Bhutan
blooms with life in Spring: forests come alive with birds and blossoms,
and in the courtyards of Paro Dzong, villagers sit entranced by the
Tsechu masked ritual dances. On this special trip you too will
witness the dances for the deities, receive blessings, and rise early
to see the unfurling of a giant thangka (embroidered tapestry) at
sunrise.
April in Sikkim is the time of magnificent Rhododendron
blooms. Sikkim boasts 36 species of Rhododendron, some as tall
as 30-40 feet. Youll spend two days walking through Rhododendron
forests with a naturalist guide, with all the comforts of hotel
living in the evenings. At Sikkims first capital site, Yuksom,
youll learn how the communitys youth are working to preserve
the forests and fulfill their dream of becoming a little Switzerland.
Itinerary
Day
1-2 March 12-13 Fly to Bangkok, overnight
in Bangkok.
Day 3 March 14 Fly Bangkok to Paro, arrive mid-day.
Visit Kichu Lhakhang and the Drukgyel Dzong. Overnight Paro.
Day
4 March 15 Drive to Thimphu, sightseeing: Visit the Folk Heritage
Museum, government center, and papermaking factory. Free time for
shopping. Overnight in Thimphu
Day
5 March 16 Punakha: Drive over Dochula (10,000 ft) and on to
Punakha Dzong, an impressive 17th century monastery/fortress. Take
an easy walk through farmfields to Chimi Lhakhang, home of the Divine
Madman, who is said to cure infertility! Overnight Punakha/Wangdi
Phodrang.
Day
6 March 17 Weekend Market in Thimphu/Drive to Paro Drive to Thimphu,
visit the weekend market where farmers sell their wares. Drive to
Paro, overnight Paro.
Day 7 March 18 Paro Tsechu: Attend the Tsechu, held in the
Paro Dzong courtyard. Dancers adorned in colorful silk robes, masks
and with swords dance in a trance to the crowds delight. A great
photo opp. Overnight Paro.
Day
8 March 19 Final day of Paro Tsechu: Arise
early to witness the unfurling of the Thongdrel, a huge scroll tapestry/thangkas,
at the conclusion of Tsechu. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro. Overnight
in Paro.
Day
9 March 20 Depart Paro, drive to Phuntsoling (4-5 hrs). Overnight
Phuntsoling.
Day
10 March 21 Drive to Sikkim Drive
through tea gardens of North India to Sikkim. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day
11 March 22 Drive to trailhead -- Hike through forests of Rhododendron.
Stretch your legs on a half-day trek through the mid-hills, amidst
a breathtaking array of flowering Rhododendron trees! Delight in the
range of colors, shapes and sizes. Overnight in a comfortable lodge.
Day
12 March 23 Continue trek through Sikkims flower wonderland.
Overnight in a hotel in Pelling, with panoramic views of the Sikkim
Himalaya.
Day
13 March 24 Pemayangtse to Yuksom: Visit this premier Nyingma
monastery, Pemayangste, with its ornate carved wooden image of heaven.
Visit holy Khechepalri Lake, and drive an hour to Yuksom. Overnight
in lodge.
Day
14 March 25 Yuksom: Visit the coronation site of Sikkims
first Choegyal (King) and take a guided walk through the magnificent
forests of Kangchendzonga National Park. Learn about village conservation
in Yuksom. O/N Yuksom.
Day
15 March 26 Yuksom to Gangtok: Visit a tea estate en route to
Gangtok (5 hr drive), capital of Sikkim. Stay in a traditional Sikkimese
hotel, Gangtok.
Day
16 March 27 Gangtok: Tour Rumtek Monastery and Buddhist university,
Dodrul Chorten. Enjoy a last night special Sikkimese dinner. O/N Gangtok
Day
17 March 28 Drive to Bagdogra, fly to Calcutta. Overnight in
Calcutta, or transfer to international flight.
Day
18 March 29 Fly to Bangkok or your home destination.
Trip Cost:
4-6 persons US$3,800/person
7-10 persons US$3,450/person
Single supplement US$500/person.
Optional
Extension in India: Please inquire about an optional 3 night/4-day
extension to Delhi and Agra
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