the heart of the Himalayas. Thimphu charm comes not only from its wealth of museums or places of historic interest, but also from the strong national character of its architectural style. A stroll through this lively town and into its shops reveals an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Afternoon at leisure, and overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 05: THIMPHU
Today after breakfast we will visit the school for arts and crafts where the children were taught to master in the 13 types of arts and crafts of Bhutan. We also visit the post office which showcases Bhutan's beautiful stamps, a national passion and then visit a traditional hospital. The national library is another sight to see with a collection of Bhutanese scriptures, some of which date back to the 8th century. The Folk heritage museum is a replica of a medieval farm-house and is patronized by HM the Queen Sangay Choden Wangchuck to protect the textile heritage of Bhutan. There are some old collections along with the display of vegetable dyes and materials used for Bhutanese textiles. The traditional paper factory displays the unique Bhutanese paper making in process.
Other sights to visit in Thimphu include the memorial Chorten which depicts the Buddhist faith in form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization. The temple has one door at four directions. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the third King who passed away in the year 1972. Next visit Changangkha temple which was built in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lam Phajo Drukgom Shingpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. We also visit Drubthob monastery which houses the Zilukha nunnery.
Another site is the Tashichhoe Dzong, the centre of both the administrative and religious activities in Thimphu (open to tourists only after 5pm in summer & 4pm in winter). Although they are both housed within the one Dzong, a dual system was established in the 17th century that sought to keep the religious and political systems separate. The chief abbot called Je-khenpo heads the governance of religion, whilst the political leadership is conducted by the Prime Minister (one year term). Prior to 1998, political activity was overseen by the King, and before that by Desi until1907. There is also a viewing area to visit which looks over Thimphu town. On the way, take a visit at the nursing pen for the Takin-the national animal of Bhutan. If there is an extra time one can drive to Dodeyna and do a hike to Tango monastery. The drive of 20kms to the end of the road offers come spectacular hillside and valley scenes. The Old Dechencholing Palace (for view only and no entry) where our present King was born in the year 1955 can also be seen, the farming villages of Begana and Kabjisa, and the temples on the hill-slopes.
We will also browse in the Handicrafts Emporium, which displays a wide assortment of colorful hand-woven textiles, thangkha painting, and other craft products, and smaller handicraft shops along the main street if time permits. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 06: THIMPHU - PHUENTSHOLING
Today after breakfast drive down to Phuentsholing, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627 and the oldest fortress of the kingdom. It now houses the institute for language and cultural studies. The Thimphu-Phuentsholing road was built in 1962 by Dantak, the Indian border roads organization. The drive on this route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots. Just before arriving in Phuentsholing, we will stop to visit Kharbandi Gompa, a temple built in 1967. It houses large statues of Shakyamuni, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche.
Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing. Your tour with Bhutan Travel Bureau ends this evening. You will be handed over to our Indian counterpart tomorrow morning for exit from Bhutan and onwards travel to the Indian hill stations and Sikkim.

DAY 07: PHUENTSHOLING - SILIGURI/DARJEELING
After breakfast drive to Siliguri, passing through lush green tea garden en route. Siliguri is the gateway to north-eastern India, and the main transit point for visits to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan, eastern Nepal and Assam. After lunch in Siliguri, drive to Darjeeling via the Mahananda wildlife sanctuary. Overnight at the hotel in Darjeeling.

DAY 08: DARJEELING
In the early morning enjoy the sunrise from Tiger hill. The early start to the day is worth it, as the view from this place is indeed unforgettable, as the first rays of the sun touch the mountain peaks, and colors change from grey to pink to a luminous gold. Everest, the world's highest peak is visible from Tiger hill, but being 170 km away does not stand out as strikingly as the much closer Kanchenjunga.
Then visit Ghoom monastery, built in 1850 by Lama Sherub Gyatsho, a monk from Mongolia. It is a Tibetan monastery where ancient birch bark manuscripts are carefully preserved. Later visit the Himalayan mountain institute, the house of the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who with Edmund Hillary made the first ascent of Mt. Everest in 1953. In the evening, visit the Tibetan Refugee self help centre, which produces and sells a wide range of Tibetan artifacts and curios. Here you can see Tibetan craftsman making traditional items such as carpets, woolen and leather boots, and woodcarvings. The centre was established in 1954 to rehabilitate refugees who had fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama in the wake of the Chinese invasion. Overnight at the hotel in Darjeeling.

DAY 09: DARJEELING - GANGTOK
After breakfast drive to Gangtok. Later sightseeing in Gangtok includes a visit to the beautiful Enchey Monastery, approached from an avenue lined by hundreds of multi-colored prayer flags. Then visit the Institute of Cottage Industries where you can watch young students being taught the traditional art of thangka painting, and also weaving, wood carving and carpet making. Also visit the Institute of Tibetology, which is housed in a beautiful building constructed in traditional Tibetan style, with murals and decorated pillars. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.

DAY 10: GANGTOK - KALIMPONG
Morning excursion to the famous Rumtek Monastery, which was rebuilt in the 1960s as the headquarters of the Karma kagyupa School of Buddhist, then drives to Kalimpong. In the evening, visit a Gelugpa monastery, and also visit the Bhutanese monastery and one of the flower nurseries for which Kalimpong is Famous. Overnight at the hotel in Kalimpong.

DAY 11: KALIMPONG/BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
After breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport for flight to onward destination.

For more information, please email tours@btb.com.bt