DAY 01: ARRIVE KOLKATA

On arrival meet our local representative and transfer to your hotel. Kolkata the state capital of West Bengal is enriched with all major contributions in every sphere of Indian activities. The location of Kolkata is a swamp delta of the huge rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra. Much of the historical events of Indian freedom war occurred in this place. The land of Kolkata produces a number of distinct personalities contributing the name and fame of India. It was once the hub of the British East India Company, initially a trade and commercial company and later transformed into a great empire. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 02: KOLKATA-BAGDOGRA , AIR/90 KMS- 3 HRS

Early morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Bagdogra. On arrival drive for Darjeeling, check into hotel. Darjeeling: Located at an altitude of 7,000 ft enjoys a temperate climate with a maximum of 25 degree in summer and 05 degree in winter and it might drop to Zero at times. Darjeeling is a world famous tourist destination in the state of West Bengal, India. Nestled among the lower Himalayas, it is known for its raw and captivating natural beauty and excellent quality of tea it produces; Darjeeling tea is aptly titled as the ‘champagne of tea’ for its exquisite flavor and taste. It is also famous for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is lovingly called the ‘Toy-Train’ – a favorite among tourists. Darjeeling in the past was under the rule of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim, which was leased to the British East India Company and was converted into a beautiful hill station and became a favorite among holiday makers. Darjeeling is a name of Tibetan origin, which means the “Land of the Thunderbolt”. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 03: DARJEELING

Early morning excursion to Tiger Hill to behold the most spectacular sunrise and the Himalayan Mountains with visit to Ghoom Monastery (Yiga-Choling) to see the statue of Maitry (Coming Buddha). Tiger Hill – Situated at an altitude of 8500 feet offers a captivating view of the early morning sunrise. In addition, enchanting view of the mountains like the Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, Makalu, Pandim, Kabru, Siniolochu, Kumbakaran and Ratong, among others, is visible from the top of the hill. Later do a city tour covering Tibetan refugee Self Help Centre, Tea Garden, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Market. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 04: DARJEELING – GANGTOK (98 KMS / 3 HRS)

Morning drive for Gangtok: Nestling in the lush greenery of the Himalayas is Gangtok (5,800 ft), the small capital city of Sikkim, where Buddhist prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze, exotic orchids and chirruping birds run riot in a colorful melee. Gangtok is a blend of the traditional and modern, where modern concrete multi-storeyed structures clinging to the hillside stand alongside ‘chortens’ (stupas) and monasteries and lamas in colourful maroon. Afternoon visit The Enchey Monastery, built by the 8th Namgyal of Sikkim in 1840, belongs to the Nyingmapa Sect of Mahayana Buddhism. The monastery has been renovated in recent times. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 05: GANGTOK

Early morning visit Tashi view point. Built by the late King of Sikkim Mr. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated about six kilometres away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway; this place offers an astounding view of the Khangchendzonga snowy range on a clear day. On the opposite hill, the Phodong and the Labrang monasteries can be seen. Later visit the Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, the Rumtek Monastery, 24 kms from Gangtok, is noted for its carved and painted woodwork, magnificent murals, icons and rare manuscripts. The Do Drul Chorten, considered to be one of the most important chortens of Sikkim, was built in 1945 and has 108 Mani Lhyakor (Prayer Wheels) around it besides the two huge statues of Guru Padma Sambhava. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 06: GANGTOK – KALIMPONG (95KMS/3 HRS)

Morning drive for Kalimpong and check into hotel. The name, Kalimpong, has three different origins. One, it means the place where the local tribesmen gathered to organize field sports, second, it takes it’s name from the Bhutanese king’s minister’s stronghold and thirdly, it is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region. The town is 1250 m above sea level and offers excellent views of the Mt Kanchenjunga and the other Himalayan peaks. The popular view points are Durpin Dara and Deoro Hill. Afternoon half day sightseeing tour of Kalimpong visiting Durpin Dara, Tharpa choling Monastery, Zong Dog Palri Fo-brang Monastery, Nursery & Market which are few worth visiting places. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 07: KALIMPONG – PHUNTSOLING (170 KMS / APPROX 6 HRS)

Morning drive for Phuntsoling the border to Bhutan from India, a commercial and industrial city. After completing the Visa formalities at the Border check Post, check-in at the hotel. Relax & retrieve.

BHUTAN – the land of “Thunder Dragon” is a fabulous Hidden Kingdom, which most of the people have never heard of, has now opened its doors to eager visitors to this exotic land. In this land locked Himalayan kingdom conservation of nature remains the top priority rather than industrialization. Bhutan is the only country in the world, where tantric form of Buddhism plays a vital role in people’s life. Prayers and devotion are as natural as work and play. The art and architecture is very impressive. Large Dzongs (castles/Forts) monasteries, Temples are built from stone and wood without using a single nail or with the help of modern architects. The unique culture and traditions of this hidden Kingdom can be a life time experience.

Phuntsholing popularly known as the gateway to Bhutan. Phuntsholing is a vibrant town located adjacent to the Indian Border town of Jalpaiguri, a district of the Indian state of West Bengal. The town is a bustling commercial centre providing a glimpse of Indian merchants in their particular attire and Bhutanese in National dress. Afternoon visit the famous Karbandi Monastery built by Queen Mother in the 1970s. Overnight at your hotel.

DAY 08: PHUNTSOLING – PARO (186 KMS/7 HRS)

Morning drive for Paro, arrive and check into hotel. Paro: A destination all of its own, Paro is home to the national museum and watchtower to one of the oldest and most celebrated dzongs in Bhutan, the Rinpung dzong which means the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”. The town of Paro is small with most of the inhabitants living in the valley that surrounds the town. Day is free to visit bazaar and stroll around the place. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 09: PARO

Morning city tour of Paro. Apart from commanding a slightly elevated strategic point overlooking the longest stretch of the Paro valley, Rinpung dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs in the valley. It is also an architectural wonder, setting the tone for official dzongs throughout the Kingdom and inviting the visitor to wonder at the cultural strength of the Kingdom’s heritage. The dzong was built in the 15th century and finally consecrated in 1646. Above the dzong is Ta Dzong, an old watchtower which is now the National Musuem. Rest of the day is free. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 10: PARO – THIMPU

Morning drive for Thimpu, arrive and check into hotel. Thimpu – Located on the banks of its own river, the bustling city is home to the respected Bhutanese Royal family and to several foreign missions and development projects. Thimpu (7,600ft) is the capital of Bhutan and the center of Government, religion and commerce. The strict government policy restricting “foreign cultural influences” has preserved the traditional Bhutanese way of life in Thimpu. In Thimpu, you will see everybody dressed in traditional Bhutanese garments, and all buildings are built in traditional Bhutanese style, with gracefully arched pagodas. Thimpu is reputed to be the only capital city that does not need any traffic signals. So if you take a stroll down the city center or visit the bustling market, you will not experience any blaring stereos or polluting Lorries, as is the case with many capital cities in the world. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 11: THIMPU

Morning city tour of Thimpu visiting The Tashi Choe Dzong Fort: The main administrative building of Bhutan, and houses the sitting rooms of the Bhutanese monarch and the National Assembly. The real charm lies in the offbeat locations like the Hospital selling herbal medicines, or the Dzong Chusum institute, housing a collection or religious books. A visit to the bustling marketplaces is a must for a keen sightseer. A short drive outside the city brings you to the Royal Palace that houses the reigning monarch of Bhutan. Close to the Palace is the Tangu Cherry monastery, an old building dating back to several hundred years. Rest of the day is free to explore the town. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 12: THIMPU-PARO (65 KMS/ 2HRS)

Late morning drive for Paro, check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 13: PARO- KOLKATA

AIR Departure transfer to the airport in time to board the flight for Kolkatta. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free for shopping and personal activities. Relax & retrieve.

DAY 14: KOLKATA

Morning guided city tour of Kolkatta, visit Victoria Memorial: It is a two-storeyed edifice and enclosed within the marble walls of this elegant domed and minaret monument is India’s finest tribute to the mem. British Raj. Birla Planetarium: – It is a fine planetarium, one of the largest in Asia, built after the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi. Dakshineswar: – On the bank of the river is a beautiful navaratna temple (with nine towers), dedicated to Bhabatarini (Goddess Kali). It was built by Rani Rashmoni and this temple is associated with the great religious prophet, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. There are 12 Siva temples and a temple of Radhakrishna at Dakshineswar. Tagore House: – The great poet Rabindranath was born here on 9th May, 1861 A.D. The Rabindra Bharati University and Museum are housed in these buildings. Rest of the day at leisure / Shopping, Relax & retrieve.

DAY 15: KOLKATA – HOME-TOWN

AIR Departure transfer to the airport in time to board the flight for home-town.