Trip Notes DARJEELING, SIKKIM & BHUTAN

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1 Trip Notes Trip Code: AKB Countries: India, Bhutan Amended: October 2012 Edition No: KT Valid from: 01 Jan Dec 2013 DARJEELING, SIKKIM & BHUTAN HIGHLIGHTS The beautiful drive from Bagdogra, through jungles and tea plantations to Darjeeling A chance to ride on the famous Darjeeling Toy Train Time to explore Sikkim and its famous monasteries including Rumtek The incredible Kingdom of Bhutan, visits to Paro and Thimpu as well as the old capital Punakha Bhutans famous religious festivals (specific departures) Stay at the Himalaya Hotel in Kalimpong where Mallory, Irvine, Hillary and Tenzing all stayed before their expeditions to Everest PLEASE NOTE: As this trip includes festivals on some departures, as well as regular schedule changes in flights from India to Bhutan, each itinerary tends to be a little different. Please see notes below and be aware that sometimes itineraries have to change at short notice. SUMMARY The eastern end of the great Himalayan chain and its lush foothills is one of the least visited parts of this magnificent mountain range. It has always been a difficult area to visit due to geographical and political obstacles, but these days the intrepid traveller is able to visit a region that retains much of its Himalayan cultural identity despite being landlocked by the giant nations of India and China. This trip is designed to see the best of this little visited area, enjoying the small hillstations with faded touches of the Raj, beautifully preserved Buddhist monasteries, glorious views of the Himalaya and the unique Himalayan culture. The trip starts in Darjeeling, which at 2,134m, was one of the most famous hill stations of British India. It originally belonged to the Chogyals (Kings) of Sikkim until the late 1700's, when it was annexed by the Gurkhas. In the early 1800's the British East India Company gained control of the region and gave the land back to Sikkim. In 1828 two British officers stumbled across Dorje Ling monastery, situated on a quiet, forested ridge. They thought it would make a nice place for a sanatorium. The King of Sikkim happily leased the uninhabited land to the East India Company and a hill station was born. The population increased and forests made way for colonial houses and tea plantations. It has always possessed one incomparable asset: the stunning view of Kanchenjunga, surely one of the finest mountain views in the world. Today, more than fifty years after independence, the town still has a late Victorian air. One change which has taken place, however, is the arrival of large numbers of Tibetan refugees, considerably strengthening the Buddhist influence in the town. Next we move on to Sikkim, sandwiched between Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. Once an independent kingdom with its own Kings (Chogyals) it became the 22nd state of India in Most of Sikkim consists of tea plantations and lushly forested steep mountain valleys. Kanchenjunga's white peaks can be seen from many places in the state. Magnificent Tibetan style Buddhist monasteries are testament to Sikkim's rich cultural identity and history. They add splashes of red, yellow and white to the green ridges and are approached through long avenues of colourful prayer flags on long bamboo poles. A visit to this area would not be complete without a stop in Kalimpong. Now a busy Indian town Kalimpong has long associations with the British Raj and many early explorers and climbers have stayed here. Finally we travel by road to Druk-yul, Land of the Dragon, the name by which Bhutan is known to its inhabitants. It was always the most difficult to visit of the Himalayan kingdoms, and was virtually unknown to tourists until twenty years ago. Bhutan is one of the very few areas in the Himalaya where the traditional way of life survives, encouraged by the king. The superb Dzongs (fortresses) dotted in the valleys and on hilltops are full of priceless religious artefacts and many are still active monasteries. A visit to Bhutan is a delightful and unforgettable experience. Exodus Travels Ltd Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: (44) Fax: (44) sales@exodus.co.uk

2 Day 1 (Day 2 Ex London) Start Delhi; free afternoon to explore. The group flight will arrive into Delhi in the morning and we will transfer to our hotel. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel during the day. You are free today to explore Delhi and rest after your flight; rooms may not be available until noon but it is often earlier than this. SH Day 2 (Day 3 Ex London) Fly to Bagdogra; drive to Darjeeling. FESTIVAL DEPARTURES Bhutan is famous for its religious festivals, tsechus. These take place all over the country at different monasteries during auspicious times of year and are unusual and exciting events. Two of the departures in 2013 are timed with the annual festivals. The departure ex London 12th March 2013 will spend time at the Paro Festival and the departure ex London 4th September 2013 will spend time at Thimpu Festival. The festivals in Bhutan are very popular and flights to Bhutan at these times are booked up well in advance so we advise early booking for these trips. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? This is a full but generally relaxed tour. There are some long drives of up to six hours although some days can be longer than this depending on the current road conditions (these driving times do not include lunch, photo and comfort breaks which differ from group to group). This trip is a journey, intended to allow groups to see many areas and sights within a relatively short period of time. Being open minded and flexible will be of benefit to you on this trip. Road conditions are generally quite poor and many are narrow and can be bumpy, and as with all mountain roads delays can occur due to landslides or adverse weather conditions. The roads are also quite twisty on the mountain sections; if you suffer from travel sickness you should bring your normal remedy. The sale of cigarettes and tobacco is banned in Bhutan. Please note that smoking is technically banned in Bhutan also. Tourists are permited to smoke in certain designated areas but must bring their own cigarettes (up to 200 cigarettes). They must, however, pay duty on any tobacco product they import (up to 200% tax). Smoking in a public place can result in a fine as long you have proof of having paid the duty. If no proof of having paid the duty can be produced then there is the risk of a minimum 3 years imprisonment. LAND ONLY ITINERARY Please note the itineraries in Bhutan are slightly different for each departure due to the festival dates. The India portion is the same for each trip. Please note that sometimes due to opening times, holidays or festivals we have to change the timings of the sightseeing around. We will endeavor to show you all the sights in the time available. In case it is not possible to visit any of the sights described in the notes above an alternative will be provided. The notes below refer to the trip ex London 12th March 2013, that includes the Paro Festival in Bhutan, as well as the 22nd December 2013 departure. The only variation is on Day 13 (Day 14 ex London) and the differences on the day are detailed below. The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type of accommodation normally used (if different standards of accommodation are used - see accommodation section below for key to codes), and meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Transfer in the early morning to the domestic airport terminal for the flight to Bagdogra. On landing at Bagdogra we join our vehicles, and take a beautiful 4-hour drive from the heat of the plains through jungle, tea estates and pleasant hillside villages to the coolness of Darjeeling. The road winds its way up into the hills through Kurseong. At 1458m it is the little sister of Darjeeling and the word Kurseong comes from the Lepcha word for a small white orchid which grows prolifically in this area. Surrounded by tea estates it is the southern terminus for the steam powered trains of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the last 32km follows the route of the famous Toy Train, once the normal mode of transport to the famous hill station. We should arrive by late afternoon. (Approx 3.5 hours drive). SH (B,D) Day 3 (Day 4 Ex London) Sightseeing around Darjeeling. On a clear day there are beautiful views of sunrise on Kanchenjunga from the roof of the hotel. At 2,134m and spread over a steep mountain ridge surrounded by tea plantations with a backdrop of the jagged white Himalayan peaks, Darjeeling is the archetypical hill station. Originally the site of a small monastery called Dorje Ling it was discovered by the British and established as a sanatorium for the troops in the mid 1800's. The British soon recognised the potential of the place and built their colonial bungalows and planted tea. These days people come here to escape the heat of the north Indian plains. You will find yourself surrounded by mountain people from all over the eastern Himalaya who have come to work and trade. Mother Theresa spent her early years here as a nun. We have the day here to explore the town and its surroundings. We visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute founded by Tenzing Norgay and where many of the famous Sherpa climbers have been trained in mountaineering skills. All around are the world famous tea estates and if it is tea plucking time we can visit a tea estate. There are several monasteries nearby, of which the most famous is at Ghoom. If the railway is working, and schedules permitting, we can take the toy train to Ghoom and return by car. The train chugs its way out of Darjeeling, stopping on the way to take on water and to allow passengers to take photos at the famous Batasia Loop. If there is time there are the local bazaars and markets, and plenty of good restaurants and little eating stalls to tempt you. To end the day a pre-dinner pink gin at the Windamere Hotel is highly recommended. SH (B,D) Day 4 (Day 5 Ex London) monastery. Drive to Pelling, visit Pemayangse Weather permitting there is an optional trip to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise over Kanchenjunga and Everest. This requires a very early (4am) start and is only worth it if the weather is really clear. After breakfast, we drive to Pelling (2,083m). Although only 90km from Darjeeling it will take us a good six hours due to the bad road conditions. From Darjeeling we descend on a spectacular road through tea estates to the Rangit River at 518m. Just before Jorethang we enter Sikkim and our permits and passports will be checked. The road now starts to climb again and at the small town of Legship we will stop for lunch. The final hour the road winds up even more to Pemayangste monastery. This is one of the most important Nyingmapa monasteries in the area, and was first built as a small temple in 1705 by Latsun Chembo. The monastery houses numerous religious idols and on the top floor there is a wonderful seven tiered wooden structure portraying the heavenly paradise of Guru Rinpoche. Tonight we stay in Pelling, whose raison d'etre is its stride stopping sunrise and sunset views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and the world's third highest mountain. (Approx 90km/6 hours driving). SH (B,D) Day 5 (Day 6 Ex London) Drive to Gangtok. If the weather is clear we will be woken up by magnificent views of Kanchenjunga. After breakfast we drive to Gangtok (1,437m), the capital of Sikkim and the largest town in the area. Today is a long day as en route we will visit Tashiding Monastery, another important 2

3 monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order. We start our journey by retracing our route down to Legship, from where we wind high into the hills again to Tashiding monastery. Built in 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chembo during the reign of the third Chogyal, the monastery is set in a spectacular location on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong and Rangit rivers and is surrounded by a profusion of prayer flags that flutter in the air. Hundreds of brightly coloured hand carved prayer (mani) stones surround the monastery, most of which have been carved by an elderly Khampa refugee who has been here since We descend back to the main road and climb up again to Rabongla at approx 2,400m. This is our high point today and we will probably stop for lunch in a small restaurant with great views down the valley. We continue driving through lush forests of dwarf bamboo back down to the river from where we have a final climb up past a large hydro power project to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, set on a ridge with magnificent views across to Kanchenjunga. In Gangtok we stay at the Netuk House Hotel, a traditional Sikkimese family house, now run as a small hotel with splendid food and traditional service. Today's drive is approx 198km/6 hours. CH (B,D) Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London) Visit Rumtek Monastery. A bustling friendly hill station, perched at between 1,400m and 1,700m on a ridge, Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. The name means 'hilltop' and the town is steeply tiered along a precipitous mountain ridge. If clear the views are inspiring with Kanchenjunga soaring above the horizon. Now part of India, Sikkim was once an independent kingdom inhabited by Lepchas. Over the years Tibetans migrated over the border for trade but it was not until 1642 that Sikkim became an independent kingdom with its own Chogyal (King). Over the centuries Sikkim was invaded by Nepalis, Bhutanese and Tibetans but it always managed to preserve its independence. The British East India Company saw Sikkim as a gateway to trade with Tibet and in 1888 it came under British rule and the capital was shifted to Gangtok. Sovereignty was returned in 1895 and in 1947 after Indian independence the Prime Minister, Nehru agreed to a special protectorate status for Sikkim. However after Nehru's death his daughter Indira Gandhi had little patience for maintaining Sikkim and its monarchy (the Raja had married an American who was now queen of Sikkim) and in 1975 Sikkim became the 22nd state of India. Populated by Lepchas, Nepalis and Bhutias, most who follow Tibetan Buddhism the culture here is more akin to Tibet than India. We spend today exploring Gangtok. This morning we visit Rumtek, 24km from Gangtok and the largest and most famous monastery in Sikkim. Founded in the 16th century, Rumtek served as the main seat of the Karma Kargyu lineage in Sikkim. The Karma Kargyu is one of the sects of Tibetan Buddhism and the Karmapa Lama is the head of this sect. When the 16th Karmapa arrived in Sikkim in 1959 after fleeing from Tibet, he found the monastery in ruins. As the place is auspicious he had the monastery rebuilt and it became the main seat in exile of the Karmapa Lamas. When the 16th Karmapa died a new reincarnation was found in Rumtek. However, in 1999 the Tibetan Karmapa escaped from Tsurpu in Tibet and fled over the Himalaya to Dharamsala. Since then Rumtek has become embroiled in controversy as to who is the 'real' 17th Karmapa and armed guards now patrol the monastery. It has some excellent Buddhist paintings and relics, and a good view towards Gangtok. We return to Gangtok for lunch and the afternoon is free for individual exploration. You could visit the 200 year old Enchey Monastery, which sits above the town. From Ganesh Tok and Hanuman you get a bird's eye view of Gangtok and on a clear day we can see the Himalaya in the distance. The Flower Show (or Flower Exhibition Centre) is famous for its floral exhibitions, especially in spring. Its orchid show from mid March to April is said to be one of the finest in South Asia (please note the Flower Show is often closed in December). Also worth visiting is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which specialises in research into Tibetan Buddhism and the language of Tibet. The institute houses an excellent collection of Tibetan Buddhist artefacts. There should also be time to explore the bazaars and markets and well recommended is the Cottage Industries Institute where local handicrafts are made. (Please note that opening days and times of the various sights in Gangtok change frequently. The Cottage Industry and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology are usually closed on Sunday's and Public Holidays and the Flower Show is often closed in winter. Your leader will have up to date opening times. CH (B,D) Day 7 (Day 8 Ex London) Drive to Kalimpong. After breakfast we set off for the drive to Kalimpong. We leave Sikkim at Rangpo and drive through the wild Teesta Valley. If it is possible we leave the main road and take a quiet but spectacular side road through vast forest plantations and small villages to the ridge overlooking Kalimpong. En route to the hotel we will visit the most important Hindu temple in Kalimpong, and the Dr Graham's home and school. Dr Graham was a Scottish missionary and he founded the home in the early part of the century. We spend some time exploring the bustling bazaar before driving to the Himalayan Hotel, where we stay tonight. In the early days of the last century the hotel was the family home of David MacDonald, who was the British trade agent in Gyantse for 20 years. After he retired he turned the family home into an hotel and it has remained in the family ever since. Although a bit jaded and faded at the edges now, it still retains its charm and character. It has been home to Everest expeditions from the days of Mallory and Irvine and Hillary and Tenzing were frequent visitors. Alexander David Neel and Heinrich Harrer are just some of the famous travellers who have stayed here. Today's driving time is around 4hours. SH (B,D) Day 8 (Day 9 Ex London) Drive to Bhutan. We leave early this morning for the longish drive to Bhutan. We return to the plains, and after crossing Coronation Bridge, built originally by the British for the Coronation and since renovated and painted bright pink by the Indians!, we turn east along the main road through the extensive tea plantations of lower Assam, to reach the Bhutan frontier at Phuntsoling. Here we will leave our local guide and Indian leader as we complete Indian immigration formalities. Walking through the traditional style Bhutanese gate we will be met by our Bhutanese guide who will help us complete our Bhutanese entry formalities. Tonight we stay in Phuntsoling, a bustling border town with many traditional chortens and the Kharbandi monastery. SH (B,D) Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Drive to Thimpu. An early start today for the magnificent drive through forest and over the hills to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. Thimpu is a fairly small and fast growing town, with a population of around 30,000, and is easy to get around. There is a certain quaintness to it with no traffic lights and town clocks painted in traditional Buddhist styles. Today is a long day of driving and we will reach Thimpu in the late afternoon. We take plenty of rest stops en route to break the journey. SH (B,L,D) Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) Sightseeing around Thimpu. We spend today exploring Thimpu. We will visit the impressive golden topped Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 by the Royal Grandmother in memory of the third King, H M Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who died in The magnificent Tashichho Dzong (fort) is the main secretariat building which houses the National Assembly. There are amazing Buddhist paintings, beautiful buildings and a grand courtyard. There are plenty of shops and a government emporium to buy excellent Bhutanese souvenirs and the Post Office has collections of Bhutan's famous stamps. SH (B,L,D) 3

4 housed in an ancient watchtower with a superb view over the valley, and contains many interesting historic and religious objects, as well as a fine collection of Bhutanese stamps: Bhutan is a prolific producer of special issues. A little below the museum is the Rimpung, or Paro, dzong, the political and religious centre for the Paro district, which we should be able to visit. The small town of Paro is also well worth a wander. SH (B,L,D) Day 14 (Day 15 Ex London) Fly to Delhi, evening free. Morning transfer to the airport to check in for our flight to Delhi. The rest of the day is free to explore the city or stock up on Indian souvenirs. SH (B) Day 15 (Day 16 Ex London) End Delhi. Day 11 (Day 12 Ex London) Drive to Wangdue Phodrang. We leave Thimpu and drive east to Punakha. The route climbs steeply in places to the Dochula Pass. At 3050m (10,000ft) the views over the eastern Himalaya are magnificent although the clouds may obscure this spectacle. We descend to the valley floor and continue to sub-tropical Punakha. At an altitude of 1350m the difference in temperature and flora is apparent. Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan and the dzong was the second one to be built in Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and it has survived many fires, an earthquake and a glacial flood. Along the way it has been repaired and added to and it has several interesting features to protect it against invasion. En route we will also visit Chime Lhakhang, a 15th Century monastery built to honour one of the more folkloric saints of Bhutanese tradition, Lama Drukpa Kuenley. The Lama was known for his foul-mouth, alcohol-smelling breath and insatiable lust towards women. Yet he is revered as a great saint by most Bhutanese who come from all corners of the country to visit Chime Lhakhang. We continue through a rather drier landscape to Wangdue Phodrang, which is now a ruined dzong due to a fire in June 2012, situated on a ridge above the Tsang Chu and then we make our way in the late afternoon to our hotel. SH (B,L,D) Day 12 (Day 13 Ex London) Drive to beautiful Paro Valley. An early start for the drive back to the beautiful broad, fertile Paro Valley, with its famous dzong overlooking the rice fields and scattered houses. The Paro Valley is considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, with blue pine-covered hills and attractive solidly built houses among the paddy fields. If there is time this afternoon we can visit the National Museum. SH (B,L,D) Day 13 (Day 14 Ex London) Festival. Tiger's Nest monastery and Paro The departure ex London 12th March 2013 will spend most of today at the Paro Festival. Hundreds gather to see the monks dressed in colourful brocade, silk costumes and wearing painted masks reenact the story of the gompa's particular divinity though music and dance. For several days there are masked dances, prayer meetings and a general carnival atmosphere as many villagers arrive to meet old friends and catch up with the mountain gossip. The festival culminates with the unfurling of a giant Thangka, three stories high, which has to be carefully folded away before the rays of the morning sun catch it. The visit to the Tigers Nest Monastery will be fitted around the Paro Festival. The departure ex London 22nd December 2013 will spend the full day sightseeing in and around Paro. We drive to the car park below Taktsang monastery, where we set off walking. It is an uphill hike taking 2-3 hours to the viewpoint café and is steep in places. The famous monastery, whose name means 'Tiger's Nest', is only accessible on foot but is well worth the effort. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters above the Paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism were subdued and he converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. During the end of the 17th century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit at least once in their lifetime. In Paro itself we visit the National Museum. This is Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London this morning for the daytime flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel. (B) For those on group flights, these depart in the afternoon and will arrive in the UK the same day. ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY The notes below refer to the departures ex London 4th September 2013, this departure visits the Thimpu Festival. Up to Day 8 (Day 9 Ex London) the notes above apply to this departure as well. Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Drive to Thimpu An early start today for the magnificent drive through forest and over the hills to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. Thimpu is a fairly small town, with a population of around 30,000, and is easy to get around. There is a certain quaintness to it with no traffic lights and town clocks painted in traditional Buddhist styles. Today is a long day of driving and we will reach Thimpu in the late afternoon. We take plenty of rest stops en route to break the journey. SH (B,L,D) Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) Drive to Wangdue Phodrang We leave Thimpu and drive east to Punakha. The route climbs steeply in places to the Dochula Pass. At 3050m (10,000ft) the views over the eastern Himalaya are magnificent although the clouds may obscure this spectacle. We descend to the valley floor and continue to sub-tropical Punakha. At an altitude of 1350m the difference in temperature and flora is apparent. Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan and the dzong was the second one to be built in Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and it has survived many fires, an earthquake and a glacial flood. Along the way it has been repaired and added to and it has several interesting features to protect it against invasion. En route we will also visit Chime Lhakhang, a 15th Century monastery built to honour one of the more folkloric saints of Bhutanese tradition, Lama Drukpa Kuenley. The Lama was known for his foul-mouth, alcohol-smelling breath and insatiable lust towards women. Yet he is revered as a great saint by most Bhutanese who come from all corners of the country to visit Chime Lhakhang. We continue through a rather drier landscape to Wangdue Phodrang, which is now a ruined dzong due to a fire in June 2012, situated on a ridge above the Tsang Chu and then we make our way in the late afternoon to our hotel. SH (B,L,D) Day 11 (Day 12 Ex London) Drive to Thimpu, Thimpu Festival We drive back across the Dochu La to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. This afternoon morning we get to experience our first taste of the fascinating Bhutanese festival culture as we mingle with the elegantly dressed locals at the Thimpu festival at Tashichho Dzong (fort). The revellers come to pray, feast and watch the elaborate, masked, storytelling dances. The festivities are also a time to socialize and, though there may be a language barrier, the Bhutanese can be very friendly and approachable. SH (B,L,D) Day 12 (Day 13 Ex London) Thimpu Festival and sightseeing, drive to Paro We can spend more time at the festival today. We also visit the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 by the Royal Grandmother in memory of the Third King, H M Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who died in In the late afternoon we have a short (1hour) drive to Paro. SH (B,L,D) 4

5 Day 13 (Day 14 Ex London) Paro sightseeing, visit Takstang (Tigers Nest Monastery) The Paro Valley is considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, with blue pine-covered hills and attractive solidly built houses among the paddy fields. We drive to the car park below Taktsang monastery, where we set off walking. It is an uphill hike taking 2-3 hours to the viewpoint café and is steep in places. The famous monastery, whose name means 'Tiger's Nest', is only accessible on foot but is well worth the effort. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters above the Paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism were subdued and he converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. During the end of the 17th century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their lifetime. We return to Paro for lunch and in the afternoon we visit the National Museum. This is housed in an ancient watchtower with a superb view over the valley, and contains many interesting historic and religious objects, as well as a fine collection of Bhutanese stamps: Bhutan is a prolific producer of special issues. A little below the museum is the Rimpung, or Paro, dzong, the political and religious centre for the Paro district, which we should be able to visit. The small town of Paro is also well worth a wander. SH (B,L,D) Day 14 (Day 15 Ex London) Morning transfer to the airport to check in for our flight to Delhi. The rest of the day is free to explore the city or stock up on Indian souvenirs. SH (B) Day 15 (Day 16 Ex London) Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London this morning for the daytime flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel. (B) GOLDEN TRIANGLE EXTENSION Please call our Sales team for current prices. The following five-day extension including Agra and Jaipur can be added to the end of the main itinerary. A visit to the incredible Taj Mahal and other great Moghul cities close to Delhi is an excellent way to end a visit to Northern India. The Taj Mahal was built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, and is one of the most beautiful sights on earth. Its shining white marble walls, inlaid with semi precious stones, never fails to amaze a first time visitor. Located at Agra, it is only a short train journey from Delhi and is best visited twice to fully appreciate its magnificence. Close to the Taj is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, third of the Moghul Emperors, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. A short drive from Agra is the deserted royal city of Fatehpur Sikri. This is an impressive and well-preserved citadel and served as Akbar's capital from The mosque, designed to hold ten thousand worshippers, the palaces, residences and halls of audience are all of decorative red sandstone. The magnificence, however, only lasted 14 years, as in 1584 Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today. The Pink City of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, is one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India only a few hours on from Agra. This planned Moghul city of broad avenues is built of sandstone and was painted pink at a later stage. In the centre of Jaipur is the City Palace, formerly the residence of the Maharaja and now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sights of India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We will also see Jaipur's impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. A few miles from the main city is the splendid Amber Palace, rising above a lake. The imposing hilltop fort contains large courtyards and interiors with fine decorations, including inlaid alabaster panels and a Chamber of Mirrors. We can walk or ride an elephant (optional) up the hill and through the massive 5 gateway to the courtyard. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, such as durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones, leatherware etc; it will be difficult to leave a workshop without buying anything! Please note that the flights from Delhi to London are popular and if you wish to do the extension you should book early. Day 15 (Day 16 ex-london) Take the early morning fast train to Agra, normally arriving before 10am. The day is spent visiting the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. SH (B) Day 16 (Day 17 ex-london) Travelling by car you take the one-hour journey to Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent abandoned Moghul city. In the late morning you will continue by road to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. CH (B) Day 17 (Day 18 ex-london) A full day sightseeing in and around Jaipur; you will see the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace and the Amber Palace. CH (B) Day 18 (Day 19 ex-london) After breakfast you will return to Delhi either by road or on the train, the journey taking about 5 hours. SH (B) Day 19 (Day 20 ex-london) Transfer to the airport to meet your onward flight. If you have booked your own flights or intend to stay in India for longer the extension ends after breakfast. (B) We use good tourist class hotels in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur on bed and breakfast basis. You will travel between the cities and sites using a mixture of trains and private vehicles (car or minibus, depending on how many people take part in the extension) and accompanied by an English-speaking local guide. In the evenings, you will be free to enjoy the towns. Breakfast is included throughout; you should allow about for lunches and dinners. Most monuments charge an extra fee if you take in a video. DRESS CODE WHEN VISITING DZONGS AND FESTIVALS When visiting dzongs, monasteries or festivals there are certain dress codes in Bhutan. If you do not follow these you will not be allowed to enter. Some dzongs are more strict than others but the following dress code rules apply: A long ankle length skirt or trousers is necessary for women. Men need to wear long trousers (not jeans) Shoes are preferable to trainers or sandals (discreet trainers are acceptable) Arms must be fully covered. Recommeded is a long sleeved shirt with collar, or other clothes to the neck. If you are wearing only a t-shirt you will have to cover up with a jacket with a collar. This applies to both men and women. Hats and umbrellas are not acceptable but a piece of material/scarf can be used to protect the head from the sun. Please walk round any religious place in a clockwise direction. It is usual to leave a small donation (Nu10/20) when visiting a temple. You will also need to remove your shoes when entering temples. It is always best to vere on the side of caution and dress more formally to avoid any last minute embarrassment.

6 ACCOMMODATION WEATHER AND SEASONALITY Bhutan: Although trips to Bhutan seem expensive tourism is still in its infancy and do not expect luxury. The hotels are simple, local style hotels. All rooms have attached bathrooms and the rooms have heaters for if it gets cold. All food is included and is usually buffet style - it is simple and a mixture of Bhutanese, continental and Chinese. Single Accommodation: Single Accommodation - Single rooms are available throughout the trip for a supplement from 400 (approx. US$700), however space is extremely limited so please advise the Exodus office immediately if you wish to book a single room. We cannot guarantee a single room in Bhutan during the Paro or Thimpu Festivals. Extra Accommodation: We can arrange additional accommodation for you prior to, or after your trip, in Delhi. The hotels we use in Delhi change for each departure, and the start hotel is only confirmed 4 weeks prior to departure, due to operational reasons. Therefore, if you would like us to book additional accommodation for you, please contact our sales department who will be able to give you further information. KEY TO ACCOMMODATION: We indicate in the itinerary what type of accommodation is provided on each day. The descriptions are guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation offered, rather than an exact description. CH Comfortable Hotel, Lodge or Gite - twin rooms with en suite facilities, reliable electricity and water supply, good service and some added amenities. SH Standard Hotel, Lodge or Gite - no-frills hotel, usually with twin rooms and en suite facilities. Service and amenities are generally adequate. FOOD & TRANSPORT Food In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day. This trip is on a full board basis in Bhutan. Whilst in India, breakfast is included throughout plus 6 dinners. You should allow around 50 (approx. US$80) for the additional meals. Mineral water, soft and alcoholic drinks are not included and are widely available. Soft drinks are generally cheap, but beers can approach Western prices. Please note that the food provided in Bhutan is not of the same standard as India, it tends to be buffet style and more basic/bland. Transport In Delhi transfers will be by bus or minibus depending on the size of the group. From Bagdogra airport to the Bhutanese border transport will be in jeeps. In Bhutan you will be in a bus. There can sometimes be holdups on the roads due to road works. Your leader will have up to date information and will time your drives and sightseeing around any hold ups. You will experience a range of temperatures during the trip depending on the altitude. Temperatures may fall as low as 0ºC at night (particularly in Darjeeling) and reach as high as 25ºC during the day. You can expect it to be on average 15-20ºC during the day whilst in the hills. We travel between September and April to avoid the Indian Monsoon, which is particularly heavy in this region from May to August, though rain is possible at any time. Temperatures will be lower on the December departure. Daytime temperature will be on average 2-10ºC whilst at night the temperature may fall to -3ºC. JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 16 days, normally depart London Fri, return Sat Please note that not all trips depart London on a Friday and return on a Saturday - please check individual dates. Itinerary Start The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of Jet Airways (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. Internal flights during the trip are with a local airline. Flights to Bagdogra and from Bhutan: For the flight to Bagdogra we normally use the services of Jet Air or another local airline. For the flight from Paro to Delhi we use Druk Air, Bhutan's national carrier. Please note that airlines regularly change routes and timetables. As a result we may be forced to change your itinerary slightly. However we will make every effort to notify you before travel where possible. 6

7 Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. We have an excellent long-term relationship with the local operator who employ and train all leaders. We provide refresher training with a focus on Responsible Tourism, so our local leaders can educate our clients locally on helping to preserve the way of life in their area. Many local restaurants and shops are also used to purchase items throughout this trip which benefits the local community. By law, $65 of the daily cost of any trip in Bhutan goes towards education and health. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy and our Himalayan Community Support projects please visit: When visiting Dzongs or monasteries please dress respectfully. Arms and legs should be covered. Hats should be removed before entering. Please walk round any religious place in a clockwise direction. It is usual to leave a small donation (Nu10/20) when visiting a temple. You will also need to remove your shoes when entering temples For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: PRACTICAL INFORMATION UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Free Transfers Exodus offers FREE airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight for this trip: please see the Free Transfers section below for more details. Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. India Visas are required if you are British and for most other nationalities. To apply for the Indian visa yourself you will need to go through the Indian High Commission s VF service ( co.uk). The current visa fee for British passport holders is 82 (plus a service charge of 10.20), and if using Travcour there will be an additional 25 service charge plus 7 postage. The visa fee for most other passport holders is much lower. JOINING THE TRIP IN DELHI 15 days, normally start Delhi Sat, end Delhi Sat Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Delhi in the morning of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Hotel check-in times are normally from around 12 noon. Free Transfers Exodus offers FREE airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight for this trip, so no matter which flight you choose to arrive on you will be met and transferred to your hotel. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance; unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge; transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. The cost of a taxi is likely to be about 10 should you decide to make your way independently. 7 For UK residents full details of the visa process will be provided with your booking confirmation. DO NOT mention on the visa form that you will be travelling to Sikkim as this will delay your visa application or lead to it being turned down. We arrange separate permits locally for the Sikkim section. Please carry 4 spare passport photos with you in case these are required. For UK residents full details of the India visa process will be provided with your booking confirmation. Bhutan You will need a visa for Bhutan, which we will organise for you. The cost of the visa is included in the price of the trip (US$20). You will need to send us a clear copy of your passport on booking. We need this in order to organise your Bhutan visa in advance of your arrival. Please make sure that we have a copy no later than 6 weeks before departure. The passport copy can either be sent by post or scanned, in which case it has to be very clear and in colour. If you need to get a new passport for the journey, please apply for this immediately, and send us the copy/scan as soon as you receive your new passport. It is VERY important that the information you give us is 100% correct, and that the copy of the passport you send us is the one on which you will be travelling to Bhutan.

8 Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip. Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited on this trip. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. Local Time GMT + 5 hours and 30 minutes in India, and + 6 hours in Bhutan. Electricity 230/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. There are recharging facilities at all the hotels and jungle cottages, the electricity supply is not 100% reliable but it is usually only off for short periods of time. There are various types of plugs used in India and Bhutan so a worldwide adaptor is useful if intending to recharge phones and cameras. Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 6 and 16 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. There will be a local Indian leader and guide for the Indian section of the trip and a Bhutanese guide whilst you are in Bhutan. Our team of leaders have proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience the culture than letting a local guide show you around their country. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR), with an exchange rate of 80 to the UK and 47 to the US$. The national currency of Bhutan is the Bhutan Ngultrum (BTN), with an exchange rate of 87.2 to the UK and 55.6 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. It is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or (very) dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. Please ask for low denomination notes of 100 or 500 Rupees as 1000 Rupee notes can sometimes be difficult to use out of Delhi. You can change money back from Rupees into Pounds or Dollars at Delhi airport (before going through security), but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India. You should change your money on arrival in Delhi, either at the airport (rates are sometimes not favourable here) or in the hotel. 8 The Ngultrum is on a par with the Indian Rupee, and Indian currency is accepted throughout Bhutan, (Please note 500 and 1000 rupee notes are not allowed in Bhutan). It is not possible to change or use Bhutanese currency outside Bhutan so make sure you leave Bhutan with as little of the local currency as possible. Any Indian rupees left at the end of your trip can be changed back on departure from Delhi airport at the end of your trip. You can change money at Phuntsholing and Thimpu and Paro. Your leader will advise you on where to change money. US$ cash are easiest to change in Bhutan rather than travellers cheques or Sterling. You are advised to take some Indian currency into Bhutan with you and use Indian currency as much as possible. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques ATM machines are now widely available throughout India and generally reliable (Visa and MasterCard are best); you should not rely on these 100% of the time though so please take some cash with you as well. Please inform your bank before departure that you are travelling to India and carry the relevant telephone number with you in case they put a block on your card. You can pay with credit cards in bigger shops all over India. There are ATM machines in Bhutan mainly at the Bank of Bhutan in Thimphu and Paro. The maximum withdrawal in a day is Nu 30,000 (approx $500). The Bank of Bhutan accepts both Visa card and Mastercard. You can use Visa and Mastercard in larger shops but it may be tedious and time consuming as confirmation is required. There is, normally, a 5 % charge which may vary from shop to shop. Extra Expenses and Spending Money All entry fees are included for sightseeing as specified in the trip notes. There is a little optional sightseeing in Gangtok. It is usual to leave a small donation in monasteries in India and Bhutan. There are a wealth of souvenirs in Delhi, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Paro and Thimpu. India has very good opportunities for shopping, especially for locally made goods, and during your trip it is highly likely that your local guides will take you to emporiums as well as workshops where these goods are made. Many people find this a great opportunity to buy local handicrafts, silk, jewelry and carpets. Guides will often assume that visitors will want to go shopping, it is very much part of the culture, however if you do not wish to go please make this clear to your local guide at the time. Tipping (leader and local staff) Tipping is of course entirely at your discretion, but is customary in India and Bhutan. Please allow about 25 (approx. US$40) for tips in India. Your leader in India will offer to run a tip kitty for tips in hotel and for guides and drivers. The tip will not cover the Indian leader, tipping of whom is at your discretion. In Bhutan we suggest you allow about 25 (approx. US$40) per person. You will need to collect a kitty between yourselves as a group and keep approx 4 (approx. US$6.50) each as a kitty for hotel porters and divide the rest between the Bhutanese guide and driver in the ratio of 65%:35%. (If you are unsure about this please ask the advice of your Bhutan leader. Clown dancers at the festivals expect small tips (NU10,20). Please give them local currency, not dollars. WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing No special equipment is required, but you will need a sunhat and water bottle. Casual clothing is recommended and a sweater and a warm jacket and jumpers will be needed for the cold evenings, particularly in Darjeeling and especially so for the December departure when it can get cold in the evenings and there is always a chill in the air. The spring and autumn departures will be warmer in the daytimes and light, cotton clothes are recommended but with a warm layer for the evenings as it can still get very cold in the evenings. You will need comfortable shoes/sandals for walking. Men's and women's clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee. Women especially should always dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention and not to cause offence; vests, tight fitting trousers, short skirts and shorts are not recommended.

9 Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 20kg. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. Reading List: Northeast India (Lonely Planet guide) Bhutan (Lonely Planet guide) Bhutan Handbook - Footprint Handbook Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A portrait of Bhutan by Queen of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk Buttertea at Sunrise: A year in the Bhutan Himalaya by Britta Das Married to Bhutan by Linda Learning Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon: Journey into Bhutan by Katie Hickman Buddhism; Humphreys (Pelican) Detailed and authoritative account of all the branches of Buddhism The Dance of 17 Lives: The True story of Tibet's 17th Karmapa by Mick Brown The Oxford Bookshop in Darjeeling has an excellent collection of books. Maps: Himalaya Nelles Map incl Tibet/Kashmir/Nepal/ Sikkim and Bhutan If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials', JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? 9

10 HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay by cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 10