DAY 01 : SINGAPOER -KOLKATA - BAGDOGRA GANGTOK (4/5 HRS)
After breakfast check out hotel then transport to domestic airport & Open
arrival in Bagdogra Airport meet and welcome you by tour guide at the
airport and then transfer you on a journey to Gangtok, on the way stop at
Border line area at Rangpo between (Sikkim & west Bengal) for immigration.
After short break drive to capital of Sikkim Gangtok. Tucked away in the
clouds, Gangtok is spread out on a ridge 1860 m above sea level, and looks
something out of a fairy tale with houses precariously balanced on the
slopes of steep hills. Apart from the gorgeous view of deep valleys,
waterfalls and snow-capped mountain ranges that separate from neighboring
Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. On arrival check inn to hotel over night at Gangtok
DAY 02 : GANGTOK LOCAL SIGHTSEEING
Morning after breakfast drive to institute of Tibetogy and then ride on
ropeway to Namnam View point and meet our transport and proceed to visit
Sikkim Flower Exhibition Centre, where a wide range of rare species of
orchids display (Seasonal) an finally drive to visit Inchey monastery. On
completed drive to town for lunch. After lunch drive to Rumtek monastery.
Evening visit local market MG MARG over night at Gangtok.
DAY 03 : GANGTOK –TSAMGO LAKE
After breakfast, drive to Tsomgo Lake, also means as The Source of the Lake
(3,780m). Warm clothes needed for this place. The lake derives its water
from melting snows off the surrounding mountains, which is one of the famous
sacred lakes in Sikkim, situated near the borders of Tibet after Tsamgo Lake
drive back to Gangtok evening relax and shop in the market.
DAY 04 : GANGTOK-LACHUNG
Today, we leave for North district of Sikkim to a small village, Lachung
(2,400m). This spectacular drive will take about 6-7 hrs (lunch en-route).
If weather is clear, you’ll see the magnificent range of the third highest
mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga and some wild orchids blooming (during
spring) on the way. Arrive Lachung in the late afternoon and check in at a
lodge. (Please be reminded that the facilities here are very basic).
DAY 05 : LACHUNG- YUMTHANG- YUMEYSAMDONG - LACHUNG
After breakfast, Yumeysamdong zero point which is beautiful place if weather
is clear then you can see the panoramic view of Singba range then drive back
to Yumthang (3,500m) excursion. This panoramic drive will bring you to the
Valley of Flowers which consists of about 36 species of rhododendrons,
primulas and other spectacular alpine wild flowers. Yaks and dzos can be
seen grazing on the meadows. On way back, walk across the Lachung Chu and
have a dip in a hot spring (swimming costumes needed). If not, just enjoy
the scenic surrounding. Walk around the Yumthang valley and do short trek
evening back to Lachung over night at Lachung.
DAY 06 : LACHUNG-GANGTOK
After breakfast drive back to Gangtok en route visit Kabi Lungchok and
Phodong Monastery lunch at on the way on arrival check inn to hotel evening
free and easy over night at Gangtok,
DAY 07 : GANGTOK-JAIGAOW-PHONTSHOLING
After breakfast drive to Phuentsholing and met by our Bhutan representative,
after clearing immigration formalities, check in at the Hotel. Visit Zangtho
Pelri: Situated in city centre, this small temple represents the heaven of
Guru Rinpoche. On ground floor there are statues of eight manifestations of
Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha’s life while the next floor contains
eight Bodhisattavas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal. On top floor, there is a main statue of Amitabha. Later in the
evening explore the local market.
DAY 08 : PHONTSHOLING- THIMPU (180 KM, 6 HOURS DRIVE)
After breakfast drive to Thimphu. 4 km ahead of Phuentsholing, visit
Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery situated in garden of tropical
plants and flowers. The monastery contains paintings depicting scenes from
the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru
Rimpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of
Phuentsholing and plains of West Bengal and their tea gardens beyond.
Proceed further to Thimphu. This entire drive is very pleasant with numerous
scenic spots en route. Lunch would be served at Bunakha cafeteria, Fives
miles, before Thimphu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the
Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies.
After checking into hotel proceeds on to visit Trashichhodzong, the
beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government's
office and King's Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo,
the Chief Abbot. Later visit National Memorial Chorten. The building of this
landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme
Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect
monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely
death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to
peace.
DAY 09 : THIMPU – PUNAKHA (75 KM, 3 HOURS DRIVE)
Proceed to the National Library which houses an extensive collection of
Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years.
Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting
School), where a six year training course is given in the 13 traditional
arts and crafts of Bhutan. Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum
(commonly known as the Painting School), where a six year training course is
given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also visit Textile
and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001,
provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of
life. Later continue on to Handicrafts Emporium that displays wide
assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products.
Afternoon drive to Punakha across Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping
briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and
prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are
clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right):
Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang
(7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table
mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar
puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
DAY 10 : PUNAKHA – PARO (125 KM, 4.1/2 HOURS DRIVE)
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of
two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the
winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was
crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire,
earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct' 1994 caused great damages to
the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa. Followed
by visit to local market.
Drive to Paro Upon arrival check in at the Hotel. Later visit Ta Dzong once
a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the
17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in 1968.
It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings
and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments
its varied collection displayed over several floors Afterwards, walk down a
hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating
history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual
and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro,
the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon
(judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional
covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone
inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as
well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a
year in the spring.
DAY 11 : TIGER NEST MONASTERY EXCURSION
Morning after breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike) : It is
one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a
cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche
arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and
hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most
sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now
visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998,
a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this
Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Afternoon: Visit Drukgyel Dzong : This Dzong, with a delightful village
nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to
commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and
strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914
vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even
when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the
commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
DAY 12 : PARO SINGAPORE (B) DRUK AIR - KB 501, DEP PARO 07:30 - KOLKATA –
ARR SIN 1535
Morning transfer to Paro Airport to board on your flight back home with
lasting memories. (Check in 2 hrs prior to departure)
