A fusion of modernity and tradition, the vibrant
colors of India are truly captivating. Be at one with bustling cities,
surrender to the simplicity of villages and be touched by the spirituality of
this land. A journey through India is enriching, inspiring and unforgettable
Itinerary
Meet & Greet on arrival at IXB
Airport & transfer to Gangtok (5,500 ft.). On arrival Check-in to hotel
& rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Gangtok.
Start for a Full day city tour
covering Tashi view point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Flower show, Cottage
Industry and Handicraft Centre, Institute of Tibetology, Dro-dul Chorten,
Enchey Monastery & Banjakhri Falls (maximum 6 hours). Overnight stay at
Gangtok.
After breakfast check out from
hotel with limited luggage and proceed to Lachung (8,700 ft.), North Sikkim. On
the way take a break for some beautiful spots which are worth seeing and
visiting like Naga Waterfall, The Confluence of Lachen Chu (River) &
Lachung Chu (River) at Chungthang and Bhim Nala Waterfall. On arrival at
Lachung check into your hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Lachung.
After breakfast proceed to
Yumthang Valley which is Known as Valley of Flowers (12,000 ft. Known as Valley of Flowers). On the
way back, visit Hot Spring considered to
have medicinal properties. Back to resort. Overnight stay at Lachung.
After breakfast proceed to Gangtok
(5,500 ft.). On the way if the weather is clear you may get to see Mighty
Khangchendzonga from Singhik view point. On arrival at Gangtok check-in to your hotel. Rest of the
evening free for your own activities. Overnight stay at Gangtok.
After breakfast proceeds to
picturesque drive to Darjeeling (6,950 ft.). On arrival Check-in to your hotel.
Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay at Darjeeling.
Early Morning (at 04:00 am) drive
to Tiger hill (8,400 ft.) to watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt.
Khangchendzongha (28,208 ft. Worlds 3rd highest peak), on your way back visit
Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop. After breakfast visit Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute, P.N. Zoological Park (Thursday closed), Tenzing Rock,
Tibetan Refugee self-help Centre (Sunday closed), Tea Garden (outer view),
Ropeway and Japanese Temple. Evening free for shopping or leisure. Overnight
stay at Darjeeling.
After breakfast Check-out from
hotel and transfer to Phuentsholing - The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India.
It is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian Plains.
On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing.
After breakfast
complete the immigration formalities and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On
arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening,
visit the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). Overnight stay at Thimphu.
After breakfast visit Kuensel
Phodrang (Buddha Statue) a place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on
the top of the Kuensel Phodrang, National Memorial Chorten (Monument) &
Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point, Changangkha
Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen
here. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
After
breakfast drive to Punakha / Wangdue, On the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass (3150
mts.). to view the higher Himalayas. Arrival at Punakha check in at hotel. After
noon visit Punakha Dzong - built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many
years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the
Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great
Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme
Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. After that take a short excursion trip to
visit the Chhimi Lhakhang - The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility”
was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Evening free for
leisure. Overnight stay will be at Punakha / Wangdue.
After breakfast, start for full
day excursion trip to Gangtey (9,840 ft.). Gangtey is the home of Black Necked
Crane which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. It is a
beautiful valley of Bhutan. You can also visit Gangtey Gompha. Evening return
back. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.
After breakfast drive to Paro
(7,483 ft.). On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park - The
park contains a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and features a huge species
of plants. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong -
National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha,
etc. Rinpung Dzong - Meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". The
dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Evening free
for leisure. Overnight stay at Paro.
After breakfast visit Drukgyel
Dzong. Also visit famous Taktsang Monastery – called “Tiger's Nest” (2hrs hike
from the base camp) & Kyichu Monastery. Overnight stay will be at Paro.
After breakfast check out from
hotel and drop at Paro Airport for your onward journey. Today we leave the
country of dragons and drive early morning to the airport. We fly with Bhutan
Air from Paro to Kathmandu. Arrival at Kathmandu International airport. Welcome
with flower garland. Guests will be boarded to a/c Scorpio and driven to the hotel. The drive
from airport to hotel will take approxi-mately 30 minutes.Half a day
sightseeing depending on time:
Visit
Patan City. This ancient city is situated on the southern bank of the river Bagmati
and is about five kms southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Buddhist monuments
and Hindu temples with the bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful
carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is known as the City of
art artists, Lalitpur ‘the City of Fine Arts’ is another name of Patan. Tour highlights
are the Shikara style Krishna temple, Patan Durbar, Royal bath and Hiranya
Verna Maha Vihar. Then proceed to Patan Industrial Estate and Tibetan Refugee
Center.
Kathmandu, Swayambhu AND Bauddhanath
Breakfast at hotel
Kathmandu city : Morning
sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square with its
old temples and places epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the
people. Here guests will visit the temple of Kumari (Virgin Goddess), Taleju
temple, gigantic figure of Kal Bhairav (th God of Destruction) and Basantpur Durbar.
Then proceed to Swayambhunath, the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas
built 2000 years ago situated on a hillock about 77 meters above the level of
Kathmandu Valley. You will also have a grand view of the valley from this spot
Swayambhu: The history of the
Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhu, or the the
selfexistent. In times uncharted by history, Bodhisattva Manjusri came across a
beautiful lake dating his travel. He saw a lotus that emitted brilliant light
at the lake’s center, so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the
water to worship the lotus. Men settled on the bed of the lake and called in
the Kathmandu Valley. From then on, the hilltop of the Self-existent Lord has
been a holy place.Bouddhanath: Bouddhanath is among the largest stupa in South
Asia, and it hasbecome the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white
mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa islocated on the ancient
trade route ot Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for
many centuries When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of
them decided to live around Bouddhanath. They established many gompas, and the
Little Tibet of Nepal was born. This little Tibet is still the best place in
the Valley to observe Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes.
Tibetans walks with prayer wheels in their hands, and the rituals of
prostration are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the stupa
on their hands and knees, bowing down to their lord. O/n at the Hotel.
Breakfast at hotel,Drive to
Pokhara (approximately 7 hours 215 km).Pokhara valley is one of the most
picturesquespot of Nepal. The beauty of Pokhara is enhanced by its lovely lakes
which have their source in theglacier region of the Annapurna range of the
Himalayas situated 2,200 kms west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 827 meters from
the sea level. For the mountain viewers, Pokhara offers a magnificent view of Dhaulagiri,
Machhapuchhere (Fish Tail), five peaks of Annapurna and others.Pokhara is the
only place in the world to provide such a dramatic views in a sub-tropical
setting.Machhapuchhare, for example, is only 28 kms from Phewa Lake and not a
single mountain range intervenes between the two.Arrive Pokhara, Check in at
hotel. Rest of the time free to explore Pokhara. o/n at the Hotel.
Breakfast at hotel Sightseeing of
Pokhara visiting Barahi temple. It is located on a small Island in the middle
of Phewa lake just offshore from the lake side. It takes less than 10 minutes
to reach there by boat.One can enjoy the green forest scenery of the lake and
amazing reflection of the Annapurna and Fishtail Mountains on the surface of
the lake.Devi`s fall (Patale Chhango)Than visit Devi`s fall. The water flowing
from Phewa lake shows a wonderful fall. We find hollowsandy part and a heavy
fall of water within its natural trench. Bindbasini Temple It is located on the
top of a small hill at the north end of the old bazaar. This is believed as one
of the oldest temples in the valley, and is most famous in Pokhara. Visit Seti
Gorge. Through the main city area in about 40 meters depth. The river provides
a perfect view of its dreadful rush before it disappears at Bagar into a deep
gorge. Boating in Phewa lake for 1 hour Afternoon visit International
Mountaineering Museum (IMM) and old Pokhara bazar,In the evening free . o/n at
the Hotel.
Breakfast at hotel, Rest of the
time free till departure, Transfer to airport for onward flight, Tour
Concludes!
Cost : Sikkim, Bhutan & Nepal
: $3992.00* + International & internal airfare
• Based on minimum 6 to 10 people.
|
PREMIUM+ PACKAGE
|
|
Destination
|
Hotels
|
No of Nights
|
Meal Plan
|
|
Darjeeling
|
4 Star
|
02
|
MAP
|
|
Gangtok
|
4 Star
|
03
|
MAP
|
|
Lachung
|
3-4 Star
|
02
|
MAP
|
Itinerary and Hotels
|
Itinerary and Hotels
|
|
Day
|
Date
|
Itinerary
|
Hotel
|
|
1
|
|
Arrive Phuentsholing
|
3 Star –No 4 star hotels
|
|
2
|
|
Phuentsholing - Thimphu
|
4 Star
|
|
3
|
|
Thimphu
|
4 star
|
|
4
|
|
Thimphu - Punakha
|
4 Star
|
|
5
|
|
Punakha
|
4 Star
|
|
6
|
|
Punakha - Paro
|
4 Star
|
|
7
|
|
Paro
|
4 Star
|
|
8
|
|
Katmandu --NEPAL
|
4-5 star
|
|
9
|
|
Pokhara -- Nepal
|
4-5 star
|
NOTE: The above mentioned hotels
will be confirmed as per the room availability. Otherwise we will confirm
similar category hotel.
- Any cost arising due to natural
calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances, etc. (To be borne by the client, this is directly
payable on the spot).
- Permit require for Tsomgo Lake. It
is mandatory that guest should carry 02 copies of passport size photograph,
original photo ID proof with photo copy (identity card – Voter ID card /
Pass-port / Driving License /) for processing the permit. Permit also require
for traveling to North Sikkim (Lachung & Lachen). Requires 02 more copies
of passport size photographs along with original photo ID proof.
- Check-in 14:00 hrs. / Check-out
time is 12:00 hrs.
- The tourism infrastructure in
Sikkim & Darjeeling is not very developed and one should not expect or
compare it with the standards of plains & other developed destinations
there is always scarcity of water and power in the region and so you would come
across situation like water (hot) being supplied on time basis – morning &
evening.
- Room Heater available with an
extra cost Bourne by the guest directly (Except at Premium+, Premium &
Luxury categories)
- Category of Rooms in the packages normally
remains to base category of rooms.
- A valid photo ID proof for all
guests staying at the hotel is mandatory.
- For Extra adult in the room we
will provide an extra bed (wherever possible), but most of the hotels only
provide extra mattress or roll away bed. Most of the hotels have no provision
of an extra bed.
- Operator reserves the right to
re-arrange itinerary to suit hotel availability without changing the total
number of days in each destination and without compromising with any services.
- In the area almost all the hotels
do not have a lift facility and in all the hotels the guest will have to climb
stairs. In case if any guest is having problem of blood pressure, knee or other
ailment for which they cannot climb the higher floors they will have to
intimate us during the time of booking so that we can try to arrange rooms at
the lowest possible floor of the hotel enabling the guest to climb the minimum
number of stairs.
North Sikkim (Lachung- Lachen)
- All the
packages start from Gangtok & ends at Gangtok.
- Guest
Traveling to North Sikkim (Lachung & Lachen) requires 02 copies of passport
size photograph, original photo ID proof with photo copy (identity card – Voter
ID card / Pass-port / Driving License /) for processing the permit. PAN Card /
Aadhar Card are not acceptable for issuance of the Permit.
- In
Lachen and Lachung most of the hotels are offering Vegetarian food
- Packages
are available with all meals at hotel only (on the way meals if any, Guest has
to pay their own).
- Child
below 10yrs is not allowed to visit Gurudongmar Lake.
- Hotels
available are only with basic amenities & simple food cooked by the locals
and not by hotel Chef.
- In
maximum hotels there is no geyser in the bathroom – hot water is supplied by
buckets by the hotelier.
- No room
heating systems are provided in the room in maximum hotels due to shortage of
power, instead the hotelier provides hot water bags.
- There are
telephone lines but due to cable fault and weak signal, it is often out of
order. Airtel, Vodafone & BSNL
operates better in this area.
- Due to
shortage of power the guest sometimes, may have to bear with candle light.
- Once the
package is booked & confirmed no refund will be entertained.
- The best
season for traveling to North Sikkim is Mid February to Mid-June &
Mid-September to Mid-December.
- Due to
winter season (heavy snow) vehicle will be able to drive till Snow point on the
way to Yumthang Valley.
- Excursion
to Zero point (Yumesamdong) is kept optional which the guest can avail with an
extra cost. Approx. cost is Rs. 3,000 per vehicle.
- Cost
Inclusion: Bhutan
- Accommodation
in the mentioned hotels (Base category twin rooms, unless specified)
- Meal
Plan (Only Set Menu): CP in all Hotels,
Punakha
- Pick Up:
Phuentsholing
- Drop: Paro
- Other
transfers in Bhutan by: Hyundai Tucson/ Creta/ Similar
- Service
of certified English speaking guide
(Within Bhutan)
- Entry
Fees for Museums and Monuments
- Bottled water
during the tour
- Government
Royalty, Visa Fees, Surcharge and other taxes applicable
- The cost
does not include anything not mentioned in the inclusion
- Air Fare/Train fare.
- Personal expenses such as laundry,
telephone bills, bar bills, tips & gratuity, bottled water and cost for
other activities such as rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, porterage, etc.
- Additional sightseeing or extra
usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any cost arising due to unforeseen
contingencies such as landslides, road blockage, political disturbances
(strikes), etc. Such expenses will have to be paid directly.
- Any form of Insurance.
- Anything which is not included in
the inclusion.
Uses of AC (Air Condenser) in the
Vehicle – Generally in Bhutan, Most of the vehicle we write NAC as because of
its location & Altitude, AC are not required. In case guest is insisting on
AC, Supplement cost as per vehicle selection could be taken. The AC will be on
when the Vehicle is on move only. While travelling in the plains the clients
would need AC, which will be switch on. When the car is travelling uphill AC
will be switch off.
We can
arrange the following additional services at a supplement costs
- A private traditional Cultural
Show for 1 Hour.
- A traditional hot stone bath in a
village house.
- Archery experience and National
Dress experience.
Bhutan Visa - Please be informed
that no foreign embassies/ Missions/ Agencies can issue Visa for Bhutan except
the Department of immigration, Thimphu Bhutan. The visa approval letter can be
processed only after the deposit of full tour payment in USD to our Bhutan
National Bank a/c as required by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. It takes a week
to process the Visa. The Visa approval letter issued by the Department of
immigration, Thimphu Bhutan will be mailed to you. You have to carry this
document when you board the flight to Bhutan. The actual visa will be stamped
in your passport upon arrival in Bhutan. A valid passport is required for
travel to Bhutan and the validity of the passport should be minimum 6 months
from the date of departure. Scanned copy of the original passports of each
passenger in color in JPEG format and information as may be asked for shall be
required to process the visa.
- It is important that you follow
the suggestions and instructions of your guide in order to have a memorable
holiday in Bhutan. All the guides provided are trained and certified by the
Tourism Council of Bhutan.
- Adults must carry original &
valid Passport or original Voter ID card. Children must carry original &
valid Passport or original birth certificate & school photo ID card.
- Indian travelers can carry Indian
Currency in INR 100 denominations or smaller notes into Bhutan.
- Tobacco & Tobacco products are
banned in Bhutan. However, travelers may carry limited quantity for their personal
consumption in payment of taxes as may be applicable the entry points. Please
do not use tobacco products in Public places.
- Remember to carry clothing as per
the season and temperature in Bhutan during the time of travel.
- It is not recommended to hike to
Tiger’s Nest (Takstang Monastery) when you are traveling with small kids. Roads
are not like normal hiking as you have to pass through stiff stairs ups and
downs.
- Please check with your mobile
service provider for charges related to Bhutan.
- Do not bring any plant or
agricultural product out of Bhutan. It is illegal.
- Credit cards are accepted in
selected establishments in Bhutan. However, it is recommended that you speak
with your service provider to find out about the acceptability of credit card
in Bhutan.
- Please take off your hats while
visiting Dzongs, monasteries and in front of the National Flag. And also ensure
that you are properly dressed (such as long sleeves shirts and T Shirts, full
pants) while visiting Dzongs, temples and other government offices.
- Taking pictures of some parts and
items in the Temples and Dzongs are prohibited. Please follow the instructions
from your guide.
- If you buy antiques from Bhutan,
please ensure that you have valid bills and cash memo for the same. Bhutan has
strict regulations for the same.
- Please be informed that the
condition of the road to Bumthang is bad
as widening works are going on. It is taking more than 12 Hours to reach
Bumthang from Punakha. If there is any bookings for Bumthang, Please inform the
travelers beforehand on mandatory basis about the same so that the travelers
come prepared.
- Camping facilities in Bhutan are
very basic with simple Bhutanese food. Please do not expect international
quality of camps in Bhutan.
Cost
based on the above program will be as follows :
Package Inclusions:
# 02 nights accommodation in
Kathmandu with Breakfast
# 02 nights accommodation in
Pokhara with Breakfast
# 02 airport transfers by an A/c
vehicle exclusively
# Sightseeing as per the itinerary
in Kathmandu and Pokhara by an a/c vehicle exclusively
# Transportation Kathmandu /
Pokhara / Kathmandu by an A/c vehicle exclusively
# Presently applicable hotel
taxes.
Vehicle allocation:
Scorpio / similar
Supplement Costs :
An English speaking guide during
the sightseeing only in Kathmandu and Pokhara :
Entrance fee to the monumental
sites as per the itinerary only in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Half Day sightseeing is for 3
hours. Full day sightseeing is for 6 hours. For e.g. Pashupatinath &
Boudhnath is a Half Day Trip.
The
above cost excludes:
*
Services other than specified. * Any expenses of personal nature such as
drinks, laundry, telephone/fax calls.
* Any
expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as flight delays,
rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents,
medical evacuations, riots, strikes, etc.
* Any
tips to drivers, hotel staff, any meals apart from the ones mentioned above.
* Any
other tax or service charge that could be enforced during this period will be
extra & need to borne by you.