Essence of Himalaya Tour
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Morning arrive at Kathmandu - KTM (Tribhuvan International) airport. Kathmandu - is the hub of Nepal's traditional culture and arts. This is the place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments, and mountain views. Rest of the day free to relax at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu
After breakfast at hotel visit Swayambhunath - The great Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath located on the top of a hill west of Kathmandu, is one of the most popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is known affectionately as the 'Monkey Temple', after the large troop of handsome monkeys that guards the hill and amuses visitors and devotees with tricks (including sliding gracefully down the banisters of the main stairway to the temple). Pashupatinath - This is Nepal's most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the subcontinent's great Shiva sites. The supreme holiness of the site stems from the Shiva linga enshrined in its main temple and its location, Darbar Square, Bodhnath- This great stupa is one of Nepal's most distinctive monuments and one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal and with a diameter of over 100 meters, amongst the largest in the world. Rest of the day free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Kathmandu
After breakfast at hotel enjoy excursion visit to Bhaktpura( Entry Fee- 15 USD per person) - Located about 20 km east of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is known as the 'City of Devotees', the 'City of Culture', the 'Living Heritage', and 'Nepal's Cultural Gem'. It is one of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The others are Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Patan. Bhaktapur is filled with monuments, most terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs, open courtyards. The city is dotted with pagodas and religious shrines.
Later visit Patan( Entry Fee-15 USD per person)- located about 5 km south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, on the southern side of the Bagmati River, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. The city is known for its rich tradition of arts and handicrafts and as the birthplace of master craftsmen and artists such as Arniko and Kuber Singh. Later return back to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Kathmandu – Bhadrapur (Flight) - Darjeeling (90kms / 3.5 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board on flight to Bhadrapur. Bhadrapur is the nearest airport in Nepal to reach Darjeeling. On arrival, meeting assistance at airport by our representative and drive to Kakarvitta - which is situated at the border of Nepal and India. After completing all the legal formalities for crossing the border. Our driver from India will meet you and take you Darjeeling for your further tour.
Darjeeling - Originally just a cluster of villages that was administered intermittently by Nepal and Sikkim, Darjeeling grew in prominence during the mid 19th century when, because of its climate, the British first established a hill station there after leasing it from the Chogyal of Sikkim and later discovered that the area was particularly well suited for tea plantations. On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Darjeeling
Early morning visit Tiger Hill - Tiger Hill is about 12km from Darjeeling and is a Mecca for tourists visiting the mountains. You have to get up at early morning to make it there in time for sunrise, over the Mount Kanchenjunga range. As the sun appears, the mountain changes color in what is a pretty darn amazing sight. It is the third highest mountain in the world at the height of 8,500 ft (2,600 m), and Everest is viewable in the distance, also visit Ghoom Monastery - Situated at an altitude of 8,000 feet, 8 km south of town is one of the holiest and better known of Darjeeling’s monasteries Batasia Loop - a railway loop is an interesting example of engineering. At this loop the toy train takes a very unique turn. Later return back to hotel.
After breakfast at hotel transfer to railway station one can enjoy World Heritage Toy train ride( Optional) - The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is lovingly called the "Toy Train". The Toy Train ride is a romantic approach to the Himalayas, a mysterious region. The landscape can only be described as spectacular and the views of the Himalayan peaks breathtaking.
Later visit Tibetan Refugee Centre (Closed on Sunday), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Lebong Race Course (from outside). Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Darjeeling – Pelling (28kms / 1 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Pelling. Pelling - is a picturesque town nestled at an altitude of 2,150 m (7,200 feet). The mighty Himalayas and the Kanchenjanga may be viewed at close quarters from Pelling. Pelling also forms the base from where trekkers and other peripatetic adventurers undertake the strenuous and arduous treks in West Sikkim. The land around Pelling is still a virgin territory and is bathed with alpine vegetation, with numerous waterfalls lining the hillside. On arrival,
check in at hotel.
After wash and change at hotel visit Pemayangtse Monastery - Perched at an altitude of 6840 ft, it is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim, literally means 'Perfect Sublime Lotus'. Lama Lhatsun Chempo got the monastery built, mainly for the 'ta-sang' lamas (the purest of monks). However, with time, the monastery started serving the entire community. Pemayangtse Gompa of India boasts of a splendid collection of ancient Buddhist antique idols, scriptures as well as sculptures.
Magnificent sculptures and gracefully decorated paintings adorn the first floor of the monastery. One of the major attractions of the Pemayangtse Monastery is a seven-tiered painted wooden structure, portraying Guru Rimpoche's Heavenly Palace 'Santopalri'. Late Dungzin Rimpoche took five years to finish this structure single handedly. Presently, it is situated on the top floor of the monastery. The Chaam (monk dance) is held every year, on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. Later return back to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Pelling - Gangtok (127kms / 05 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Gangtok. Gangtok - the "Lofty Hill" or the "Hill made flat to build the Gangtok monastery in 1716". Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees it, one would believe exists only in picture-story books. In the mystery-laden mists prayer flags whip in the breeze; wheels spin in the hands of Lamas mumbling invocations to God. On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Gangtok
After an early breakfast at hotel visit Enchey Monastery - An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. This 200 year old monastery has in its premises images of Gods,
Goddesses and other religious objects. After visiting the monastery you will visit the institute of cottage industries - It is the main attraction as a wide range of local handicrafts in Lepcha style are produced here. In the evening you will visit the unique Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop which was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Rest of the day free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Gangtok
After breakfast at hotel Rumtek Monastries - Situated at a distance of 24 kms. from Gangtok - is the seat of his holiness, the XVIth Gyawla Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. Lacated at an altitude of 5800 ft, the Rumtek monastery is one of the best locations for a quite and peaceful atmosphere. The whole set is composed of the main shrine-temple, the monastery, a retreat centre, a monastic college (Shedra), a nuns' hostel, some stupas, a protectors shrine, other establishments for the community and other religious institutions. Later visit Do Drul Chorten - The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the venerable Truslshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945. Inside this Stupa, there are complete Mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba around this chorten, which is one of the most important Stupas in Sikkim, are 108 Mani-lhakor (prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "hail to the jewel in the lotus ", to invoke Buddhisattva.
Later enjoy Flower show at white hall complex - The White Hall only has historical value and is situated on the Ridge. It is a two stored structure and has typical British architecture and was built in 1932. It is so called not because it is painted white but because it was built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White. Flower exhibitions are organized round the year at the flower show venue near the white hall complex, Gangtok orchid shows held during the spring season. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Gangtok – Free day
Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Gangtok – Free day
Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Gangtok – Bagdogra (124kms/4.5hrs) – Delhi / Departure (Flight: Departure at 1525 hrs / Arrive at 1625 hrs)
Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. In time, transfer to Bagdogra airport to board on flight to Delhi. On arrival, transfer internally from domestic airport to international airport to board on flight for onward destinations. |