INDIA BHUTAN COMBINED TOUR

This 2-week trip combining Eastern India and Bhutan will bring you, not only close to nature by offering superb mountain vistas and scenic valleys, but will introduce you to two different countries sharing common boundaries yet having distinctly different colours, cultures and costumes.

After experiencing the great heritage and Moghul grandeur of Delhi, discover the colonial and Buddhist’s imprint in the hills of the eastern Himalayas and the region of Sikkim.  Then enter the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, Bhutan, a tiny nation deep in the mountains, where you will find a truly happy people and a culture of contrasts.  In today’s world this is a unique nation which calculates its true prosperity solely on the basis of the people’s Gross National Happiness – resulting in their genuine smiling faces.

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OUR ITINERARIES

ITINERARY | PREFERRED HOTELS

Day 1

ARRIVE DELHI

Arriving at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport you are greeted by our staff who will transfer you to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax.

Accommodation:  At your selected hotel – 2 nights

Day 2

DELHI

After breakfast, we set off on a full day, guided tour of the city.  In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid then drive past the Red Fort before taking a short rickshaw ride through the bustling market of Chandni Chowk. You also visit Rajghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.  Following lunch we explore the British Raj architecture of Lutyen’s New Delhi, driving past the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House) and the Parliament buildings with a photo stop at the India Gate. The tour finishes with a visit to the ancient minaret Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

Day 3

DELHI - BAGDOGRA - DARJEELING

After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for a flight to Bagdogra.  On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel in Darjeeling, lying in the lap of Eastern Himalayas and once a popular summer hill station during British Raj. Today it is famous for producing the world’s best-known Darjeeling tea and also for offering breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.  The balance of the day is free to relax.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 3 nights

Day 4

DARJEELING

Our early start this morning takes you to Tiger Hill to appreciate the spectacular sunrise and view of Mt Kanchenjunga and to see the beautiful Ghoom Monastery. On our way back to hotel, we stop briefly at Batasia Loop, an engineering marvel of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and also visit Gorkha War Memorial.

Later in the day, enjoy local sightseeing in Darjeeling visiting Zoological Park, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) and Tibetan Refugee Centre.

Day 5

DARJEELING

Following breakfast, take a ride on the historical Himalayan Toy Train.

After lunch we explore some of the other interesting places of this hill resort such as the Japanese Temple, Peace Pagoda, Barbotey Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park before strolling in mall road.

Day 6

DARJEELING - GANGTOK

Departing after breakfast, we drive you to Gangtok (110 km/3½ hrs), the capital of Sikkim visiting Rumtek monastery en route.

Depending on the time taken to visit the monastery and photo stops on the way, your arrival time in Gangtok will vary with the balance of day at leisure at your hotel.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 nights

Day 7

GANGTOK

Early this morning we visit the Tashi View Point followed by stops at Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok Temples. Following lunch at your hotel, continue exploring the other jewels of Gangtok visiting Choerten Gompa, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Cottage Industry, Enchey monastery and White Hall Flower Show with its large collection of wild orchids. While in Gangtok, there is an option of taking a Mountain Helicopter Flight.

Day 8

GANGTOK - KALIMPONG

Following breakfast, we set off to Kalimpong (85 km/3 hrs), driving past some of the local villages on the way and enjoying one of the most beautiful scenic drives of the region.

Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

After lunch, explore this tiny town’s major attractions such as Deolo Hill, Thonga Gompa, Mangal Dham temple, St Theresa Church and Flower Nurseries.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Day 9

KALIMPONG - PHUENTSHOLLING

This morning we drive to Phuentsholling, the gateway to South Bhutan, stopping on the way at Indo-Bhutan border to complete the visa formalities. Situated at the base of the Himalayan foothills, this town showcases a perfect example of the mingling of people and the culture of Bhutan and India.

Upon entering Bhutan, our Bhutanese guide along with a chauffeur driven car will be waiting to take you through the rest of trip. Time permitting, visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang, situated in the heart of this little town.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Day 10

PHUENTSHOLING - THIMPHU

Following breakfast, we drive off to Thimphu (170 km/5 hrs), the capital of Bhutan. On the way, we will stop to explore Kharbandi Gompa and beautiful paintings inside the monastery depicting the life of Buddha.

Upon arrival at Thimphu, check in to the hotel. The balance of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 nights

Day 11

THIMPHU

After breakfast, we set off for a full day tour of Thimphu Valley. In the first half, we visit the National Library, housing a huge collection of Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School), Textile Museum and Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio, showcasing the cultural heritage of this Himalayan Kingdom.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit King’s Memorial Chorten followed by a brief visit of Trashichhoedzong & Buddha Point. The balance of the evening is at leisure to stroll in the market.

Day 12

THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

We depart this morning to Punakha across Dochu La pass (3,080m), offering breathtaking views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas.

Later, after arriving and checking in at your hotel, explore Punakha Dzong, the iconic heritage building built in the traditional Bhutanese style of architecture. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Day 13

PUNAKHA – PARO

This morning, we drive back to Paro driving along the meandering Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu rivers. Discover the origin of Dzongkha language at study centre of Simtokha Dzong just before reaching Paro.

Post lunch, experience a guided tour of Paro town with a visit of Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The balance of the day at leisure in the local market or to walk down to visit Rinpung Dzong before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 nights

Day 14

PARO

For a grand finale, experience an adventurous trekking to one of the Bhutan’s highlights, the Taktshang Monastery, popularly known as Tigers Nest. Built on a cliff and approx 900 mt from Paro Valley, the trekking lets you discover some of the rare flora of Bhutan including Rhododendron

On the way back, a quick stop will be at Drukgyel Dzong from where Chomolhari peak can be seen on a clear day. Time permitting, we would also visit the 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang

Day 15

DEPART PARO

Today we will transfer you to the airport for a flight home or, you may extend your stay, visiting more of India.

Explore your TRAVEL DESTINATION like never before.