HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS
INDIA
KALIMPONG (2N) PARO (2N) BHUTAN GANTONK (2N) PUNAKHA (2N) PELLING (2N) GANGTEY (2N) DARJEELING (2N) THIMPHU (2N) SILIGURI (1N) NEW JALPAIGURI PHUENTSHOLING (1N) GORUMARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (1N)
GO BEYOND INDIA & BHUTAN
PHYSICAL RATING
4
IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?
This adventurous overland journey takes you through Darjeeling into Bhutan where you’ll hike to Tiger’s Nest monastery. Accommodation and facilities can be basic in remote areas but it’s worth it for the incredible experience.
OVERNIGHT FLIGHT KOLKATA (3N) PLANE COACH TRAIN
Visit Buddhist monasteries in Thimphu
DAYS 15-16: DISCOVER THIMPHU Follow the national highway to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, stopping en route at Kharbandi Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The next day, explore the city with time at the National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Handicrafts Emporium and Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and Trashi Chhoe Dzong. DAY 17: TRAVEL TO GANGTEY Drive over the dramatic Dochu La mountain pass admiring the views as you travel to the Phobjikha Valley. Visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region and explore Gangtey village and the surrounding valley. DAY 18: WALKING IN GANGTEY Enjoy a day of leisure with the option of a hike through the valley for exceptional views across the stunning landscape. DAY 19: RURAL BHUTAN Leave Gangtey for Punakha visiting the Black Necked Crane Information Centre en route. On arrival visit Punakha Dzong before hiking through the paddy fields and local villages to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple of fertility. DAY 20: DISCOVER PUNAKHA This morning visit the magnificent temple complex at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang. Later appreciate the incredible views from Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten which is said to have been built to promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world.
CA L L
Explore glorious Punakha Dzong
DAY 21: TRAVEL TO PARO Drive to Paro, stopping en route at the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the kingdom. Paro is surrounded by some of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, visit Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. DAY 22: TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) is Bhutan’s most famous monastery, perched on the side of a cliff 900 metres above the Paro Valley. It can only be reached by a moderately challenging hike along a woodland trail – the views along the way are the perfect distraction! Returning to Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. DAY 23: FLY TO KOLKATA Rise early to fly back to Kolkata, where you’ll have the afternoon at leisure. DAY 24: FLY KOLKATA TO UK Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day. NOT LOOKING TO JOIN A GROUP? Call us to arrange this itinerary as a private tour.
PRICES & DEPARTURES Departing Friday returning Sunday 2020 DATES 10 Apr-03 May
£5,690 06 Nov-29 Nov
09 Oct-01 Nov
£5,490
£5,490
2021 DATES 09 Apr-02 May
£6,190 12 Nov-05 Dec
23 Apr-16 May
£6,190
£5,990
Flight and supplement information • Based on London Heathrow departures • Regional UK departures available • Flight upgrades available on request • Land only from £4,890 (Kolkata - Kolkata) • Single room from £1,290 • Tipping paid locally US$180
EXTEND YOUR STAY...
+
NEPAL EXTENSION 6 days from £590pp Visit page 64 to learn more about all of our extensions and stopovers.
Discover the delights of Gangtey
0808 239 3194
O R V I SI T YO U R LO C A L T R AV E L AG E N T
55