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This Tour
Code : ITT-49
Duration : 15 Days/ 14 Nights
Destination Covered :Delhi - Paro - Thimpu - Phuntsholing -
Kalimpong - Gangtok - Darjeeling - Bagdogra - Calcutta
Day
1 – Delhi
On arrival at Indra Gandhi International Airport, our representative will
meet you and transfer to your Hotel. On arrival at the hotel you are
received with a traditional welcome. You will given lunch at hotel. Discuss
the tour program with the tour Guide and rest leave for acclimatization.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast, lets prepare yourself for sightseeing in and around Delhi.
First half composes of sightseeing around
old Delhi's historical
monuments. First we will take you
Kutub Minar, nearby Kutub you
will see some more relics of past, also Indian Handicraft Emporium will be
on the way so you can also visit some traditional handicraft items. Then we
will take you
Red Fort, which is Delhi's swellheaded attraction,
fabulous interior decoration allure tourists. From there we will take you to
Jama Masjid, white sand stoned
India’s biggest mosque. After
having lunched at some good restaurant, we’ll guide you to Chandni
Chowk,where you can shop for old jeweleries, saris, satin and saris. After
that lets, move to another shopping destination and Delhi’s most
colorful area, Connaught place that is one of the most sought after
shopping
destination for tourists. You will find many silver and artificial
jewelry studded with semi-precious stones in the small Tibetan shops that
abound here. You'll also find shawls, exquisite saris, Madhubani painting
and gems. In the evening you'll be shown the atmosphere of India Gate where
you'll find numerous people are hanging around, stay for a while and come
back to Red Fort to enjoy the light and sound show. Delhi is well provided
with innovative theaters and the area just to north of India Gate is homing
to several. Enjoy sometime at any of these theaters and come back to your
hotel at night. Have a sound sleep as on the next day you'll be taken to
Bhutan.
Day
3:Delhi –Paro
Morning flight will take you to Paro via Kathmandu, you will experience
from the left hand side of the plane
spectacular views of Mount Everest,
Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including Bhutan’s sacred Mount
Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. Our representative will meet you at airport and
escort you to the hotel.Lunch at hotel with traditional mouth watering
delicacies. take your time, relax and acclimatize with the place. Evening at
your leisure, if you wish we can arrange evening walk to the town. Local
houses are made up of wood and little above the ground level, carved windows
stands a row of mud-colored barracks with folded tin cap.Houses and shops on
either sides of the desolate road. You’ll find shops of different
artifacts and handicraft items at a cheaper rate. Return to Hotel and
overnight stay.
Day 4: Paro
After having breakfast lets, explore the beautiful valley. The best way to
explore the valley on a bicycle . Paro valley is relatively flat and is a
great start for an exhilarating experience. Bicycle to
Drukgyal Dzong
(a ruined fortress 16 Kms away from Paro town). Although in ruins, this
Dzong is of great historical importance. If you will lucky you can see
breathtaking
view of Mount Jumolhari. Return back to hotel and have your lunch.
Afternoon sightseeing comprise of visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of
Bhutan. Formerly it was a watch tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. Visit
the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located in Paro valley and
is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful covered
wooden bridge. An hour from Paro, along a thickly-forested road, is the
Chelela Pass—a botanical paradise, at an altitude of 3,810 meters. On
the drive up, we saw cascades of wild roses; purple and yellow primulas; and
swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. The top of the pass was
abloom with rhododendrons in a variety of colors—pale pink, deep pink,
burnt orange, mauve, white and scarlet. Tinkling yak bells and flapping
prayer flag provided supernal background music. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05 : Paro - Thimphu
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, is a two-hour drive from Paro. We will take
you open-air market held on weekends to get the best flavor of the place.
The market ranges both sides of the Thimphu river, connected by a beautiful
covered bridge—the right bank for food and grain, and the left bank for
handicrafts and religious ritual objects most unique of all these is the
trumpets made of human thigh bones. Farmers and artisans from all over the
country display their products here. Bicycle ride to the
Simtokha Dzong,
the oldest Dzong in the country . There is an opportunity to visit with
some of the monks and observe life within the monastery. Visit the
Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are
displayed and can be purchased. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon, visit
Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. These massive structure
houses part of the Ministries, the offices of the King and the Throne Room.
It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief
Abbot. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still practiced
through the instructions in the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist
scrolls). Overnight stay at hotel.
Day
06 : Thimphu - Punakha Excursion
Thimphu- Punakha Early morning we will leave for Punakha, there are two
ways to go there, we will take you from the astonishing Dochula Pass
(Dochula La), which is located at 10,500ft. Most of the climate is mild and
soothing that will make your journey more exciting. Early morning ride will
be a treat to eyes, when mountains bath with sun rays, its an absolutely
scenic most of the tourists visit chiming Lakhang located on the hills among
the rice fields is the pilgrimage of childless couples. You can sense a
deadly silence in the monasteries, which tranquil your mind. If you wish you
can walk to nearby villages and experience the rural life of Bhutan. From
the you’ll taken to Punnaka Dzong,which is a classical example of
Bhutanese architecture. It has embalmed body of founder of Bhutan and sacred
artifacts. From there you’ll be driven hour's drive to wind sweeping
town , Wangduephodrang. It is a small town known for its slate carving and
bamboo weaving. You can wander further to rural areas and explore the life
there. From Punakha along the Punak Chu river and on the way to Trongsa.
Wangdiphodrang Dzong is located on the merging of Punak Chu and Dang Chu
rivers. In evening roam around the town and return to hotel in Punakha.
Day 07 : Thimphu
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.
Day
08 : Thimphu - Phuntsholing
Continue your exploration of Bhutan by road to Phuntsholing, Phuentsholing
is the gateway of Bhutan for tourists. You will see amalgamation of
Bhutanese and Indian people with different costumes and languages make the
place colorful and crowded. we will guide you to a garden of tropical plants
and flowers on the low hill known as
Kharbandi. From there you’ll
have a bird eye view of the town and surrounding plains. Next destination
will be the
Amo Chu, commonly known as torso river, which is
favorite hunting ground for the fishermen and picnickers. Being on the
Indian border, the town has a great selection of Indian restaurants. So you
can find taste various kind of food. We will go to to the north over the
southern foothills through beautiful lush green forested valleys.There you’ll
see
Bhutan’s one and only crocodile farm. It is a scenic
journey; forests decorated with orchids cover the mountains on either side.
Overnight stay at the hotel and enjoy the traditional Bhutanese cuisines.
Day 09 : Phuntsholing - Kalimpong
Early morning drive from Phuntsholing to Kalimpong will take about 6 hours,
along the way you'll witness forest range in Siliguri fringing the Teesta
river. Being somewhat in the shadow of Darjeeling and Gangtok, Kalimpong
often of tourist trodden track. However it is surely one of the best offbeat
tourist place. Lonely roads and fresh air can be best enjoy by walking down
the roads. Kalimpong have small but beautiful monasteries, we will visit
Gompa monasteries, which is the oldest one. Journey will be incomplete
without visiting the nurseries, which are the
greatest USPs of
Kalimpong. Hiking along the Teesta valley is possible most of the year.
If time permit we can attempt a nature trail, forest exploration, river pool
swimming and perhaps visit to ethnic villages. Despite of being a small
town, Kalimpong has plenteous alternatives to satisfy hunger of shopping
freaks. You can find Bhutia crafts, hand beaten silver,wood carving, tangkha
paintings, Chinese lantern and many more... Kalimpong is an also known for
'mouth watering' Tibetan cuisines. Kalimpong muck up you with
steaming momo, thukpa, chow and other delicious dishes. Overnight stay at
hotel.
Day 10 : Kalimpong - Gangtok
After Breakfast proceed for picturesque drive to Gangtok- "The Capital
City of Sikkim" beautifully located on the lap of Himalayas. From car
it will take about 3 hours, roughly 80 kilometers. After having lunched at
hotel we will spend couple of hours around the marketplace. The road runs in
the center of the town and is pretty in good condition, small shops are
located either side of the road, shops are loaded with
Tibetan
artifacts, crafts, paintings and many more attractive things. As in
Sikkim liquor is highly subsidized, you'll amaze to see little roadside
joints with little glasses chained to cash counter. Ropeway is best option
to have both panoramic view of the surroundings and avoid walking one side
of MG road. To get proper demeanor of the city we suggests you take long
unplanned walk, the scene changes dramatically the moment you head of the
main town. One of the offbeat attraction of Gangtok is 'Institute of
Tibetology', which is a home to priceless antiques, rare scriptures and
gorgeous Tangkha paintings, the institute also spearheads the study of
Tibetan language and literature and definitely worth a see. If time permit
we will visit Deer Park, which is, must see for every tourist. From there
you'll behold a breathtaking view of the
valleys surrounding the city of
Gangtok against the backdrop of the elegant Mt. Kanchenjunga. We come
back to the main town, dinner at Dengzong inn, popular restaurant there
where you can sampled traditional Sikkimese food and washed it down with
local millet beer. Thangmein (a type of tangy Chicken noodle clear soup,
served with many finely shredded fried eggs on top) was lip smacking good.
So were the Kung Po, momos and hakka noddles. Return to the hotel and enjoy
the band performance. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11 : Gangtok - Darjeeling
No trip will be complete without the cursory visit to
Rumtek monastery,
which is about thirty odd kms from Gangtok city and to reach the Monastery
the car has to navigate on the slippery roads hanging precariously on the
lush green mountainsides bursting with wild flowers of all conceivable
colors and sizes. The ride itself was mesmerizing. However the arrival at
the monastery was the moment that actually took your breath away. Inside,
fifty odd monks sang Buddhist hymns in a haze of magical incense smoke and
paid no attention to our compassing them all around. From there we will
guide you to 'Queen of Hills' - Darjeeling. The journey from Gangtok to
Darjeeling will take about 4 hrs. (depend on road condition as landslides
are nightmares for the tourists as well as locals.)but the journey is quite
an experience. The views were simply awesome , you will pass through a few
tea gardens and a lot of places where 'Terrace farming' was practiced. The
total journeys is through hills and after a point you'll across Teesta river
and after that the entire journey, the road and the river ran alongside
their lot of scenic views. You will arrive there in the evening, our guide
will take you the marketplace. On the Laden La Road at Nathmull Tea
Merchants you'll find safer tea bet than local tea shops.
The curio
shops in the bazaar are the treasure trove with offerings such as wind
chimes, brass statues, leatherwork and silver jewellary. To satisfy your
stomach Darjeeling is the best place, you'll find Chinese, Tibetan,
Continental all stuffs. Addition to that it is a place of chocolate,
pastries, cakes and ice creams (genuine handmade full of cream). Return to
hotel. Enjoy the dine. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12 : Darjeeling
Wake up early to witness sunrise at 'Tiger Hills', where sight of the
rising sun is positively magical also its famous for a brilliant view of
Kanchenjunga and glimpse of Mt. Everest but everything depends on the
climate. After enjoying the sunrise and watching the entire valley slowly
emerging out of darkness to a brand new day , we will take you from tiger
hill to the next point which was Ghoom monastery, followed by something
called Bastasia loop which was a memorial. Return to hotel sometime after 8
, then get ready and venture to the Mall and stroll around looking for some
good restaurant and have a really yummy breakfast. Limber up to the Padmaja
naidu Zoological Park, where you can gaze at the Siberian tiger also there
you will find Leopard Breeding Center. This is only place in the world where
breeding of snow leopard in captivity is successful. Silently freeze moments
in your camera, also walking away keep your eye glued to catch a glimpse of
subtle red panda hiding among branches. Journey will be incomplete without
taking a joyride on toy train, which is also a World Heritage Railway.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13 : Darjeeling - Bagdogra ( Drive ) - Calcutta Flight
Next destination will be Calcutta, after breakfast you will be transferred
to Bagdogra airport to board flight for Calcutta. On arrival our
representative will meet you and escort you to hotel. Chill for a while,
enjoy the food and music and acclimatize with the weather.Overnight at the
hotel.
Day 14 : Calcutta
After breakfast get yourself prepare to feel the heat of Calcutta (now
Kolkata). Calcutta is famous for its liveness and known as a cultural
capital of country where people have enough time to engage themselves in
cultural activities, chatting, politics and other activities, which are
nonessential to their routine job. At first look Calcutta seems to be
slovenly and unkempt but ironically, the beauty lies in the crowded and
dirty narrow lanes and numerous bylanes what is very discordant from other
metropolitan cities in India. We will guide to esplanade, which is a
colorful marketplace, near it small lane called Sudder street, amazingly
you'll witness more foreigners than local people. Also must visit to New
Market where it is gestated that
"you can buy anything, from needle
to an elephant- almost everything". The place is always crowded
throughout the year. On the way we will visit National Museum that is the
biggest in India. We will take you to nearby Park Street, famous for
restaurants,
which offered the best food, music and fun (we'll have
lunch there). Also at Park Street you'll find expensive cigars, wines and
foreign exchange office. From there we will visit Victoria Memorial, which
serves as a museum and major tourist attraction. From Victoria we will take
you Botanical Garden, on the way you'll see magnificent Howrah Bridge,
sentimental landmark and identity of Bengal, which spans over the Hoogly
river in west Bengal, is
the busiest bridge in world. Calcutta
Botanical Garden is famous for its rarest kinds, from Nepal, Brazil, Penang,
Java and Sumatra can be found here. There are towering Mahogany trees, an
avenue of Cuban Palms and an Orchid House. Mango and Tamarind trees shade
the grassy lawns. Nevertheless the main attraction of the garden is the 200
year old Banyan Tree, claimed to have the
second largest canopy in the
world. It is the world's largest, having a circumference of 330m. In the
evening return to hotel. Enjoy the Bengali cuisines and do not forget to
have exceptional delicious Bengali misti (sweets).
Day
15 : Calcutta- Delhi
After breakfast return to Delhi. After having an incredible tour of
mysterious India, we will given you a farewell drink at the hotel, after
that transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
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