Bhutan, Darjeeling & Sikkim Roundtrip, 21 days with local English speaking guide

Bhutan, Darjeeling & Sikkim Roundtrip, 21 days with local English speaking guide Varied journey through the Himalayan kingdoms of Sikkim and Bhutan with easy hikes and maximum altitude of 3300 m Group Travel Dates & Prices: Group Tours This tour can be booked as an individual tour for one or more persons Introduction: We start our trip in Darjeeling. This "Hill Station" has kept much of the colonial atmosphere of the past. The "toy train" was built in 1880 and has brought the English colonialists from the hot plains in the cool mountains. Today, this place is famous for the many tea plantations and first-class tea. In the former Kingdom of Sikkim, we admire Buddhist monasteries and the varied landscape. Staying with a host family, we get a good insight into the everyday life of the locals. This former Kingdom in the Himalayas between Bhutan and Nepal was not discovered by the «mass» yet. Our stay in Bhutan is one of the highlights of the trip. A walk brings us to one of the most sacred monasteries of Bhutan, the famous "Tiger's nest" in the Paro Valley. This monastery is spectacular on a steep rock face, hundreds of meters above the valley floor. To do this we visit impressive Dzong, ancient monasteries and small villages in Bhutan. This easy tour is very diverse and has many highlights. Highlights: Very varied journey through Sikkim and Bhutan Ride the toy train in Darjeeling Old monasteries and Holy Lake in Sikkim Hike to the Holy Monastery of «Tiger's nest». Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan 1

Best time to travel Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tour itinerary (Included meals B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner) 1. Tag: flight to Delhi The direct flight with the Swiss (depending on availability) puts us in good 7 ½ hours to Delhi in the capital of India. 10:00 meeting with the tour group at the check-in 1 in front of the group switch (left side of the escalator). 10:15 check-in handled by Swissport at Zurich airport in the area of check-in area 1. 12 h 40 departure from Zurich with Swiss LX146 to Delhi. 00.45 (at 12.3.) Clock arrival in Delhi. After the arrival of passport control and baggage acceptance. At the output, our local partner waits with a sign labeled with Himalayan of tours. He organized the transfer to the hotel. Overnight in the hotel at the airport in Delhi. Flight time 7 ½ hours Note: In case of an individual tour service of Terralaya Travels begins at Delhi Airport you book your flight from Europe / overseas to Delhi yourself. 2. Tag: flight along the Himalayas Today, we fly along the Himalayas to Bagdogra. When weather is nice, we see the 8000 Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Everest and Kangchenjunga. From Bagdogra from we drive past wooded hills, small villages and tea plantations to Darjeeling. At the time of British colonial rule in India, Darjeeling was one of the most popular "stations of of Hill" to escape the heat of the flat country. Even today you can feel much colonial flair in this place. Overnight in the hotel in Darjeeling (2100 m). Flight time 2 hours travel time 3-4 hours (B, L, D) 3. Tag: «toy train» and «4 o'clock tea. This morning, we continue with the famous "toy train", which was built over 120 years ago. The drive in this narrow-gauge railway is an exciting experience. After lunch, we will visit a tea plantation, which Darjeeling is famous. Here we learn what makes a good cup of tea and be amazed what anything work-in-hand work is done. And then it's time for a real "4 o'clock tea. Overnight in the hotel in Darjeeling (2100 m). Time toy train 2 hours travel time taxi 1 h (B, L, D) 4. Tag: fabulous Himalayan panorama Early in the morning we go to the «Tiger Hill» (2590 m). In good weather we enjoy a spectacular Sunrise and a fantastic view to Kangchenjunga massif. In fine weather, you can see up to Mount Everest. We run back to Darjeeling from the Tiger Hill. In the afternoon we visit the Himalayan mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan refugee self help center. Further, we meet some unknown corners in Darjeeling, which remain hidden to most visitors. We make a "Heritage walk" through Darjeeling on foot and our local guide will tell stories exciting us and make us old restaurants, schools, Observatory, temples, churches and mosques. Overnight in the hotel in Darjeeling (2100 m). Journey time 1 hour walk 2-3 hours (B, L, D) 5. Tag: remote West of Sikkim 2

Varied trip to Westsikkim. On the valley floor, we cross the Rangit River and finally reach the village Rinchenpong in the far west of Sikkim. Here we are in a typical sikkimese farmhouse Lodge Guest. In the evening we will visit the monastery of the village and must be there when the monks recite their evening prayers. Overnight stay in very simple farmhouse lodge in Rinchenpong (1600 metres). Travel time 3 hours (B, L, D) 6. Tag: beautiful hikes Today we explore the countryside on foot. We walk past secluded hamlets, and traditional houses and experience the rural life of the people. During this day, we receive insight into country life in Sikkim. Overnight stay in very simple farmhouse lodge in Rinchenpong (1600 metres). Hike 4-6 hours (B, L, D) 7. Tag: old culture and beautiful mountain views The town of Pelling owes its popularity with Indian tourists the beautiful views of Kangchenjunga. In addition, here stands the monastery of Pemayangtse, founded in 1705. Not far away, we hike to the ruins of the former Royal headquarters of Sikkim in 20 minutes. By Sanga Choling, breathtaking views of the ice Giants on the border between Sikkim and Nepal over the green mountains and hills of Sikkim awaits us in good weather. Overnight in the hotel in Pelling (2000 metres). Journey time 2-3 hour hike 1 hr (B, L, D) 8. Tag: Holy desire Lake Khecheopalri On our way to Yuksom, we visit the Holy, wish-fulfilling Khecheopalri Lake. Original name of the Lake was Kha-Chot-Palri, which means translated something like «heaven of guru Padmasambhava. The legendary lake is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. Away from here we make a nice walk past small villages, terrace fields and plantations, where cardamom is grown. The hike leads mostly down and takes about 2 hours. By the end point here, we continue to Yuksom, where we will spend the night. Overnight in the guest house in Yuksom (1800 meters). Travel time 3 hours hike two hours (B, L, D) 9. Tag: former capital of Yuksom Yuksom is still a village, but once was the capital of Sikkim. From here away launches the most popular Trek from Sikkim, resulting in close to the 5000-metre Goecha La pass at 8000 Kangchenjunga. We wander not quite so far, but are on the way after Dubdi. Here is the oldest monastery of Sikkim, which was built in 1670. It is a beautiful hike, which brings us up to the monastery. The afternoon we have available or can visit some of the small villages in the surrounding area along with our local guide. Overnight in the guest house in Yuksom (1800 meters). Walk 2 hours (B, L, D) 10. Tag: of in the current capital of Gangtok We visit the Tashiding monastery. Here is the most Holy Chortens of Sikkim. This will contain relics of the historical Buddha. It is said that just seeing this Chortens cleans all sins. We can try this Yes! The prayer walls with elaborately carved prayer stones are beautiful. With a little luck we encounter a Quarryman who carves prayer stones or maybe even one of the many ceremonies to see which are celebrated in this holy place. Then we head towards Gangtok. This is the current capital of Sikkim. We stay in Rumtek or in Gangtok. Overnight at Hotel in Gangtok (1550 metres) or in Rumtek. Journey time 6 hours (B, L, D) 11. Tag: Rumtek Monastery, orchids and traditional crafts Today we will visit the great monastery of Rumtek. This monastery is the largest of Sikkim and seat of the Karmapa. In the Tibetan Buddhist world of one of the most important reincarnations and head of the Karma Kagyu is the Karmapa. This is one of the four main directions of the Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama is head of the direction of the yellow hats 3

(Gelugpa). In the afternoon, we will visit the Institute of Tibetan studies. Here there is one of the most beautiful collections of literature, as well as a large number of thankas, bronze figurines and ceremonial objects Buddhist. In the accompanying Park, we can admire almost 450 different orchid species (flowering time April/May). In the cottage industries, traditional craft is learned institutions. Here, traditional wood carvings, textiles and bamboo products are available. Not only the prices, but also the quality of the article is often very high. When the weather is worth a trip on a vantage point overlooking the massif of Kangchenjunga. The perhaps most beautiful lookout point is the Tashi viewpoint. Overnight at Hotel in Gangtok (1550 metres) or in Rumtek. Drive, hike 1-2 h (B, L, D) Day 12: to Kalimpong Today we leave Sikkim and continue on to Kalimpong, which is a well-known marketplace. It was an important stop on the trade route from India to Tibet. Today, the city has a good reputation for its many schools. The traditional market of Kalimpong has a nice atmosphere. By Bhutan, we get a first impression in the «Pedong Bhutanese monastery», which stands near the town of Kalimpong. It was built at a time when the region was part of Bhutan. Overnight in the hotel in Kalimpong (1250 m). Travel time 3 hours (B, L, D) Day 13: today is to Bhutan A longer ride brings us through the "flat land" of India and to the border to Bhutan, which we cross in Phuentsholing. We will also stay in this border town. Here we bid farewell to our Indian Guide and our driver. From here out we will be on the road with a Bhutanese leader and driver. Overnight in the hotel in Phuentsholing (300 metres). Journey time 5-6 hours (B, L, D) Day 14: ride to Thimphu Our first day brings us in Bhutan during a long but varied ride to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. In the afternoon we take a first stroll through the town. In the evening we drive up to the «Buddha Viewpoint», where a nearly 50 m-high Buddha figure was built high above Thimphu. From above, we have a beautiful view of Thimphu and the environment. Overnight in the hotel in Thimphu (2320 m). Journey time 7 hours (B, L, D) Day 15: hike to the monastery of tango and weekend market After breakfast, we drive to the starting point of our hike, which leads us to Tango in the monastery. Tango was founded in the 12th century and is today a monastic University and a place where monks for many months to «Retreats» pull back. This is a beautiful hike to one of the most exciting places in Bhutan. After the hike, we will visit the famous weekend market in Thimphu. Products and food of peasants from the surrounding area are sold here. Everywhere you can see large amounts of Chili, which has a high significance in the Bhutanese cuisine. Depending on the time of year you can find here also «exclusive» food such as fern or leather. These foods also have their place in the Bhutanese cuisine, with leather was especially earlier eaten. We visit a small Manufactory, in which handmade paper is made according to the market. In the «Institute for Zorig Chusum» (Institute of 13 handicrafts), we admire some of the crafts of Bhutan, including Thanka painting, sculptures made of clay and wood carving. It is exciting to see the teachers and students during their training over the back. Overnight in the hotel in Thimphu (2320 m). Travel time 1 ½ hours walk 2-3 hours (B, L, D) Day 16: hike and mountain panorama Our today's journey takes us from Thimphu to the Dochula pass. This is very photogenic with the 108 stupas on the pass and weather permitting we have fantastic views of the mountain peaks of Bhutan. From the pass here, we make a walk through beautiful forests and past Yakweiden. Our target is the small monastery of Lungchuzekha. This place is considered to be one of the most beautiful vantage points in the area and when the weather we see quite a few of the 6000 and 7000 4

in Bhutan as E.g. Jomolhari (7314 m), Kang Bum (6500 m), Gangchenta («great Tiger Mountain» 6840 m) Masang speed (7165 m) and many other peaks. We see also the course Kar Puensum. This is not only the highest mountain in Bhutan, but also the highest unclimbed peaks in the world with 7541 meters. After a leisurely picnic lunch and after we sat have seen at the prospect, we walk back to the Dochula. After a winding road in the Wangdue located almost 2000 meters deep, brings us our today's destination. Overnight in the hotel in Wangdue (1250 m). Travel time 3-4 hours walk 3-4 h (B, L, D) Day 17: best Dzong, school and family life This morning we visit the Punakha Dzong, the architecturally most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan throughout. It was the second Dzong in Bhutan built in 1638. Punakha was the capital and administrative centre of Bhutan until 60 years ago, the capital was then moved to Thimphu. A short walk brings us to a river, where we cross the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. In the village on the other side we pay a visit to village school. Here we are invited with a local family to lunch and learn so much about the village and family life in the country. In the afternoon we continue to Phobjikha. Overnight in the guest house in the Phobjikha Valley (2800 m). Journey time 2-3 hour hike 1 hr (B, L, D) Day 18: beautiful Phobjikha Valley The Phobjikha Valley is one of the most beautiful alpine valleys in Bhutan. In the winter, here are a few hundred of the very rare black-neck cranes spend the coldest season. But even without black neck cranes worth a visit of this valley. We enjoy the beautiful landscape, a beautiful hike through the Valley and visit small villages. We can visit the monastery of Gangtey according to whim and are perhaps even with a family tea. Overnight in the guest house in the Phobjikha Valley (2800 m). Drive short hike 3 hours (B, L, D) Day 19: drive to Paro Today we drive back to Paro. Above on the Dochula we stop again for the beautiful view. After the pass, we will visit the Simthoka Dzong. Then, the ride brings us to Paro. Overnight in the hotel in Paro (2280 m). Travel time 6-7 hours (B, L, D) Day 20: famous Tiger nest The most famous monastery in Bhutan, the Tiger's nest monastery, owes its name to the visit of guru Padmasambhava, the largest Tantric master in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. This has landed here in the 8th century on his flight from Tibet on the back of a Tigress. The monastery is extremely spectacular in a steep rock face. After breakfast, we drive to the parking lot below the monastery. From here, a partly steep path leads us to a small restaurant, which belongs to the monastery. While a little strengthening, we enjoy the breathtaking views of the monastery. Then we're on our further way up high in the Tiger's nest. If we feel like we can stop on the way back at Kyichu Lhakhang. This is considered the oldest temple of Bhutan, and was built in the year 659 of the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. We have free time in Paro. This small and charming place is ideal to stroll through the streets, to drink a cup of tea in one of the small restaurants or to do the last shopping. Overnight in the hotel in Paro (2280 m). Journey time 1 hour walk 3 ½ - 4 hours (B, L, D) Day 21: flight from Paro to Delhi Transfer to the airport in Paro and flight back to Delhi. Note: The Bhutan flights be partly cancelled at short notice or moved. In such a case, we may fly over Calcutta or a different destination to Delhi. We are picked up at the airport and brought to a hotel with beautiful swimming pool. Here, we have a room up in the evening at the disposal. We spend the day in the beautiful hotel garden, by the pool, or we are exploring some of the sights 5

of Delhi along with a local guide. In the evening we drive to the airport, where we take care of the check-in for our return flight to Switzerland. Day rooms at Hotel in Delhi. Travel time ½ hours flight time 2 ½ hours (B, L, D) Note: In case of individual tours service of terralaya travels ends with arrival in Delhi. You book your onwards flight from Delhi to your destination in Europe / overseas by yourself. Day 22: back in Switzerland / Europe After midnight departure to Switzerland / Europe, where we land early in the morning in Zurich. 01:15 departure from Delhi with Swiss LX147 to Zurich. 06 h 20 arrival in Zurich. We are back with lots of impressions and experiences in the luggage. Flight time 8 ½ hrs. The times indicated are to be understood as approximate. Depending on the road, route - and weather conditions, condition of the participants or other reasons these may differ from the information provided. Program changes (due to road, route - and weather conditions, flight delays, orders of the authorities, water level or deposits on the trekking route etc.) are expressly reserved. Travel route: 6

Climate charts: Darjeeling (2100 Meter) Paro (2320 Meter) 7