13 Days East India and Bhutan Discovery

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

01-03

The soulful city

Calcutta

India

Perhaps no other city overwhelms a visitor as Kolkata does - vibrant, alive, and friendly; a city with a rich intellectual and cultural heritage. The former capital and Raj-era ‘Jewel of the East’ is an intriguing blend of colonial-era architecture mixed with a growing hipster culture. Upon arrival in Kolkata, you will be met on arrival at the airport by our local representative and transferred to our hotel. On Day 2 take an architectural walking tour to learn about the urban revival spearheaded by authors and culturalist to maintain the unique character of Bengali buildings and neighbourhoods and visit the historic Botanical Gardens, see the splendid Giant Water Lily pads and the 250-year-old banyan tree. On Day 3, head out early to the vast Flower Market below the Howrah Bridge to be dazzled by the colours and scents – a photographer’s must-see! Catch a local ferry to Kumartuli neighbourhood where workshops in this labyrinth of lanes create the statues of India’s gods and goddesses for festivities across the country.

DAY

04-05

Hill station of the Himalayas

Darjeeling

India

Fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra where you will meet your host for the drive up to Darjeeling. Enjoy the splendid views of the Himalayas as you approach the city, spread in lines over the steep mountain ridge with the majestic Khagchendzonga peak (the third highest mountain in the world!) towering above. Admire the British colonial-era architecture, take a ride on the 140-year-old railway, and visit the Ghoom Monastery. Stop for tea at one of the area’s many plantations.

DAY

Drive through forests and tea plantations

Phuntsholing

Bhutan

A super-scenic road trip takes you through lush forests and emerald-green tea plantations t the border with Bhutan at Phuntsholing. Experience the frontier feeling of the town with its rich mix of ethnic groups.

DAY

07-08

Bhutan’s Cultural Heart

Thimphu

Bhutan

Another spectacular drive today across the Gangetic Plains, passing through the deep gorges of the Wang Chhu River and into Bhutan’s pine forests. Offer a prayer at Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) when you arrive this evening, then delve into the city in detail. Admire ancient manuscripts in the National Library and vibrant textiles at the Royal Academy. Visit the magnificent medieval fortress-monastery of Tashichho Dzong; the vast building was constructed entirely by hand and without a single nail. Enjoy a cup of tea with the monks at Dechen Phodrung Monastery.

DAY

09-10

Flags over the Himalayas

Punakha

Bhutan

Drive the super-scenic Dochu-La pass at 3088 metres stopping frequently to take in the views of the Himalayas with the fluttering prayer flags in the foreground and admire the many stupas lining the route. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, at the confluence of the Mo and Po (‘female’ and ‘male’) Rivers. This huge fortress is one of the most important (and most beautiful) in the country and holds some of the country’s most sacred relics. Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang temple, the fertility temple constructed by the ‘Divine Madman’, an eccentric yogi and saint who blessed the grounds. Hike to Khamsum Yuley Monastery to see the elaborate stupa built to ward off evil spirits.

DAY

11-12

The Tiger’s Nest

Paro

Bhutan

Head back to Paro today. Visit the Paro Ta Dzong, a mid-17th century circular fortress that protected the area from Tibetan and Indian invasions and the Rinpung Dzong, Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture, now the seat of the administration and an institute for monks. Take the two- to three-hour walk to the magical Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery in Bhutan.

DAY

International departure

Departure

Bhutan

Drive to the airport to connect your flight back home.

What's Included:

· All airport and hotel transfers

· Accommodation based on double occupancy for 12 nights

· Breakfastdaily

· Lunch and dinner daily in Bhutan

· Services of your driver/host

· Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage

· Complimentary bottled water and snacks in the vehicle

· Flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra

· All activities with your private guide as listed:

o Kolkata:Two full day tours

o Darjeeling:Full day tour

o Thimphu:Full day tour

o Punakha: Full day tour with walk/trek

o Paro:Half day tour

o Paro:Full day tour

· Entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary

· 24/7Support Service

· Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information

· All taxes and fees

What’s not included:

· International flights

· Visa fees

· Travel insurance

· Items of a personal nature: laundry, drinks, telephone calls, etc

· Gratuities

· Meals and services not listed

· Video/Photography fees at monuments

· Additional arrangements required due to emergency or other situation

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata

Known to Mark Twain as the “Jewel of the East” this has been one of the top hotels in Kolkata for nearly 165 years. After a meticulous seven-year refurbishment, the 215-room hotel showcases a distinctive blend of Victorian, Edwardian and Contemporary architecture and décor with rooms reflecting these different styles, all with the full array of modern facilities.

Windamere Hotel Darjeeling

Windamere is the original Heritage House of the Himalayas. It is located on Observatory Hill, a well-known landmark. Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Windamere Hotel offers accommodations in Darjeeling. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is available on site. Rooms have a private bathroom. The rooms overlook the garden.

East India & Bhutan Discovery

From the foothills to the Himalayas

Detailed Itinerary

What's Included:

What’s not included:

Accommodation

The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata

Windamere Hotel Darjeeling

Druk Resort Phuentsholing

On The Ground

Sandeep Singh

Stories

East India & Bhutan Discovery

From the foothills to the Himalayas

Detailed Itinerary

What's Included:

What’s not included:

Accommodation

The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata

Windamere Hotel Darjeeling

Druk Resort Phuentsholing

On The Ground

Sandeep Singh

Stories

All Schedule