DAYS 1 – 3
Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive in Bangkok on Day 2. This bustling capital city will enthrall your senses with its pulsing activity, delicious cuisine and architectural treasures. There are countless temples, palaces, stupas, lively markets and shopping for you to explore during your time in Bangkok, a city both ancient and modern.
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
DAYS 4 & 5
Thimphu, Bhutan
Thimphu is a small, charming capital city in the heart of the Himalayas. On the afternoon of Day 4, visit the memorial to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, a traditional Bhutanese stupa, also known as a chorten. The Memorial Chorten is an impressive monument with golden spires, tinkling bells, and an endless procession of elderly people circling around it paying homage. In the evening you will drive past the Tashichhodzong, a Buddhist monastery called the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” first constructed in 1641. On Day 5, enjoy a special visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum, which teaches 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, and observe the students practicing their crafts. Then visit the Textile & Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan’s living traditions. In the evening witness a special performance of Bhutanese folk music and dancing.
Taj Tashi, Thimphu
DAY 6
Punakha
Drive through the 10,500-foot-high Dochu La Pass which reveals a dramatic view of the mountain ranges in the distance. In Punakha you’ll visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 as the religious and administrative center of the region, and Khamsum Yulley Narngyal Chorten, a newly built stupa. Then see the Punakha Dzong, one of the most historic dzongs in the country, located in the confluence of two rivers. In the afternoon, stroll around the town’s main street, shops and local markets.
Puna Tshangchu Cottage, Punakha
DAYS 7 & 8
Paro
Paro lies in a beautiful valley with a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, as well as the National Museum. Here you will see Rinpung Dzong, “The Fortress of the Heap of Jewels” built in 1646 on a hill above the town, and Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to overlook it. Ta Dzong now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, paintings, coins, handicrafts and a small natural history collection. Enjoy a morning excursion to Taksang Monastery, perched on the side of a high cliff. Taksang is the most famous monastery of Bhutan and the most sacred; the Bhutanese pilgrimage here once during their lifetime.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel, Paro
DAYS 9 & 10
Darjeeling, India
On Day 9, fly from Paro to Bagdogra and then continue by land to Darjeeling. The following day, take an early morning excursion to Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the Ghoom Buddhist Monastery. Take a tour of Darjeeling and see the Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering, Zoological Gardens, Tibetan Refugee Center and the Zoo. After lunch visit a tea estate to see how tea is grown and produced, and enjoy a private tasting of the estate’s finest teas. In the evening you will be a guest at a native cultural dance and music program.
New Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling
DAYS 11 & 12
Gangtok
The drive from Darjeeling to Gangtok in Sikkim is exhilarating, through green forests and picturesque landscapes, through the Tea Gardens, along the Teesta River. Perched at a height of 5,500 feet, Gangtok contains approximately 200 monasteries—oases of serenity and repositories of centuries-old wisdom. Gangtok is home to many different cultures and friendly people, as well as a myriad species of plants, flowers, birds and animals. Take in the unique atmosphere of this capital city or visit the Royal Chapel, The Deer Park, or the Sikkim Government Handicraft and Training. Visit the Rumtek Monastery, the Institute of Tibetology, the Enchley Monastery, Handicraft Center and a bazaar.
Nor-Khill Hotel, Gangtok
DAYS 13 & 14
Kalimpong
Nestled in the West Bengal Himalayas at 4,100 feet, Kalimpong features scenic views of mighty mountain peaks, lovely historic houses, two monasteries and two storied entwining rivers, the Rangeet and the Teesta. After lunch visit the Gandhi Ashram School where you will listen to the children playing music. After breakfast on Day 14, depart for a sightseeing tour of Kalimpong town, including Zang Do Phelri Phobrang Monastery and the Lepcha Museum. The Lepchas are the indigenous people of the area, now a minority. The museum showcases the Lepcha culture and displays their musical instruments, manuscripts, tools and other artifacts of the culture of this vanishing tribe. In the afternoon you can stroll around a local bazaar for some shopping and people watching, then end the day with a visit to Zang Do Phelri Phobrang Monastery to witness monks praying.
Silver Oaks Hotel, Kalimpong
DAY 15
Chalsa, India
Visit the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, opened in 1941 for the protection of the area’s wildlife, particularly the single-horned rhinos. Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, swamp deer, hog deer, wild pigs, bison and pea fowl can also be found here, as well as many birds: hornbills, racket-tailed drongo, paradise flycatcher and maybe even the Bengal Florican.
Sinclairs Retreat, Chalsa
DAYS 16 & 17
New Delhi
After breakfast you will drive from Chalsa to Bagdogra and then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to New Delhi. On Day 17, you’ll be escorted on a morning tour of the city. Highlights will include Qutb Minar, the world’s tallest free-standing minaret tower, dating back to the 12th century; the mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, an excellent specimen of early Mughal architecture; and the imposing modern Lakshminarayan Temple. Then you’ll drive past the India Gate, a moving war memorial dedicated to fallen Indian soldiers; the president’s residence; the parliament house and the Secretariat buildings — an interesting blend of Victorian and modern architecture. Afternoon sightseeing will include the highlights of Old Dehli: the magnificent Red Fort; Raj Ghat, memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Then stroll through Chandni Chowk to savor the ambience of an oriental bazaar.
Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi
DAY 18
New Delhi
In the early morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.