Itinerary

Day 1-2 - March 12-13 Fly to Bangkok,

overnight in Bangkok.

Day 3 - March 14 Fly Bangkok to Paro,

arrive mid-day. Visit Kichu Lhakhang and the Drukgyel Dzong. Overnight Paro.

Day 4 - March 15 Drive to Thimphu, sightseeing:

Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, government center, and papermaking factory. Free time for shopping. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 5 - March 16 Punakha:

Drive over Dochula (10,000 ft) and on to Punakha Dzong, an impressive 17th century monastery/fortress. Take an easy walk through farmfields to Chimi Lhakhang, home of the Divine Madman, who is said to cure infertility! Overnight Punakha/Wangdi Phodrang.

Day 6 - March 17 Weekend Market in Thimphu/Drive to Paro

Drive to Thimphu, visit the weekend market where farmers sell their wares. Drive to Paro, overnight Paro.

Day 7 - March 18 Paro Tsechu:

Attend the Tsechu, held in the Paro Dzong courtyard. Dancers adorned in colorful silk robes, masks and with swords dance in a trance to the crowd’s delight. A great photo opp. Overnight Paro.

Day 8 - March 19 Final day of Paro Tsechu:

Arise early to witness the unfurling of the Thongdrel, a huge scroll tapestry/thangkas, at the conclusion of Tsechu. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro. Overnight in Paro.

Day 9 - March 20 Depart Paro,

drive to Phuntsoling (4-5 hrs). Overnight Phuntsoling.

Day 10 - March 21 Drive to Sikkim,

drive through tea gardens of North India to Sikkim. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 11 - March 22 Drive to trailhead -- Hike through forests of Rhododendron.

Stretch your legs on a half-day trek through the mid-hills, amidst a breathtaking array of flowering Rhododendron trees! Delight in the range of colors, shapes and sizes. Overnight in a comfortable lodge.

Day 12 - March 23 Continue trek through Sikkim’s flower wonderland.

Overnight in a hotel in Pelling, with panoramic views of the Sikkim Himalaya.

Day 13 - March 24 Pemayangtse to Yuksom:

Visit this premier Nyingma monastery, Pemayangste, with its ornate carved wooden image of heaven. Visit holy Khechepalri Lake, and drive an hour to Yuksom. Overnight in lodge.

Day 14 - March 25 Yuksom:

Visit the coronation site of Sikkim’s first Choegyal (King) and take a guided walk through the magnificent forests of Kangchendzonga National Park. Learn about village conservation in Yuksom. O/N Yuksom.

Day 15 - March 26 Yuksom to Gangtok:

Visit a tea estate en route to Gangtok (5 hr drive), capital of Sikkim. Stay in a traditional Sikkimese hotel, Gangtok.

Day 16 - March 27 Gangtok:

Tour Rumtek Monastery and Buddhist university, Dodrul Chorten. Enjoy a last night special Sikkimese dinner. O/N Gangtok

Day 17 - March 28 Drive to Bagdogra, fly to Calcutta.

Overnight in Calcutta, or transfer to international flight.

Day 18 - March 29 Fly to Bangkok or your home destination.

 

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