Day 01: Arrive Kolkata (INDIA)

Arrival and we are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. The Bestway guide will assist you at the airport outside of the concourse area and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on the time of your arrival he will give you an interesting brief of West Bengal and it’s capital city. Check in at the hotel is at 1400hrs with the balance of the day being free.

Overnight: Hindustan International, Kolkata (Deluxe Rooms) (2 nights)

Day 02: Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a compelling, effervescent city teeming with life. Under East India Company and later, the British Raj, Kolkata served as the capital of India until 1911. After breakfast, we start our cultural city tour with a visit to the famous Malik Ghat flower market, where all the city’s floral retailers buy their fresh merchandise. Next we visit Howrah Bridge, an iconic symbol of modern Kolkata, followed by a stop at Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission. This temple’s architecture features Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs to symbolize the unity of all religions. We also experience Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Our afternoon concentrates on British Calcutta, exploring St. John's Church, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Victoria Memorial, conceived by Lord Curzon to commemorate the British Empire at its peak. The evening is free to enjoy the famous Calcutta tea houses, well known as a meeting point of philosophers, writers, poets and students. (B, D)

Please Note: Victoria Memorial is closed on Mondays.

Day 03: Kolkata/Bagdogra (Flight) /Darjeeling (Drive)

A short flight gets us to Bagdogra, a small hill station nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is famous for its tea estates and the abundance of greenery. Upon arrival at Bagdogra, we take a scenic drive with the Himalayas towering mountains on one side and lush tea gardens, pine and fir forests all the way to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is one of the most popular hill stations in India and must certainly be the tea capital of tea. Upon arrival at Darjeeling we check in to our lodge/hotel. Balance of the day is free. Enjoy the unparalleled serenity that you will experience here. We have a 2 night’s stay in Darjeeling and will also taste the local cuisine of India’s most scenic hill towns.

Overnight: Elign Heritage, Darjeeling (Deluxe Rooms) (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Darjeeling

An exciting day ahead as we jump into our 4x4’s and drive to the famous Tiger Hill. This is the place to be to view the sun rise from behind the lofty mountain peaks of the Himalayas. On a clear day we can even view Mount Everest and the majestic Mount Kangchenjunga – the 3rd highest mountain in the world. Back at our lodge we have breakfast before we ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway*. The Toy Train was the first, and is still the most outstanding, example of a hill passenger railway. Opened in 1881, its design applies bold and ingenious engineering solutions to the problem of establishing an effective rail link across a mountainous terrain of great beauty. Later we visit Ghoom Monastery. Built in 1875, it houses one of the largest statues of the Maitreya Buddha. Next we visit the Himalayan Zoo, home to Red Pandas, Black Bears, Yaks and Tigers in their natural habitat. We end our day with a visit to the Natural History Museum, which has a fine collection of preserved Himalayan butterflies, birds, reptiles and insects all residents of the Himalayas. (B, D)

Day 05: Darjeeling/Gangtok (Drive) (SIKKIM)

After breakfast we drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim through semi tropical forest, cardamom plantations and small villages. Sikkim became a protectorate of India in 1950 and an Indian state in 1975. We explore the famous Rumtek Monastery, also known as Dharma Chakra Centre. This monastery is one of the most important seats of the Kagyu lineage. The Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism traces its origin back to Buddha Shakyamuni. The predominant religion is Hinduism, with a significant Vajrayana Buddhism minority. Sikkim's economy is largely dependent on agriculture and tourism. Balance of the day is free.

Overnight: The Elign Nokhi Heritage, Gangtok (Deluxe Rooms) (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 06: Gangtok

After breakfast we visit Enchey Monastery, its sacredness is attributed to the belief that Khangchendzonga and Yabdean – the protecting deities, reside in this monastery. Later we visit the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology, an institute established to promote research on the language and traditions of Tibet as well as the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. The museum of the Institute houses a rare collection of antique statues, coins and thangkas. There are also about 30,000 volumes of translations of the original teachings of the Buddha and treatises by Distinguished Buddhist scholars from different parts of the world. Balance of the day is free for personal activities. (B, D)

Day 07: Gangtok/Kalimpong (Drive)

Another scenic 3hours drive passing though small villages we arrive at Kalimpong. Perched on a ridge above the Teesta River, it’s home to colonial-era buildings like MacFarlane Memorial Church, named after a Scottish missionary. South, the hilltop Durpin Monastery, or Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, contains sacred Buddhist scriptures. Deolo Park has landscaped gardens and offers views of the town and surrounding hills. Kalimpong is famous for its infinite variety of orchids and we get to see many of them. In the afternoon we visit Durpin Darea to get breathtaking views of the Himalayas including the whole Chola range of Sikkim, the Kanchenjunga range and the Teesta Valley.

Overnight: Elign Silver Oaks Heritage, Kalimpong (Executive Rooms) (1 night) (B, D)

Day 08: Kalimpong/Phuentsholing (Drive) (BHUTAN)

After breakfast we drive to Phuentsholing in Bhutan. Enroute we stop at Jai Gaon, a border town between India and Bhutan and complete the immigration and customs formalities. From Gaon, we dive to Phuentsholing the country’s 2nd largest city and is also a shopper’s paradise. Upon arrival at Phuentsholing, we check in at our lodge and have the balance of the day free to loiter around and into the markets meeting the local folks well known for their friendliness. Some of the unique and interesting facts about Bhutan include: There are no traffic lights in Bhutan – apparently, they all drive 'very carefully'. It was the last country to introduce TV only in 1998. The country has never been conquered. Refusing food the first time, is customary and polygamy is legal in Bhutan. We check into our lodge in this beautiful town.

Overnight: Hotel Druk, Phuentsholing (Standard Rooms) (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 09: Phuentsholing/Thimphu (Drive)

After an early breakfast, we drive to Thimphu through an amazing variety of landscapes. We arrive at lunchtime. In the afternoon we visit the Memorial Chorten; the National Library, where ancient manuscripts are preserved and the Handicrafts Emporium where we can purchase traditional textiles, arts and crafts.

Overnight: Hotel Druk, Thimpu (Deluxe Rooms) (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10: Thimphu

We explore 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 and Simtokha Dzong. Simtokha Dzong is a small dzong, located about 3 miles south of the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan, the dzong is the first of its kind built in Bhutan. An important historical monument and former Buddhist monastery, today it houses one of the premier Dzongkha language learning institutes. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Thimphu/Paro (Drive)

In the morning we drive to the Satasam Chorten in Paro and hike to The Tiger's Nest , the popular name of Taktsang Palphug Monastery. This elegant structure has become the cultural icon of Bhutan. A prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex, located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley, the temple complex was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three months in the 8th century. Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan and is the tutelary deity of the country. The round trip hike takes about 4 hours, including a picnic lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria overlooking beautiful scenery.

Overnight: Tenzinling Kuxury Villa Tents, Paro (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Paro

We visit the National Museum; Paro Rinpung Dzong; Utse, a tower built in 1645 and a typical Bhutanese farm house. In the evening we stroll through the narrow lanes of Paro, meeting local folks and chatting over tea. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Paro/Kathmandu (Flight) (NEPAL)

A scenic mountain flight brings us from Paro to Kathmandu, Nepal, where we are met and transferred to our hotel. Afterwards we explore the Kathmandu Valley*, starting at Durbar Square located in the heart of Kathmandu’s old city. There are around 50 temples in this small area. We will visit the 17th century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, the Paravati Temple, the Great Bell and Drum, Bhairav, the Taleju Temple and the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Kumari.

We then head to the stupa of Swayambhunath, located on a green hillock west of Kathmandu which provides magnificent panoramic views of the city. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu. We conclude our exploration in Patan, the oldest city in the area. Said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in third century BC, Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley. It has 136 courtyards and 55 major temples. The evening is free to explore the bazaars and meet the many different ethnic groups who call Kathmandu home.

Overnight: Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu (Deluxe Rooms) (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 14: Kathmandu

The Himalayas is the most well-known mountain range in the world – it is also here where stands, The Everest and has been the desire of many to climb and see it. An optional mountain safari (flight) to see the Everest. The is a subject to weather flight and is available at US$ 330 per person.

We explore the Kathmandu valley, starting at the Durbar Square located in the heart of old city Kathmandu. There are around 50 temples in the vicinity. We will visit the 17th Century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, the Paravati Temple, the Great Bell and Drum, Bhairav, the Taleju Temple and an array of temples grouped around it, as well as the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Kumari.

We then head to the stupa of Swayambhunath, located on a green hillock west of Kathmandu. The site marks the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley Lake and is over 2,500 years old. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu. We conclude our exploration in Patan, the oldest city in the valley said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley, a great center of the Newari traditional arts & crafts with 136 courtyards and 55 major temples. The evening is free to explore the bazaars and get an opportunity meeting the many different ethnic groups who call Kathmandu home. (B, D)

Day 15: Kathmandu

Today we visit Bhaktapur¸ also known as Bhadgaon and home to exquisite of medieval art & architecture. A city of farmers, Bhaktapur is also known for its pottery and weaving. It is the best preserved of the valley’s three cities. We then head to Pashupatinath, considered as one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples in the whole world. The temple of lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with a tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Wey will only be able to view it from the eastern bank of Bagmati River overlooking the cremation grounds, as it is open to believers of the Hindu faith only. We then explore Boudhanath, also known as `Little Tibet’ because of its unique atmosphere resembling old Barkhor marketplace in Lhasa. It features the biggest stupa in Nepal and is located on flat land and encircled by houses & monasteries. In the evening we enjoy our farewell dinner, Nepali style. (B, D)

Day 16: Kathmandu/Onward Destination (Flight)

We bid farewell to Kathmandu and Himalayan Nepal as we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight back home. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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