Delhi • Kathmandu - Nepal • Lhasa - Tibet • Paro - Bhutan • Punakha • Gangtok - Sikkim • Pemayangtse • Darjeeling • Kalimpong

DAY 1 - Departure
Depart your hometown for New York or Chicago where you will board your Air India flight in the evening for Delhi. If departing from Los Angeles or San Francisco, you will depart early in the morning aboard Singapore Airlines for Singapore and change planes for Delhi. If you prefer to travel from any other city or any other airline, we will provide arrangements according to your requirements.

DAY 2 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi where a representative from Exotic Journeys will meet you outside the Immigration & Custom / Baggage claim area and escort you to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

DAY 3 - Kathmandu (Nepal)
After a leisurely morning in Delhi, you will fly to the capital of the Nepal - Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu is the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal. It is an exotic and fascinating showcase of a very rich culture, art and tradition. 

DAY 4 - Kathmandu
City tour visiting Hanuman Dhoka - the historic seat of royalty with old temples and palaces that epitomize cultural and religious life of the people, Temple of Living Goddess and Pashupathinath – the pagoda style temple with gilded roof and silver doors. 

DAY 5 - Lhasa (Tibet)
The morning flight over the panoramic Himalayan peaks will take you to Lhasa, Tibet. At an altitude of 11,830 feet, Lhasa is the major attraction. In Tibetan language, Lhasa means "The land of God". It enjoys delightful weather through out the year. There are several famous monasteries in Lhasa. Potala Palace is one of them.

DAY 6 - Lhasa
Visit Jokhang Monastery, which was build in 647 AD and remains the spiritual and the holiest center for all Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. Its oldest part dates back to 7th century AD. Sera Monastery was founded in 1419 and became famous for its Tantric teachings.

DAY 7 - Lhasa
Potala Palace is an architectural wonder. It was built between 1645 and 1693 with more than 1,000 rooms of living quarters, magnificent golden tombs, chapels, shrines, halls and thousands of gilded statues of Buddha. You will also visit Norbulingkha, summer palace of 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas with its walled garden, throne hall, audience hall. The Drepung Monastery, founded in 1416, once had 10,000 monks and 700 subsidiary monasteries. 

DAY 8 - Lhasa
Visit Barkhor - the oldest street in Lhasa that encircles the Jokhang Temple. It reflects the typical Tibetan life - magical, full of mystery and wonder. Also visit local colorful bazaars.

DAY 9 - Kathmandu
Fly to Kathmandu in the morning.

DAY 10 - Kathmandu
Visit Patan and Bhadgaon in the afternoon. Patan is a famous destination for connoisseurs of fine arts. Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments.The city is known for its rich tradition of arts and handicrafts and as the birthplace of master craftsmen and artists such as Arniko and Kuber Singh Shakya. Bhadgaon is a home to Traditional art and architecture, pottery and weaving industries, rich local customs and culture, and the every-day life of Bhaktapur people. Durbar Square - One of the world heritage sites in the country which reflects the city's rich culture, art and architectural design, is also the central setting of the city for architectural monuments and arts. Besides it there a few famous temples also. 

DAY 11 - Paro (Bhutan)
Fly to Paro, Bhutan. The beautiful terraced valley has many old temples. Drive through the valley and visit the Taktsang Monastery.

DAY 12 - Paro
Visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakang – the national museums. Historically and strategically Drukgyel Dzong withstood all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. Kyichu Lhakang is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan.

DAY 13 - Punakha
Excursion to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece. It was built strategically in the junction of Pho Chu river and Mo Chu river in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal to serve as religious and administrative center of the region. Damage by four catastrophic fires & earthquakes, the dzong has been fully restored by the present king.

DAY 14 - Thimphu
Visit King Wangchuk’s memorial, Taschichho Dzong and handicraft center. The Memorial Chorten dominates the skyline of Thimphu. This Chorten is dedicated to the Third Druk Gyalpo (King), Jigme Dorji Wangchuck after his sudden death while travelling abroad. Tashichoedzong hosts a colorful masked-dance festival (tsechhu) at the end of summer, which is popular with tourists. 

DAY 15 - Gangtok (Sikkim - India)
Drive to Phuntsholing. After city tour and lunch we will drive to Gangtok, Sikkim. Sikkim has drifted through time and the life here is still quiet and undisturbed. In a sense this is a vertical country with villages tucked on the slopes of high ridges.

DAY 16 - Gangtok
Visit Do Drul Chorten – the most sacred stupa that is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels, Deer Park and Orchid Sanctuary. 

DAY 17 - Gangtok
Today you will visit the sacred Rumtek and Enchey Monasteries, Cottage Industry and city tour.

DAY 18 - Pemayangtse
Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery - one of the principal monasteries in the state of Sikkim, as it is the second oldest monastery in the state and was built in 1705. The walls of this monastery are adorned with traditional frescoes depicting tantrik Buddhist themes. An interesting feature of Pemayangtse monastery is the depiction of sangthopalri or heaven, intricately sculpted on wood by a single monk, which took several years to complete.

DAY 19 - Pemayangtse
Day excursion to Khecheopalri Lake and the Sangchholing monastery. Khecheopalri Lake is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists and considered as a wish - fulfiling lake. The tranquil and clear waters of this lake reflect the densely wooded slopes of the surrounding hills with a monastery above. Sangchholing monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the state. The monastery is situated on a ridge over here. Belonging to the Nyingmapa sect, the 17th - century clay statues preserved in the monastery are among the oldest in the entire state.

DAY 20 - Darjeeling
Fly to Darjeeling, a sparkling hill resort perched at an altitude of 7,400 feet. The town is a maze of steps, terraces and exotic little bazaars, lovely villas, gardens and waterfalls.

DAY 21 - Darjeeling
For a spectacular view of sunrise behind the Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, visit Tiger Hills followed by afternoon visit to Ghoom Monastery, Himalayan Zoo.

DAY 22 - Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a medley of diverse mountain people – Nepalese, Tibetans, Bhutanese and Lepchas. Sightseeing tour includes Tharpa Choling, Buddhist Monastery, Lepcha Museum and Durpin Dara.

DAY 23 - Delhi
Fly to Delhi. Balance of the day at leisure.

DAY 24 - Homebound
Depart to your onward journey.