Day 1    Thu Oct 21	Depart USA
Day 2    Fri Oct 22	Arrive Delhi, India
Day 3    Sat Oct 23	Delhi
Day 4    Sun Oct 24	Delhi
Day 5    Mon Oct 25	Delhi - Bagdogra - Darjeeling, Sikkim
Day 6    Tue Oct 26	Darjeeling
Day 7    Wed Oct 27	Darjeeling
Day 8    Thu Oct 28	Darjeeling - Gangtok, Sikkim
Day 9    Fri Oct 29	Gangtok
Day 10  Sat Oct 30	Gangtok - Kalimpong, Sikkim
Day 11  Sun Oct 31	Kalimpong - Phuntsholing, Bhutan
Day 12  Mon Nov1	Phuntsholing - Thimphu, Bhutan
Day 13  Tue Nov 2	Thimphu
Day 14  Wed Nov 3	Thimphu - Paro, Bhutan
Day 15  Thu Nov 4	Paro
Day 16  Fri Nov 5	Fly Paro - Delhi, India
Day 17 Sat Nov 6	Fly Delhi - USA

This journey is designed for the adventurous traveler who seeks unique and authentic experiences. Included are two rarely visited, yet spectacularly beautiful, regions of the world – Sikkim and Bhutan. Nestled into the heart of eastern Himalaya and bordered by Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, Sikkim offers some of the most breathtaking views in India. We visit temperate Darjeeling, developed as a tea growing region during the British Raj, Gangtok, an oasis of serenity and repository of centuries-old wisdom and Kalimpong, a center of education.

Unspoiled and untouched, Bhutan, the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon' opened its doors to travelers in the 1970’s. Visitors are still few and the Bhutanese way of life, with its small colorful towns and villages, has remained relatively unchanged for centuries. Bhutan's landscape of mountains and green valleys and its strong Buddhist religion shape the kingdom's identity with monasteries and chapels scattered throughout the land. Traditional life is maintained, with the Bhutanese obliged to wear national dress in public. Bhutan is an extraordinary place, unlike anywhere else. Our visit includes two popular destinations – Thimpu and Paro. Thimpu is the capital sprawling up the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu and is the centre of government, religion and commerce. Paro is known for its temples, monasteries and dzongs with the Paro Valley on your doorstep.  The awe inspiring walk up to the Tiger’s Nest monastery is a fitting highlight to end this exploration of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Day 1    Thu Oct 21          Depart USA
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Delhi, India.

Day 2    Fri Oct 22           Arrive Delhi
Arrive, Delhi by International flight and after clearing customs and immigrations you will be met by the representative of Coda and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel                     The Imperial
Room                    Heritage room
Meals                    None

Day 3    Sat Oct 23            Delhi
Morning will be at your leisure.  Afternoon you will visit sights in New Delhi.

Humayun’s Tomb: Built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, senior wife of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, this is an early example of Mughal architecture. The elements in its design – a squat building, lighted by high arched entrances, topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens – were to be refined over the years to the magnificence is thus of great interest for its relation to the later Taj.
Humayun’s wife is also buried in the red-and-white sandstone, black-and-yellow marble tomb. Other tombs in the garden include that of Humayun’s barber and the Tomb of Isa Khan, a good example of Lodi architecture. An excellent view can be obtained over the surrounding country from the terraces of the tomb.

Qutub Minar: The 72.5m high tower dates back to the 13th century and is one of the greatest bequests of Islamic culture. At its base lies the Quwwatul-Islam Masjid, the first mosque in India.  A famous iron pillar, of the 5th century, stands before it; it has remained trust free for 1500 years.  According to local belief if you can get your fingers to touch, with your back to the pillar, your wishes will be granted.

Then Drive past

Rajpath:  The Kings Way is another focus of Lutyens New Delhi. It is immensely broad and is flanked on either side of ornamental ponds. The Republic Day parade is held here every 26th Febuary, and millions of people gather to enjoy the spectacle.
At the eastern end of the Rajpath lies the India Gate, while at the western end lies Rashtrapati Bhavan, now the president’s residence, but built originally for the viceroy. It is flanked by the two large Secretariat buildings, and these three buildings sit upon a small rise, known as Raisina Hill.

Rashtrapati Bhawan (President house): The official residence of the President of India stands at the opposite end of the Rajpath from India Gate. Completed in 1929, the palace like building is an interesting blend of Mughal and western architectural styles, the most obvious Indian feature being the huge copper dome. To the west of the building is a Mughal garden, which occupies 130 ha.  This garden is only open to the public in February.

India Gate: This 42m high stone arch of triumph stands at the eastern end of the Rajpath. It bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW I the North West frontier operations of the same time and the 1919 Afghan fiasco.
Hotel                     The Imperial
Room                    Heritage room
Meals                    Breakfast , Lunch and Welcome cocktail and dinner

Day 4    Sun Oct 24          Delhi
Morning after breakfast you will proceed for a tour of Old Delhi

Red Fort : The red sandstone walls of Lal Qila, the Red Fort, extend for two kms and vary in height from 18m on the river side to 33m on the city side. Shah Jahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. He never completely moved his capital from Agra to his new city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi because he was deposed and imprisoned in Agra Fort by his son Aurangazeb.

Chandni Chowk: Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride on the main street of Old Delhi. The colorful shopping bazaar is known as Chandni Chowk.

Jama Masjid: The great mosque of Old Delhi is the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644, the mosque was not completed until 1658. It has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high and constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Broad flights of steps lead up to the imposing gateways. The eastern gateway was originally only opened for the emperor, and is now open on Fri and Muslim festivals.  The general public can enter by the north or south gate. Those people considered unsuitably dressed (bare legs for either men or women) can hire robes at the northern gate. The courtyard of the mosque can hold 25,000 people. It’s possible to climb the southern minaret – if you’re a man or you have one with you.  The view in all directions is superb – Old Delhi, the Red Fort and unfortunately, the polluting factories beyond it across the river, and New Delhi to the south.

Raj Ghat: A simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948.  A commemorative ceremony takes place each Fri, the day he was killed. 

Afternoon will be at your leisure for independent activities.
Hotel                     The Imperial
Room                    Heritage room
Meals                    Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Day 5    Mon Oct 25         Delhi/Bagdogra/Darjeeling
After breakfast you will fly 9W-2281 (10:15 AM / 12:15 PM) to Bagdogra. Upon arrival you will be met and drive little over three hours to Darjeeling and check in at your hotel.
Hotel                     Mayfair
Room                    Deluxe room
Meals                    Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6    Tue Oct 26          Darjeeling
Early this morning, travel to Tiger Hill to see the sun rise over Kanchenjunga.  If the skies are clear, one can sometimes see Mt. Everest, Lotshe, and Makalu. On the return, visit the Ghoom Monastery.

Later you will return to your hotel for breakfast.

This evening take a ride on the Toy Train, the world’s second-highest railway station. For approximately 2 ½ hours, savor the joys of a puffing toy train which is now protected as a World Heritage Site.  Pass through deep emerald green valleys and whispering pine forests in the shadow of towering snow-clad Kanchejung.
Hotel                     Mayfair
Room                    Deluxe room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7    Wed Oct 27         Darjeeling
This morning enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Darjeeling, visiting the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Himalayan Zoological Park, the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, and the market.

This afternoon visit a tea garden and enjoy lunch.
Hotel                     Mayfair
Room                    Deluxe room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8    Thu Oct 28          Darjeeling/Gangtok
After breakfast, leave Darjeeling by jeep for Gangtok, a journey of approximately 4 ½ hours and upon arrival, check in at the Hotel Norkhil.

The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is a perfect blend of the past and present, its unique ambiance derived from the delightful combination of tradition and modernity. Alongside stupas and monasteries, Gangtok bustles like any other town, but with many pockets of tranquility in the form of peaceful stupas and monasteries.

This afternoon, take a sightseeing tour of Gangtok, 5,000 feet in the clouds, and visit cottage industries, Tashiling, Enchey Monastery and the market.
Hotel                     Mayfair
Room                    Deluxe room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9    Fri Oct 29             Gangtok
This morning take an excursion to Rumtek, the largest monastery in the area. Belonging to the Kargyudppa Sect (Red Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery is also the seat of His Holiness the Late Gyalwa Karmappa.  On your return visit the Government Institute of Tibetology.
Hotel                     Mayfair
Room                    Deluxe room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10  Sat Oct 30            Gangtok/Kalimpong
After breakfast you will drive to Kalimpong, another scenic drive of approximately 4 ½ hrs.  Upon arrival, check in at the Hotel Himalayan.

This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kalimpong and visit Zang-dog-phalri-Fo-brang Monastery -- a gompa built with facilities for debating, thangka painting etc.   Also visit Tirpai Monastery, the flower nursery and the market.
Hotel                     Himalayan
Room                    Standard room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11  Sun Oct 31          Kalimpong/Phuntsholing
After breakfast drive through amazing mountains to Phuntsholing which will take approximately 7 hrs. After check-in at the Hotel Druk, time permitting, visit Zangdopelri Temple, located at the heart of the town. The temple was built in 1967 by the queen mother. It has three main statues – the Present Buddha, an Indian saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism in 8th century, and the spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan in the 17th century.  You also see eight different styles of Tibetan chortens.
Hotel                     Druk or Lhaki
Room                    Standard room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12  Mon Nov 1          Phuntsholing/Thimphu 
This morning, after obtaining your Bhutanese visas, proceed to Thimpu, another beautiful drive of approximately 7 hours, stopping en route for lunch.  Before entering Thimpu, visit Semtokha Dzong, which was built by the first spiritual and temporal ruler in 1627.

Evening you may take a stroll around Thimpu Main Street, visiting shops, local market and mingling with people.
Hotel                     Taj Tashi
Room                    Deluxe room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13  Tue Nov 2           Thimphu
After breakfast, visit the National Library. Established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, the National Library now houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works several hundred years old. This collection, known as the Choekey Collection, mainly comprises Buddhist literature written in Choekey, the religious script of Northern Buddhism, but also includes works written in Tibetan and in Dzongkha, Bhutan’s national language.  There is also a small Foreign Books Collection, stock of which mainly comprises works written in English, with subject interest on Buddhist studies, Bhutan, the Himalayan region and neighboring countries.

Also visit the Textile & Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan’s living traditions.

A special visit this day will be to the Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.  On a visit one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. This is quite a unique place.

Afternoon you will visit National Memorial Chorten. The building of this chorten was originally the idea of Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (“the father of modern Bhutan”), who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state.  After His Majesty’s untimely death in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace.  The National Memorial Chorten was
consecrated on July 28, 1974.  The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Then visit, Trashichhodzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”, initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s.  Trashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.  It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters in Punakha.
Return to the hotel for lunch.
Hotel                     Taj Tashi
Room                    Deluxe room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14  Wed Nov 03        Thimphu/Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro en route taking a short stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro and Thimpu rivers.

Afternoon visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong.  (“Ta” means “to see” in Dzongkha, so the watchtower of a dzong is always called a “Ta dzong”).   On account of their function, watchtowers are always round in shape.  In 1968 Paro’s Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the National Museum, and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection.

Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. This “fortress of the heap of jewels“ was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a hill above the township.  The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls.  The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tsechu, takes place in the courtyard of the dzong and on the dance ground on the hillside above.

This evening you will also visit a traditional farm house. It is an interesting visit and gives a glimpse on lifestyle of locals, particularly farming community. Here local tea / drinks would be served.
Hotel                     Uma Resort
Room                    Superior room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15  Thu Nov 04         Paro
Morning special Puja (prayer) at a monastery blessed with your health, peace and prosperity.

Enjoy excursion walk to Taktsang Monastery (approx 5 hours walk) with picnic lunch. This most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress, and meditated at this place, hence the monastery is also called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site, which has long been recognized as a most sacred place, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, the religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. It is a place of pilgrimage which Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. In April, 1998 a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now it has been fully restored to its original grandeur. The excursion up to the cafeteria which is situated on a rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery, takes about five hours round trip. Though the climb is steep, the journey is most worthwhile on account of the superb views en route and especially from the cafeteria viewpoint itself. Also horses can be arranged for this excursion.

Lunch will be at Taktsang Cafeteria, located opposite the monastery.

Late afternoon you will drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century
Hotel                     Uma Resort
Room                    Superior room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch and Farewell Cocktail with dinner

Day 16  Fri Nov 05            Paro/Delhi
Today you will fly by Druk Air flight KB 202 (08:55 AM / 12:00 PM) to Delhi and after clearing customs and immigrations you will be met by the representative of Akron, India and transferred to Hotel The Trident. Rest of the day will be at leisure.
Hotel                     The Trident
Room                    Superior Garden View room
Meals                    Breakfast, Lunch ,Dinner

Day 17 Sat Nov 06            Delhi / USA
Very early this morning leave the airport for your flight home.

The Mayfair, Darjeeling
Perched at an altitude of 7000 ft, MAYFAIR, Darjeeling is the third property of MAYFAIR family commissioned in 1997. Once the summerhouse of the former Maharaja of Nazargunj, it now stands as a hill resort. A fine combination of warm sunshine, cool breeze, alpine trees, exotic flowers of different colors and hues with extensive dining options, versatile event space, sumptuous luxury and unmatched service make MAYFAIR Darjeeling the first choice for tourists. Relax in our beautiful hill resort for complete rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul in a majestic setting and step into its timeless charm that mixes luxury, comfort, urban energy, and cutting-edge style.

The Mayfair, Gangtok
The first five-star deluxe hotel in the Northeast – “MAYFAIR Gangtok Spa Resort” is situated 10 km equidistant from the down town and the famous Rumtek monastery. This resort is the latest addition to the MAYFAIR Hotels & Resort’s list of treasures. The Spa Resort aspires to offer individual guests an experience of being surrounded by nature, blending it with lavish luxury in the abode of the Gods. The resort, built on the theme of monastery, has a unique blend of Sikkimese architecture and modern amenities.

Himalayan Hotel Kalimpong
In the early days of the last century the hotel was the family home of David Macdonald. Macdonald was posted to Tibet as a British Trade Agent, serving in Yatung and Gyantse until his retirement in 1924. Macdonald assisted the 13th Dalai Lama's escape from Tibet in 1910, and he was later invited to Lhasa in 1921. Prior to his retirement he served briefly as Britain's Political Officer in Sikkim, in charge of Britain's relations with Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim. After he retired, with his large family grown up, Macdonald turned the family home into a hotel, and it has remained in the Macdonald family ever since. It was here that he wrote his books “Land of the Lama” and “Twenty Years in Tibet”. The great names of the region have all been guests here. It has been home to Everest expeditions from the days of Mallory and Irving in the 1920's. Hillary and Tenzing were frequent visitors, while it has also played host to Mme Alexandra David-Neel, Charles Bell, and many of the other British officials who travelled to Tibet in the first half of the twentieth century, as well to other Tibetologists such as Prince Peter of Greece, Rinchen Dolma Taring, authoress of “Daughter of Tibet”, Dr. Joseph Rock, Heinrich Harrer, author of “Seven Years in Tibet”, Sir Basil Gould, formerly Political Officer, Sikkim, and James Cameron, author “Point of Departure”.

Druk or Lhaki Hotel Phuntsholing
These modest business hotels are located in the border of Phuntsholing, Bhutan’s second largest city. They are intended for local businessmen from West Bengal and will serve only as an acceptable overnight stop for us on this trip.

 

 

 

Taj Tashi Thimpu
In keeping with the enchanting surrounds, the hotel is a blend of Bhutan’s Dzong architecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 66 elegant guestrooms afford guests striking highlights of the region’s art and colour. Besides breathtaking views of the mountains that rise above the Thimphu valley.

 

 

UMA PARO
Uma Paro offers exceptional style in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Reflecting an understated philosophy of quiet comfort in a unique, culture-rich location, this inland retreat is also dedicated to activity and adventure.

 

 

Rates

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Visas are required for American or Canadian passport holders to enter India and Bhutan. Travelers of other nationalities should check with the appropriate Consulate or Embassy for requirements. You must obtain a visa for India prior to departing the USA. You will need a multiple entry visa. Bhutanese visas will be issued upon arrival in Bhutan and we will collect personal data prior once you are registered on the trip.

SHOTS
None required or recommended. It is recommended you have your regular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For further information, visit the Center For Disease Control website.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Delta, Air France, Air India, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.

MINIMUMS
All departures are guaranteed on a minimum of 6 participants. The trip will be repriced if fewer than 6 participants travel. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour on other dates if the group program is not convenient.

INCLUSIONS

• 15 nights accommodation based on twin sharing at the following hotels/room categories.
• All meals on fixed menu basis..
• Welcome cocktail and dinner at Spice Route Restaurant, Imperial on 23 Oct ’10.
• Farewell cocktail and dinner at Uma Resort, Paro on 04 Nov ’10.
• Toy Train ride in Darjeeling.
• Tea Garden visit with lunch while in Darjeeling.
• Visit to Farm House with refreshments in Bhutan.
• Special Puja Ceremony at the Monastery in Paro.
• Services of English Speaking local guide during sightseeing in Delhi.  Services of English Speaking accompanying guide from Darjeeling to Phuntsholing & Bhutan guide from Phuntsholing to Paro. 
• Entrance & Camera fees to monuments of visit as per the itinerary.
• Domestic bottled during sightseeing tours and excursions.
• Govt. Royalty and Taxes in Bhutan.
• Tourism Development fee.
• Bhutan Visa Fee.

not included

• Cost of meals which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Gratuities for drivers and guides.
• Alcoholic drink, laundry and telephone charges.
• Domestic Internal Airfare (given separately).
• International airfare, India visa fee, airport tax and any kind of insurance.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES / AVERAGE RAINFALL