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Summary of

Sikkim and Bhutan Explorer Tour

Duration: 14 Days/ 13 Nights

Major Attractions: Adventurous Jeep safari into the beautiful valleys of Sikkim, Beautiful alpine regions of Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. Dzongs, endless streams, incredible mountain views, superb architecture

Destination Covered: Bagdogra, Yangtey, Yuksom Valley, Gangtok, Lachung, Phuntsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro

Tour Summary

Jeep Safari is one of Sikkim's most successful adventure tours. A land where heaven meets earth, where the atmosphere produces wonder, where the landscape is inhabited by elements, where silence can be heard, where vision continues to float beyond the horizon, where the soul begins to meditate unconsciously, and where the mind is rejuvenated; and a land that makes you bow. Your journey to North Sikkim begins in Gangtok, Sikkim's capital. When the path winds upwards, the landscape shifts rapidly with each curve. Finally, you will explore Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom known for its mystery and beauty, as well as its fortresses, which will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Detailed ltinerary

DAY 1

Bagdogra - Yangtey (5 hours)

You will be welcomed and assisted by our representative at Bagdogra airport and drive straight to Yangtey. The beautiful drive takes you across the West Bengal border and into the beautiful state of Sikkim. En-route halt for lunch (packed). Later continue driving to Yangtey and on arrival, check in at your resort which commands a panoramic view of the Khangchendzonga range and the surrounding countryside dotted with monasteries and hamlets. The resort is the newest addition to West Sikkim's tourist map, standing majestically on a hilltop. Geyzing's vibrant Friday market is 1-1/2 kilometres away. Afternoon at leisure. At the hotel for dinner and the night.

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DAY 2

Excursion to Yuksom Valley

Post breakfast proceed for a full day excursion to Khechoperi Lake, Yuksom Valley & Pemayangtse Monastery. Stay overnight at your resort.

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DAY 3

Yangte - Gangtok (5 hours)

Morning proceed to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim which includes the famous Rumtek Monastery, Institute of Tibetology, Dodrul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Flower Show, Handicraft Centre. On arrival, check in at your hotel. After brief leisure proceed to visit the attractions of Gangtok. Stay overnight at Gangtok.

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DAY 4

Excursion to Tsomgo Lake (12,400ft)

Drive to Tsomgo Lake near the Indo-Tibet border after breakfast. Over the winter, this holy lake stays frozen for four months. You can go on an exciting Yak ride here, and if you're lucky, you might even see the Brahminy duck! Stay in Gangtok for the night.

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DAY 5

Gangtok - Lachung (6 hours)

In the morning, travel to Lachung (8610ft). It is the starting point for exploring the northern valleys. Check into your hotel/tent upon arrival. After that, go to Lachung Monastery, which was established in 1880. Lachung is a good place to spend the night.

 

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DAY 6

Excursion to Yumthang Valley (12,000 ft)

In the morning, take a ride to Yamthang Valley. It is often compared to Switzerland as a perfect location for photography. Yamthang is located on a flat valley near the tree line, and the surrounding mountains seem to reach to the heavens. Yaks can be seen grazing in the valley during the summer. There is no civilian population here. Return to Lachung and spend the night at your hotel or camp.

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DAY 7

Lachung - Gangtok

After breakfast checkout and drive back to Gangtok. On the way, (on a clear sunny day), you get to see the mighty Khangchendzonga range from Singhik. Arrival at Gangtok and check in at your hotel. Later visit the nearby attractions. Stay at Gangtok.

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DAY 8

Gangtok - Phuntsholing (7 hours)

Early in the morning, take a scenic drive to Phuntsholing, following the raging Teesta to the plains. Before arriving in the bustling town of Phuntsholing in Bhutan, you can visit tea gardens and wildlife sanctuaries along the way. Check into your hotel when you arrive in Phutsholing. Phuntsholing is a nice place to spend the night.

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DAY 9

Phuntsholing – Thimphu: (6 hrs)

Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's new capital city, in the morning. It's an interesting drive from Paro to Thimphu, which takes about 01 and half hours to complete. Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten after a short break. The monument's paintings and sculptures offer a profound insight into Buddhist philosophy.

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DAY 10

Thimphu

Enjoy a morning excursion to Tango Goemba. This is a lovely 12th-century monastery. Later, pay a visit to the National Library, which houses a large collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some of which date back hundreds of years, as well as contemporary scholarly books primarily about Himalayan culture and religion.

In the second half of the day, go to the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, which offers a six-year course on Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts.

After that, go to the city centre to see the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, which offers a fascinating look into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Evening visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.

(Important: National library, Museum, & Zhoring Chusum remain close on Sat, Sun and govt. holidays)

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DAY 11

Thimphu - Punakha (75 km, approx 3 hours drive)

Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass at 10,130ft & the windswept town of Wangduephodrang with its picturesque dzong. Later drive to Punakha and see the Dzong there (open to tourists during summer season only) at the confluence of Mo Chu & Po Chu rivers. Stay overnight at Punakha.

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DAY 12

Punakha – Paro (125 kms/4 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Paro en-route visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands on a low ridge 8 km down the valley from Thimphu. Later proceed to Paro. On arrival, check in at your hotel. After brief leisure visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Later visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.

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DAY 13

Paro

Morning proceed for an excursion to Taktshang Monastery or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (5 hrs hike). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Later drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Stay overnight in Paro.

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DAY 14

Departure to Delhi/Kolkata

At appropriate time transfer to Paro airport to board a flight to Delhi or Kolkata for your onward journey. Tour ends.

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