GONE 2 ASIA

		ITINERARY
		Day 1 : USA - Bangkok
		Today we depart the United States bound for Bangkok, Thailand. After crossing the International dateline we will arrive late evening of April 18. 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
		Today will be spent on the road between Punakha and Trongasa. Our first stop will be in Wangdi to visit the Dzong and then we will head on to Trongsa. Before reaching Pele La pass 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 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 : Gangtokr - 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 beautiful 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 view point 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 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 lunch we will head for Jambay Lhakhang. This site is one of the most sacred in Bhutan. Next we will visit the Kurjey Lhakhang complex where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left the imprint of his body on the rock. 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 - Ura - Jakar
		After an early breakfast we head for Ura. Today will be spent at the festival and will give us a chance to view the traditional masked dances and to interact with the locals. We will spend the day in this prosperous village returning to Jakar in time for dinner. B, L, D.
		Day 22: Jakar
		Day 23: Jakar - Wangdi
		After an early breakfast we will depart Jakar and head for Wangdi. Today will be a long day on the road and we will again have a picnic lunch on the way. B, L, D.
		Day 24: Wangdi - Thimphu
		After breakfast we will return to Thimphu for lunch and any last minute shopping. Tonight we will have a special farewell dinner at Plums. B, L, D.
		Day 25: Thimphu- Paro
		This morning we will visit the local market to see where local Bhutanese shop for their daily needs. After lunch we will return to Paro, visiting Simtokha Dzong along the way. B, L, D.
		Day 26: Paro- Bangkok
		Note: This itinerary is representative only. Sightseeing and times of flights are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
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