HIMALAYAN SANCTUARIES
A cultural tour of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim

The Himalayas, for their beauty, majesty and the friendly people who reside there, are considered to be a land of pilgrimage, spirituality, serenity and beauty. Ours is a journey that attempts to elevate us to experience this spirituality with an opportunity to also enjoy the rich culture of the four mountaindoms that make up the region. We will wonder forever at Mother Nature's majesty.

Tour Summary	Map
Day Place 01 Kathmandu - Nepal 02 Kathmandu / Kalimpong - India 03 Kalimpong / Gangtok 04-06 Gangtok 07 Gangtok / Darjeeling 08 Darjeeling / Phuentsholing - Bhutan 09 Phuentsholng / Thimphu 10 Thimphu 11 Thimphu / Paro 12 Paro 13 Paro / Kathmandu 14 Kathmandu 15 Kathmandu / Lhasa - Tibet

Day 01: (Tue) Arrive Kathmandu - Nepal
Though the Himalayas stretch over several countries, Kathmandu holds the crown as the undisputed capital of the Himalayan region. Upon arrival in Kathmandu we are warmly received and subsequently transferred to our hotel. This evening we experience the life and warmth of the people.
Overnight: Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza (1 night) (D)

Day 02: (Wed) Kathmandu / Kalimpong - India (flight)
A 45-minute flight conveys us to Bhadrapur where we will embark on a drive through the Teesta Valley to Kalimpong. This small mountain town sits at an elevation of 1250 m / 4101 ft and consists of beautiful countryside dotted with charming European styled cottages, definitely an extraordinary site to behold. Bhadrapur has become an important centre for floriculture with over 200 flower nurseries.
Overnight: Hotel Silver Oaks (1 night) (B, D)

Day 03: (Thu) Kalimpong / Gangtok (drive 100 kms / 60 mi)
In Kalimpong, we visit some of the famous flower nurseries specialised in growing Orchids, Cacti, Anthuriums, and Gladioli etc. Later we enjoy the highlight of the day, a leisurely walk through the bustling market.
Overnight: Hotel Norkhill (3 nights) (B, D)

Days 04 - 06: (Fri-Sun) Gangtok
Three interesting and unforgettable days in Gangtok. We start the sightseeing of Gangtok with Tashi to experience the breathtaking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, and then it is off to see the local artisans at work. These artisans have been a part of this cottage industry. During the flower festival we take a tour of the nurseries and then continue with our touring of Gangtok. To end our stay in Gangtok we take a day trip to Tsomgo Lake located east of Gangtok at an altitude of 3650 m / 11975 yds. The journey to this spectacular mountain lake offers a magnificent view of Mt. Khangchendzonga and other peaks of Sikkim Himalayas. (B, D)

Day 07: (Mon) Gangtok / Darjeeling (drive 150 kms / 90 mi)
We take off for delightful Darjeeling where we visit the Ghoom Monastery, built in1875, to see one of the largest statues of the Maitreya Buddha. Next stop is the Himalayan Zoo, home to Himalayan fauna such as: the Red Panda, Black Bear, Yaks and Tigers in their natural habitat. We end the day with a visit to the Natural History Museum, which has a fine collection of preserved butterflies, birds, reptiles and insects of the Himalayas.
Overnight: New Elgin (1 night) (B, D)

Day 08: (Tue) Darjeeling / Phuentsholing - Bhutan (drive 85 kms)
We bid farewell to enchanting Darjeeling and take a scenic drive to Phuentsholing. As we drive to Phuentsholing, we stop at various villages along the way and meet the local folks and experience the local culture.
Overnight: Hotel Mountain View (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 09: (Wed) Phuentsholng / Thimphu (drive 174 kms)
After an early breakfast, we drive to Thimphu. We arrive in time for lunch after which we with a visit of the Memorial Chorten (a huge Stupa) followed by the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved and the Handicrafts Emporium where traditional textiles, Arts and crafts are displayed and can be bought.
Overnight: Bhutan Tourism Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10: (Thu) Thimphu
We enjoy a full Day tour of Thimphu visiting the Institute for Traditional Medicine, the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts where young Bhutanese students are taught the art of traditional method of painting Thankhas, the gold and silver bazaar, the Simtokha Dzong. (B, L, D)

Day 11: (Fri) Thimphu / Paro (drive 65 kms)
Early morning we drive to Paro to Satasam Chorten and hike to Taktsang Monastery. The round trip hike takes about 4 hours with picnic lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria overlooking beautiful scenery. Evening we stroll through the narrow lanes of Paro town meeting local folks and chatting over tea.
Overnight: Bhutan Tourism Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 12: (Sat) Paro Our Paro experience starts with a visit to the National Museum, the flagstone of Paro Rinpung Dzong, the Tower (Utse), built in 1645, of the Dzong with its superb wood work, the vista of Mount Chomulhari, " The mountain of Goddess (altitude 7329 m / 24045 ft) and a typical Bhutanese farm house. Evening we take a leisurely stroll in Paro, a great opportunity to meet the people.
(B, L, D)

Day 13: (Sun) Paro / Kathmandu (flight)
A scenic mountain flights gets us from Paro to Nepal and into Kathmandu where we are met and transferred to our hotel. We enjoy the Nepali hospitality and take time to walk through the town that is so well known, visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.
Overnight: Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza (2