The Hidden Himalayas
(NEPAL, DARJEELING, SIKKIM AND BHUTAN) 17 Days/16 Nights

• Duration: 17 Days
• Cost 1 Pax: US$ 3,340| US$ 3,640
• Cost 2 Pax: US$ 2,940| US$ 3,240
• Cost 3 Pax & Above: US$ 2,600| US$ 2,900

Day 1| Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Evening explore the touristic centre and the most happening place, Thamel where you will meet the people and find cuisine from all around the world.

Overnight: Kathmandu| Altitude: 1400m

Day 2| Kathmandu – Nagarkot (2 Hrs)

After breakfast drive to Nagarkot for an excellent view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges as well as renowned for the spectacular sunrise. Enjoy the scenic drive through the little villages.

Overnight: Nagarkot| Altitude: 2175m

Day 3| Nagarkot – Kathmandu

Early morning enjoy the beautiful golden sunrise over the high White Mountain peaks of the Himalayas. After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu, en route visit Bhaktapur. Also known as Bhadgaon meaning the city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lunch at Bhaktapur and drive to Patan Durbar Square, located at the center of Lalitpur district and is one of the UNESCO listed world heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 4| Kathmandu Sightseeing

Breakfast at the hotel and our expert tour guide escort you for the guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.

Pashupatinath: Situated on the bank of Holy River Bagmati is a sacred holy site for Hindu Pilgrimage from all over the world. Pashupatinath is one of the most significant Hindu temple of Lord Shiva in the world. Also, large numbers of tourist visit this place to witness the Hindu Ritual “Cremation” on the bank of Holy River Bagmati.

Boudanath: Located on the eastern outskirts of Kathamndu, Boudanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: One of the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site of Kathmandu, Kathmandu Durbar Square is also known by the name Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square derived after the statue of Hanuman. Kathmandu Durbar Square held the palaces of Shah and Malla Kings who ruled over the Kathmandu City. Also famous temple of Living Goddesses “Kumari” also lies within the periphery of Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Swayambhunath: Situated on a small hillock on the west of Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath a sacred Buddhist shrine is also well known by the name of Monkey Temple amount the tourist. According to the Buddhist Legend, Swayambhunath is a self-created temple and is one of the oldest Buddhist temple of Kathmandu Valleys.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 5| Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Darjeeling

Morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Bhadrapur, Nepal India border. Upon your arrival our representative will welcome you and drive to Nepal India border and process your visa formalities and drive to Darjeeling. It’s a gradual climb over the Himalayas. Once your stat climbing up through the beautiful landscape of tea garden and the toy train link crossing your road now and again, the view is breathtaking. The road gets very narrow slowly and very steep uphill but you can trust the skill of the local driver. Upon your arrival in Darjeeling, check into your hotel and evening walk in the Mall.

Overnight: Darjeeling| Altitude: 2100m

Day 6| Darjeeling Sightseeing

Early morning visit Tiger Hill for fabulous sunrise views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world at 28,156 ft. On our drive back to the hotel we will stop at Ghoom, a Tibetan-Buddhist monastery. After breakfast we shall visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the nearest tea garden to witness the orthodox manufacturing process of Darjeeling Tea. Later walk around the Mall and the local market.

Overnight: Darjeeling

Day 7| Darjeeling – Pelling (5 Hrs)

Drive through steep downhill till Nayabazar on the Sikkim side passing through the tea gardens. Later drive through terraced farms and lush sub tropical vegetation on flat running just on top of river Rangeet then uphill through occasional villages, hamlets and forests. Pelling offers the magnificent views of eastern Himalayas including Mt. Kunchenjunga on a clear day. Visit the famous monasteries – Pemayangtse and Sangacholing including a short walk to ruins of Rabdentse, the second palace of erstwhile Sikkim.

Overnight: Pelling| Altitude: 2150m

Day 8| Yuksom Excursion

Drive to Yuksom via Khecheopelri Lake “Wishing Lake” (32 kms), which lies in the deep forest cover. It is one of the sacred Buddhist mountain lakes wherever it is believed that whatever is wished in front of the lake comes true. Myth has its that when a leaf falls on the placid clear water surface is picked by a bird. The jeep drive passes through verdant forests, cardamom fields and terraced farms downhill about 8 kms and uphill about 6 kms to Yuksom the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyel of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact at Norbugang Corten in the form of stone seats and foot print of the Head Lame on a stone. Back to Hotel for Lunch. After lunch you cover Pemayangtse Monastery which belongs to the Nyingma-pa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built as a small temple in late 17^th century by Latsun Chenpo. On the top floor there is a wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguru’s Heavenly palace Sangthokpalri & Rabdengtse palace ruins – once the second capital of Sikkim is now a historical monument.

Overnight: Pelling

Day 9| Pelling – Gangtok (5 Hrs)

After breakfast start your drive for Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim state. It’s a nice drive through wide range of vegetation and many small villages and small towns. Final ascend for almost half and hour takes you to Gangtok town located at the hill top with beautiful view.

Overnight: Gangtok| Altitude: 2100m

Day 10| Gangtok Sightseeing

After breakfast drive to the other side of the hill for Rumtek monastery, the Dharma Chakra Centre. It’s a beautiful drive. Later back to Gangtok and visit Deorali Goemba monastery and the Institute of Tibetology. Other sites includes the Directorate of Handicrafts, Enchey monastery, Flower show and View point. Evening walk around the walking zone of Gangtok mall.

Overnight: Gangtok

Day 11| Gangtok – Phuntsholing (6 Hrs)

The six hours drive starts with a steep descend initially for half an hour. One will immensely enjoy the driving alongside the Teesta River with its blue green water rushing over boulders which is another image not to be forgotten. As you approach the plains of the Duars, the road gets busy. Once, you reach the plains, it’s a nice drive along the tea estate. Finally reaching Phuentsholing Bhutan. Upon your arrival, your Bhutanese escort will be waiting for you in your hotel. He will assist you to process for your entry permit. Evening stroll around the Bhutan Indian town.

Overnight: Phuentsholing| Altitude: 150m

Day 12| Phuentsholing – Thimphu (5 Hrs)

Morning start for Thimphu with a gentle climb through the balcony of the Himalayan ranges overlooking the plains of Duars of India. Even though the journey is long and tiring, you will be rewarded with spectacular sights of the diverse range in vegetation that Bhutan is so well known for. Upon arrival in Thimphu, if time permits, visit the Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3^rd King. This place now happens to be a get together point for the elderly people, who spend their whole day chanting prayers and meeting their friends. Drive futher up to visit the largest and the newly built statue of Buddha offering magnificent view of entire Thimphu valley. After 5 PM, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king. Evening walk around the happening town, the largest and the most crowded town in Bhutan.

Overnight: Thimphu| Altitude: 2300m

Day 13| Thimphu – Punakha (2.5 Hrs)

Morning visit the happening weekend market (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) where the locals from the surrounding villages come to sell their produce. They sell their goods and in return they buy their basic necessities. In olden days, bata system was practiced by everyone. Visit the traditional Hand Made Paper Mill. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Visit Folk Heritage Museum which explains how a traditional house used to be like in the olden days. Later visit the National Library which houses the collection of Bhutanese rich religious text and the contemporary Buddhism teachings from master all around the world. Drive further up to visit the Dechenphodrang monastic school and meet the young monks. Later continue to Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them. Lunch in the town and drive to Punakha crossing over Dochula pass (3200 mts). If the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular breath taking view of the highest mountain peaks of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. Take a break and walk around the newly built 108 stupas and continue to the sub tropical valley of Punakha offering a different vegetation. En route just before arriving the hotel, taka a nice hike through the paddy field and old village to visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus.

Overnight: Punakha| Altitude: 1350m

Day 14| Punakha – Phobjikha (3 Hrs)

If you are staying in hotel Meri Puensum, hotel Zandopelri or hotel Densa, early morning it will be a treat to walk up to the hilltop to visit the nunnery and interact with the nuns and enjoy the magnificent view of Punkha and Wangdi valley. Later after breakfast drive to visit Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. This is a must to see fortress in Bhutan and also a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. Later drive to the remote isolated valley of Phobjikha. The drive is very picturesque and worth every turn and climb. This valley is protected being winter home for the endangered Black Necked Cranes migrating to Bhutan every end of Oct to end of Feb. This valley is a paradise for the nature lovers and hikers. There are many trails such as the Phobjikha Nature trail hike (2.5 Hrs), which offers beautiful view of the valley. It starts from the valley and end with Gangtey Goempa temple at the hilltop overlooking the valley. Or if you are too tired after the long drive, could relax in the hotel and enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley. This is a very remote village and the hotel standard is very basic. Being protected, this valley got electricity recently only. Farm house stay optional.

Overnight: Phobjikha| Altitude: 2900m

Day 15| Phobjikha – Paro (6.5 Hrs)

Morning could go for walk right below your hotel and meet the school children who all walk for hours to reach their nearest school. Later after breakfast retrace the drive back to Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue further to stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Could get some opportunity to see the traditional game, Archery match going on. Evening back to the hotel.

Overnight: Paro| Altitude: 2200m

Day 16| Paro Sightseeing

Morning drive to the base for the hike (3 hrs uphill) to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff over looking the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. On the way back, if you have the energy and time visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country. Hot stone bath available at an additional cost. Farewell dinner with your guide.

Overnight: Paro

Day 17| Departure

Morning transfer (15 mins) to the airport for your departure flight. Your guide will bid you farewell at the airport.