Bhutan - Land of the peaceful dragon

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Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal

Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to our centrally located hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu — Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath

A full day exploring the ancient sights of Kathmandu. We visit Pashupatinath, the site of the sacred Golden Temple located on the Bagmati River. Nearby, Tibetan pilgrims and monks can be seen circling the base of the massive Stupa at Boudhanath.

We visit the ancient wooden temples of Durbar Square and travel to Swayambhunath, to see the temples and massive Stupa, sacred to Buddhists and Hindus alike. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Fly to Bhadrapur, Nepal

Today, we fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. Our adventure to Darjeeling (West Bengal), Sikkim, and Bhutan begins with a scenic drive to Darjeeling, where we spend three nights.

Day 4: Darjeeling — Mt. Kanchenjunga

In the morning we visit a tea garden and ride a Raj-era train. We visit the Railway Museum and Goom Monastery. This afternoon we visit a Tibetan refugee center and see Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Overnight Darjeeling.

Day 5: Darjeeling — Mountaineering Institute

This morning we take a trip to Tiger Hill for a view of the sunrise over the mountains. After breakfast we drive to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The Institute was established in 1954 following the mountaineering success of Hilary and Tenzing. Overnight Darjeeling.

Day 6: Gangtok, Sikkim

In the morning, we drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Until 1965, Sikkim was a separate state ruled by a Chogyal (a Sikkim king) whose history dates back to the 16th century. Today, the monarchy has been abolished and Sikkim is part of the Indian union. Overnight Gangtok.

Day 7: Gangtok — Rumtek Monastery

This morning we go sightseeing in Gangtok. After lunch we visit Rumtek and Old Rumtek Monastery. Overnight Gangtok.

Day 8: Institute of Tibetology and Enchey Monastery

Today we visit a handicraft center and the Institute of Tibetology. The Institute was established in 1958 to promote research on the language, culture, and religion of Tibet. It houses an impressive collection of over 3,000 books, containing some of the earliest translations of Buddha’s teachings.

This afternoon we visit Ganesh view point, a flower show, the local market and Rumtek Monastery. Rumtek Monastery was the seat of the Kagypa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The first monastery was built here in 1717, but crumbled to ruins and the present monastery dates from 1960. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 9: Kalimpong

Today we drive to Kalimpong. This afternoon we have a sightseeing tour of Durpin Dara Monastery and view point, Thongsa Monastery, local market and a flower nursery. Overnight in Kalimpong.

Day 10: Phuntsoling, Bhutan

Today we travel to Phuntsoling, just inside the Bhutan border. On our first night in Bhutan, we explore the streets of Phuntsoling and savor the accomplishment of being among the few who have traveled to this remote and exotic land. We spend the night in Phuntsoling.

Day 11: Thimpu

We begin with a half-day drive through the spectacular countryside to Thimpu, the nation’s capital. En route, we visit Kharbandi Monastery built under the auspices of the Royal Grandmother. We arrive in Thimpu in the afternoon. Overnight in Thimpu.

Day 12: Thimpu, Duchola Pass, Wangdi

Sightseeing of the nation’s capital. Bhutan is the only country whose government is officially Buddhist, and as such, a walk through the streets of Thimpu is a walk unlike any other in the world. We visit the Chorten Memorial and Duthrop Temple.

We also have the opportunity to visit gold and silversmiths, a painting school and several handicraft emporiums. In the afternoon, we drive to Wangdi. Overnight in Wangdi. Pass: 10,170 ft/3100 m

Day 13: Punakha, Wangdi Fort

We explore the marvelous forts at Wangdi and Punakha and learn about the ancient techniques Bhutan used to defend its borders. Overnight in Wangdi.

Day 14: Punakha, Duchola Pass, Simotka Fort

This morning we drive to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong; which serves as an old capitol of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods as well as fire.

On our way to Paro we can see Simotka Fort, with its impressive views of the surrounding countryside, and stop at Kichukhakang Museum to further our knowledge of Bhutan’s culture and customs. We arrive in Paro, where we spend our next two nights. Pass: 10,170 ft/3100 m

Day 15: Paro Sightseeing, Taktsang

We spend the morning sightseeing in Paro; we visit Drukgyel Dzong and Ta-Dzong. After Paro we hike to Taktsang Monastery. There are opportunities for scenic walks and beautiful views, providing us with an in-depth look at the lives of the Bhutanese. We have lunch in Taktsang, and return to Paro for the night.

Paro Festival

This special departure was planned around one of Bhutan’s biggest and most popular festivals, The Paro Tsechu or Paro Festival.
Every spring people from all over Bhutan come to Paro to partake in the festivities. Festival goers and monks alike dress in brilliant costumes and wear masks representing Buddhist deities. Here they dance and re-enact Bhutanese legends. The culmination of this colorful festival is the unfurling of the 300 year old giant Thangka, a type of Buddhist tapestry. Those that have seen this festival deem it to be among the most memorable cultural events ever seen.
Please note: the sightseeing in Paro may be changed to take in the celebrations.

Day 16: Fly to Dhulikhel, Nepal, to Kathmandu

An early morning transfer to Paro Airport for our flight to Dhulikhel. On arrival we transfer to Dhulikhel Hill Station. We spend the rest of the day relaxing and taking in the spectacular views of the Himalayas. Overnight in Dhulikhel.

Day 17: Bhaktapur and Patan

This morning we drive back to Kathmandu. On the way we visit the walled city of Bhaktapur; an ancient city that has been lovingly restored to its authentic style. We also travel to the city of Patan and visit its lesser known, but equally impressive Durbar Square. The second largest city in the valley, Patan is also known as the “city of arts”. Overnight in Kathmandu.