Sikkim and Bhutan

Kolkata
Arrival at Calcutta international airport. Transfer to hotel for refreshing and rest. Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly river, it is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India, while the Port of Kolkata is India’s oldest operating port as well as its sole major riverine port. As the former capital of British India, Kolkata retains a feast of colonial-era architecture contrasting starkly with urban slums and dynamic new-town suburbs with their air-conditioned shopping malls. Afternoon short city tour which also includes a country boat ride on the Ganges to experience the glorious sun set.
Overnight in Kolkata (B)

Kolkata – Bagdogra – Namchi
In the morning, transfer to the airport and flight for Bagdogra. Arrive in Bagdogra airport and transfer to Namchi, a bustling commercial town, will take around three hours and you will be here for an overnight stay. At around dusk, you will have the chance to visit the enormous Char Dham Temple sitting above the town. Here you will enjoy a memorable puja ceremony in an unusual setting to round off your Himalayan adventure.
Overnight in Namchi. (B, D)

Namchi – Pelling
After breakfast transfer to Pemayangtse or Pelling (around 2 hours drive), situated at an altitude of 1,900 m (6,250 ft) and the last motorable destination towards Mt. Kanchenjunga. This village is the third highest peak in the world and the most important centre of Tantric Buddhist culture introduced by Guru Rimpoche. You will visit to Pemayangtse monastery (which means perfect sublime lotus) one of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim. Later you will visit the beautiful Khachopelri monastery and lake. Khecheopalri Lake is considered one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim and it remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface, maintaining the sanctity of the place by being silent, and by not trying to feed the fish. Situated on a ridge above Pelling and overlooking the famous Pemayangtse Monastery, there is one of the most important monasteries of Sikkim, the Sangachoeling. In the evening you will attend a workshop/meditation at a Lama’s house.
Overnight in Pelling. (B, D).

Pelling -Tashiding – Rinchenpong
Early morning transfer for a trip to Tashiding, a small village on a hilltop near Pelling. The Tashiding monastery (which means The Devoted Central Glory) belongs to the Nyingmapa order and it is highly revered among the people of Sikkim. Build on the top of the hill and looming over the Rathong and Rangit River, the monastery can be seen from far and wide. It is believed that even a slight glimpse of the monastery can cleanse mortals of all sins. Later proceed further to Rinchenpong, a Lepcha village in West Sikkim. Check in at the charming heritage farm Yangsum Farm run by a local family. The outfit has excellent facilities and clear view of snow peaks. Moreover, you will soak into the authentic and intimate Sikkimese hospitality and local culture. After lunch enjoy a walk around the farm or to the Lepcha village.
Overnight at Yangsum Heritage Farm. (B, L, D).

Rinchenpong – Hee Bermiok- Rinchenpong
Transfer to Hee Bermiok, West Sikkim. Bounded by Kalez Khola in the North, Hee Khola in the West, Rangit Khola in the East and Samdong reserve Forest in the South, Hee Bermoik village in West Sikkim has a beautiful setting. Apart from many scenic spots, the area has a good deal of flora and fauna. More than 65 species of birds have been located in the surroundings. Though dominated by the Limboo community, large number of Chettris, Bahuans, Sherpas, Tamang, Bhutias, Lepchas, Rais and Gurungs of Nepali community live here. They have their own distinct religious and cultural heritage. Today you will have a village walk as to enjoy a real community experience, watching the lifestyle of village with Limbo traditional houses. You will also have the chance to meet a spiritual leader who will explain you the bio-divinity practiced by the local tribes. In the late afternoon we visit Reshi, where we can spend some time relaxing in a blissful natural hot water spring which will relieve each and every muscle of your body. The Reshi Hot Water Spring holds a special stature due to its location and religious significance. It is also believed to have natural medicinal properties. Owing to the high quantity of Sulphur in the water, a peaceful dip in the lagoon is said to cure skin diseases and restore your vitality.
Overnight in Yangsum Heritage Farm. (B, L, D)

Rinchenpong- Kewzing-Rumtek
After breakfast set out for a half day excursion to Kewzing in South Sikkim to visit the monastery of followers of Bon religion from Tibet. The Bon Monastery here is the only one of its kind in Sikkim and it is a symbol of the determination of a community to preserve their religious traditions. After lunch you will be transferred to Rumtek. From here check in village resort near Rumtek monastery. A stay at this village Resort is all about experiencing the natural beauty of the area. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the quiet, scenic surroundings on walks around the rice terraces, or chill out at this humble, laidback property. Overnight in Rumtek. (B, D).

Rumtek- Doars
Walk to Rumtek Dharmachakra monastery, the headquarter of Karmapa. The monastery is currently the largest in Sikkim. It is home to the community of monks and where they perform the rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage. A Golden Stupa contains the relics of the 16th Karmapa. Later you will visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of handicrafts and hand loom and the local market. After an early lunch and leave for a forest resort in Doars. (around 4 hours). Refreshments will be served upon arrival. Check-in to the room. Later Embark on an evening jungle safari in Gorumara National Park to view some of the wildlife inhabiting the region – one-horned Indian Rhino, Elephant, Gaur (Indian Bison) as well as a variety of endemic and migratory birds. After the jungle safari return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Doars (B, D)

Doars- Phuentsholling- Thimphu
Early breakfast followed by a short community visit in the Rabha tribal village. Transfer to Phuentsholling border from where our Bhutanese guide will meet you. Travel to Thimpu (175km about 5 hrs). Leaving the city of Puntsholing you will heading towards cool and clean air, the road climbs to a higher elevation as you will experience the thin air of the high Himalaya, drive pass Kharbandi Gomba, overlooking the border town of Jaigon and Puntsholing. In a couple of hours drive you will reach Chhukha. There you will see hydro projects, which generates 1020MW of electricity by the Wang Chhu River. You will come across the immigration check point before you climb the Chapcha Village. After crossing the pass, the road drops quickly and follows the upper Wangchhu river, after which your drive becomes much comfortable with a two-lane road till Thimphu. (2280m)
Overnight in Thimpu. (B, L, D).

Thimphu
Today you will make a visit to  “CTAS”  Choki Traditional Art School. The main mission of the school is to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan from fading away and to empower youth with livelihood skills. You can visit their classes and interact with students and teachers, you can also try their arts and craft while at class. Transfer to the hotel. After refreshment short drive to giant Buddha point, later scenic drive to mini zoo,  where Bhutan national animal is preserved: the Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor). This is one of the larger and stockier of the goat antelope, plump, bovine like body which is covered with dense long yellow to brown hairs.  Free evening to walk to an authentic craft market and to handicraft emporium.
Overnight in Thimpu. B/L/D.

Thimphu-Punakha
Morning transfer to Punaka (about 3hrs, 77 km). Start your drive through a forest of pine and hemlock, festooned with hanging lichens high up Dochula pass. This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges, you will make 1hr hike down on Dochula nature trail. As you descend along a series of curve road to the fertile valley of Punakha. Before proceeding further to Punakha town, we will take a short 45 minutes’ walk to Chimi Lakhang a temple on a small hill top. This temple is dedicated to the great yogi of 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenly or popularly called the “Divine Madman”. Transfer to the hotel in Punakha (1250m).
Overnight in Punakha. B/L/D.

Punakha-Paro
Early morning transfer to Paro (about 4 ½ hours, 130km). You will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in between PhoChu and MoChu, (male & female) river. Start your drive climbing to great Dochula pass, from where you will have again the chance to view the great Himalayan ranges, stop at cafeteria for some rest, enjoying an hot tea or coffee. After break continue for Thimphu, spend some time for last minute shopping and photo at traffic police directing cars, After refreshment transfer to Paro (1 ½ hr). Check in the hotel.
Overnight in Paro. (B, L, D).

Paro-Taksang-Paro
Day Hike to Taksang (Tigers Nest). Start the day with short drive to Paro’s upper valley. On a clear day you will have an unforgettable view of the Mount Chomolhari at 4.150 metres of altitude. The mountain is sacred to Tibetan Buddhists who believe it is the abode of one of the Five Tsheringma Sisters: (jo mo tshe ring mched lnga) — female protector goddesses (Jomo) of Tibet and Bhutan, who were bound under oath by Guru Padmasambhava to protect the land, the Buddhist faith and the local people. Afterward, with a short drive short drive you will reach Taksang trail head. From here you will Hike to Taksang Monastery, the most famous monastery of Bhutan. Taksang means “Tiger Nest” so named because Guru Rinpoche reportedly flew to the site on the back of a flying tiger late in the 8th century. Between blue pines and a blue sky, the monastery perches miraculously on a cliff nearly 900 metres above Paro’s valley floor. Break along the way for tea and snacks in small tea house. Descend in distilled afternoon light to eat a delicious dinner.
Overnight in Paro. (B, L, D).

Paro – Dongkola Lhakhang – Haa
After breakfast drive (about 2 hours) to Dongkola Monastry where you can meet the monks. There will be an offering and after ceremony visit the main temple. After the ceremony join the monks for lunch and later you can join the monks in temple cleaning activity. Late afternoon you will have a chance to have a meditation session with the monks. Evening drive to Haa via Chelala the highest motorable pass in Bhutan.
Overnight in Haa (B, L, D).

Haa – Paro
Transfer to Paro airport (around 2 hours). Say goodbye to Bhutan and board a flight for onward destinations.