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Himalayan Kingdoms - Sikkim and BhutanFrom ZAR66 920 - 24 Days Fully Inclusive From South AfricaJoin us on this incredible journey through a relatively unknown part of India and to one of the world’s most exclusive tourist destinations, Bhutan. Sikkim is located in northeast India and sits in the shadow of the world’s highest mountains. It is slower paced in comparison to the other parts of India, yet incredibly fascinating. Bhutan is famous for its dramatic landscapes, architecture and colourful heritage. Buddhist culture is still richly intact and permeates every aspect of Bhutanese life. Both Sikkim and Bhutan are still relatively unspoilt by tourism. Experience the mystique and beauty of these wonderful lands that not many can say they have explored. You won’t be disappointed!
TOUR ITINERARYDAYS 1-2: SOUTH AFRICA TO KOLKATAFly overnight with Emirates to to Kolkata for an overnight stay. DAY 3: KOLKATA TO NEW JALPAIGURIEnjoy a tour of Kolkata today, visiting a Jain temple, a Kali temple and the Victoria Memorial. Drive past the Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square, Fort William, Secretariat Building, Old Court House Street, the flower market and Kumartuli. Transfer to the railway station this evening to board your overnight sleeper train to New Jalpaiguri. DAY 4: NEW JALPAIGURI TO DARJEELINGArrive into New Jalpaiguri this morning and continue by road up through the hills and tea plantations to Darjeeling. DAY 5: DARJEELINGRise early and enjoy a jeep ride to Tiger Hill and visit Ghoom Monastery. Later, head to the railway station to board the UNESCO World Heritage listed Toy Train for a ride around the hillside. This afternoon visit a tea plantation and the Himalaya Mountaineering Institute. DAY 6: DARJEELING TO PELLINGDrive north to Pelling, crossing into the state of Sikkim, where you will visit the Pemayangtse Monastery. DAY 7: PELLINGToday you will visit Khecheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga Falls. Khecheopalri Lake is considered one of the most sacred lakes of Sikkim by both Buddhists and Hindus. DAY 8: PELLING TO GANGTOKDrive to Gangtok, visiting Tashiding Monastery en route. DAY 9: GANGTOKToday you will visit Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do Drul Chorten. DAY 10: GANGTOK TO KALIMPONGDrive to Kalimpong, a small but rapidly expanding market town, visiting Rumtek Monastery en route. DAY 11: KALIMPONGEnjoy the day free at your leisure to explore the quaint town of Kalimpong. DAY 12: KALIMPONG TO GORUMARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARYVenture to the Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary today, famous for its population of the One-Horned Rhino. Enjoy a jeep safari around the sanctuary this afternoon. DAY 13: GORUMARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TO PHUENTSHOLINGDrive to Phuentsholing today, the gateway to Bhutan for overland travellers, where you will meet your Bhutanese Guide. DAY 14: PHUENTSHOLING TO THIMPHULeave Phuentsholing and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Visit Kharbandi Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery en route. DAY 15: THIMPHUEnjoy a tour of Thimphu today; visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the National Library and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (painting school). You will also visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the National Memorial Chorten, the government-run Handicrafts Emporium, Folk Heritage Museum and National Textile Museum. Later this afternoon visit an enclosure, which is part of Thimphu Zoo to see the unique Bhutanese takin. DAY 16: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHALeave Thimphu Valley and drive up to Dochu La, stopping en route to view Simtokha Dzong. Later, visit Punakha Dzong and the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. DAY 17: PUNAKHA TO BUMTHANGLeave Punakha and continue your journey to Bumthang via Trongsa. Cross Pele La and Yotong La and stop at the 18th-century Nepalese-style Chendbji Chorten en route. DAY 18: BUMTHANG TO TRONGSAVisit Kurje Lhakhang this morning, where Saint Padmasambhava is said to have subdued a local demon. Afterwards visit Jambey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong. This afternoon drive back to Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong. DAY 19: TRONGSA TO PUNAKHANot long after passing back through Pele La, you will leave the National Highway and drive into Gangtey Valley continuing to Punakha or Wangdue Phodrang. DAY 20: PUNAKHA TO PAROToday is your last long distance drive as you head to Paro. Upon arrival visit Ta Dzong and walk down a hillside trail to Rinpung Dzong. DAY 21: PARODrive to the starting point for your hike to Taktshang Monastery, known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The moderate hike takes all morning and lunch will be at the cafeteria run by monks, located halfway up the trail overlooking the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Return to Paro in the afternoon, visiting Drugyal Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang on the way. DAY 22: PARO TO KOLKATARise early this morning and transfer to Paro airport for your flight back to Kolkata. DAY 23: DEPART KOLKATAToday is free at your leisure. After a late check-out, transfer to Kolkata airport to board your overnight flight to South Africa. DAY 24: ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICAArrive home this morning. |
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