Himalayan Kingdoms - Sikkim and Bhutan

Our Himalayan Kingdoms tour encompasses the remote regions of Sikkim in India’s north east and the reclusive Druk Yul, ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan. Both Sikkim and in particular Bhutan are still relatively unspoilt by tourism. Bhutan opened for tourism in 1974 and is perhaps the world’s most exclusive tourist destination. This journey takes you to a region of high altitude to look over unrivalled scenery of the Himalaya Mountains and valleys, visit monasteries (in Tibetan: Gompas) as well as a national park especially known for the rare One- Horned Rhinos.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: Australia to Kolkata

Begin our Wendy Wu Tours group holiday to India and Bhutan. Travel to Kolkata with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel. Tomorrow visit a Jain Temple, a Kali Temple and the white marble Victoria Memorial. Drive past the Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square, Fort William, the secretariat building and Old Court House Street. Also visit the flower market and Pauli artisan district where idols are made for Hindu festivals.

Day 3: Kolkata to Darjeeling via Bagdogra

Fly to Bagdogra and then travel up through hills and tea plantations to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is perched amongst the clouds at 2134m. The town retains its old colonial charm and lies in the heart of rolling hills of premium tea plantations. The town’s name is derived from ‘Dorje Ling’ meaning ‘Place of the Dorje’ - the Mystic.

Day 4: Darjeeling - Ghoom

Rise early for a jeep ride to Tiger Hill hoping for a clear sunrise over the world’s third highest peak, Mt Kanchenjunga (8585m). Visit one of Ghooms oldest monasteries before returning to our hotel for breakfast. Later head to the train station to board the famous World Heritage ‘Toy Train’ and enjoy a ride through the hills of Ghoom. This afternoon visit a tea plantation and the Himalaya Mountaineering Institute.

Day 5: Darjeeling to Pelling

Head north crossing into the state of Sikkim and drive to Pelling, a town famed for views of Mt Kanchenjunga and its proximity to a number of significant old Tibetan monasteries. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery located close by.

Day 6: Pelling

Today visit Khecheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga Falls. Khecheopalri Lake is considered to be one of the most sacred lakes of Sikkim by both Buddhists and Hindus.

Day 7: Pelling to Gangtok

After breakfast drive to Gangtok, en route we visit Tashiding Monastery. Perched atop a ridge of the Himalaya, Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim state. This is a bustling and developed town serving as a perfect base for exploring the landscape of Sikkim.

Day 8: Gangtok

Today visit Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do Drul Chorten (a Tibetan pagoda).

Day 9: Gangtok to Kalimpong

Leaving Gangtok drive to Kalimpong visiting Rumtek Monastery en route to see its monastic paintings and carvings. Kalimpong (1250m) is a small but rapidly expanding market town at the ‘foothills of Deolo and Durbindra’ two Himalayan peaks.

Days 10-11: Kalimpong to Jaldhapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Today is at leisure to explore the quaint town of Kalimpong. The following day venture to the rarely visited Jaldhapara Wildlife Sanctuary. In the afternoon enjoy a jeep safari in the park. Accommodation tonight is basic.

Day 12: Jaldapara to Phuentsholing

Drive to Phuentsholing, the gateway to Bhutan for overland travellers. Here we meet our Bhutanese National Escort. The town is a fascinating mixture of Bhutanese and Indian cultures. We visit Zangtho Pelri, a small temple built in the centre of town.

Days 13-14: Phuentsholing to Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, via the Kharbandi Gompa (a Tibetan Bhuddist monastery). Tomorrow see Trashichho Dzong the mediaeval fortress/monastery, visit the National Library, the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School) and view the National Institute of Traditional
Medicine. After lunch visit the National Memorial Chorten, the state-run Handicrafts Emporium, the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Textile Museum. Also drive out of town to an enclosure which is part of Thimphu Zoo to see the unique Bhutanese Takin.

Day 15: Thimphu to Punakha

Leave Thimphu Valley today and drive up to Dochu-la (Pass) (3140m) stopping en route to view Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom. At Dochu-la Pass, if the skies are clear, we can view the ranged Himalayan peaks in the distance. Later visit Punakha’s Dzong dating from the 17th Century and the newly built Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten.

Day 16: Punakha to Bumthang (Jakar)

After breakfast drive to Bumthang via Trongsa. On this drive we cross Pele-la (Pass) (3420m) and Yotong-la (Pass) (3425m). Stop en route at the Nepalese style Chendbji Chorten.

Day 17: Bumthang (Jakar) to Trongsa

This morning visit Kurje Lhakhang where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon. We then visit Jambey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang which has some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan, Jakar’s Dzong the administrative centre of the region. This afternoon drive back to Trongsa. Upon arrival visit Trongsa’s Dzong, which like other Dzongs in the Kingdom, dominates the surrounding valley.

Day 18: Trongsa to Punakha via Gangtey

Not long after passing back through Pele-la (Pass) we leave the National Highway and drive into Gangtey valley. A few kilometres beyond the Gangtey Gompa on the valley floor, lies the village of Phobjikha the winter home of the black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in the milder climate. Later continue to Punakha or Wangduephodrang for an overnight stay.

Day 19: Punakha to Paro

After breakfast we drive to Paro. Upon arrival visit Ta Dzong, an old watchtower inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, Paro’s remarkable fortification.

Day 20: Paro

Drive to the start point for a hike to Taktsang Gompa. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated at this place, hence why the monastery is also called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The moderate hike takes all morning meaning we have lunch at the cafeteria, run by monks and located halfway up the trail overlooking ‘Tigers Nest’. Whilst returning to Paro this afternoon we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples of the Kingdom.

Day 21: Paro to Kolkata

This morning we have an early transfer to the airport for our flight to Kolkata. Enjoy the day at leisure to do some last minute shopping. After dinner and a late checkout transfer to the airport to board our flight home.

Day 22: Arrive Australia

Arrive home in Australia.

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