Sikkim with Bhutan Tour
Duration: 11N12D
Destination Covered: Kolkata, Gangtok, Yumthang, Lachung, Phuentsholing, Thimpu, Paro, Punakha
Tour Themes: Hill Station & Valleys, lakes & Rivers
Price: on Request
Overview
Bhutan is a small but beautiful country with amazing things to explore - from wonderful cultures to pristine nature. Touring or trekking around different cities, towns, and villages in Bhutan is a great cultural and natural immersion. You will get to explore the spirituality-led Bhutanese lifestyle which will leave you in awe. Bhutan Tour is something that you will cherish the experience for the rest of your life.
Although Bhutan is a country where you are allowed only for a limited period of time with determined and mandatory daily expenses, the experience you get is worth it. You can feel the thrill of this beautiful Himalayan kingdom as soon as you land at Paro. While you plan your Bhutan Tour, you can choose to visit places like Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, the historical Taktsang monastery, etc.
You can go on a city tour exploring the arts, streets, and local lifestyle and also hike to the Taktsang monastery, which is also famous as the Tiger's Nest. A hiking trip through beautiful nature takes you to this wonderful monastery hanging on a cliff. You can explore and listen to the history behind this wonderful spiritual site in Bhutan.
If you like to explore and immerse in spirituality and the cultural richness of the local lifestyle, Bhutan is the country that you should visit. You will get an amazing cultural and spiritual experience while you are visiting Bhutan.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kolkata - Bagdogra- Gangtok
After breakfast check out hotel then transport to domestic airport & Open arrival in Bagdogra Airport meet and welcome you by tour guide at the airport and then transfer you on a journey to Gangtok, on the way stop at Border line area at Rangpo between (Sikkim & west Bengal) for immigration. After short break drive to capital of Sikkim Gangtok. Tucked away in the clouds, Gangtok is spread out on a ridge 1860 m 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 neighboring Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. On arrival check inn to hotel over night at Gangtok. |
Day 2: Gangtok Local Sightseeing
Morning after breakfast drive to institute of 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 completed drive to town for lunch. After lunch drive to Rumtek monastery. Evening visit local market MG MARG over night at Gangtok. |
Day 3: Gangtok – Tsamgo Lake Excursion
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 after Tsamgo Lake drive back to Gangtok evening relax and shop in the market. |
Day 4: 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 5: Lachung - Yumthang - Lachung
After breakfast, Yumeysamdong zero point which is beautiful place if weather is clear then you can see the panoramic view of Singba range then drive back to Yumthang (3,500m) 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 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. Walk around the Yumthang valley and do short trek evening back to Lachung over night at Lachung. |
Day 6: Lachung - Gangtok
After breakfast drive back to Gangtok en route visit Kabi Lungchok and Phodong Monastery lunch at on the way on arrival check inn to hotel evening free and easy over night at Gangtok. |
Day 7: Gangtok - Phontsholing
After breakfast drive to Phuentsholing and met by our Bhutan representative, after clearing immigration formalities, check in at the Hotel. Visit Zangtho Pelri: Situated in city centre, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. On ground floor there are statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha’s life while the next floor contains eight Bodhisattavas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On top floor, there is a main statue of Amitabha. Later in the evening explore the local market. |
Day 8: Phontsholing - Thimpu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu. 4 km ahead of Phuentsholing, visit Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery situated in garden of tropical plants and flowers. The monastery contains paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and plains of West Bengal and their tea gardens beyond. |
Day 9: Thimpu - Punakha
Proceed to the National Library which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years. Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where a six year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where a six year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Later continue on to Handicrafts Emporium that displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. |
Day 10: Punakha - Paro
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct' 1994 caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa. Followed by visit to local market. |
Day 11: Taksang - Tiger Nest Monastery Hike
Morning after breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike) : It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. |
Day 12: Paro Kolkata - Fly Home
Morning transfer to Paro Airport to board on your flight back home with lasting memories. (Check in 2 hrs prior to departure) |
More Details
Inclusions
Hotel , Meals, Sightseeing, Transportation
Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.
Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.