Yak at Tsangmo Lake in Sikkim India.

Day 04: GANGTOK – TSOMGO LAKE (3 HRS) – GANGTOK             BLD

After breakfast, drive to Tsomgo Lake, also known as The Source of the Lake (3,780 m). Warm clothing is needed for this place. The lake derives its water from melting snow from the surrounding mountains, which is one of the famous sacred lakes in Sikkim, situated near the borders of Tibet. Observe the array of scenery on the spectacular drive back to the hills. Take your time to explore around the lake before driving back to Gantok.  Spend the rest of your afternoon relaxing or shopping in the market.

Day 05: GANGTOK – LACHUNG (6~7-HRS)        BLD

Today, we leave for North district of Sikkim to a small village, Lachung (2,400 m). This spectacular drive will take about 6-7 hrs (lunch en-route). If weather is clear, you will be able to see the magnificent range of the third highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga. Arrive Lachung in the late afternoon and check in at a lodge. (Please note that the facilities here are very basic as this place is one of the remotest in Sikkim).

Day 06: LACHUNG – YUMTHANG (1-HRS) – GANGTOK (6~7-HRS drive)                                                                                                     BLD

After breakfast, we leave for Yumthang (3,500 m) excursion. This panoramic drive will bring you to the Valley of Flowers which consists of about 36 species of rhododendrons, primulas and other spectacular alpine wild flowers. Yaks and dzos (a hybrid between cow and yak) can be seen grazing on the meadows. On the way back, walk across the Lachung Chu and enjoy an optional dip in a hot spring.

Day 07: GANGTOK – RUMTEK – RAWVANGLA – NAMCHI  ( 140 km, 3-4 hour drive and 3 hours visiting time)  `         BLD

After breakfast drive to visit Rumtek monastery. Rumtek served as the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim for some time. But when Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 16th Karmapa, arrived in Sikkim in 1959 after fleeing Tibet, the monastery was in ruins. Despite being offered other sites, the Karmapa decided to rebuild Rumtek.  On completion drive to Singtam for Lunch.  After lunch drive Rawangla to visit Tathagata Tsal also known and Buddha Park.  It was constructed between 2006 and 2013 and features a 130-foot high statue of the Buddha as its centerpiece. The site was chosen within the larger religious complex of the Rabong Gompa (Monastery), itself a centuries-old place of pilgrimage.  After visiting Tathagata, drive to Namchi and transfer to Hotel. Namchi commands panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. It is also headquarters of South Sikkim district.

Day 08: NAMCHI – KALIMPOING (50 KM 2.30 HRS)                                                                                                                                          BLD

After breakfast drive to Samdruptse – the world’s largest statue (at 118 feet) of the Buddhist Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling well) opposite Namchi.  It was completed in February 2004. It is also said that the Samdruptse hill is actually a Dormant Volcano. Myths say that the buddhist monks have been going on top of the hill and offering prayers to the volcano to keep it calm.  On completion drive to visit recently inaugurated (November 2011) Siddhesvara Dhaam where you can view 87 ft statue of Lord Shiva and replicas of four Dhaams of the country at one place at Solophok hilltop in Namchi. The four most revered Dhams of the Hindus Jagannath, Dwarika, Rameshawaram, Badrinath.  After visiting we drive to visit Sai Temple.  Return to Hotel for Lunch.  After lunch drive through picturesque tea gardens to the world renowned hill station Kalimpong.  On arrival visit Dr Graham’s Home. After dinner, enjoy your free and easy time browsing at the local bazaar.

Day 09: KALIMPONG – PHUENTSHOLING (BHUTAN)  175, km, 6 hours     BLD

After breakfast drive to Phuentsholing and met by our Bhutan representative, after clearing immigration formalities, check in at the Hotel.  Visit Zangtho Pelri: Situated in city centre, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. On ground floor there are statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha’s life while the next floor contains eight Bodhisattavas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On top floor, there is a main statue of Amitabha.  Later in the evening explore the local market.

Day 10: PHUENTSHOLING – THIMPHU (180 km, 6 hours drive)                                                                                                                   BLD

After breakfast drive to Thimphu. 4 km ahead of Phuentsholing, visit Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery situated in garden of tropical plants and flowers. The monastery contains paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and plains of West Bengal and their tea gardens beyond.  Proceed further to Thimphu. This entire drive is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Lunch would be served at Bunakha cafeteria, Fives miles, before Thimphu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies. After checking into hotel proceed on to visit Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Later visit National Memorial Chorten.

Day 11: THIMPU – PUNAKHA ( 75 Km, 3 hours drive)                                                                                                                                      BLD

Drive to Dochula (‘la’ means mountain pass)，a historical significance pass was the ancient route connecting western and central Bhutan.  The leisure drive from Thimpu to Dochula is fascinating, take about 45 minutes uphill to the first mountain pass, Dochula, in the western part of Bhutan.  As you reach the pass, you find the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges, draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could walk three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots. If the weather is clear, you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north, Gangar Punsum (24,836 ft), is one of the highest unclimbed peaks in the world.  Arrive Punakha drive to Metshina Village and visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery especially for pilgrimage, particularly women seeking blessings to beget children. Continue to visit Punakha Dzong which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region.  It is built strategically at the intersection of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers.  O/n at Punakha.

Day 12: PUNAKHA – PARO ( 125 km, 4.1/2 hours drive)                                                                                                                               B L D

After breakfast drive back to Paro, on the way enjoy breathe taking view of the Himalayan ranges on Dochula once again, arrive Paro visit Paro Dzong a fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro valley has a long history began in 1644 and Ta Dzong the National Museum housed in a round fortress considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts..  Free time for shopping.   O/n at Paro.

Day 13: TIGER NEST MONASTERY EXCURSION                                                                                                                                            BLD

After breakfast, drive to Haa valley, it was one of the main commercial gateways until roads opened through Phuentsholing in the earlier 1960s. The route via Haa was an important access for the Bhutanese just as the Silk Route was for many Himalayan countries. The Haa district is characterized by the picturesque Haa valley where wheat, barley, apples, potatoes and chillies are grown. You will be driving through picture square Chele la (3988m), a favourite place for many visitors which is one of highest motorable passes in the country. For the Buddhists, it is also a sacred place to festoon the pass with prayer flags. The great Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche, the 2^nd Lord Buddha, visited Haa Valley in the 8^th Century, imbuing the local population with his sacred Buddhist teachings.  These Buddhist legends and beliefs of the people are still preserved in a traditional way in the local festivals, rituals, myths, stories and traditional dances.  The Wangchulo Dzong is one of Bhutan’s newest, built in 1915 to replace a smaller structure. It is an impressive chorten that marks the entrance of several army offices, houses and a rations shop.

Day 14: FLY HOME                           DRUK AIR   KB 500 PBH 0720 – SIN 1540                                                        Packed Breakfast

Transfer to the Airport and fly to Singapore.

*Same standard Hotel provided at Delhi                                                                                                                     Hotels Subject to availability

SRS: Single Room Supplement,