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. You’ll spend two days walking through Rhododendron forests with a naturalist guide, with all the comforts of hotel living in the evenings. At Sikkim’s first capital site, Yuksom, you’ll learn how the community’s youth are working to preserve the forests and fulfill their dream of becoming a “little Switzerland.”

Itinerary

Day 1-2 - March 23-24 Fly to Bangkok, overnight in Bangkok.

Day 3 - March 25 Fly Bangkok to Paro, arrive mid-day. Visit Kichu Lhakhang and the Drukgyel Dzong. Overnight Paro.

Day 4 - March 26 Drive to Thimphu, sightseeing: Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, government center, and papermaking factory. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 5 - March 27 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 at Punakha/ Wangdi Phodrang.

Day 6 - March 28 Drive to Paro , stopping in Thimphu to shop for souvenirs. Overnight Paro.

Day 7 - March 29 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 crowd’s delight. A great photo opp. Overnight Paro.

Day 8 - March 30 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 31 Depart Paro, drive to Phuntsoling (4-5 hrs). Overnight Phuntsoling.

Day 10 - April 1 Drive to Sikkim, drive through tea gardens of North India to Sikkim. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 11 - April 2 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 - April 3 Continue trek through Sikkim’s flower wonderland. Overnight in a hotel in Pelling, with panoramic views of the Sikkim Himalaya.

Day 13 - April 4 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 - April 5 Yuksom: Visit the coronation site of Sikkim’s 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 - April 6 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 - April 7 Gangtok: Tour Rumtek Monastery and Buddhist university, Dodrul Chorten. Enjoy a last night special Sikkimese dinner. O/N Gangtok

Day 17 - April 8 Drive to Bagdogra, and onto Delhi, Calcutta or your connecting nternational flight homeward.

Dayi 18 - April 9 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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