Kolkata - Sikkim - Bhutan Tour

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata

Welcome to Kolkata, India. Meet & greet by the local representative, transfer and check in hotel.

Day 2: Kolkata - Bagdogra - Gangtok

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your domestic flight to Bagdogra open Arrive at Bagdogra airport and welcome by your tour guide at the airport and then drive to Gangtok. Tucked away in the clouds, Gangtok is spread out on a ridge 1520m 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 neighbouring Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.

Day 3: Gangtok Local Sightseeing

After breakfast drive to 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 completion drive back to the town for lunch. After lunch drive to visit Rumtek monastery. Evening return back to your hotel.

Day 4: 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. Back to Gantok.

Day 5: 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 6: Lachung - Yumthang - Yumeysamdong - Gangtok

After breakfast leave for Yumthang (3,500m) & Yumesamdung 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 completion drive to Yumesamdung also known as Zero Point situated at an altitude of 15,300 ft. Yumesamdong is very close to the Chinese border. 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. Back to Lachung for lunch then check out and transfer to Gangtok

Day 7: Gangtok – Phontsholing

After breakfast, we set off for Phuentsholing. On arrival at India-Bhutan border line area we stop there for immigration check inn to Bhutan over nights at Bhutan ( Phontsholing) evening walk around the local market.

Day 8: Phontsholing - Thimpu

Enroute visit to Kharbandi Gompa, this beautiful monastery situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers, was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron in 1967. Also will visit Simtokha Dzong,the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. ON Thimpu.

Day 9: Thimpu Local Sightseeing

Full day sightseeing - visit Dup-Thop Lhakhang and the nunnery, Changangkha Lhakhang, the mini zoo to see " Takin" the national animal of Bhutan, view point, Indigenous Hospital (Institute of Traditional Medicine), National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion, also houses the biggest book of the world; Zorig Chusum (Painting School, students are taught to learn on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan), Folk Heritage Museum, built in 2001, provides fascinating insights of Bhutanese culture and way of life, Textile Museum, houses a fine collection of Bhutanese textiles; Memorial Chorten, built and completed in the year 1974 after his(Third King of Bhutan) untimely death, it is both a memorial of the Late King and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy; Post & telegraph office to see Bhutanese stamps; visit/view Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten Tashichhodzong- This huge fortress houses the main Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot " Je-Khempo" and the central monk-body; and visit Handicrafts Emporium: This government-undertaking Emporium displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles, craft, and a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture. Overnight Thimphu.

Day 10: Thimpu - Punakha

After breakfast, we drive up to visit Dochula Pass (3088m) . The top of the ass is decorated with prayer flags and a chorten; We continue to the majestic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which was built to guard the approach to Central Bhutan, and turn off towards Punakha, a former capital of Bhutan and current winter seat of Je Khnep (the chief abbot).
We then visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637. One of the most picturesque fortresses that dot the landscape of Bhutan, Punakha Dzong is also one of the most historically-important fortresses – it is the former seat of the royal family and the current winter residence of the national monastic body. ON Punakha.