Today, the incredible tour package starts. Today, we reach the loud and colorful city of Kolkata. Kolkata was once the capital of British India and is historically the central place of struggle for Indian independence. In the start of the 1900’s, thousands of Bengali refugees came to this city. The turbulent past of the city is not seen in its incredible beauty.

Kolkata can be best described as a city of striking contrasts. The city can be initially overwhelming because of its pungent smells, loud noises, and unusual sights. Once you get the hang of city, however, you will begin looking at it from a different perspective. The chaotic sounds of the second largest city in India make the experience of the next day in Kolkata a beautiful one. You will be taken to your hotel and the afternoon is free for sightseeing or exploring the nightlife of this overwhelming city.

Kolkata is aptly named as one of the most interesting cities in India. This day has been dedicated to touring some of the delights of this wonderful city. The sightseeing locations worth visiting are the St. John’s Church as well as the Dalhousie Square, which is home to many historic Raj buildings.

Magnificence is portrayed in every corner of Kolkata as you visit the Victoria Memorial and its mystical marble dome. The Jain and Kali temples are other added attractions of this beautiful city. Another important location to visit is Kumartuli. It is a modeler’s village as potters spend the entire year creating idols and images for the annual, loud and colorful festivals that take place in Kolkata. The village showcases an overwhelming contrast of colors and richly attired idols, surely set to blow your minds away.

Sightseeing around Kolkata is an entirely different tour in itself. While sightseeing around the worthy locations of this city is not a deed that can be completed in a day or two, we try our best to explore the city as much as possible. We move towards the colorful flower market which is strewn with colorful flowers of marigold. These are sold by traders in a good bargain. We then move on to drive to Belur Math.

Belur Math is a pilgrimage site situated beautifully across the side of the Ganges. Its tranquil setting, perfect atmosphere, and serene ambiance make it a pilgrimage spot visited by a huge number of people all across the world.

 The Belur Math is hence is a perfect location showcasing the cultural diversity and togetherness of different religions, living in perfect harmony with each other in India.

Another location that showcases the true picture of India is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. The temple was constructed in the 19th century by a widow named Rani Rasmani. According to a myth, Goddess Kali appeared on the dream of the widow and promised to manifest herself if a temple was constructed in her honor.

After witnessing the spectacle portrayed by the beautiful city of Kolkata, it is finally time to bid goodbye to this ancient city and move towards the magnificent setting exuded by Darjeeling.

Darjeeling is a city situated near the Indo-Nepal border. Its magnificent arises from the fact that it is a perfect setting which exudes the perfect mountain scenery.

For reaching Darjeeling, we firstly embark on a beautiful flight to the city of Bagdogra. The flight to Bagdogra takes up about 1 hour and 10 minutes. From here, it is a beautiful and scenic drive to Darjeeling. After reaching Darjeeling, we have some leisure time to explore the buzzing nightlife of this beautiful city. Sightseeing around Darjeeling if time permitted. Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes of flight. Approximately 4 hours of drive.

One of the best locations to sightsee in Darjeeling is the Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill is the largest viewpoint situated in Darjeeling at the altitude of 2590 m. we start off early this day, in order to make an excursion to this vantage point before sunrise. The sunrise views of the sun rising and casting an orange glow over the whitish peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga as well as other eastern peaks, including the Everest is a sight not to be missed at all costs. Contemplate the exquisite beauty showcased from atop the Tiger hill, before turning back down to explore other sightseeing locations.

Once in Darjeeling, we visit the Himalayan Zoological Park. The park has made its name for its success in breeding special animal species like the Red panda, Tibetan Wolf and snow leopard. Another worthy location is the Mountaineering Institute and the Everest museum, which gives an insight to mountaineering. We also visit the Tibetan Refugee center and if interested, you can buy craft work that is for sale. Explore Darjeeling in the afternoon and take walks around town, to explore its bustling nightlife.

Today, we embark on a toy train ride to Ghum Pahad. The Ghoom Gompa is situated at a distance of 8 km from Darjeeling. The toy train line is essentially a narrow gauge railway that runs between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri. It would be our pleasure, to book the traditional steam train for this journey. However, if not possible, then we will have to take this trip on a diesel run train. Upon reaching the beautiful Ghoom Monastery and exploring its delights, we turn back to Darjeeling.

If we have time, we will take short walks in the surrounding area. Explore the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum or the Allobari village. The Allobari village will be visited if weather conditions permit us to do so.

Another exciting day as we reach the beautiful city of Pelling today. We will embark on a long drive to Pelling. Pelling is situated in the former Kingdom of Sikkim. Sikkim was annexed by India on the year 1975. It went on to become the 22nd state in India.

Pelling is home to several sightseeing locations worth exploring. However, as we have limited time today, we will be visiting the Sanga Choling monastery. We hike to and from the monastery for one hour each and explore the serenity and spirituality exuded by the monastery.

Today is a well-earned day of sightseeing around the beautiful Pelling. Pelling is home to a number of sightseeing locations worth exploring, but we will be visiting the Kecheopelri. Also known as the Wishing Lake, this is known to be the holiest lake in Sikkim. This is a perfect pilgrimage spot for Buddhists as well as Hindus. It is said that a wish asked in the premises of the lake, will be fulfilled.

Around the lake is a beautiful picnic spot overlooking the lake. After having a picnic there, we move on to visit the Pemayangste Monastery in the evening. This monastery is the second oldest one is the region and is full of an exceptional collection of religious artwork. It was established in the 8th century by Padmasambhava. The devotees and its members are followers of the TantricBuddhism and wear mystical red caps. Tantric c Buddhism has been derived from Tibetan Lamaism, which s a mixture of mythology, magic, and Mahayana Buddhism. Explore the unique aura of the place before moving on to spend the night in a hotel in Pelling.

Today, our destination will be the present day capital of Sikkim, Gangtok. The drive to Gangtok takes place via winding mountain roads. On the way, we pay a visit to Rabdentse which was the capital of Sikkim in the 16th century. We move on, to pass through cardamom plantations, small villages and tropical forests to Gangtok.

Gangtok is a beautiful city situated beautifully alongside the Ranipul River. Many vantage points of this city, offer the spectacular and close-up views of the entire Kanchenjunga range and other eastern peaks. We visit the Drodulchorten on arrival in Gangtok. The Chorten signifies the victory of good over evil. There are 108 prayer wheels situated alongside the chorten.

We move next, to sightsee around the Institute of Tibetology. The collection of manuscripts and rare books situated here are surely set to make your mind wander about the mystique of the world. many religious paintings, artwork, and statues make up for the perfect end of a day. Approximately 8 hours of drive. 

Points of interest in Gangtok are many. Gangtok is home to Nathu La pass, Hanuman Tok, Namgyal Institute of Technology, Phodong Monastery, Sa-Ngor Chitshing Centre etc.

We will start off by visiting the Tashi Handicraft Center. The center was established with a god motive of helping Tibetan women find work. They are taught the skills of making arts and tapestry. Many items of knitting, embroidery, and tapestry are available on the premises of the center. We will also be witnessing the traditional ornate designs. We have the rest of the afternoon free for exploration in sightseeing locations, or to soak in the hustle and bustle of this wonderful, serene city.

The daystarts off today, bu driving across the other side of the Ranipul valley. We reach the Rumtek monastery which is the headquarters of the Kagyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was built as a replica of the Tsurpu’s monastery in Tibet; back in the 1960’s and still exudes a different aura and beauty to this day. Religious murals are still in the process of being added to this day.

After visiting the spectacles of the serene monastery, we drive off to reach the beautiful Kalimpong Bazaar. This town stood as an important reading post for merchants of wool, which did business by coming down from Tibet. The local bazaar still exists and acts as a perfect place to meet people and exchange views about culture and religions. Approximately 3 hours of drive.

Today, we will embark on an exciting drive to Bhutan. The drive to Bhutan takes us via tea estates situated in the Gangetic plains of Bengal. One-quarter of the total tea in India is grown in West Bengal. Today, we will be reaching the Bhutanese border town of Phuntsholing. Once we reach there, a local Bhutanese guide will meet us. in the evening, you can soak in the beauty of Bhutan, and compare it to the loud and colorful India. Approximately 6 hours of drive.

Though the national highway, we will reach the capital of Nepal, Thimpu today. Thimpu can be reached via winding roads, apple orchards, pine forests, paddy fields and small hamlets the entire drive takes us via the sculptures of the eight signs of Tashi Tagye.

Thimpu, the capital, is situated in a fertile valley of the Wang Chu River. The valley has widened over a couple of decades. Thimpu is home to exquisite locations worth visiting, and we will have a sightseeing tour to visit the Tashi Cho Dzong today. Tashi Cho Dzong, also known as “the fortress of the glorious religion" is the center of the government and religion site.  This fortress was built of 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and was made without nails or architectural plans. 

Thimpu is home to several picturesque locations to visit. Thimpu is home to the School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts, also known as the Institute of Zorig Chusum. Students here undergo a six-year course to learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts in Bhutan. Visiting this site is surely set to make your minds wonder about the exquisite art created by the students here.

Another worthy location to visit is the Takin Preserve, which is home to the national animal of this country, Takin. Takin is found only in Bhutan and is a rare member of the goat family. Takin live on grass and bamboo and are exceptional looking creatures worth visiting. Another location to visit is the Kuensel phodrang. It houses the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan. It is situated on a hillock, which overlooks down to the Thimpu valley.

We will also visit the National Library, which is home to Buddhist texts and manuscripts which date back to several hundred years. Other locations to visit include The National Memorial Chorten, Golden Buddha, and the Post Office, which all offer the insight to the working system and the serenity and development of Bhutan as a country. Approximately 3 hours of walk.

Today, we will visit the city of Punakha by embarking on a drive from Thimpu. We reach Punakha through the Dochula Pass (3088m). Punakha panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks are vividly visible from the Dochula Pass. This pass also showcases the 108 stupas built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck at a distance. While in Dochula Pass, a major attraction worth visiting is the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple.

On the way to Punakha, we also drop off at the Lobesa Village to explore the Devine Madman’s Monastery, known locally as the Chhimi Lhakhang, this temple is known best for its fertility shrine, where it is believed that prayers related to fertility become true.

After witnessing the beauty of the Lobesa village, we will reach the Punakha Dzong located on the island of the male river (Pho-Chu) and the female river (Mo-Chu). The dzong had been damaged by catastrophic fires and an earthquake in the past but has been restored to its former glory. The highest standards of intricate woodwork can be viewed in this architecturally rich location.

We also visit the Kamsum Yulle Namgyel Chorten, which is a newly built stupa. We will also visit the massive Kuenray. Keunray is the Coronation Hall of Bhutanese Kings. Approximately 3 hours of drive.

The Gangtey Gompa valley stands proud and tall at the altitude of 2800 meters. It is home to the only Nyigmapa monastery in Bhutan. The rare black-necked Cranes are other added attractions of this beautiful valley, located in a strategic topography. The valley accepts the birds which are migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter, 200 to 300 black cranes are known to be residing in the valley.  The safety of the cranes and their protection is being ensured by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN). When the cranes are in the area, for 4 to 5 months during winter, locals are not allowed to fish in the valley or make noises, in order to retain the cranes in the valley. The fascinating glacier valley becomes even more exciting to visit after this information is made available to you. Approximately 3 hours of drive.

It is time to return back to Punakha from the Gangtey valley. We will also have optional walks around the village in Phobijkha. Several sightseeing locations in Punakha, which are yet to be visited, can be explored in the free time today. Approximately 3 hours of drive.

We start the day with some sightseeing around the Chimme Lhakhang on the madman monastery. After this, we embark on a scenic drive to Paro. Paro is home to several sightseeing locations, which can be visited depending upon the time available.

To explore the lifestyle of a farmer, it is a good idea to visit the Farm House in the Paro valley. Another special location worth visiting is the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A dzong is basically a fortress. The dzong was built in the year 1645 to ward off the Tibetan invaders. The dzong currently works as a school for monks as well as an administrative center. From here, one can walk down the Rimpung Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in Bhutan.

Another important location is the Kyichu Temple, which was built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo, along with 108 other temples in the 7th century. According to myths, a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet visit and the 108 temples were created toward her off.  The ruined fortress of the Drugyel dzong is a strategic location worth visiting too.

Another sightseeing location is the Ta-Dzong which was housed in the National museum on the 1960’s. There are seven floors of the museum, each signifying separate aspects of Bhutanese culture and history. Local handicraft shops, displaying exquisitely carved handicraft, is another added attraction in Paro. All the sightseeing locations are made even more cheerful by the backdrop of the beautiful Mount Chomolhari (7320m) shining down at us. Approximately 4 hours of drive.

Haa Valley is considered to be the most pristine region in Bhutan. We will embark on a day excursion to this beautiful valley. This valley was opened to visitors only recently and is flocked by a huge number of tourists.

We will start off by visiting the Chhundu Lhakhang and the Lhakhang Karpo. This Lhakhang gives the insight to the existing culture and the history of the Haa Valley. We will also witness the Wangchulo Dzong today.

After witnessing the views if ancient culture and history, it is time to ascend through the winding roads to the Cheli La Pass. The Cheli La Pass (3900m) offers close up and roundabout views of the perfect mountain ranges situated in the territory of Bhutan. It is amazing how the landscapes abruptly change from lush forests of blue pine, rhododendron, cypress, larch, and fir, to the brilliant wild mountain flowers as we reach up to the valley. We spend the night back in Paro.

The Taktsang monastery, known better as the Tiger Nest Monastery, is one of the most beautiful and the most visited locations in Bhutan. The hike to the monastery is totally worthwhile as the views of the massive structure, handing on the side of a cliff, is surely not a picture to be forgotten.

According to a myth, Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to this place, to meditate in the cave for 3 months. This monastery is considered to be a pilgrimage spot for many Bhutanese, who believe that visiting this place is absolutely essential. The monastic complex contains the Lhakhang monastery which is said to have been created back on 1692. After returning from the monastery, the remaining of the day can be spent in sightseeing around missed locations in Paro.

Today, it is time to set off to visit another extremely beautiful country in the South Asia, Nepal. We will be transferred to the Paro international airport in the morning. We then fly to the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. Kathmandu is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. We can either cherish the wonderful Nepali cuisine or stay around the premises of the hotel, or visit UNESCO World Heritage locations like Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.

Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. The pagoda houses surround the sacred linga or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The temple is an aid to have been made prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy waters of Bagmati beside the temple premises.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boudhanath is another location worth visiting. Boudhanath is called the Little Tibet. It is one of the largest Stupas in South Asia. The focal point of Buddhism in Nepal, the white mound is thirty-six meters overhead. This Stupa is situated on the ancient trade route to China where Tibetan merchants offered prayers.

Today, the day will be spent in sightseeing around the architectural haven of Nepal. Kathmandu is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Despite the earthquake that shook the nation on April 2015, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites have managed to maintain all their valor and glory.

The sightseeing will start as we move towards the Kathmandu Durbar Square. We will pass along the spice market of Ason. With the old temples and palaces, the Kathmandu durbar Square is an epitome of religious and cultural life of the people of Nepal. The Durbar Square is where the kings of Nepal were solemnized and crowned. The interesting areas worth visiting are the Kalbhairav statue, Basantapur Durbar as well as the Temple pod Kumari. Kumari is the only living goddess in the World.

Another location, set up for visiting today is the Swayambhunath. The feelings or adoration and reverence are made more magnified as we reach the premises of Swayambhunath. Also known as the monkey temple, this religious complex is situated atop a hill in Kathmandu city. The architectural complexity of the stupa, the temples, painted images of deities and religious objects, creates a beautiful aura around the Syambhunath region. Look down at the expanse of Kathmandu Valley and return to the hotel to spend the night.

After a mind boggling experience in visiting the three, contrasting and different countries in the south Asai, it is finally time to bid goodbye to Nepal and return back home.