Bhutan Itinerary - Himalayan Odyssey
| Duration 11 Nights/12 Days |
| Destinations :Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Kalimpong - Gangtok - Phuentsholing - Thimphu - Punakha - Wangduephodrang - Paro |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bagdogra flying from Delhi/Kolkata
Arrive at Bagdogra airport. Transfer to Darjeeling. Check-in at hotel. Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 2 : Darjeeling
Full-day sightseeing of appealing Darjeeling. Watch amazing morning sunrise view from Tiger Hill. Visit to Ghoom monastery built in 1850. Also visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center where Tibetan craftsmen make traditional items like carpet, woolen boots and feather goods.
Perched at altitude of 2134 m with a backdrop of mighty Himalayan peaks is one of the most sought after tourist places in India. In the early 1840s tea plantations were established in Darjeeling. Darjeeling tea is popularly called the "Champagne of the East" and for years formed the mainstay of the economy of this area.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Darjeeling.
Day 3 : Darjeeling - Kalimpong
Morning visit Kalimpong (1250 m). It is known for flowers and nurseries. Afternoon visit to Tharpa Choling Monastery. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kalimpong.
Day 4 : Kalimpong - Gangtok
Morning drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Enjoy sightseeing trip of Gangtok.
Gangtok is a perfect symbol of the confluence of the past and present. Apart from the deeply felt presence of stupas and monasteries, Gangtok also bustles like any other town. Visit today Do-drul Chorten - one of the most important stupas, Enchey Monastery - the 200-year-old monastery, Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom - a veritable storehouse of exquisite carpets, blankets and shawls.
Overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.
Day 5 : Gangtok
Enjoy today full-day sightseeing in and around Gangtok. Morning take an excursion to Rumtek Monastery, Tashi View Point which offers enchanting view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.
Day 6 : Gangtok - Phuentsholing
Morning head to Bhutan's border town of Phuentsholing en route passing through spectacular green tea gardens.
Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian plains. It is a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese culture, a perfect example of confluence of culture and people.
Evening visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang. Take a stroll around town and local market. Overnight at Phuentsholing.
Day 7 : Phuentsholing - Thimphu
Morning proceed to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. En route visit Kharbandi Goemba - a beautiful monastery and Simtkha Dzong - the oldest fortress of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 8 : Thimphu
Today visit Thimphu's famous sights. See Trashichho Dzong - the "fortress of the glorious religion," Memorial Chhorten - the stupa built in memory of Bhutan's Third King, National Library, Art School, Traditional Medicine Institute, The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum and Government Handicrafts Emporium.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 9 : Thimphu - Punakha
Morning drive to Punakha across Dochula pass that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Visit here seventeenth-century Punakha Dzong. Later drive to Wangduephodrang. Visit here majestic Wangduephodrang Dzong sitting on the top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 10 : Punakha - Paro
Today proceed to Paro, the beautiful valley with a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundred of myths and legends.
Afternoon see Ta Dzong, National Museum of the Kingdom and Rinpung Dzong.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11 : Paro
Morning head towards Durkgyel Dzong. It is a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Also visit a traditional farm house which offers a good insight into culture and lifestyle of local people.
Evening take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery and Kyichu Lhakhang.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 12 : Paro Depart
After early breakfast head to Paro airport for flight to onward/return journey.
