Tour of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan

From Gangtok, we will take a half day excursion to the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. Originally built in the 18th century, it was rebuilt in 1960 by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa (Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 1924–1981) after he fled Tibet. (The Gyalwa Karmapa is the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu, one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism). It is a replica of the Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. We will walk and visit the nearby Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies, just adjacent to the Monastery Building. (B, D)

Today after breakfast we set out for a journey to Gorumara National Park in the foothills of the Himalayas (5 hours). The first phase of our journey runs through the hills dotted with beautiful forests and villages. From here the road goes down to the vast plains of Dooars, lying in the outer foothills of the Himalayas. We travel through the lush green tea gardens and forests–the unique features of Dooars.

We continue to Gorumara – a popular wilderness retreat in the Dooars plains and a national park. This a true wildlife sanctuary, a reserve forest since the 1890s and untouched by human habitation. In the afternoon, we will go on an exclusive car safari to Gorumara National Park. The journey passes through the deep natural grasslands of Gorumara, the natural habitat for rhinoceros, elephants, leopard, bison and many other species of birds and reptiles. We will also visit the watch tower in the core area of the national park. From here we can get a vast panoramic view of the Gorumara grassland. There is a salt pit just at the base of the tower, where the animals regularly come to taste the salt.

After some thrilling excitement, we return to our accommodation in Gorumara. Here we will also have the opportunity to see the different rural life of the plains of Bengal. In the evening, we will arrange a bonfire with a cultural show. (B, D)

In the morning, we drive about 2.5 hours to the Bhutan border. Here we will be met by our Bhutanese guide and driver. After lunch, we drive from the border town of Phuentsholing to Thimphu (5 hours), moving from the warmer climate of the south up to the foothills of the Himalayas. Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan. Take an early evening stroll around town and soak in the atmosphere of this magical capital. (B, L, D)

Today we will enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of the capital. Among the places we will visit is the National Textile Museum. The Bhutan Textile Museum was opened in 2001 at the instruction of Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, one of the four wives of the old Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The national museum was established to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage that has been preserved between Bhutan’s mountainous ridges. The building itself was constructed to replicate a traditional Bhutanese house. Visitors really get a full taste of the country’s cultural heritage, and the lingering influence of tradition on the present.

We also visit the Thimphu Chorten, the Golden Buddha (Buddha Dordenma). We explore the postal museum, showcasing Bhutan’s interesting stamps, as well as the Changangkha temple. (B, L, D)

In the morning, we drive east to the Dochu-la (la means “pass”), where, weather permitting, there are panoramic views of the Himalayan snow-peaks. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours. We will visit the modern Victory Temple at Dochu-la, which was built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian insurgents in the early 1980’s. In the afternoon, we visit Punakha Dzong, perhaps the most photogenic of Bhutan’s Dzongs, situated at the confluence of two fast-flowing turquoise rivers. (B, L, D)

This morning we walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, a chorten (Buddhist shrine) commissioned by the Queen of Bhutan in 2004. This uphill walk offers a beautiful view of the Punakha Valley. In the afternoon, we drive to Paro (4 hours) where we will have time to visit some handicraft shops for souvenirs of the trip. (B, L, D)

This morning we enjoy some more sightseeing together in Paro, visiting the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a large monastery and fortress and one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.

We also visit the National Museum housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower) which was built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war, in an unusual circular construction resembling a conch shell. The Ta Dzong was badly damaged by an earthquake in September 2011, but has now been renovated. Here we see a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. Near the museum we may also be able to see a demonstration of traditional wood turning skills by local artisans who make traditional wooden bowls and cups – and members of the group may try their hand in wood turning as well!

In the afternoon we will see the Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of victory), constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644, and destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Nearby is the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan. (B, L, D)

We rise early to visit the spectacularly situated Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), a highlight of any visit to Bhutan. This involves a hike of 3-4 hours to reach the site, on a 900-metre ascent up to the monastery at 3,120 meters. This monastery is associated with Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have introduced Buddhism into the Indian subcontinent in the 8^th century. He is venerated as a “second Buddha” by adherents of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Himalayan states of India. There is a tea shop around the halfway mark, which provides excellent views of the monastery, and some visitors are content with reaching this site. We return in time for lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free. (B, L, D)

We take our flight to Delhi and transfer to our hotel. In the evening we meet again for a farewell dinner. (B, D)