Darjeeling, Sikkim & Bhutan - 14D/13N

Kolkata, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Paro, Punakha, Thimphu.

photo of the Himalayas, courtesy of Tourism Board of IndiaDistinctive and remote, Darjeeling, Bhutan and Sikkim offer some extraordinary experiences. Make your way from the thriving ghats of Kolkata to marvel at the scenery over the Darjeeling tea plantations. Meet devout Buddhist pilgrims in Sikkim’s land of mystic splendor and be intrigued by the vibrant traditional dress, imposing dzongs and Buddhist traditions of the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’

G.A.P. Adventures Tours
To emphasize our eco-friendly approach even more, we have elected to operate many programs with G.A.P. Adventures, a leader in eco tourism operation, committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike, working with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts. These adventures offer travelers a grassroots, small group adventure vacation, with a focus on culture, nature and active travel.

Comfort Tour
By day, dart around markets, explore the heritage sites and hike through the jungle to discover rare flora and fauna; by night, cozy up in a comfy bed or have a nice dinner with new found friends. Authentic experience doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Comfort is ideal for travellers looking for a little extra cushiness from their adventure, while maintaining the grassroots travel experience. Comfort adventures make use of upgraded hotels with continental breakfast, travel by private and first class transportation, and include your arrival transfer.

Local Payment - Helping to keep the cost to you down…
Most of our adventure tours involve a Local Payment that is paid to the Leader/Representative in cash on day 1 of your tour. This Local Payment is put towards local expenses, such as arranging internal flights as well as entrance and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers our operational costs so we can pass the savings on to you. The local payment is in addition to, and is not included in, the base tour price.

Included: Hotel/guesthouses (13 nights), overnight train (1 night), Kolkata’s flower market, Victoria Memorial, KaliGhat Temple -Darjeeling Toy train -Sunrise at Tiger Hill -Dr Graham School -Visit to a tea estate -Rumtek Monastery -Paro Museum -Rinpung Dzong -Thimpu Folk and Heritage Museum -Gangtey Monastery -Punakha Dzong -Zulekha Nunnery -Kyichu Lhakhan -Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.

Not Included: International Airfares - Local payment - Passport and visa expenses - Government arrival and departure taxes - Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is compulsory) - All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

Departure Dates: Jun 15, 2008 ; Jul 06, 2008 ; Aug 03, 2008 ; Aug 24, 2008 ; Oct 05, 2008 ; Nov 02, 2008 ; Nov 23, 2008 ; Dec 14, 2008 ; Jan 11, 2009 ; Feb 01, 2009 ; Feb 22, 2009 ; Mar 15, 2009 ; Apr 05, 2009 ; Apr 26, 2009 ; May 17, 2009 ; Jun 07, 2009.

Tour rates from: $ 2,695.00 + Local Payment 250 USD.

a photo courtesy of Tourism Board of BhutanDay by day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Kolkata - Arrive in Kolkata at any time.
  • Day 2 Kolkata (B) - Visit the flower markets, wander the riverside ghats and head over to the magnificent Victoria Memorial, a remnant of colonial rule.
  • Days 3-4 Darjeeling (2B) - Enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over Kangchenjunga from the vantage point of Tiger Hill and a ride on one of India’s famous ‘toy trains’. You simply can’t come to Darjeeling and not sample a cup of its tea!
  • Days 5-6 Gangtok (2B) - Dominated by mountains and replete with ‘gompas’, the capital of the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Sikkim retains evidence of its ancient ties with Tibet.
  • Day 7 Kalimpong (B) - Uncover the secrets of Kalimpong’s colorful history and diverse ethnic heritage. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, Hindu Temples, brilliantly colored orchids and fantastic mountain views.
  • Day 8 Phuentsholing (B, D) - First magical glimpse of the Land of the Thunder Dragon in the border town of Phuentsholing, alongside the Torsa River.
  • Day 9 Thimphu (B, L, D) - Travel the winding route to the tiny and picturesque Bhutanese capital of Thimphu.
  • Days 10-11 Punakha & Wangdue (2B, 2L, 2D) - Both built between two rivers, Punakha is home to one of Bhutan’s loveliest dzongs and the winter capital, whilst Wangdue commands strategic and impressive views over all approaches.
  • Days 12-13 Paro (2B, 2L, 2D) - Dominated by its dramatic Dzong, this town is also our base for visiting the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and Bhutan’s most iconic site - Taktsang, the Tiger’s Lair.
  • Day 14 Kolkata (B) - Depart.

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Also tagged with: Escorted Journeys, Asia, India, Bhutan, Educational, Cultural, Nature / Ecology, Art / Architecture, Join-In Tour, Classic Visit, Hosted Tours, GAP


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