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 Day 01: Kathmandu
Welcome to the Himalayan capital of
Kathmandu. We are met and transferred to our hotel. (D)
Day 02:
Kathmandu/ Kalimpong
A 45 minutes flight brings us to Bhadrapur from
where we drive through the Teesta Valley to Kalimpong. At 1250m, this is a
small town with beautiful countryside dotted with exotic European styled
cottages. It has now become an important centre for floriculture with over
200 flower nurseries. (B, D)
Day 03: Kalimpong/Gangtok
At
Kalimpong a visit to some flower nurseries specialising in Orchids, Cacti,
Anthuriums, Gladioli etc. is the highlight as also a leisurely walk
through in the bustling market. Later we drive to Gangtok. (B,
D)
 Days 04 - 06: Gangtok
Three days of sightseeing of
Gangtok which includes Tashi to experience the breathtaking view of Mt.
Khangchendzonga, the 90 year old Cottage Industry to see the local
artisans at work and their skills being imparted to young boys and girls.
During the flower festival we take a tour of the nurseries and then
continue with our touring of Gangtok. To end our stay in Gangtok we take a
day trip to Tsomgo Lake located east of Gangtok at an altitude of 3650m.
The Tsomgo Lake is a typically beautiful mountain lake. The journey to the
lake offers a magnificent view of Mt. Khangchendzonga and other peaks of
Sikkim Himalayas.
(B, D)
Day 07:
Gangtok/Darjeeling
We take off for the delightful Darjeeling where
we visit the 1875 built Ghoom Monastery to see one of the largest statues
of the Maitreya Buddha. Next stop is the Himalayan Zoo, which houses the
Himalayan Fauna like the Red Panda, Black Bear, Yaks, and Tigers in their
natural habitat. We end the day with a visit to the Natural History
Museum, which has a fine collection of preserved butterflies, birds,
reptiles, insects of the Himalayas. (B, D)
 Day 8: Darjeeling/ Phuentsholing
We bid farewell to the
enchanting Darjeeling as we take a scenic drive to Phuentsholing. (B,
D)
Day 9: Phuentsholng/ Thimphu (174 Kms)
After an early
breakfast, we drive to Thimphu. Afternoon we visit the Memorial Chorten (a
huge Stupa), the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved,
the Handicrafts Emporium where traditional textiles, Arts and crafts are
displayed and can be bought. (B, L, D)
Day 10:
Thimphu
Full Day tour of Thimphu visiting the Institute for
Traditional Medicine, the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts where
young Bhutanese students are taught the art of traditional method of
painting Thankhas, the gold and silver bazaar, the Simtokha Dzong, etc.
(B, L, D)
Day 11: Thimphu/Paro (65 Kms)
Early morning
drive to Paro to Satasam Chorten and hike to Taktsang Monastery. The round
trip hike takes about 4 hours with picnic lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria.
In the evening, take a leisurely stroll in Paro town. (B, L,
D)
 Day 12: Paro
Paro sightseeing includes National Museum,
the flag stone of Paro Rinpung Dzong, the 1645 built Tower (Utse) of the
Dzong with its superb wood work, the vista of Mount Chomulhari, " The
mountain of Goddess (Alt. 7329 m) and a typical Bhutanese farm house.
Evening we take a leisurely stroll in the Paro town with a meet the people
experience. (B, D)
Day 13: Kathmandu
Today we take off
for Nepal with a short flight to Kathmandu. (B, L, D)
Day 14:
Kathmandu
Morning visit the major temple towns in the Kathmandu
Valley including the famous Gilded Copper Gate in Bhadgeon, the Hindu
Temple of Shiva and the Buddhist shrine of Bodhnath. Later we drive
through the countryside to the "City of Artists" - Patan - and see
beautiful art and architecture. Also stop at the fascinating Tibetan
Refugee Craft Centre and visit the temples, pagodas and palaces in Durbar.
(B, D)
Day 15: Departure
Transfer to the airport for
flight home. (B)
Departure
Dates
2003
Mar 24 and Oct
20.
Per person cost $ 3,495 including all local air-transportation
(not including transoceanic air)
You may e-mail us at rexclass@aol.com.
(Code: NSB)
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