KOLKATA - SIKKIM - BHUTAN

DAY 01 : MALAYSIA - KOLKATA

Arrived at Kolkata Airport by MI 488 at 2245 hour. Set your watch back 2hr 30min to Indian time. Welcome to Kolkata, India. Meet & greet by the local representative, transfer and check in hotel.

DAY 02 : KOLKATA - BAGDOGRA - GANGTOK

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your domestic flight to Bagdogra by Jet Airways flight 9W 2452 leaving 1225 hour and arriving 1330 hour. Arrive Bagdogra airport and welcome by your tour guide at the airport and then drive to Gangtok. Tucked away in the clouds, Gangtok is spread out on a ridge 1520m 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 neighbouring Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.

DAY 03 : GANGTOK

After breakfast drive to 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 completion drive back to the town for lunch. After lunch drive to visit Rumtek monastery. Evening return back to your hotel.

DAY 04 : 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. Back to Gangtok.

DAY 05 : 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 06 : LACHUNG - YUMTHANG - YUMEYSAMDONG - GANGTOK

After breakfast leave for Yumthang (3,500m) & Yumesamdung 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 completion drive to Yumesamdung also known as Zero Pointm situated at an altitude of 15,300 ft. Yumesamdong is very close to the Chinese border. 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. Back to Lachung for lunch then check out and transfer to Gangtok

DAY 07 : GANGTOK – PHONTSHOLING

After breakfast, we set off for Phuentsholing. On arrival at India-Bhutan border line area we stop there for immigration check inn to Bhutan over nights at Bhutan ( Phontsholing) evening walk around the local market.

DAY 08 : PHONTSHOLING - THIMPU

Enroute visit to Kharbandi Gompa, this beautiful monastery situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers, was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron in 1967. Also will visit Simtokha Dzong,the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. ON Thimpu.

DAY 09 : THIMPU

Full day sightseeing - visit Dup-Thop Lhakhang and the nunnery, Changangkha Lhakhang, the mini zoo to see " Takin" the national animal of Bhutan, view point, Indigenous Hospital (Institute of Traditional Medicine), National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion, also houses the biggest book of the world; Zorig Chusum (Painting School, students are taught to learn on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan), Folk Heritage Museum, built in 2001, provides fascinating insights of Bhutanese culture and way of life, Textile Museum, houses a fine collection of Bhutanese textiles; Memorial Chorten, built and completed in the year 1974 after his(Third King of Bhutan) untimely death, it is both a memorial of the Late King and a monument to world peace.

The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy; Post & telegraph office to see Bhutanese stamps; visit/view Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten Tashichhodzong- This huge fortress houses the main Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot " Je-Khempo" and the central monk-body; and visit Handicrafts Emporium: This government-undertaking Emporium displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles, craft, and a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture. Overnight Thimphu.

DAY 10 : THIMPU - PUNAKHA

After breakfast, we drive up to visit Dochula Pass (3088m) . The top of the ass is decorated with prayer flags and a chorten; We continue to the majestic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which was built to guard the approach to Central Bhutan, and turn off towards Punakha, a former capital of Bhutan and current winter seat of Je Khnep (the chief abbot).
We then visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637. One of the most picturesque fortresses that dot the landscape of Bhutan, Punakha Dzong is also one of the most historically-important fortresses – it is the former seat of the royal family and the current winter residence of the national monastic body. ON Punakha.

DAY 11 : PUNAKHA - PARO

Morning excursion to Chimi Lhakhang. About 400 years old, maintained by a monk with 42 trainees, and linked to Lama Drukpa Kinley, The Divine Madman. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong. ON Paro.

DAY 12 : PARO

In the morning, morning excursion to Taktsang Monastery viewpoint (approximately 5 hrs walk). Probably the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, the landmark seems to defy gravity as it clings to the sheer cliff face 900-metres above the Paro valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived at this point on the back of a tigress, hence the common name "Tiger's Nest".

DAY 10 : PARO - KOLKATA - MALAYSIA

Morning check-out and transfer to Paro airport for Druk Air flight KB212 departing at 0720 hours for Kolkata 0800. Group can have final shopping around Kolkata before catch up evening flight to home.