GONE 2 ASIA

		ITINERARY
		Day 1 : Los Angeles - Bangkok
		Today we depart the United States bound for Bangkok, Thailand. After crossing the International dateline we will arrive late in the evening. After clearing customs we will overnight at the Amari Airport Hotel.
		Day 2 : Bangkok - Calcutta
		After breakfast we will return to the airport for our departure on Thai Airways to Calcutta. After transferring to our hotel there will be time for an optional city tour of Calcutta or time to relax and enjoy the hotel.
		Day 3: Calcutta - Bagdogra - Darjeeling
		After breakfast transfer to the Calcutta Airport for our flight to Bagdogra, the closest airport to Sikkim. We will be met by our hosts and begin our journey to Darjeeling, a drive of about four hours. Darjeeling is one of two hill stations established by the British during the days of the Raj. The city has managed to retain much of its old charm. B, L, D.
		Day 4: Darjeeling
		After breakfast we will begin our exploration of Darjeeling with a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Everest Museum, the Zoological Park and the Tibetan Self Help Center. After lunch we will take the toy train ride on the Himalayan Railway to Ghoom (if the train is running) and return to town to see the Sangag Choeling. B, L, D.
		Day 5: Darjeeling
		- Set out early this morning to see a spectacular sight (weather permitting) from Tiger Hill. The sun rising over the snow-clad Kanchenjunga Range turns it orange-gold as the sun’s rays shine on some of the world’s tallest peaks. After breakfast we will visit walk to Chowrasta (The Mall), the heart of Darjeeling, and a place where all sorts of people meet. Continue on to Observatory Hill where we might get a first glimpse of the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga, and the Mahakali Temple, a cave sacred to Shiva. From here we will walk down to visit Bhutia Busty Monastery which belongs to a Buddhist Red Hat Sect and was built in 1934 by a former king of Sikkim. After lunch will be free to further explore the city. B, L, D.
		Day 6: Darjeeling - Pelling
		After breakfast we depart Darjeeling and head for Pelling, our first destination within Sikkim. The West district of Sikkim is probably the most enchanting and certainly one of the most sacred places in the Eastern Himalaya. After a four hour drive we will reach Pelling. Our hotel is situated on the western face of a mountain-side and is barely a minutes walk from the quaint hamlet of Pelling. The resort commands a breathtaking view of Sikkim’s protective mountain deity, Mt. Khangchendzonga and its lesser peaks. After lunch we will walk to Sangachoeling Monastery which is situated on a ridge above Pelling. B, L, D.
		Day 7: Pelling
		- Today will be spent exploring the sights around Pelling. We will proceed to Yoksum where the first Chogyal or King was enthroned in 1641 AD by the three great Lamas. The site is very holy to the Sikkimese and is under the care of the Archeological Survey of India. From here we will drive to Khecheopalri Lake, the most sacred lake in Sikkim. It is believed that the lake possess powers of Wish-Fulfillment. The afternoon will be free to enjoy the awesome views from the hotel or take a nature walk. B, L, D.
		Day 8: Pelling - Gangtok
		- After breakfast we depart Pelling and drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Along the way we will drive through many cardamom, ginger and rice paddy fields. The local people call Sikkim Denzong, land of rice. Before we arrive in Gangtok we will stop at Rumtek Monastery, the largest in Sikkim. Its traditional design is a close replica of the original in Tibet with beautiful murals and religious artifacts. B, L, D.
		Day 9: Gangtok
		After breakfast we will continue our sightseeing with a stop at the Research Institute of Tibetology and the Dodrul Chorten. After lunch we continue our sightseeing with a visit to the Sikkim Government Handicraft Center and Enchay Monastery. B, L, D.
		Day 10: Gangtok - Kalimpong
		- Our drive to Kalimpong will take through some very beautiful valleys, along rivers and up into the mountains again to this charming hill station of old. Before the Chinese takeover of Tibet, Kalimpong was the center of India’s wool trade with that country. After checking into our hotel we will walk into town to explore its shops and market as well as one of the many famous flower nurseries of Kalimpong. B, L, D.
		Day 11: Kalimpong
		After breakfast we will continue our local sightseeing with visits to Dr. Graham’s Homes and school for the children of the area, the Zangdolpalry Monastery, Durpin Dara and Thongsa Monastery (with permission). Remainder of the day free to enjoy the city. B, L, D.
		Day 12: Kalimpong - Phuntsholing
		Today we head from Kalimpong to Phuntsholing and our first night in Bhutan. You will immediately notice how quiet and less populated it is in Bhutan. We will be met by our Bhutanese host and transfer to our hotel. If time permits, visit the Zangtopelri temple in the center of the town and Kharbandi Gonpa, about 4 kms from here. Tonight we will retire early as tomorrow we will have a long drive to Paro. B, L, D.
		Day 13 : Phuntsholing - Paro
		Our drive today will cover about 160 kms to Paro. Along the way you will notice the unique architecture of the Bhutanese farmhouses and the pristine environment and beau-tiful forests, valleys, waterfalls and high mountains. Our drive will take most of the day as the roads in Bhutan are very narrow and make for slow driving. We will have lunch along the way and arrive into Paro late in the evening. B, L, D.
		Day 14 : Paro
		After breakfast we will visit the National Museum to learn about the history of Bhutan and its culture. After lunch we will continue our Paro valley sightseeing with a visit to Drukgyel Dzong from which we can view Jomolhari mountain if the weather is clear. From the road we will also be able to view the Taktsang monastery nestled high on the black cliff face across the river. This monastery was ravaged by fire and is now completely renovated. Before returning to the hotel we will visit a local farmhouse where we can see how the Bhutanese live and try traditional butter tea. B, L, D.
		Day 15 : Paro
		After breakfast we will drive to the base of the mountain where we will begin our hike or pony ride to the viewpoint of Taktsang Monastery. The climb will take about 2 hours going up to reach the viewpoint and for those wishing to climb up farther it will be another hours walk. We will have lunch here before returning to Paro. For those not wanting to hike a tour to the Haa Valley via Bhutan’s highest navigable pass can be arranged. B, L, D.
		Day 16 : Paro - Thimphu
		After breakfast we will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and begin our exploration of the city with a visit to the Memorial Chorten which was erected by the Royal Grandmother, Phuntsho Choegron, in 1974 in memory of her son the third King Jigme Dorje Wangchuck, who died in 1972. After lunch we will continue our sightseeing with a stop at the new Textile Museum, and visit the Traditional Painting School. This evening we will dine at Plums. B, L, D.
		Day 17 : Thimphu
		After breakfast we will head for the valley viewpoint with a stop along the way to visit the Takins, Bhutan’s national animal. From here we will visit the Zilunkha Nunnery. After lunch we will stop by the Handmade Paper factory, the local market, the Folk Heritage Museum and the Thimphu Dzong. B, L, D.
		Day 18 : Thimphu - Punakha
		This morning we will drive to Punakha, a trip of about three hours in length. We will leave the cooler temperatures of the Thimphu valley and arrive in the more tropical Punakha valley. Along the way we enjoy breath-taking views of Bhutan’s Himalaya mountains (weather permitting) from Dochu La pass and the Dochu La Café where we can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. We will reach Punakha in time for lunch at our hotel before visiting the Punakha Dzong and surrounding areas. B, L, D.
		Day 19 : Punakha - Gangtey - Trongsa
		Today will be spent on the road between Punakha and Trongsa. Our first stop will be in Wangdi to visit the Dzong and then we will head on to Trongsa. Along the way we will cross Pele La Pass which divides western Bhutan from central and eastern Bhutan. We will detour into Phobjika valley, situated in the Black Mountains, and home to the Gantey Gompa monastery and the migrating black-necked cranes. We will also stop at Chendebje Chorten, built in the 19th century by a Tibetan lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was killed at this spot. Because of the long drive we will have a picnic lunch along the way. B, L, D.
		Day 20 : Trongsa - Jakar
		After breakfast we will visit the Trongsa Dzong (with permission) and then continue east for about 2 ½ hours to Jakar, the capital of Bumthang. After checking into our hotel we will head for Jambay Lhakhang for the festival. This site is one of the most sacred in Bhutan and by attending the festival we will be able to see the traditional masked dances performed by both monks and lay people. If time permits we will stop at the Swiss Dairy to sample the local cheese. After dinner we will learn more about the festivals and about Bhutanese traditional dress. B, L, D.
		Day 21 : Jakar
		After breakfast we head a short distance from town to attend the smaller Prakar Tsechu. Our attendance at this festival will allow us to interact with the locals and to again participate in the festival. This afternoon we will visit the Kurjey Lhakhang complex where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left the imprint of his body on the rock. On our way back to our hotel we will stop in town to stroll with the locals. B, L, D.
		Day 22 : Jakar - Punakha
		After an early breakfast we will depart Jakar and head for Punakha. Today will be a long day on the road and we will again have a picnic lunch on the way. B, L, D.
		Day 23 : Punakha - Thimphu - Paro
		After breakfast we will return to Thimphu for lunch and any last minute shopping before heading on to Paro. Tonight we will have a special farewell dinner at our hotel. B, L, D.
		Day 24 : Paro - Bangkok
		After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our departure on Druk Royal Bhutan airlines to Bangkok. After clearing customs we will transfer to the Amari Airport Hotel for the night. B.
		Day 25 : Bangkok - USA
		Early morning departure from Bangkok to Los Angeles, arriving the same day. Welcome home!
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		Note: This itinerary is representative only. Sightseeing and times of flights are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

4114 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA. 92116 (619) 563-5890 (800) 506-1292 CSOT - 202685-10 Our Bhutan Tour		It is with great pleasure that Valet Travel introduces its 2005 tour to the fabled Kingdoms of Sikkim and Bhutan. Sikkim, now a state of India, is nestled in the northern Himalayas and borders with Bhutan and Tibet. Once independent, this Kingdom had a close relationship with Tibet and the aristocracy was strongly influenced by the court culture of Tibet. Over time the people adopted Buddhism as their primary religion. Today many Nepalese, Tibetans, and Bhutanese have settled in Sikkim and the old Kingdom is gone. What remains however, is some of the most spectacular scenery and the Charm of the old "hill-stations" from the British days. History can be seen in the collections of old photographs that remain in the historical hotels and lodges of the region. Bhutan, a days drive from Sikkim, is often referred to as the lost Shangri-la. A country closed to the outside world until the mid 1980's, Bhutan is now openly welcoming visitors. Secluded in the eastern Himalayas Bhutan exudes charm. The mountains are magnificent, the forests are dense, the people delightful (even the government officials), the air is pure, the architecture imposing, and their Buddhist religion is alive in every Bhutanese! The government is actively working on preserving the Kingdom's cultural identity and the entire population is working to ensure that the precious Bhutanese spirit is nurtured in the same way that it has been for thousands of years. Join us for this journey of a lifetime to these hidden Kingdoms in the clouds! Tour Escorts Chencho Tshering & Camille Carroll
		Tour Pricing
		$5660.00 per person based on double occupancy. Rate includes airfare from Los Angeles to Bangkok, Bangkok to Calcutta, Calcutta to Bagdogra and from Bhutan back to Los Angeles.. Airfares from other US cities available at nominal add-ons. Cash discount price $5495.00. Rate is based on a minimum of 8 passengers traveling together. Costs are subject to adjustment in the event of government rate increases in Bhutan or Sikkim. For those wishing to make their own arrangements to Bangkok may deduct $700.00 from the tour cost. If doing so accommodations in Bangkok will be additional. Booking Form .

				Himalayan Kingdoms in the Clouds
				SIKKIM & BHUTAN (September 28 - October 23, 2005) A Spring journey to Sikkim