EAST HIMALAYAN DISCOVERY DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
DAY 02: PARO
DAY 03: PARO – PUNAKHA
DAY 04: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
DAY 05: THIMPHU
DAY 06: THIMPHU – PHUENTSHOLING
DAY 07: PHUENTSHOLING – SILIGURI/DARJEELING
DAY 08: DARJEELING
DAY 09: DARJEELING – GANGTOK
DAY 10: GANGTOK – KALIMPONG
DAY 11: KALIMPONG/BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our Bhutan Travel Bureau representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities.
After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 02: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments.
In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate the victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
Alternatively, day 2 could be spent on a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelila Pass, Haa Valley is characterised by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 03: PARO – PUNAKHA
Morning departure for Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan (4.5 hrs drive). Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.
On arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
DAY 04: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.
Take a picnic lunch before enjoying a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the title of Divine Madman since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He is considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Late afternoon drive to Thimphu. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 05: THIMPHU
Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple and Zilukha Nunnery. Other sites to visit include the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory and the Folk Heritage Museum. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 06: THIMPHU – PHUENTSHOLING
After breakfast, drive southward to Phuentsholing, passing through beautiful scenic landscapes as the road climbs up and down mountainous ranges of light mountain jungle and through small townships such as Chukha and Chimakothi. Just before arriving in Phuentsholing, we will stop to visit Kharbandi Gompa. This beautiful monastery was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedon in 1967. It houses large statues of Shakyamuni, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. There is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and the Indian plains from the splendid monastery gardens of tropical plants and flowers. Overnight at your hotel in Phuentsholing.
DAY 07: PHUENTSHOLING – SILIGURI/DARJEELING
Your tour with Bhutan Travel Bureau ends this morning as you are transferred to BTB’s Indian counterpart for travel to the Indian hill stations and Sikkim. After breakfast drive to Siliguri, passing through lush green tea gardens 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 drive to Darjeeling via the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Overnight at your hotel in Darjeeling.
DAY 08: DARJEELING
Early morning excursion to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise view from Tiger Hill. The early start to the day will be well worth it as the first rays of the sun touch the mountain peaks, and colors change from grey to pink to a luminous gold. On a clear day there is a striking view of Kanchenjunga and Everest. Afterwards, 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. Other sites to visit include 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 housing and selling a wide range of Tibetan artefacts 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 your hotel in Darjeeling.
DAY 09: DARJEELING – GANGTOK
After breakfast drive to Gangtok. On arrival, visit 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 as well as weaving, wood carving and carpet making. Also enjoy a visit to the Institute of Tibetology, housed in a beautiful building constructed in traditional Tibetan style featuringmurals and decorated pillars. Overnight at your hotel in Gangtok.
DAY 10: GANGTOK – KALIMPONG
Morning excursion to the famous Rumtek Monastery, rebuilt in the 1960’s as the headquarters of the Karma Kagyupa School of Buddhism. Afterwards drive to Kalimpong to visit Gelugpa Monastery, the Bhutanese Monastery and one of the flower nurseries for which Kalimpong is Famous. Overnight at your hotel in Kalimpong.
DAY 11: KALIMPONG/BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
After breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport for your flight to onward destination. Tashi delek.
