Hidden Gems of the Mighty Himalayas: Delhi to Drukyul & Beyond

Today morning board a flight from New Delhi airport to Bagdogra. Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport, a representative from Ramble Advisor will warmly greet you and facilitate your transfer to Gangtok, the enchanting capital of Sikkim nestled amidst the majestic mountains. Upon reaching Gangtok, settle into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening at your own pace. Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok.

Following a delightful breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full day of exploration in Gangtok. Begin your journey with a visit to Hanuman Tok, a serene temple complex nestled in the upper reaches of Gangtok, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and meticulously maintained by the Indian Army. Explore further with visits to Ganesh Tok, the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom (Closed on Sundays), the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (Closed on Sundays), the tranquil Do Drul Chorten Monastery, and the mesmerizing Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park. As the evening draws near, return to the hotel for a peaceful overnight stay.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, embark on a thrilling full-day excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir, nestled at an impressive altitude of 12,400 ft/3780 Mts with an average depth of 50 ft. Marvel at the tranquil beauty of the lake, where the cool waters harmonize perfectly with the surrounding scenic vistas. (In the rare event of a landslide or any other closure at Tsomgo Lake, rest assured we'll arrange an equally captivating alternative for your sightseeing.) Return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Phuentsholing (Bhutan Border). Upon arrival at Phuentsholing, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or free for own activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Thimphu. Upon arrival at Thimphu, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, later in the evening head out for an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, head-out to enjoy the sightseeing of Thimpu, visit Pangri Zampa Monastery for astrology session, later visit the National Library - housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), Textile Museum, and Simply Bhutan - a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. After that visit Changangkha Lhakhang - a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. Afterwards drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. If time permits, visit the King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Punakha. On your way to Punakha, halt at Dochula pass (3100mts) for a photo break, this pass makes the drive from Thimphu to Punakha one of the most beautiful pass in Bhutan. 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, built over the pass by queen mother in 2003 marks the pass more important than another passes. In a clear weather, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan. Later continue your drive to Punakha. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later in the afternoon visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong, which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. The Dzong, showcase the finest example of the arts and crafts of Bhutan. After that trek to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Paro. En-route Wangdue Phodrang to visit Wangdue Dzong and the local market. Upon arrival at Paro, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, hike to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger Nest. The temple is located in the sacred rock, which is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress' back to subdue a local demon. Thereafter, he meditated here for three months. Visiting Tiger's Nest temple will be rewarded with a breathtaking view and ones in a lifetime memory. It takes almost 2 hours to walk up at an average pace. Although the main building of the temple was destroyed by fire on April 1998, it rebuilt to former glory in 2001. The hike up to the viewpoint is worthwhile and fulfilling. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. Also visit Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, and Drukgyal Dzong. Overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning as per your flight timing, our representative will transfer you to the Paro airport to board a flight to Kathmandu. It's a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and rooms will be provided after check-in process. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, commence the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar square, Swayambhunath stupa and Patan Durbar square. 

SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hillock 02 kilometres west of Kathmandu overlooking the valley. The oldest written reference to the stupa dates from the 5th century, but it could have existed much earlier. Moreover, a legend has it that the stupa evolved spontaneously at the time of the Kathmandu valley's creation. Swayambhunath is famously known as as "the Monkey Temple" owing to the presence of a large number of monkeys around the area.

THAMEL: Later, get on a rickshaw (tricycle) for an interesting 20-minute ride to the tourist hub of Thamel. Travelers and the locals consider it a tourist haven. Its filled with narrow streets, all lined with budget hotels, small shops selling everything from food and provisions to clothes, carpets, walking gears, music CDs, DVDs, handicrafts, paintings which make it an ideal place for souvenir shopping. The area also has some very good restaurants when you need to stop for munching.

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: The durbar square with its arrays of temples, courtyards, monuments and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals is located in Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu city, the country's capital. Chief attractions here include Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; the temple of Ashok Vinayak dedicated to lord Ganesh (elephant headed deity), and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath. There is a giant pagoda of 'Kasthamandap', a structure which is said to have been built out of a single tree. The name of the capital 'Kathmandu' is said to be actually derived from 'Kasthamandap'.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE: Located 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, the Patan city popularly known as 'the city of artisans' accommodates a magnificent square housing the palace buildings of the then royals, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples - a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Malla kings. It is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Nagarkot [1 /½ hours under normal road conditioned] en-route visit Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur.

BOUDHANATH: One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal; Boudhanath is a spherical stupa structure imposing at a height of 36 meters with three massive Mandala style platforms. Located 08 kilometres east of Kathmandu, the stupa with four pairs of eyes at the four cardinal directions is believed to be keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. Built on an octagonal base inset with 108 prayer wheels, the shrine is ringed by the settlement especially of the Tibetan refugees who entered Nepal in the 1950s. They have developed the place into a 'Mini-Tibet' ever since.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO): A former capital of the valley, it was once a flourishing city on the trade route to Tibet. It has preserved its traditional character better than the other two cities, due to its more isolated location. It is regarded today as a classic showcase of medieval Nepalese town life. It is situated in the east of Kathmandu valley about 14 km. away. It today retains much of its beauty in ornate woodcarvings and in the famed Golden Gate. Special activity - Local hands on pottery experience.

NAGARKOT: A village located about 32 kilometres east of Kathmandu on the north-eastern rim at an elevation close to 6,800 feet above sea level. Nagarkot is famous as one of the most scenic spots in the region, renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise view. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. With a panoramic view of the Valley, it is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round. If luck favours, you can even spot Mount Everest out with its snow-topped peaks on a very clear day from an observation tower at the very top of the village's hills. Overnight at the hotel in Nagarkot.

Early in the morning head-out to spot Mount Everest out with its snow-topped peaks on a very clear day from an observation tower at the very top of the village's hills. Later get back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast our representative will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport, to board a flight to your home or onward destination.