On arrival at Bagdogra airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to Darjeeling.
Nestling among the rolling mountains with glistering Mount. Kanchenjunga towering over the azure sky, Darjeeling, fondly called ‘Queen of Hills’ is the land of flavoured Darjeeling tea revered by connoisseurs across the globe and the land of the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and indeed a perfect gateway to be in harmony with nature.

Later in the day, explore Chowrasta, a historical public square located in the heart of town. Situated on the ridge, during 18th century, it used to be fashionable place of assembly for residents and visitors and in modern times also it remains a focal centre for locals as well as visitors.

Overnight in Darjeeling (Altitude 2,045m).

Today’s sightseeing includes:

Tiger Hill: Situated at an altitude of 2,590m at a distance of 13km from Darjeeling above the town of Ghoom, Tiger Hill provides enthralling view of a stunning sunrise over Mount. Kanchenjunga and other important peaks of the Himalayas. One can also view the world highest peak, Mount. Everest (8,848m), from here.

Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre: Established in 1959, as a centre for the refugees who had fled Tibet with Dalai Lama after the Chinese invasion, it has been developed as workshop for artisans, producing carpets, woollen, woodcarvings, leather items etc. This centre has established itself as place for hard work, self-esteem and truth.

Tenzing Rock: This large natural rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, who is famous for climbing Mount Everest accompanied by Edmund Hillary, in the year 1953. Tenzing Norgay himself practiced climbing at this place so the area remains quite popular with tourists. This place also serves as the training area for both amateurs and professional climbers.

Happy Valley Tea Garden: The tea estate is located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters, covering planted area of approximately 100 hectares and is one of the highest tea plantations in the world. The Happy Valley tea garden is also certified by United Nations FAO project as a model organic tea estate. It was originally established by Mr David Wilson in the year 1954 as Wilson Tea Estate.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI): It is one of the premier mountaineering institutes in the world and founded on November 4th, 1954. Darjeeling is also the hometown of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the first human to set foot on the highest peak of Mount Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary. It was in HMI that Tenzing Norgay spent most of his post-Everest ascent period as Director of Field Training. HMI is now a prominent landmark of Darjeeling and a Centre of tourist attraction with adjoining mountaineering museum for visitors. It commands a magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.

Afternoon take a joy ride on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) from Darjeeling to Ghoom, the highest railway station on its route. Along the way, the train passes the Batasia loop immortalised in the popular song ‘Darjeeling ko syano rail’ (Darjeeling’s small train). The loop is an engineering feat that enables the steam engine to climb the steep hill. The Ghoom station has a museum and a stationary engine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site altered the hills and the lives of the people living there forever.

Then visit Ghoom monastery. Also referred as Yiga Choeling Monastery, Ghoom Monastery houses a 15-foot high Maitreya Buddha statue that captivates the surroundings with its aura. Built in 1850 by Lama Sherpa Gyaltsho, a Mangolian Monk, it is famous for its beautiful Thangkha on the walls, fancy bells, and drums.

Overnight in Darjeeling (Altitude 2,045m).

After breakfast, drive to Pelling in West Sikkim. The journey runs through the winding road cutting across the valleys, hills, lovely villages and Tea gardens passing through interstate border town of Jorthang following the course of beautiful Rangeet River. En route take a refreshing break at the viewpoint near Jorthang to watch the magnificent confluence of Rangeet & Rammam rivers. Then the road takes a steep turn upto Geyzing. The view of the entire surrounding widens as one approaches towards Pelling.

Offering magnificent views of the Himalayas and the snow-capped Mount. Kanchenjunga, the third-largest peak in the world, Pelling is a gorgeous tourist destination. With charming houses perched atop a wooded ridge, this hill town is framed by spectacular natural forests, making it a natural paradise. Sitting at a height of 2,150 m, Pelling is a base for several trekking routes. According to Buddhist texts, the word 'Pelling' refers to the religious body formed by Pema Lingpa, the discoverer of ancient Tibetan texts.

Afternoon visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim, built by Lhatsun Chenpo in the 17th century originally. The monastery has a unique depth in its name and the term Pemayangtse means ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’ and is said to symbolise one of the four plexuses of the human body. Built for ta-tshang or ‘pure monks’ in the times of the monarchy in Sikkim, the monastery’s head lama received the unique privilege of anointing the Chogyals (Kings) with holy water. The Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism is followed by the Pemayangtse Monastery and hence it controls all the monasteries following the same order in Sikkim.

Then explore Rabdentse Ruins. This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom after Yuksom and till the year 1814 A.D., the King of Sikkim ruled from this place. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the Pemayangtse Monastery. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across the valley to the mystic heights of Kanchenjunga range is something to be cherished and etched in memory.

Overnight in Pelling (Altitude 2,150m).

Before breakfast we take a hike to this beautiful monastery built in 1697, Sangachoeling monastery also known as the place of secret spells. It has clay statues dating back to the 17th century. The Monastery’s location provides panoramic view of Pelling town and scenic sunrise view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and it’s adjoining peaks in the morning.

After breakfast, drive to Ravangla, one of the most popular destination in South Sikkim, at an altitude of 7000 ft, located on a ridge between Maenam and Tendong Hills, offering unmatched view of the Greater Himalayas. Ravangla is dotted with pretty villages surrounded by alpine trees and magnificent views of Himalayas including peaks of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Siniolchu and Kabru.

Visit Buddha Park, featuring 130 ft statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha (consecrated by the Dalai Lama). About 60 tonnes of copper and some 4kgs of gold was used for the statue built in the repoussé technique, one of the oldest metal-working practices in the world. The statue of the Buddha marks the occasion of the 2550th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.

Then drive to Gangtok.

Highly alluring, pleasantly boisterous – Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a fascinating town, a pristine hill station nestled in mountains and in clouds. The name meaning hill-top, Gangtok is perfect blend of ancient traditions alongside modern developments. Rich in natural beauty, the town offers amazing view of Mount. Kanchenjuna, the third highest mountain peak in the world.

Evening at leisure in heart of Gangtok town.

Overnight in Gangtok (Altitude 1,650m).

Today’s full day of sightseeing in Gangtok includes:

Enchey Monastery: It is a beautiful monastery, in an equally beautiful setting, approached along an avenue of hundreds of multi-coloured prayer flags.

Government Institute of Cottage Industries: Here one can see young students being taught the traditional art of thangkha paintings along with weaving, wood carving and carpet making.

Do Drul Chorten: Built in 1945 by Trulshi Rinpoche, head of Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, it is regarded as one of the most important stupas of Sikkim and possess sacred gold-topped shikhara with 108 prayer wheels. This highly revered Chorten is also characterized by complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics (Holy Books), complete Zung (mantras) and other religious objects.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Regarded as the highest seat of learning amongst the Mahayana Buddhist scholars, this Institute was built in 1958 and is a famous global centre for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion today. It houses the world's largest collected works and rare manuscripts on the theme of Mahayana Buddhism. Apart from this collection, the museum has more than 200 Buddhist icons, antique paintings, thangkhas, statues, shrines, tapestries, masks and other religious works of Tibetan Art. The Institute also has in its keep around 30,000 volumes, most of them in the form of xylographs.

Orchid Sanctuary: Its famous for rare and extensive collection of orchids. This widespread sanctuary is home to almost 454 species of orchids found in Sikkim.

Himalayan Zoological Park: It has been established to preserve the wildlife without disturbing the creatures and keeping them in their natural habitat. Located at an altitude of 1,780 m, the Zoological Park also tenders a splendid view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The Park houses a variety of fauna species found in the Himalayas. Some of them are Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Himalayan Red Panda, Snow Leopard Cat, Goral, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Black Bear and Crimson-Horned Pheasant.

Tashi Viewpoint: Spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range and grandeur of Siniolchu peak and Mount. Kanchenjunga is amazingly beautiful from this point especially during sunrise and sunset.

Overnight in Gangtok (Altitude 1,650m).

Morning after breakfast, drive to visit Rumtek monastery, the largest monasteries of Sikkim, reflecting the best of Tibetan architecture. Situated at an elevation of 5000 ft. the serene Rumtek monastery in the beautiful background of majestic hills is the holy seat of XVIth Gyawla Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. Its architectural design is almost identical to the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet. The monastery comprises a temple, a school, an aviary, several stupas, a retreat for monks to meditate and other buildings. The main temple is a four-storey building topped by a golden sculpture and decorated by Tibetan-style murals. The shrine hall is decorated with silk banner and thangkhas and houses numerous religious texts as well as a ten-feet-high statue of Sakyamuni Buddha.

On arrival in Phuentsholing, after clearing immigration formalities, check in at the hotel.

The frontier town of Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills. Being the border town, Phuentsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and also the important link to visit the Indian state of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam.

Later in the day if time permits visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang. Situated in the heart of town, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche.

Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing (Altitude 300m).

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu.

En route stop at 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 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and plains of West Bengal and their tea gardens beyond.

Proceed further to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence.

On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population little above 1,00,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel. Later in the evening visit Memorial Stupa, built in 1974 to honour the Third King, Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928-1972). The stupa is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. In 2008, it underwent extensive renovation. This stupa is unlike others as it does not enshrine human remains and only Druk Gyalpo’s photo in a ceremonial dress adorns a hall on ground floor. When he was alive, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk wanted to build a chorten to represent the mind of Buddha.

Later enjoy a stroll walk around Thimphu city centre.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2320m)

Morning after breakfast, drive to see the iconic gigantic Buddha Dordenma (Vajra seated), the world’s largest sitting bronze statue. Majestically situated at Kuenselphodrang, it is an object of great veneration to all sentient beings. The land at Kuenselphodrang measuring 145 acres was gifted to Monks Body by His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. The Park conserves 798.4 acres of forest area that surrounds the Buddha Dordenma statue. Dedicating it to the 60th birth anniversary celebration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Holiness the Je Khenpo consecrated the 201 feet tall Buddha Dordenma statue at the Kuenselphodrang on 24th September 2015.

After this insightful visit drive to Textile Museum, established in 2001 under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck. The museum is managed by the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan. Exhibitions here introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.

Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School is an important learning center that offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Located below the main town, Centenary Farmers Market popularly known as Weekend market is a pleasant, colourful & delightful place to mingle with locals. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in this market. Also available here are the handicrafts and artifacts, to purchase.

Then visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the ancient temples in Thimphu established on a site chosen by Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, the founder of Drukpa lineage in Bhutan. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.

Conclude the sightseeing of the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong that has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of His Majesty the King, the Secretariat and the Ministries of Home affairs and Finance. The dzong is located close to Thimphu town, next to the banks of the Wang Chhu River. It is an impressively large structure, surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens.

Evening free to explore the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts constituting hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)

After breakfast drive to Dochu La pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) to enjoy stunning view of major eastern Himalayan peaks. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7, 060 m), a Table Mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m.

At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother as a tribute to Fourth King for his selfless service and visionary leadership. It represents a symbol of appreciation, loyalty, dedication and love that touches the nation and blesses its people.

Vividly portraying Bhutan’s spiritual and artistic traditions, the chortens sit astride a strategic mound that offers a magnificent view of the endless ridges that roll into the distant majestic snow-capped peaks in the north. Each chorten is carefully crafted out of wood and stone with the proportion dictated by the ancient legacy of Bhutanese artwork.

Then drive onward to Punakha.

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and seat of Government until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the fertile Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. Located at an elevation of 1,300m above sea level, Punakha enjoys mild winters and is popular year-round destination.

Later in the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, at the junction of the Pho chhu and Mo chhu rivers. This majestic Dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to Bhutan, though long established here.

Thereafter a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang.

The Chimi Lhakhang (temple), situated on a round hillock in the centre of Punakha valley near Lobesa, was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the maverick saint Drukpa Kuenley who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and owing to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. The Lhakhang is situated about 10 km from centre of Punakha town near Sopsokha village, from where a 20-minute walk through fields of mustards and rice, leads to a hillock that is the site of temple. Prayer flags are lined all along the road from the tiny village hamlet known as Yowakha, along a stream to the monastery. All houses in the village are decorated with paintings of phalluses on their exterior walls. The lama Kuenley had called the hillock where the monastery exists as the breast of a woman because of its round shape.

In the evening explore newly developed colourful Wangdue town and its market.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)

After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, following the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the valley.

En route visit handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and modelled on Gyal Gyad Tshel Institute of Ralung (Tibet). Officially known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras), Simtokha is often said to be the first Dzong built in Bhutan. It is infact also the oldest Dzong to have survived as a complete structure.

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only international airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Afternoon proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Later visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’, which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

After breakfast embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk).  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 recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Later in the afternoon drive to the base of Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, ‘mountain of goddess' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

Afterwards visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the holiest and the oldest shrines of the Kingdom, dating back to 7th century. The complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern. In the seventh century, Tibet was ruled by King Songsten Gompo, who in his attempt to suppress a demoness opposing Buddhist teachings built 108 temples in a day and Kichu is one of them.

Evening at leisure in heart of Paro town, exploring neatly lined colourful shops offering wide assortment of local products.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.