Monasteries and Mountain

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrival at Delhi. On arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to hotel. The capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi
Full day sightseeing of old Delhi & New Delhi that includes visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire,the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, Lotus Temple etc.Also enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi - Amritsar- Dharamshala
Transfer in time to New Delhi railway station to board air - conditioned train for Amritsar. Arrive Amritsar and continue driving to Dharamshala.
Dharamshala came into being in 1849, when it was selected as a site to accommodate a native regiment that was being raised in the town. Dharamshala originally formed a subsidiary cantonment for the troops stationed at Kangra were fully occupied by its garrison and there was insufficient space for the civil station, a search for an alternate location was made. Dharamshala now really has become international, with a number of Tibetan settlements and the residence of Noble Laureate the 'Dalai Lama'. Dharamshala is divided into two distinct parts: lower Dharamshala the civil and business area with Courts and Kotwali bazar and upper Dharamshala composed of places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj.
Arrive Dharamshala and check into hotel.
Overnight in Haridwar.

Day 04: DHARAMSHALA
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Norbulingka Institute and see the students practicing and/or learning the various forms of Tibetan art. Meditate inside Norbulingka Temple.
Afternoon: Drive to Mcleaodganj and visit His Holiness Dalai Lama's Temple. Also chill out at Namgyal café, a café run by the monks of Dalai Lama Temple - the place is small and the fresh cakes and brewed coffee are a must.
Drive back to hotel.
Overnight in Dharamshala.

Day 05: DHARAMSHALA
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Tea Garden and also a tea manufacturing unit. Also visit Karmapa Monastrey - His Holiness Karmapa is considered second in line to His Holiness Dalai Lama. The Karmapas are believed to have incarnated for seventeen lifetimes - in the form of manifestation of body. If you are lucky, you might get an audience from His Holiness Karmapa. Plan your visit well in advance so we are able to firm up an audience for you. Public audience is held every Wednesdays & Saturdays @ 1430 hours. Pick up your favorite book from the Earth Store, which also has a wide display of items developed by the local populace and the money goes back for their up liftment. Relax with a a cup of Indian Chai or a cappuccino at Café - Tea Mantra. Drive back to hotel.
Overnight in Dharamshala

Day 06: DHARAMSHALA
Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Taragarh - an old palace now converted into a heritage hotel. The property is huge and a visit is complemented with a nice lunch. Visit the Nunnery en route - the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, popularly known as the DGL Nunnery. The DGL Nunnery buildings comprises of the nun's dormitories, the study centre (shedra), and the retreat centre (drubda), the office and the staff quarters and a Traditional Temple for about 108 nuns. It was founded by Tetsua Tenzin Palmo, a British woman and a disciple of the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche Dongyu Nyima. Tetsua also spent twelve years in a cave spending the last three years in strict retreat. Drive back to hotel.
Overnight in Dharamshala.

Day 07: DHARAMSHALA - MANALI
Breakfast at hotel.
Leave by surface for Manali (approx 300 kms/9 hours) en route visiting the Shiva Temple at Baijnath.
Manali, situated at 6600 feet above sea level is a popular hill station and is a great place to visit during winters.With snow capped mountains, Manali is famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. Manali is named after the Brahmin lawgiver Manu. The word Manali literally means "the abode of Manu". Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world. Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh in which Manali is located is known as the "Valley of the Gods".
Arrive Manali and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Manali.

Day 08: MANALI
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. With the highest concentration of Tibetan refugees in the entire Kullu valley, it is famous for its Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, built in 1969. The monastery is maintained by donations from the local community and through the sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop. The smaller and more modern Nyingmapa Buddhist Gompa stands nearer the bazaar, in a garden blooming with sunflowers.
Also visit Solang Valley and Naggar Fort
Overnight in Manali.

Day 09: MANALI - KEYLONG - JESPA
Breakfast at hotel. (approx 130 kms/5 hours)
Leave by surface for Jespa en route crossing Rothang Pass, 3979 mts above sea level. It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley. Stop at Koksar for passport check.
Continue driving. Arrive Jespa and check into hotel. Dinner.
Overnight in Jespa.

Day 10: JESPA - SARCHU
Breakfast at hotel.
Early morning drive alongside Bhaga River up towards its source. Continue driving over Baralachla-la (4892 Mts. Above sea level). On arrival at Sarchu, check in at Camps. Dinner.
Overnight in Sarchu.

Day 11: SARCHU - LEH
Breakfast at hotel.
Leave by surface to Leh and get a magnificient view of Zanskar Range. Drive over Naklila & Lachungla Pass (5060 Mts. Above sea level) and stop at Pang for Passport check. Continue driving and ascend over Tanglangla Pass (5330 Mts. Above sea level) After descending from Tanglangla, drive to Leh alongside the Indus River. Arrive Leh and check into hotel. Dinner.
Overnight in Leh.

Day 12: LEH
Breakfast at hotel.
Walk upto Samker Gompa, 3 Kms from Leh Town, which is open to visitors in the morning and evening only. The Gompa belongs to Yellow Sect & was founded in 18th Century. It is the seat of the Head Lama of Ladakh & founder of yellow sect, Tson-Kha-Pa. The temple walls have recent painted of figures including Sakyamuni, Avalokiteshwara, Padmasambhava, Tson-Ka-pa and green Tara. Also visit Shanti Stupa built by the Japanese Artists, few years ago on a hilltop. Later walk back to Leh Bazaar through the famous Leh Polo Ground. Afternoon, proceed 6to Stok - The Palace of the banished royal family, Stok has a museum which displays fabulous period costumes and jewelry of the royalty along with exquisite Tangkhas representing the life of the Sakya- Muni Buddha. Interesting historical objects like coins, seals, armour, weapons, precious jade and porcelain can also be seen here. Further drive upto Stakna Monastery - to visit the Monastery of 17th Century just near Indus River. Return to your Hotel for overnight stay.Dinner.
Overnight in Leh.

Day 13: LEH
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, proceed to Shey - the ancient capital of Ladakh and even after Singge Namgyal built the more imposing palace at Leh, the kings continued to regard Shey, as their real home. The importance which was attached to Shey - the seat of Ladakh's heartland - is attested by the enormous number of Chorten about the village, particularly around the palace complex and barren plain to the north of the road. Thiksey - is one of the largest and most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompa containing images, stupas and exquisite wall paintings. It also houses a two - storied statue of Buddha which has the main prayer hall around its shoulder. Proceed to Hemis. The famous Hemis Gompa celebrates its annual festival for 02 consecutive days which has Prayer ceremonies and mask dances. Also visit Hemis, dedicated to Padmasambhava. Hemis was founded in 1630s by -Tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Singge Namgyal, Hemis is largest and richest of Ladakh Gompa it nestles into the mountain Side a little way up a glen in the mountains of Zanskar range. Dinner.
Overnight in Leh.

Day 13: LEH - DELHI
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport to board flight for Delhi.
Arrive Delhi. Met with and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 14: DELHI - PARO
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport to board flight for Paro.
Arrive Paro. Met with and transfer to hotel.
Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong) - Located on a ridge, overlooking the Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley is the Ta Dzong, built as a watch tower. Unlike the rectangular shape of the dzongs, Ta dzong is conical, more like that of a European castle. Since 1967, the dzong was re- established as the National Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art,relics, religious thangka paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps.Drive down and visit Rinpung dzong - "the fortress of the heap of jewels". It was built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 after the small Hungrel fortress built by lam Drung was offered to Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The approach to the dzong is through a traditional covered cantilever bridge. A walk through the bridge to the dzong, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the dzong as well as life around it. After lunch visit Kichu Lhakhang - This is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gyampo in the 7th century to subdue the orgress that lay across the whole of Himalayas. There is another temple said to be built on the same day called Jampey Lhakhang in Bumthang. It is believed that Kichu was built over her left foot and Jampey Lhakhang over the left knee. Inside the courtyard there is an orange tree that beards fruits, which is quite amazing because nowhere in the valley you can find orange tree bearing fruits.Drive further towards Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to com with the exception of one more temples.memorate his victory over the Tibetan invasions. 'Druk' means the land of the thunder dragon or the land of dragon people, 'Gyel' means victory. The dzong caught fire in 1951 and now it only remains as ruin. This dzong is built at a strategic point where the route from Tibet enters Paro valley. On a clear day one can see the beautiful view of the majestic mountain Jomolhari from the village, below the Dzong. On the way to back After the sightseeing you may spend the day by shopping or simply walking through the town or relax in the hotel if you are left with no energy.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 15: PARO - Thimpu
Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan (65 KM). Visit the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum Handicrafts Center to view the traditional arts, the Indigenous Medicine Hospital, drive to Takin Zoo where you will find the national animal of Bhutan and drive uphill to Sangaygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Drive down to the Centenary farmers market if it falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday you will be excited to see the various vegetables, chilies, fruits from all parts mostly grown without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Visit Changlimithang ground where you will always find the game of archery the national sports of Bhutan being played. After lunch visit to the National Memorial Chorten a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan. This Chorten serves as a gathering place for the young and old. This stupa was built in 1974 by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuk in the memory of her son Bhutan's late third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. This Chorten is one of the most visited religious structures in Thimphu. Visit the Buddha statue high up in the hill from here you will have a magnificent view of the entire valley.Evening at leisure or visit the city for shopping.
Overnight in Thimpu

Day 16: Thimpu - Paro
Drive to Paro and Hike to the world famous Tiger's Nest. After early breakfast, check out from the hotel drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from here if you are physically fit to walk then you could take this hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (the world famous Tiger's Nest) or you could take a horse or pony that will take you to the Tiger's nest. The majestic Jumolhari or the Mountain of Goddess can be seen in the background while hiking up to Taktsang or the Tigers Nest is one of the popular spiritual heritage sites It was here that the great tantric master Guru Padmasambhava flew in from Tibet on a tiger to bring Buddhist teachings to Bhutan. The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress. While returning back you could you're your lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 hours. Evening relax in the hotel or visit the Paro town for shopping.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 17: PARO - KOLKATA - BAGDOGRA - GANGTOK
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer in time to Paro International airport to board flight for Kolkata.
Arrive Kolkata and board flight for Bagdogra. Arrive Bagdogra and continue driving to Gangtok ( approx 124 kms/4 ½ hours )
Foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim.
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and reflects a unique ambience which derives from its happy blend of tradition and modernity lies at an altitude 1600 meters. The unspoilt natural beauty of Gangtok and its peaceful Chortens/Stupas offer a truly unique traveling experience.
Arrive Gangtok and check into hotel.
Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 18: GANGTOK
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit Rumtek monastery, 24 kms from Gangtok and the largest in Sikkim. It is also one amongst the most important seats of Kagyu school of Buddhism outside Tibet. Originally, Rumtek Monastery was built in the 16th century under the supervision of Wangchuk Dorje, the 9th Karmapa with the financial assistance of the fourth King of Sikkim. Also visit Do-Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point .
Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 19: GANGTOK
Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Tsongmo Lake, 35 kms from Gangtok on the Gangtok - Nathula highway and the erstwhile trade routé between India and China. The lake becomes absolutely frozen during winter. Flowering plants like primula and plantations like alpine add beauty to the lake.
Also,visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology which was built in 1958 and is a research center for Mahayana Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Besides being a museum of traditional and old artifacts, one can also buy Buddhist religious books and other objects of craft.
Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 20: GANGTOK - PELLING
Breakfast at hotel.
Leave by surface for Pelling ( approx 120 kms / 3 hours).
The pleasant little town of Pelling is famous for magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, Pelling offers the best and closest view of Kanchenjunga range without leaving the comforts of your hotel.
Arrive Pelling and check into hotel,
Overnight in Pelling

Day 21: PELLING
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, meaning a 'Perfect Sublime Lotus'. This highly revered monastery is built at a height of 2085 m and is located 6 km from Geyzing. Constructed out of wood, the Pemayangtse Monastery looks striking against the backdrop of the magnificent Kanchenjunga Mountain.In 1705, a Lama known as Lhatsun Chempo built the Pemayangtse Monastery for the 'ta-sang' lamas (the purest of the monks). Over a period of time though, it started admitting monks from all walks of life. It is also the pivot of the Nyingamapa sect, a Tantrik sect of Buddhists. The followers of this sect are distinguished by the red caps they wear; other monasteries' monks wear yellow caps.

Visit Sangachoeling Monastery. The road to this monastery is not motorable and one needs to walk 45 minutes. The effort of the uphill walk is well rewarded with great views of Pelling and surrounding mountains including great views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Built in 1697 the Sanga Cholling is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. Sanga Cholling means 'the island of esoteric teaching'. This gompa is another of Lhatsun Chenpo's creations, and is highly venerated among the Nyingmapa. Gutted by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of the original clay statues. Overnight in Pelling

Day 22: PELLING - BAGDOGRA - DELHI
Breakfast at hotel.
Leave by surface for Bagdogra (approx 120 kms / 4 ½ hours).
Arrive Bagdogra and board flight for Delhi.
Arrive Delhi. Met with and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 23: DEPART DELHI
Transfer in time to the international airport to board flight for onward detination.