Ravens Country Combined Trip
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Ravens Sikkim Bhutan Kathmandu Trip
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Duration
18 Day(s) |
| Destination(s):
Sikkim Bhutan Kathmandu |
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DURATION |
GRADE |
SPECIALITY
CATEGORIES |
SEASON |
18 Days
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Sikkim
Bhutan Kathmandu |
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Day 1 - Fly Delhi/Kolkata/Kathmandu to Bagdogra Airport/ NJP
Railway Station and drive to Darjeeling. (5 1/2hrs)
Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 2 - Darjeeling to Pemayangtse (2100m) morning Visit
Himalayan Zoo- himalayan fauna in natural habitat, red panda,
black bear, yaks and the famous show leopard/ Himalayan Mountaineering
institute and Museum of Everest Expedition / Tibetan self help
centre, training and sales Emporium of Tibetan handicrafts.
Afternoon. Darjeeling-Pemayangste, (102km/4 1/2hrs) After lunch
drive to Pemayansgte, West Sikkim.
Overnight in Sikkim.
Day 3 - Pemayangtse to Gangtok: (2,085m) the Morning
Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery. This is a premier monastery
of Sikkim built in the 17th century. Afternoon a short walk
to Sangobhholing Monastery (02 km/45 min) located on a hillock
above the hotel. On a clear day the view of the mountain range
is breathtaking.
Later drive to Gangtok, (1,600mts/117 km 5 hrs) In the morning
drive through semi tropical forests, cardamom plantation and
small villages to Gangtok, once the capital of the kingdom of
Sikkm, after noon stroll around the town..
Overnight in Sikkim.
Day 04 - In Gangtok
Go for a day sightseeing covering Directorate of Handicraft
& Handloom, Enchey Monastery, Research Institute of Tibetology,
Chorten and Orchid Sanctuary and world famous Rumtek Monastery.
Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 05 - Gangtok - Jaldapara
Morning after Breakfast you will transfer Jaldapara check in
hotel. Evening free
Overnight at Jaldapara.
Day 06 - Jaldapara - Phuntsoling
After a Jungle Safari, drive to your destination which is Phunentsohling
.
Phuentsholing(Bhutan).
Morning drive to the border town of Bhuatn known as Phuentsholing(7
hours drive)
Phuentsholing, the "gateway to Bhutan " in the south-west
of Bhutan, is the only land border which grants access to the
country. 90% of trade in Bhutan is with India and is conducted
through this town. Phuentsholing is approximately 170km east
of the Indian national airport Bagdogra, near Darjeeling, and
180km from the capital city Thimphu, a drive of around eight
hours. Phuentsholing being the border town has an Indian character
and taste, even though it tries to maintain Bhutanese way of
living.
Your representative will greet you on arrival at the border
town and after finishing the immigration formalities, will drive
you to the hotel where you will be staying.
Overnight in Phuentsholing.
Day 7 - Phuentsholing to Thimphu. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft
above sea level.(1 hour 30 minutes drive)
Morning drive to the capital city Thimphu. The road ascends
from Phuentsholing towards the capital city Thimphu, you will
witness some of the most fascinating views of the Himalayan
mountain ranges available during the day, and take in the wide
variety of fauna and flora along the roadside. You will also
notice the sudden change in altitude, temperature and vegetation
that heralds the beginning of a truly memorable stay in our
country from the foot hills, passing through many villages and
spectacular landscape. (6-7 hrs drive)
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 8 - In Thimphu
Morning visit the weekend market: Held every Friday,
Saturday and Sunday, the people crowd the stalls every day,
dressed in full colour and gathered to meet and to barter, much
like the street markets in London!
Later take a hike to Cheri Monastery (Includes Dodina and
Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary): Hike about 1hrs (to and
fro) leads to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). Zhabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first
monk body here. A chance to spot birds such as Mrs Gould's Sunbird,
Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush,
Ultramarine Flycatcher.
Folk Heritage museum: It was inaugurated by Her Majesty
the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, who is the founder and
patron of the Museum, on 28th July 2001.It is dedicated to connecting
people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of its
items and artifacts used in rural households.
Textile museum: It was established with the aim of preserving
and promoting Bhutanese textile arts.
Paper factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed
from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese
history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National
heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through
all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high
esteem both in home and outside world.
Mini zoo: Here you can see just one animal - Bhutan's
national animal- the Takin. This is an extremely rare member
of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes
(13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo.
Sangaygang View Point: The view point is also the perfect
place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire
city of Thimpu and also later visit Kuenselcholing hilltop where
the largest Buddha in the world is being built.
Tashichho Dzong: The names means - Means Fortress of
Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang
Namgyel. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room
and the office of the king, and the central monk body.
Later just stroll around the city and see how local live and
do some shopping.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 9 - Thimphu to Trongsa. Altitude: 2200m /7260ft above
sea level.(5 hours drive)
Morning visit, Memorial Chorten: This particular chorten
was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of
the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded
as the father of modern Bhutan.
Later driving towards Trongsa, we come across a pass known as
Dochula (3140m, 10362ft from where a beautiful panoramic view
of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially in clear
winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by
the Druk Wangyal Chortens- a 108 stupas built by the eldest
Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 10 - Trongsa to Gangtey Goenpa/Phobjikha: Altitude:
2800m/ 9240ft above sea level (3 hours drive)
Morning visit, Trongsa Dzong: It was built by Chhogyel
Mingyur Tempa (sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan to
bring under the rule of the Desi) in the year 1644The dzong
dominates the horizon, dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Both
the First and the Second King ruled the country from this Dzong.
And also visit the Trongsa Museum.
Later drive to Gangtey valley
Overnight in Gangtey.
Day 11 - Gangtey to Punakha. Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above
sea level. (1hour 30 minutes drive)
Morning visit the Phobjikha Visitor Centre: This is the
crane information centre. Stopping here first also ensures that
visitors become aware of the codes of conducts for the conservation
area.
Later we will go for a Gangtey Nature Trail: (Duration:
Half day: two hours at a quicker pace): This is one of the most
beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trail. In this
trail you have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Goemba(Monastery),
it also leads to sloping area of green grass, flanked by pine
trees on either side. You will even come across some villages,
rivers, crane roosting ground.
Later drive to Punakha valley
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 12 - Punakha to Paro. Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above
sea level(4 hours drive)
Morning visit, Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637
by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers
of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time
of second king it served as a seat of the king.
Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): This Temple was
built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It
is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road -Wooden
phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the
houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses.
It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil
spirits.
Later drive to Paro valley
Later visit, Ta Dzong: This means - watch tower, which
it served as during the 17th century to guard the region from
the Tibetan invasion. It was converted to the National Museum
in 1968.
Rimpung Dzong: Means fortress of the heap of jewels.
It was built during the time of Zhabdrung (deeply revered to
this day as dynamic political and spiritual leader) in 1644It
is also the venue for the Paro festival (Tsechu.
Kichu Lhakhang(Monastery): It is one of the two most
sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th
century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 13 - In Paro
Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's nest): This is Bhutan's
most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly
sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed
by fire in April 1998 it has now been restored to its former
glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric
master Guru Rimopche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the
back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands.
Three hours hike(to and fro)
Visit Farmhouse: Eating, taking bath and staying for
a night at a local farmhouse gives a different variation, and
a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just
the brightly decorated exteriors.
Later stroll around the town and see how locals live.
Overnight in Paro
Day 14 - Depart from Paro to Kathmandu.
Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport.
Your escort from Raven Tours and Treks will assist you with
exit formalities and bid you farewell.
When you arrive at the Kathmandu airport, our representative
will greet you with typical Nepali tradition and will take you
to Nagarkot where you will be staying.
Nagarkot (2.200m), located at a hilltop around 35 kilometers
east of Kathmandu, is a very scenic spot. Nagarkot offers spectacular
sunset and sunrise views on the mighty Himalayas when the weather
is clear. Nagarkot is famous for being one of the best places
to see Mount Everest and lots of other snow covered Himalaya
peaks like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Gauri Shankar.
Overnight in Nagarkot.
Day 15 - Nagarkot - Pokhara
Early wake up call to see the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas.
Breakfast and transfer to Pokhara by private transport. During
the drive we will already have stunning views on the mighty
Himalaya massifs which rise above 8.000m, like Manaslu and Annapurna.
Flights to pokhara.
Pokhara (200 km west of Kathmandu) is often called the
enchanting Himalayan valley,surrounded by beautiful snow-capped
mountains, with the magnificent Phewa lake of crystal-clear
pure Himalayan water, all-year round pleasing weather and friendly
people.
In Pokhara visit the Santi Stupa, a massive Buddhist
stupa which is situated on top of a hill on the southern
shore of Phewa lake in Pokhara. Besides being an impressive
sight in itself, the scene is a great advantage point which
offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range, holy
Mount Macchapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) and Pokhara city.
Overnight in Pokhara
Day 16 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
Time allowed visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square. This is
a durbar of history and arts. One can see artistic monuments,
find the house of the living goddess Kumari, learn about
the Kal Bhairam temple, red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic
wood carvings. The Kastmandap rest house located
within the durbar square is said to have been built from a single
tree. It is because of this house that Kathmandu valley (Valley
of the Gods) got its name.
Patan Durbar Square: The ancient city is situated on
the southern bank of the river Bagmati and is about five kms
southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Buddhist monuments
and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities
and wonderful carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers,it
is known as the city of artists. Patan is the oldest of the
three ancient city-kingdoms of the Kathmandu valley which once
ruled by the Mallas.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 17 - In Kathmandu
Kathmandu sightseeing tour with visits to Buddhist stupas
of Swayambunath and Boudhanath as well as Pashupatinath temple,
a very sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. All places we will visit
today are World Heritage sites.
Boudhanath Stupa: (or Bodnath Stupa) is the largest
stupa in Nepal. It is also the center of Tibetan culture in
Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism and sacred
importance. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha on the
eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.
Swayambunath: Perched atop a forested hill on the western
edge of the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambunath Stupa is Kathmandu's
most important Buddhist shrine. The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha's
eyes that stare out from the top of this hemispherical shrine
have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal. It is also known
as the Monkey Temple, and as you start up the hill, you
will likely begin to see the monkeys that lend the stupa this
alternate name.
Pashupatinath: The temple of Pashupatinath, or
Pashupati, is located in Deopatan, a little town 3 km
northwest of Kathmandu. It is a Hindu temple, dedicated
to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals).
It attracts thousands of pilgrims each year and has become well
known far beyond the Kathmandu Valley.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 18 - Depart from Kathmandu
Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport.
Your escort from Raven Tours and Treks will assist you with
exit formalities and bid you farewell.
Inclusion on the Tour
1. All sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary.
2. Experienced English Speaking Tour Guide
3. Accommodation in the hotels mentioned or similar.
4. Private transport (Toyota coach / Tucson / Santafe / Land
cruiser / Prado) as per itinerary.
5. All entry fees to monuments.
6. All applicable taxes.
7. All applicable airfares in economy class (Kolkata - Bagdogra
& Paro - Katmandu)
8. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) in Darjeeling, Gangtok
and Bhutan.
9. Only breakfast in Kathmandu, Nagarkot and Pokhara.
10. Visa fee for Bhutan
11. Bhutan - Kathmandu flight fare
12. Pokhara - Kathmandu -Pokhara flight fare.
Exclusion on the Tour
1. Any airport taxes
2. Any meals other than those already mentioned.
3. Bank fee = USD25 only.
4. Gratuities, bar bills, telephone bills, personal expenses
and laundry.
5. Any other services not mentioned.
HOTELS TO BE USED:
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Time in Nepal:
