Vacations India

DELHI >> PARO >> THIMPU >> PHUNTSHOLING >> KALIMPONG >> GANGTOK >> DARJEELING >> BAGDOGRA >> CALCUTTA

Arrival is into the capital of India - Delhi where we visit the Old and New Delhi and our flight from here takes us to the majestic mountain retreat of Bhutan.The hidden treasures of the Himalayas, known as the dragon kingdom, is still home to an ancient style of life.Remote, mysterious and truly special, Bhutan's pure and genuine cultural heritage is a priceless gem in the treasure house of the sub-continent.Our arrival is in Paro - where there are Bhutans oldest temples and Dzongs.These are centuries - old repositories of cultural treasures and works of art.From here we go to Thimpu the capital town of Bhutan the drive is through spectacular mountain views and peaceful country sides.The next is a drive through 10500 ft. Dochula Pass to Punakha and then we drive to the border of India / Bhutan to the town of Phuntsholing.From here we drive into India to the Sikkim town of Kalimpong.From here we continue our journey to Gangtok.The journey is through Pretty Teesta valley to the mountainside capital of the tiny state of Sikkim.Here we visit some of the most beautiful monasteries and the popular one being the Rumtek - a replica of the original Kagyu in Tibet.Further we go to Darjeeling - the beautiful hill station at an altitude of 7000 ft. and referred to the queens of the Himalayas.From here to Bagdogra and connecting our flight to Calcutta once the British empire capital and the seat of East India Company.Calcutta is Gateway for North Eastern states.

DAY 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
Upon arrival at Indra Gandhi International Airport Terminal 2 you are met and transferred to your prebooked Hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel you are received with a traditional welcome of TIKKA and ARTI. Rest of the day is relaxing and for free activities.
Overnight at Hotel.

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DAY 02 : DELHI
This morning we visit Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Shah Jehan the Magnificent ( who also built the Taj Mahal). First we will be visiting the famous Jama Masjid mosque with its 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, three domes and two minarets, and then proceed to the massive complex known as the Red Fort.
Afternoon we'll visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a Spectacular structure that's just 60 years old , and then proceed via India Gate and the Governmental building to Qutab Minar, the 240 foot tower built in 1190 to commemorate the arrival of Islam in India, the Bahai Temple with its nine pools on an elevated platform, and the Crafts Museum, which replicates and Indian street with over 50 artists and craftspeople at work.
Overnight at the Hotel.

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DAY 03 : DELHI - PARO BY FLIGHT
Your flight this morning takes you to the majestic mountain retreat of Bhutan. This hidden treasure of the Himalayas, known as The Dragon Kingdom, is still home to an ancient style of life. Remote, mysterious and truly special, Bhutan's pure and genuine cultural heritage is a priceless gem in the treasure - house of the subcontinent.
The beautiful terraced valley where the medieval town of Paro nestles is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and Dzongs. These are centuries - old repositories of cultural treasures and works of art. Visit Parl Market and town this evening. A stroll down main street is a very Pleasant experience.
Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 04 : PARO
Our Tour of Paro starts with a drive to view the Takstang Monastery ( Tiger's Nest) from a distance. Later visit Kila Gompa. Afternoon visit the Ta Dzong Fort. Now the National Museum of Bhutan which displays antique thankha paintings, textiles, weapons and a very interesting collection of postage stamps. Later drive to the Rinpung Dzong built during the 17th century. Which is now used as an administration center and school for monks.
Overnight at the Hotel.

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DAY 05 : PARO - THIMPU
You are Driven through spectacular mountain views and peaceful countryside to Thimpu, Bhutan's capital. Enroute, visit a Bhutanese farm house, Traditionally built entirely without nails. Your tour of Thimphu includes the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of its 1627. It now houses the Dzongkha Language and Religion University. Protection of their unique and precious heritage in this last remaining stronghold of Himalayan .Buddhism is now a priority of the government. Also visit the great Tashichho-Dzong - or Fortress of the Glorious Religion - the center of government and religion. Stroll to Changgankha Monastery, and visit the handicrafts emporium to shop where a wealth of artistic skills are displayed.
Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 06 : Thimphu - Punakha Excursion
The first stop after leaving Thimpu is Dochula Pass at 10,500 ft., offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan Range and the valleys below. Punakha holds the title of winter capital because of its more temperate climate. Bhutanese monks and the leader still live in Punakha during winters. Punakha Dzong was strategically built at the confluence of the phochu and mochu Rivers in 1637 by the first Shabdrung of Bhutan , Ngawang, Namgyel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 07 : THIMPU
This morning, stroll the lively Sunday Market where folk from outlying areas come to stock up on most of their goods. Dressed in colorful traditional garb, these remote mountain dwellers descend upon the market place, creating a photographer's dream as they barter among themselves and socialize with friends. This afternoon visit the memorial chorten built in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Overnight at the Hotel.

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DAY 08 : THIMPU - PHUNTSHOLING
Continue your exploration of Bhutan by road to Phuntsholing, a small town on the India/ Bhutan Border, En route, see occasional finely- crafted Bhutanese houses or the red band and spire of denoting a temple in the distance. Clusters of Prayer flags wave on lonely hillsides, placed there by devotees. Stop at the beautiful Kharbandi Gompa, a monastery situated in tropical gardens, Later this evening walk along the Phuntsholing Bazaar.
Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 09 : PHUNTSHOLING - KALIMPONG
Enter India and continue to colorful Kalimpong, famous for its abundant flowers. Among the sights you will see are Raja Dorje Market and the Tibetan Monastery. This peaceful and scenic town includes a number of houses bearing testament to the town's heritage and gracious living in the early 1900s.
Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 10 : KALIMPONG - GANGTOK
The road to Gangtok meanders through pretty Teesta valley to the mountainside capital of the tiny state of Sikkim. Looking like something out of a fairy tale, Gangtok's houses balance precariously on steep mountain slopes above incredible scenic panoramas. Pagoda - like house, painted turquoise roofs, and busy bazaars are filled with elegantly costumed smiling faced people, adding to the magic of this scene.
Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 11 : GANGTOK
Tiny Sikkim's 194 monasteries or gompas belong to the ancient Nyingma and Kagyu orders, Rumtex Monastery was built in the 1960s by the 16th Gyala Karmapa. It is an excellent replica of the original kagyu headquarters in Tibet. Devoted lamas robed in crimson chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft light flickers from decorative lamps. This afternoon , tour delightful Gangtok, Visiting the Research Institute of Tibetology with nearly 30,000 volumes on diverse subjects like astrology, magic and philosophy; the orchid sanctuary featuring an enormous number of rare and beautiful orchids; the Buddhist monastery at the Palace, and the Residency - from which an excellent view of the mountains is possible.
Overnight at the Hotel.

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DAY 12 : GANGTOK - DARJEELING
Travel today to the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling at an altitude of 7,000 feet. Called the "Queen of the Himalayas." It affords unparalleled views of the majestic peaks. This evening, enjoy a visit to the bazaar for a taste of life in this little piece of heaven.
Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 13 : DARJEELING
We take off for the delightful Darjeeling where we visit the 1875 built Gloom Monastery to see one of the largest statues of the Maitreya Buddha. Next stop is the Himalayan Zoo, which houses the Himalayan Fauna like the Red Panda, Black Bear, Yaks, and Tigers, in their natural habitat. We end the day with a visit to the Natural History Museum, which has a fine collection of preserved butterflies, birds, reptiles, insects of the Himalayas.
Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 14 : DARJEELING - BAGDOGRA ( DRIVE ) - CALCUTTA FLIGHT
Today morning we are transferred to the Bagdogra airport to board our flight for Calcutta. Upon arrival at Calcutta we are met and transferred to our prebooked hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 15 : CALCUTTA
Calcutta once the capital of the British Empire, still remains the cultural capital of India with a strong tradition in literature and fine arts.It is also the gateway to the beautiful North Eastern state of India, where the visitor can only gaze in wonder at their pristine beauty.The city tour includes visit to the Fort William, Victoria memorial, the Indian museum, St. Paul's cathedral, Birla Planetarium and the Botanical gardens.
Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 16 : LEAVE CALCUTTA
After what will have been a majestic way to see and experience royal India, we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home.

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