BHUTAN WITH INDIA AND SIKKIM
15-day escorted tour
A journey for travellers... where we will visit lands Sol high in the Himalayas and Until recent years closed to the outside world. Even now the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan limits the number of visitors In order to preserve its own way of life. To enter this beautiful and serene land Sot amongst the towering Wks of the Himalayas is indeed evocative of Shangri- La
ITINERARY
1st day
Leave London Heathrow by Thai International in the morning for Delhi. On arrival at midnight transfer to the Holiday Inn Crowns Plaza.
INDIA
2nd day
At leisure.
3rd day
At leisure, with the opportunity of a full day trip to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. 4th day Fly to Bagdogra in the north of West Bengal. Continue by road to Darjeeling (7,000 ft.) a beautiful route climbing the southern slopes of the Himalayas. Accommodation at the Windamere Hotel.
5th day
At leisure in the hill resort of Darjeeling.
SIKKIM
6th day
Leave by car for Gangtok, capital of the Himalayan S1ste of Sikkim. Stay at the Nor-Khill Hotel.
7th day
In the morning visit the Rumtek Monastery built in traditional Tibetan style, and the town of Gangtok.
BHUTAN
8th day
From Gangtok drive to Phuntsholing (1,000 it.), gateway to Bhutan, with a picnic lunch en route. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Druk.
9th day
After visiting Kharbandi Monastery, today’s fascinating drive will take us aver jungle-clad mountains and passes up to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan (8,400 ft) for two nights at the Motimang Hotel.
10th day
Sightseeing in Thimphu, including the Tashichho Dzong, which houses the seat of Government and is also the nation’s largest monastery, the summer abode of 2,000 monks.
11th day
Leave Thimphu for Paro (7,500 ft) and transfer to the Olathang Hotel. The rest of the day is spent in Paro, the most beautifulof all Bhutan’s valleys and the centre of the old trade route to Tiber. Our sightseeing will include Paro museum, once an ancient watchtower, and a panoramic view of Paro Dzong, where a monastery has stood since the 10th century.
12th day
Optional trek to view the 300 year old TaMsang, the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ monastery perched high on the ledge of a sheer 3,000 foot cliff overlooking Pam valley. The ascent is by foot up a steep and winding track to reach a panoramic view of this temple of Heaven, visited by pilgrims from all over Bhutan.
INDIA
13th day
Fly by Druk Air to Delhi. Transfer to the Holiday Inn Crowns Plaza.
14th day
At leisure in Delhi. Nepal extension clients depart by air for Kathmandu.
15th day
Transfer to Delhi Airport for the early morning flight to London arriving later the same day.
MEALS:
Half Board in Delhi. Full board elsewhere.