Preliminary Day by Day Itinerary 

September 28            DEPART U.S.A.
Sunday
Leave Los Angeles, LAX by Thai Airways TG795 at 23:10 hrs for Bangkok.

September 29 IN TRANSIT
Monday
We lose a day crossing the International Date Line, but gain it on the way home.

Meals en route

September 30             BANGKOK-KOLKATA
Tuesday
Arrive Bangkok and connect the flight to Kolkata. Leave for Kolkata by 9W 065 at (09:40/ 10:40 hrs). Meeting on arrival and transfer to hotel. Late afternoon : Visit the Indian museum, established in the 19th century. Spend a couple of hours browsing through sections of interest. Overnight in Kolkata. L-D

OBEROI GRAND

October 1            KOLKATA - BAGDOGRA - DARJEELING
Wednesday
After a leisurely morning, transfer to airport to board flight to Bagdogra. Leave Kolkata for Bagdogra by flight 9W617 (12:10/13:10 hrs). Meeting on arrival in Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling (90 kms/2 hrs).

Darjeeling is at an elevation of 7000 ft above sea level. The drive is through interesting mountain country of majestic pines, brilliant red rhododendrons and charming white magnolias. The mountain slopes gently flow down in waves of green tea bushes. Darjeeling was a part of Sikkim until 1817AD when after the one and only Anglo Nepalese, in which Nepal was defeated by the British, the Maharaja of Sikkim who had been supported by the British in the war, handed over Darjeeling to the British as a token of friendship. The British used the it as a health Sanatorium.

Arrive Darjeeling and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day free to explore this interesting Himalayan town on your own. Overnight in Darjeeling. B-L-D  

 MAYFAIR HOTEL

October 2            IN DARJEELING
Thursday
Early morning visit the Tiger Hill (2673 M). On a clear morning one can have a panoramic view of the entire Himalayan range and witness the fascinating spectacle of sunrise over the Himalayas. This visit will be by 4/4 Jeeps/Land Rovers. On a clear day one will be able to see Mt. Khanchenjunga 8585M as also Mt. Everest 8878 M.

Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast take a ride on the Himalayan Toy Train to Ghoom (subject to operation). This journey by train is fascinating as it winds its way through the mountainside offering spectacular views. This mountain railway built by the British more than 100 years ago, negotiates the mountains using special traction. The Ghoom Monastery (8 kms from Darjeeling town) was built in 1875 AD in the Tibetan style. The Monastery enshrines a 5 M statue of Maitreya Buddha. Observe the ceremonies/rituals that are performed. Drive back to hotel.

Afternoon : City tour of Darjeeling visiting the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which has high altitude animals. This Park houses the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where every summer mountaineers are trained. If possible visit a Tea Estate and drive to the Tibetan Self Help Center, which was set up in 1951 when the Tibetans fled Tibet. Overnight in Darjeeling. B-L-D

MAYFAIR HOTEL

October 3            DARJEELING - GANGTOK
Friday
After breakfast, drive to Gangtok (98 kms/ approx. 3 hrs). Arrive Gangtok and check in at the hotel. Gangtok is the capital of the State of Sikkim. The city lies on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool River. The simple, ever smiling hill people, colorful lamas, exotic monasteries and prayer flags fluttering in the wind combined with the scenic beauty of the Himalayan terrain provides a fascinating sight.

Afternoon: Visit the Enchey Monastery. 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. Overnight in Gangtok. B-L-D

HOTEL NORKHILL

October 4        IN GANGTOK
Saturday
Early Morning: Drive to Tashi View Point for a view of the eastern Himalayas. Later visit the Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten & Institute of Tebetology. The Rumtek Monastery, 24 kms from Gangtok, is noted for its carved and painted woodwork, magnificent murals, icons and rare manuscripts. A special hall holds the remains of the late Karmapa Gyalwa Karmapa. Participation in the prayers in the monastery if in progress is possible. 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. The Research Institute of Tibetology, has a large collection of icons, Thangkhas (tapestries) and rare books. The rest of the day free. Overnight in Gangtok. B-L-D

HOTEL NORKHILL

October 5            GANGTOK - KALIMPONG
Sunday
After breakfast, drive to Kalimpong (95 kms/ approx. 3 hrs). Kalimpong was a part of Bhutan until 1835 when the ruler of Sikkim handed it over to the British. Situated at an altitude of 1250 m Kalimpong is a picturesque Hill Resort. It was once the strong hold of the Paro Penelope of Bhutan.

Afternoon: Visit the Tharpacholing Monastery of the Gyalopa (Dalai Lama followers) sect and the Dzangdhok Palri Nyangmapa Center and Institute in the Durbin Hill. There is a small monastery of the Drukpa sect of Bhutan. Visit a very fine nursery and orchid farm. Overnight in Kalimpong. B-L-D      

HIMALAYAN HOTEL 

October  6            KALIMPONG - PHUNTSOLING
Monday
After breakfast leave Kalimpong for Phuntsoling (170 kms/ approx. 6 hrs). Phuntsoling, the Gateway to Bhutan  from India, a commercial and industrial city. Besides other things this Mountain Kingdom of Bhutan is well known for its stamps. Phuntsoling is the Philatelic Center of Bhutan. After completing the Visa formalities at the Border check Post, check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the famous Karbandi Monastery built by Queen Mother in the 1970s. Overnight in Phuntsoling B-L-D

HOTEL DRUK

October  7            PHUNTSOLING – PARO
Tuesday
After breakfast leave Phuntsoling for Paro (186 kms/6 hrs). Arrive Paro and check into the Hotel. The Paro valley is one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan. To its north, Mt. Chomalhari (Goddess of Mountains) reigns supreme, and the glacier waters from its 'five sister' peaks come down to form the Paro Chu (river) that nourishes the lush rice fields, apple & peach orchards of the Paro Valley. 

Late afternoon : Free to visit the bazaar of Paro or to take time off for a pleasant walk. Overnight in Paro. B-L-D     

 KICHU RESORT 

October 8            PARO/PUNAKHA - WANGDIPHODRONG
Wednesday
After breakfast leave Paro for Wangdiphodrong visiting enroute the Punakha Dzong (115 kms/7 hrs including visits). The Punakha Dzong built between two rivers , Mochu and Pochu, in the 17th century AD by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is the winter residence of the Monk Body of its Chief Abbot Jey Khempo. The Dzong houses sacred artifacts and the embalmed body of Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal. An accidental fire burned parts of the Dzong a few years ago. The Ucchi and the main hall of worship are beautifully restored with great statues of Sakya Muni Buddha, Guru Padma Sambhava, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, Avalokiteshwara and numerous fires. The wall paintings depict the life story of the Buddha and the nine manifestations of Guru Padhma Sambhava. Lunch at the Punakha Hotel. Pass by the Punakha Bazaar and drive 12 kms to Wangdiphodrong. Overnight in Wangdi Phodrong. B-L-D

 KICHU RESORT

October 9            WANGDIPHODRONG - THIMPU
Thursday
Attend the Wangdi Tsechu. The magnificent and intricately embroidered Thangka of Guru Padma Sambhava is unfurled and draped along the walls of the Dzong before sunrise with great ceremony and religious fervor.  The monk body performs prayers and Dances . (The program for the Tsechu will be available nearer the date) . The Thangha scroll is rolled up as soon as the suns rays appears to fall on it. Attend the Tsechu and witness the celebrations and dances for a few hours. Return to Hotel for lunch and leave for Thimpu (70 kms/3 hrs). The drive will be through the village of Hongtsu and across the spectacular DochuLa (Dochu Pass) On nearing Thimpu, visit the Simtoka Dzong built by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan in 1629. The University of the National language Dzongkha is housed in this Dzong and it is one of the largest monastic schools in the country. 

Thimpu (7,600ft) is the capital of Bhutan and the center of Government, religion and commerce. It is an unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development along side ancient traditions. Overnight in Thimpu. B-L-D

HOTEL RIVER VIEW

October 10            IN THIMPU
Friday
The important day of the Tsechu at Thimpu. Attend the Thimpu Tsechu. Prayers and Dances performed by the monk body in the main courtyard of the TashichhoDzong, the seat of the Government. Return to Hotel for lunch. Visit the Memorial Chorten dedicated to the late King and the Textile Museum (if open). Return to the Dzong to see the concluding ceremonies of the Tsechu festival. The day’s program will be designed in accordance with the Tsechu program, which will be available nearer the date. Overnight in Thimpu. B-L-D

HOTEL RIVER VIEW

October 11            THIMPU - PARO
Saturday
Morning: Sight seeing tour of Thimpu visiting the Painting School, the School of Indigenous medicine, the Goldsmiths at their work and the Nunnery. After lunch and as convenient leave for Paro(65 kms/2hrs). Overnight in Paro. B-L-D

 KICHU RESORT

October  12            IN PARO
Sunday
Morning: The energetic traveler will be able to visit the Takatsang Monastery 3 hrs trek (total). The Takatsang monastery, literally meaning the 'Tiger's Nest' was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche, Guru Padhma Sambava and later his followers meditated. This monastery clings to a cliff of rock at a height of 3000ft above the valley floor. The Takatsang Monastery was burned by an accidental fire in recent times and has been beautifully restored. Those unable to take this trek can still view the Monastery and drive to point till the end of the road where the trek starts and enjoy the scenic beauty of this location. Those not taking the trek can visit the Drugyel Dzong, a ruined fortress. This Dzong is of historical importance for it was from here that the Bhutanese defeated the Tibetans and drove them back. 

Afternoon: Visit the Rimpung Dzong (which literally means a 'heap of jewels'). It is situated across the river on the knoll that rises from the river and has a commanding view of the Paro Valley. Today it houses the Paro Monastic body. Behind the Rimpung Dzong, high on the hillside, is the majestic castle shaped circular Ta Dzong. This onetime lookout stronghold played an active part in the defense of the Rimpung Dzong during invasions. Since 1967 it houses the National Museum which has outstanding collections of Thangkhas, textiles, bronzes, stamp collection, a wondrous tree of monastic life and numerous valuable artifacts. Visit the 7th/8th century AD temple of KICHU Lakhang. Prior permission for this visit will be obtained. Time permitting visit the Paro bazaar. Overnight in Paro. B-L-D

KICHU RESORT

October  13            PARO – KOLKATA
Monday
Meals : Breakfast. Transfer to Paro airport to board flight to Kolkata. Leave for Kolkata by KB 124 (11:20/ 12:00 hrs). Meeting on arrival and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for shopping or other independent activities. Overnight in Kolkata. B-L-D

THE OBEROI GRAND

October 14            IN KOLKATA
Tuesday
Meals : Breakfast. Morning: A short walk through British Kolkata ending at St. Johns Church. Drive to Victoria

Memorial built by Lord Curzon as a tribute to the late Queen Victoria. A grandiose structure built in marble. It houses British memorabilia.

Afternoon: Visit Mallick’s Marble Palace a private mansion housing an incongruous collection of statues and paintings, Chinese ceramics including work of Rubens and Sir Joshua Reynolds. Visit the Jain temple, located very close to the Marble Palace. Also visit the Missionaries of Charity established by Mother Teresa. Overnight in Kolkata. B

THE OBEROI GRAND

October 15            DEPART KOLKATA
Wednesday            ARRIVE U.S.A.
Meals : Breakfast. Morning : Free. Transfer to international airport to board onward flight. Leave for Bangkok by 9W066 at 12:20 hrs. Connect for the Thai flight to Los Angeles. B

Please Note:
Flight Schedules are always subject to change.

B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner