Bhutan-Darjeeling-Kolkata - October 19 – November 6, 2009 - ($5,590 USD from Bangkok)
| DATE |
ACTIVITY |
NIGHT |
| Oct 19 |
M |
Gather at the Amari Boulevard Hotel. Orientation. Group dinner (option). |
Bangkok |
| 20 |
T |
AM: Fly from Bangkok to Paro via Kolkata. Then by small bus to Thimphu, the capitol. Later stroll town center, Shops.
(B,L,D) |
Thimphu |
| 21 |
W |
Thimphu Sights: National Memorial Chorten, the Dupthop Lhakhang (one of few surviving nunneries), traditional art centers, Simtokha Dzong (1627, oldest in Bhutan), Trashi Dzong, end at the handicraft emporium. Some good silver and jewellery.
(B,L,D) |
Thimphu |
| 22 |
Th |
Travel to Punakha via Dochula Pass. Monuments, an observatory, forest of prayer flags. Spectacular views of the higher Himalayas. Visit the Punakha Dzong (1637). Museum at Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang.
(B,L,D) |
Punakha |
| 23 |
F |
Spectacular scenery of Wangdiphodrang Valley, visit W. Dzong (1638). Visit hamlets, villages, village school. We should see the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) in the Phobjikha Valley.
(B,L,D) |
Gangtey |
| 24 |
S |
Eastward toward Trongsa. Less inhabited, interesting land forms and forest trees. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive in Bhutan. This is the ancestral home and Dzong of the recent royal family. Visit Kuengarabtan Palace.
(B,L,D) |
Trongsa |
| 25 |
S |
Westward through deep canyons and forests. Villages, village market, visit a farmstead.
(B,L,D) |
Wangdiphodrang |
| 26 |
M |
Through beautiful scenery to Thimpu. Tango Monastery, National Textile Museum. On to Paro, tour downtown area, shops, market.
(B,L,D) |
Paro |
| 27 |
T |
AM: Special day as we visit the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike up the trail through the open forest to a viewpoint looking directly at Taktsang. Spectacular! Then a looping path down and up to Tiger’s Nest. (Google it).
Later: Visit Ta Dzong / National Museum and then explore in town. There are some excellent shops with good buys, especially of jewelery.
(B,L,D) |
Paro |
| 28 |
W |
Down out of the mountains to Phuntsoling, on the border with India. As a border town it has some good markets: textiles and other crafts, exotic fruits and vegetables.
(B,L,D) |
Phuntsoling |
| 29 |
Th |
Drive to Kalimpong. Forested hills, small towns and villages. Check in at the lovely Silver Oaks Hotel, a short walk from the town center.
(B,L,D) |
Kalimpong |
| 30 |
F |
In and around Kalimpong. Sightseeing, craft shops, markets, coffee shops, bookstores.
(B,L,D) |
Kalimpong |
| 31 |
S |
Drive up into the Himalayas. Tea and mo-mos at Kurseong. Check in at Windamere, one of great heritage hotels (Google it!). Walking tour near Chowrastra and nearby areas.
(B,L,D) |
Darjeeling |
| Nov 1 |
S |
After breakfast to the Tibetan Refugee (self-help) Center, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoo/Captive Breeding Center for endangered Himalayan Wildlife.
Late afternoon: free.
(B,L,D) |
Darjeeling |
| 2 |
M |
Early morning: to Tiger Hill. The sun rises behind us, Illuminating Mt. Kanchenjunga in front of us, first with pale pink at the +28,000 foot summit and then cloaking it in gold as the sun rises higher. In 2008 we had a clear view of Mt. Everest as well. Also visit Ghoom and the Ghoom Monastery. Possible visit to tea factory.
(B,L,D) |
Darjeeling |
| 3 |
T |
Travel down out of the Himalayas to Bagdogra, then fly to Kolkata. Check in at the Oberoi Hotel. Well located on Chowringhee Road. Walking tour near hotel.
(B) |
Kolkata |
| 4 |
W |
Day tour of Kolkata. Flexible itinerary, National Museum, Pavilions of the States, Victoria Monument, shops on Chowringhee.
(B) |
Kolkata |
| 5 |
Th |
Fly to Bangkok.
Activity in Kolkata depends on time of flight Group dinner in Bangkok (option).
(B) |
Bangkok |
| 6 |
F |
Tour ends after breakfast. Fly to the US, stay in Thailand, etc.
(B) |
Bangkok |
What can you say about a country which values Gross National Happiness above Gross National Product? Where the government goal is to maintain 60% of the land in forest....but the amount now is 72%? We will be immersed in the fascinating culture of this isolated kingdom and travel through the spectacular landscapes.
From Bhutan we go to Kalimpong, a lively and interesting hill station in India before going up to Darjeeling and later fly to Kolkata.
This was an excellent trip last October and will be better and a bit longer in 2009; Gangtok has been left out and we will be longer in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kolkata.
The cost of $5,590 includes all hotels, all food in Bhutan, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, all breakfasts elsewhere, and visa to Bhutan, all flights from beginning in Bangkok. It does not include private taxi, airport tax (if any), laundry, tips, camera fees, and visa to India. Single supplement is $629.
A deposit of $1,000 will hold a place. First paid, first accepted. Total due by August 10.
Registration forms can be downloaded from the website or are available from Mekong Tours. Those signing up will be sent information on money, visas, clothing, medical, hotels, etc. I can assist those wanting to remain in Thailand or travel elsewhere in SE Asia.
To make a reservation, please print the tour registration form, fill in all blanks and mail with a $1,000 deposit to:
Robert Phillips
Mekong Tours
7135 Fawcet Creek Road
Tillamook, OR 97141
(503) 842-7198
MekongTour1@Hotmail.com
www.MekongTours.com
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