Transfer to the airport in time for flight to Bagdogra. Assistance on arrival and transfer by surface to Darjeeling (90 km, approx. 4 hrs drive). On arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Excursion to Tiger hill, where early morning sun rise displays a panorama of colours and sunsets are purple and gold- beyond in the distance are the Himalayan Peaks. Return via the famous Ghoom Monastery.

Afternoon city sightseeing tour and Ghoom Monastery. Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful Hill stations in Eastern India, has the highest Race Course in the world, Visit to the Mountaineering Institute, House of tenzing Norgay-The first Everest Hero; and the Lablong village. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Gangtok (97 km, approx. 4 hrs), the capital and principal town of Sikkim is 1600 m. above the sea level. Situated in the eastern Himalayas, it offers excellent view of the mountains on a clear day. On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon visit Rhumtek monastery (46 km). First built during the reign of the 4th Chogyal, Gyurmed Namgyal, it belongs to the Karmagupa sect. Rhumtek has been designed on the pattern of the Lamasaries of Tibet and is the home of His Holiness, Gyalwa Karmapa, the 16th reincarnate and head of the 'Yellow Hat' sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning visit Enchey monastery, one of the most important monastery in Sikkim. Every year in December, it is the scene of one of the most colourful festival in the state. The walls are adorned with beautiful frescoes and a diverse collection of ritual and prayer objects and masks are also on view. Also visit the Institute of Tibetology and the Orchid sanctuary.

INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY : Established in 1958, the institute has one of the world's largest collection of rare Buddhist manuscripts, and also an extensie collection of art objects and exquisite thankhas.

THE ORCHID SANCTUARY : is even more delightful and has more than 500 varieties of orchids, which flower both in the spring and in autumn. The sanctuary has meandering paths through the flower beds, which take you from one bed of exotic orchids to another. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Pemayangtse (139 km, approx. 6 hrs drive). On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon visit the monastery. It is situated in West Sikkim and is one of the most interesting monasteries in this region. It depicts 'Sangthopalri' or 'Heaven' sculptured in wood, a work of art by a single monk which took 5 years to complete. Pemayangtse is a completely unspoilt area and the highlight of a Sikkim visit. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive in the morning to Kalimpong (85 km, approx. 3 hrs drive). On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Morning sightseeing tour of the city visiting Kalimpong another hill resort which is reached by a fascinating journey through tea estates winding roads and several view points from where the mighty Himalayan range can be viewed. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Bagdogra airport (81 km, approx. 3 hrs drive) in time for flight to Delhi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Biratnagar (221 km, approx. 7 hrs drive via Siliguri) to board flight to Kathmandu. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning sightseeing tour of city and Swayambhunath.. City sightseeing tour visiting the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter, Mahadev and Parvati Temple, Machhender Bahl-holy place for the Buddhists and Hindus, Temple House of Kumari, the vestal virgin or the living goddess. Walk around the local bazaars.

SWAYAMBHUNATH a 2500 years old site where, it is believed, the Radiant Lotus of valley mythology settled when the water was drained by Manjushri, the God of Wisdom. The 5 dhyani Buddhas attended by their consorts are enshrined at the base of the stupa. Also visit the Museum (closed on Tuesdays).

Afternoon tour of Patan, visiting the Old Newar City, The historic Durbar Square, see the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Teleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, other temples and old windows and carved balconies of wood, curio shops and bazaars. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning excursion to Bhadgaon, Pashupatinath and Bodhnath.

BHADGAON : Another Newar city founded in the 9th century. Visit the ancient gateway, Durbar Square the Royal Residential quarter of Bhupendra Malla, famous five storeyed temple of Nytapole in pagoda style and other temples.

PASHUPATINATH : Temple which is noted for its erotic wood carvings of the struts. This is a replica of the famous Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu built by the Yakchya Malla.

BODHNATH : this collasal Stupa, one of the largest in the world. This Stupa has the all seeing-eyes of the Buddha by king Mana Deva in expiation of his sins of the advice inset with prayer wheels. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport in time for flight to Delhi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Thereafter same as Day 8 of main tour programme.

Morning drive to Phuntosholing (95 km, approx. 3 hrs drive)

PHUNTOSHOLING : From its vast views of Indian plains, this overland gateway town is the start of a breath-taking drive round hairpin bends and through lush forests to the towns and valley of the inner Himalayas. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Thimphu (179 km, approx. 6 hrs drive). On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon visit to the National Assembly Hall, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thankha paintings and the Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries-old healing arts are still practiced. Thereafter visit Tashichho Dzong, the Fortress of Glorious Religion, originally founded in 1641 AD. Overnight at the hotel.

Excursion to Punakha and Wangdiphodrang. Drive to Punakha (200 km, approx, 6 hrs drive), across Dochula pass (alt. 10,218 ft.) From here, on a clear day, the eastern Himalayan mountain range is visible. Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and even today, it is the winter seat of the J Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Towards the south of Punakha lies the windy valley of Wangdiphodrang, famous for its slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Paro (65 km, approx. 1½ hrs), & en-route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of its kind, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Morning city sightseeing tour. Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient watch tower and has a fine collection of ancient thankha paintings, textiles, weapons and artifacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rainpung Dzong (fortress of the Heap of Jewels), which has a long and fascinating history.

Afternoon drive to visit Drukgyel Dzong, which is now in ruins. This dzong is of historical importance, and from these ramparts the Bhutanese repulsed the Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, the 24,000 ft. white-domed peak of sacred Chomalhari (mountain of Goddess) looms overheads. Overnight at the hotels.

Transfer to airport in time for flight to Delhi. Flight operate on Mon and Thu). Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Thereafter, same as Day 8 of the main tour programme.

Morning drive to Bagdogra airport (81 km, approx. 3 hrs drive) in time for flight to Calcutta. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon visit to Mother Teresa's Missionary of Charity Homes. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 9: CALCUTTA - BHUBANESHWAR

Morning city sightseeing tour, Morning city sightseeing tour visiting the Jain Temple, Zoological Gardens, Victoria Memorial, Drive past Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square, Fort Williams, Secretariat Building and Old Court House Street.

Transfer to airport in time for flight to Bhubaneshwar. Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 10 : BHUBANESHWAR

Morning tour of temple city. The finest temples are the Lingraj temple; Rajarani temple Mukteshwar temple, Parsurameshwar and Brahmeshwar temple. These temples are some of the best specimens of the Orissa temple architecture.

Afternoon visit to Udaigiri & Khandgiri caves. About 5 km. out of Bhubaneshwar, the two hills flanking the road on each side, are riddled with caves. Udaigiri (sunrise hill) has interesting caves scattered at various levels up the hill. At the base of the hill, there is a two-storied Queen's Palace cave with 8 entrances and extensive carving. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 11 : BHUBANESHWAR-PURI

Morning drive to Puri (56 km, approx. 3 ½ hrs drive), en-route visiting the Ashokan edict and Japanese temple at Dhauli, the appliqué-work handicrafts centre at Pipli and the artists village of Raghurajpura, famous for its Patachitra school of painting. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 12: PURI

Full day excursion to Konark to see the beautiful Sun Temple built in the 13th century in honour to the Sun god, containing exquisite carvings, the Life size Lions and Elephants Collosal, figures of Warriors on Horse, scenes of Battle and the chase- all carved with great imagination and skill, testify to the high standard of ancient Indian art and engineering skill. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 13 : PURI - BHUBANESHWAR - DELHI

Morning free. Afternoon drive directly to Bhubaneshwar airport in time for flight to Delhi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Thereafter same as Day 8 of main tour programme..

Please Note : To visit Gangtok and Pemyangtse, a permit is required. Photocopies of passport, with valid visa, is necessary for obtaining permissions. A minimum of one week is required prior to arrival, to obtain the necessary permission.