Bengal to Bhutan. The Himalayan Quest WITH ROBERT KINGSFORD-SMITH

Transcription

1 Bengal to Bhutan The Himalayan Quest WITH ROBERT KINGSFORD-SMITH INDIA S GOLDEN TRIANGLE: 31 OCT 5 NOV BENGAL: 5 NOV 1O NOV BHUTAN TOUR: 1O NOV 17 NOV

2 DELHI AGRA TAJ MAHAL FATEHPUR SIKRI JAIPUR KOLKATA SILIGURI BAGDOGRA DARJEELING THIMPHU JAKAR GANGTEY PUNAKHA PARO Featuring Shatabdi Express to Agra, the Taj Mahal and the wonders of India s golden triangle Kolkata, the Darjeeling Mail, the Himalayan Mountain Railway, Darjeeling The heavenly kingdom of Bhutan OVERVIEW Jaipur Dehli Agra Darjeeling Thimphu Siliguri The breathtaking landscapes, the ghosts of empires past and the human need to search for enlightenment all draw us to this fascinating sub-continent. This tour of cultures and countryside rich with intoxicating possibilities takes us through two of the worlds most unique and mysterious countries India and Bhutan. Kolkata Explore the many captivating facets of Delhi, the sublime majesty of the Taj Mahal and the wonders of Rajasthan as a prologue for the adventure ahead in Bengal and Bhutan. The journey takes you from the dynamic buzz and colonial grandeur of Kolkata, to the quiet tranquillity of hill towns, tea plantations and vistas of the high Himalayas in Darjeeling. The world famous trains which ply their way up into the mountains are your confirmation that the journey is as important as the destination. The landlocked kingdom of Bhutan is nestled in the very heart of the Himalayan Mountains. Cut off from the modern world this is a nation where spirituality and happiness are not only encouraged but are official policy. Its very isolation makes it both a haven for environmental treasures and a must see for the intrepid traveller. TOUR LEADER: robert kingsford-smith Robert Kingsford-Smith expanded a childhood passion for railways and began a quest to record on film the world s disappearing steam locomotives in the 1960s. His often adventurous travels have taken him to over forty countries. The resulting photographs and articles have appeared in many Australian and overseas publications. Robert has led groups of like-minded enthusiasts on tours to places as diverse as South America, Pakistan and South Africa and more recently a number of highly successful tours for Railway Adventures through outback Queensland. His train journeys have also allowed him to indulge his love of history and wildlife. Robert Kingsford-Smith

3 India s Golden Triangle: Day 1 Saturday 31st October: Arrive Delhi Check into our 5-star hotel in New Delhi. The capital of India and home to more than 20 million people is also its cultural centre. Relax and enjoy the facilities of the luxury hotel. Overnight: Hyatt Regency Hotel Delhi Day 2 Sunday 1st November: Delhi The day begins with a special welcome breakfast and briefing at the hotel. Our adventure then starts with a morning city tour of the magical city of Old Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and the Jama Masjid, India s largest mosque and architectural extravaganza dating back to The highlight of the tour is a glimpse of the hustle and bustle of the fabled shopping bazaar, Chandni Chowk (Silver Street). Unravel the mystery of the City of Djinns exploring this part of the city by bicycle rickshaws. Not far away is Humayun s Tomb and our visit explores the first great example of the domed tomb which at the time was a completely new and distinctive style, it developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty and a forerunner to the Taj Mahal. After lunch we proceed for the guided sightseeing tour of New Delhi with a drive past India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhavan the President s Residence, the Parliament House and numerous government headquarters. Complete the day with a visit to Qutab Minar (Tower of Victory) - built to establish the might of Islam and Muslim rule in India in the 12th century. In the evening enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Hyatt Regency Hotel Delhi (B, L, D) Day 3 Monday 2nd November: Delhi-Agra An early train speeds us the 200kms down the line to the ancient Mughal capital of Agra, where we transfer to horse-drawn carriages to visit the Taj Mahal. Referred to as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. A symphony in white marble, it was built as a tribute to eternal love by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The tombs of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan lie within the mausoleum. The construction started in 1631 a year after Mumtaz s death, it took 22 years to build and an estimated 20,000 people worked to complete this enchanting mausoleum. After lunch we continue to the Red Fort. Few forts in the world have a more fascinating story to tell than the Great Fort of Agra, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Overnight: ITC Mughal, Agra (B, L) Day 4 TueSDAY 3rd November: Agra Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur Post breakfast we travel by coach to Jaipur. Along the way we pause to visit the abandoned Mughal town of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was built by the Mughal emperor, Akbar in 1571, and was the capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned due to paucity of water. It is made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. As the journey continues we get to see the changing face of India. Large wide freeways have taken over the dusty trading roads, the cities and towns are booming and the distinctive character of Rajasthan is enjoyed over lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace. We arrive in the city of Jaipur in the early afternoon, known as the Pink City of India because of the colour of the sandstone used exclusively in the walled city. A short orientation finishes up at the hotel in time to freshen up and settle in, later to enjoy a grand Rajasthani dinner. Overnight: Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur (B, L, D) Day 5 WedNESDAY 4th November: Jaipur The first excursion this morning takes us to the imposing Amber Fort with a photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds. The highly decorative pink sandstone facard, is actually a screen behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. Continue outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Covering a large area of the high ridgeline the fort is an Stonehenge

4 impressive sight. We climb up to the gates in 4 wheel drive jeeps and once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls with our guide bringing to life the stories of battles, dynasties and intrigues that are the fabric of this famous palace. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. After lunch proceed for the city tour of Jaipur visiting the City Palace and Observatory and enjoy a free night in Jaipur before your next adventure begins in the morning with a flight to Kolkata to begin the Bengal tour. Overnight: Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur (B, L) Day 6 Thursday 5th November Early breakfast at the hotel and for those continuing onto Bengal, transfer to the airport for your onward morning flight to Kolkata. (B) GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR FINISHES - BENGAL TOUR BEGINS Day 1 Thursday 5th November: Arrive Kolkata Arrive Kolkata by International flight. Upon arrival you will be greeted and provided with assistance at the airport. You will transfer to the 5 star luxury of the Oberoi Grand Hotel. Spend the rest of your first day relaxing at this 125 year old hotel, a fusion of classic Victorian and traditional Indian grandeur. Some say the ghost of a visiting American bandleader still wanders the corridors, listen out for his haunting swing music as you dine at the hotel. Overnight: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata (B, D) Day 2 Friday 6th NovembeR: Kolkata - Siliguri After a buffet breakfast at the hotel enjoy a guided tour of Kolkata visiting St. Paul s Cathedral, the Victoria Memorial Museum and the Indian Museum before joining the pilgrims at the famous Kalighat Kali Temple, where followers of many faiths gather each day to pray to the Mother Goddess Kali. In the afternoon soak up the atmosphere of this bustling city as you take a tram train ride through the streets. In the evening, after dinner in the city, we board the legendary Darjeeling Mail. This train s name harks back to the colonial days and is now the pride of the modern Indian rail system. Spend the night in your first class sleeping carriage. Overnight: The Darjeeling Mail (B, L, D) Day 3 SatURDAY 7th November: Siliguri - Kurseong The Darjeeling Mail pulls into Siliguri in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas and you are transferred to the Royal Sarovar Portico hotel for breakfast and a chance to freshen up. Later in the morning we board our private chartered train on the World Heritage listed Himalayan Mountain Railway, steam-hauled on parts of the way. At Tindharia you have the chance to visit the loco shed and explore some of the fascinating history of this region and it s amazing railway. We then take a short coach ride from Tindharia to Kurseong through the picturesque countryside. This area isn t called the Land of the White Orchids for nothing. In the afternoon arrive and check in at the charming boutique hotel, Cochrane Place, which is the restored former colonial home and Liverpool on the Mersey

5 is dripping with the essence of the Raj. Spend the rest of the day at leisure either at Cochrane Place or wander out into Kurseong and take in the spectacular views and wafting aromas of the region s most famous product tea. Indulge in luxurious surroundings over dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Cochrane Place, Kurseong (B, L, D) Day 4 SunDAY 8th November: Kurseong - Darjeeling After breakfast we spend the morning on our chartered train riding from Kurseong to Darjeeling, employing steam locomotives again where possible. This railway rightly deserves its UNESCO listing. Zig zagging, looping and even starting its journey travelling backwards this amazing little train moves straight through a crowded bazaar and past many hill stations on its climb to world famous Darjeeling. Transfer to the tranquillity and sedate colonial opulence of Windamere Hotel. Spend the rest of the day acclimatising to your new surroundings. Enjoy a cuppa as you take in the vista and catch sight of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Overnight: Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling (B, L) Day 5 MonDAY 9th November: Darjeeling After breakfast you have the option of taking the Toy Train Ride from Darjeeling to Ghum, the highest station in India. Along the way there is a memorial to the Gorkha soldiers of the British Army, a unit famous for their bravery and skill. Otherwise enjoy some free time in the ambiance of the Windamere and Darjeeling. In the afternoon we visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park and Tibetan Refugee Centre where beautiful Tibetan handicrafts are made and you can experience the story of the Dalia Lama and other refugees who have taken shelter in this beautiful sanctuary. Also take a walk through Observatory Hill and do some shopping in the Mall Road. Overnight: Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling (B, L) Day 6 TueSDAY 10th November: Darjeeling - Siliguri An early start is required to witness the magnificent sunrise over the majestic mountains at Tiger Hill where the dawn light hits the peak of Kangchenjunga, India s highest peak. The Ghum Monastery is a place for reflection and meditation and after contemplation of our own existence we explore a place of worship for dedicated train buffs, the Railway Museum at Ghum. For those completing their tour today we drive to Bagdogra airport with lunch on route at a local restaurant in Kursong then fly to Kolkata by Indigo flight 6E:504 (1645/1750 hrs). Assisted arrival at Kolkata airport and time for a shopping tour is on tap followed by dinner and then enjoy a break at an airport hotel to rest and change before joining late night departures home on International flights. (B, L, D) Those continuing onto Bhutan can enjoy a relaxed morning after the sunrise excursion and temple and museum trip. After lunch at the hotel we drive to Siliguri visiting Makaibari tea estate on the way, then we check into the Royal Sarovar Portico for the overnight stay in Siliguri. BENGAL TOUR ENDS - START OF BHUTAN TOUR Overnight: Royal Sarovar Portico, Siliguri Guests for the Bhutan tour only arrive on international flights to Kolkata and check into the airport hotel (own expense) in preparation for morning flights on Wed 11th to meet the main group in Thimphu and begin the adventure in Bhutan.

6 Day 1 WedNESDAY 11th November: Siliguri - Bagdogra - Paro - Thimphu After breakfast we fly over the Himalayas and back in time to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, a country steeped in Buddhist tradition and teachings. In the afternoon we visit Memorial Chorten, the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan s third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. We also visit Kuenselphodrang, to see the largest statue of Buddha in the country. Overnight: Hotel Druk, Thimphu (B, L, D) Day 2 ThuRSDAY 12th November: Thimphu Today is a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu including a visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years. We also visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum where we see students learning the traditional art forms taught at the school and the Textile Museum and the Simply Museum both provide fascinating insights into Bhutan s distinct art forms and the rich cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. Trashichho Dzong the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses the King s Throne room is our destination in the afternoon. It is also the summer residence of Bhutan s religious leader, Je Khenpo the Chief Abbot. Archery is Bhutan s most popular sport and there is an impressive evening display of these skills before dinner at our hotel. Overnight: Hotel Druk, Thimphu (B, L, D) Day 3 FriDAY 13th November: Thimphu - Gangtey In the morning we drive to Punakha via the Dochu la Pass, stopping to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road at 3,000 metres. If skies are clear we can gaze at the glorious Himalayan peaks including Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Blessed with a temperate climate the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruit and is home to Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility, where those seeking to have children come to pray. After lunch visit the Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers it serves as the religious and administrative centre of the region. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Dewachen Hotel, Gangtey (B, L, D) Day 4 SatURDAY 14th November: Gangtey - Punakha After breakfast we start our drive to Bumthang crossing through the Pele la Pass via Trongsa. Witness an abrupt change in vegetation as we climb higher into the mountains, with forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Look out for Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. After stopping at Trongsa for lunch we visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 as the seat of power for central and eastern Bhutan and Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five stories. Crossing through the Yutong-la Pass we enter the wide Bumthang valley. Settle into your hotel and enjoy dinner at the restaurant in the hotel. Overnight: Damchen Resort, Punakha (B, L, D) Day 5 SunDAY 15th November: Punakha Paro After breakfast we travel to Gangtey. Sacred to the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, the Gangtey Goenpa is our destination after lunch. Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, this monastery is the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan and is also the winter home of black-necked Cranes who always circle the monastery three times on arriving and departing. We later explore Gangtey village and the beautiful Phobjikha valley, a U-shaped glacial bowl, carved out of the mountains, many believe to be a highlight of the Bhutan experience. Enjoy dinner at the hotel, encircled by pine forests on the edge of the stunning Black Mountain National Park. Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Hotel, Paro (B, L, D) Day 6 MonDAY 16th November: Paro After breakfast we drive to Paro, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the country. The beautiful Paro Valley is home to hundreds of myths and legends and our visit to the National Museum will be a chance to explore some of the mysteries of this almost forgotten land. Mt. Chomolhari reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu. Paro is also one of the most fertile valley in the Kingdom producing the famous red rice from its terraced fields. In the evening we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the Kingdom. The lhakhang has two temples, the first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and second in 1968 to the original pattern. Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Hotel, Paro (B, L, D) Day 7 TueSDAY 17th November: Gangtey - Paro After breakfast we take an excursion to one of the most famous of Bhutan s monasteries, Taktsang Monastery. Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the valley floor, it is also called the Tiger s Nest as it is believed the Guru Rinpoche arrived here riding on a tiger s back. Recognised as the most sacred site in Bhutan all Bhutanese visit at least once in their lifetime. In the afternoon we visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the administrator and judge of the Paro district. Tonight we enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner in the hotel with Robert and your fellow travellers. Zhiwa Ling Hotel, Paro (B, L, D)

7 Day 14 WedNESDAY 18th November: Paro-Kolkata & Depart HMS Victory at Portsmouth Your adventure ends after breakfast. Transfers are arranged to Paro airport for your connecting flight to Kolkatta. Upon arrival in Kolkata you can connect to your homeward journey or choose to continue your adventures in the sub-continent. IMPORTANT NOTES: ABOUT HOTELS Standard hotels in Bhutan are mostly family run hotels with inventory ranging between rooms and categorized close to 3 Star by international standards. The hotels offered in this proposal are selected for their best location, service and over all superiority. CHARTER TRAIN: Steam engines and train timings can only be confirmed by the railway authorities closer to the time of booking. INCLUSIONS ON ALL TOURS: All lunches and dinners as described in the brochure Entrance fees, excursions and tickets as mentioned in the brochure Tips and gratuities Services of an English-speaking guide throughout Arrival and departure transfers AND IN BENGAL Private charter of Himalayan Mountain Railway train from Siliguri to Tindharia and Kurseong to Darjeeling. * steam train timings and availability are subject to change. AND BHUTAN Return International flight from India to Bhutan. *subject to change, to be confirmed at the time of booking Mini bus transport Visa for Bhutan EXCLUSIONS: Items of a personal nature including laundry, telephone, mini-bar Drinks except farewell dinner in Bhutan Travel insurance TOUR PRICES: GOLDEN TRIANGLE $2,795 pp twin share Sole room use $565 BENGAL $3,685 pp twin share Sole room use $875 BHUTAN $5,765 pp twin share Sole room use $875 *Do all three and receive 10% discount DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE Please note: we endeavor to have all the details of our tours correct at the time of printing however sometimes outside factors such as movements in foreign exchange rates, the availability of requested hotels or the operation of trains and other services may change. Therefore items mentioned in the brochure such as quoted prices, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. Please check with us at the time of booking. ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS We can assist you with your international flights, pre- and post-travel including extended stays in ASIA, visas, and travel insurance. Call our office on if you would like to discuss options. TERMS AND CONDITIONS For more information on things that may affect your ability to participate in this tour such as fitness level, fees and charges, payment schedules, passport validity and liabilities can be found in the Terms and Conditions that accompany the booking form and can also be requested at any time. Brunel s Suspension Bridge at Bristol

8 Taj Mahal This tour is operated by Guidepost Tours, a division of SCT Travel Group in conjunction with Scott McGregor s Railway Adventures T/A Lic. No. 2TA5895