View Bhutan and Sikkim March 2015 Brochure

BHUTAN and SIKKIM
March 19 - April 6, 2015
19 Days • All Meals
Escorted by Janet Williams
Paro Tsechu Festival - Credit David Craig
High in the Himalayan Mountains, the Kingdoms of
Bhutan and Sikkim have been for many world travellers a
dream destination. We are pleased to offer this very unique
destination. From Delhi we will fly to the base of the mighty
Himalayas where we will explore the charming Kingdom of
Sikkim, with its memories of the British Raj, its fascinating
temples and its mighty peaks. Highlights will include the
still quiet settlement of Kalimpong, which still retains some
of its British heritage, the capital Gangtok which quite
literally feels like it was built on a steep mountain slope,
Pelling with its awe inspiring views of the Himalayas and
Darjeeling, home of mountaineers and tea plantations.
Then travel with us as we explore the most important
centres of Bhutan and attend one of that nation’s most
important and colourful religious festivals in Paro. Since the
middle of the last century, an enlightened royalty has
worked diligently to preserve the lifestyles and cultural
heritage of Bhutan while encouraging the people to adapt
to the outside world. Today children will greet us in English
and we can journey through this land with relative ease,
enjoying comfortable hotels, good transportation and
interesting food. However, due to the high altitudes and
extremely difficult terrain, tour membership is limited to
those in good health, capable of enjoying the rugged
conditions. By its nature this will be a limited sized group
and we urge those interested to book early.
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Gangtok, mountain capital of Sikkim
Travel to the top of the world, admiring the Himalayan
Mountains in all their glory from Pelling
 Enjoy legendary Darjeeling, home of mountaineering
and tea plantations
 Attend the Paro Tsechu, one of Bhutan’s biggest
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religious festivals featuring magical costumes, colourful
masks as well as traditional dances and music
Stay in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, Wangdue a provincial
town and Paro, Bhutan’s gateway to the world
Marvel at the gentle people of Bhutan, living their
traditional lifestyles
INCLUSIVE FEATURES
 Return economy class airfare to/from India
 Deluxe, first class and best available hotels as
indicated or similar
 Travel by private coach or car depending on area
visited
 Visa fees for India and Bhutan for Canadian passport
holders
 All 48 meals (B - 16 breakfasts, L - 16 lunches, D - 16
dinners)
 Fully inclusive sightseeing program with all entrance
fees
 Services of your Canadian tour escort plus a
professional English speaking tour managers/guides
 All gratuities for included services
 All taxes including airport departure taxes
 Comprehensive insurance coverage
 Airport transfer in Canada or equivalent value
TOUR ESCORT
Leading this exciting journey to Bhutan will be Janet
Williams. Janet recently retired after 35 years in the
teaching profession, most recently as a Vice Principal.
According to Janet, being a tour guide is the perfect
retirement activity! It combines her passion for travel and
love of new experiences and cultures with the enjoyment of
sharing all of this with passengers from all across Canada.
She has done extensive personal travelling and has also
lead successful trips on our behalf to many parts of the
world. This includes Myanmar, China, Russia, Australia
and New Zealand, Egypt, Tunisia, Madagascar, South
America as well as many parts of Europe. She is looking
forward to sharing this wonderful travel experience with
you!
March 19, Thursday
Depart Canada
Group members gather in Toronto for the overnight flights to
Delhi.
March 20, Friday
Arrive Delhi
Arriving Delhi late this evening, we will be met and transferred
directly to our hotel. Kempinski Ambience Hotel (2 nights)
March 21, Saturday
Delhi
This morning we will be introduced to some of Old Delhi’s
great highlights. Starting with the 300 year old Chandni Chowk
market, a maze of lanes crowded with shops selling a variety
of items, the noise and crowds are a quintessential part of any
Indian market. From here we continue to the Jama Masjid
(Friday Mosque). Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanuma,
which means "mosque commanding a view of the world". In
complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, is Raj
Ghat, a simple and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Next we pass through the Red Fort that dominates this area,
before visiting Qutab Minar, the monument begun in 1199 built
to symbolize the supremacy of Islam. This structure was
eventually the prototype of all minars in India. Our next stop is
Humayun's tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture
in India. It is believed that it was this mausoleum, which
inspired the Taj Mahal.
BLD
March 22, Sunday
Bagdogra / Kalimpong, Sikkim
We fly this morning from Delhi to Bagdogra. On arrival we
follow the River Teestra into the Himalayas. En route is
Kalimpong (1250m), a hill station in the Mahabharat Range in
the Indian state of West Bengal. Enshrined with ancient
Buddhist monasteries, centuries old churches and temples,
Kalimpong was a part of Bhutan until it was occupied by the
British. With its lush green forests and dense, velvety
plantations of tea, and lack of crowds Kalimpong is a
wonderful place to begin our journey. We will have free time
this afternoon to explore this peaceful town.
Elgin Silver Oaks Hotel (1 night)
BLD
March 23, Monday
Kalimpong / Gangtok
A major source of orchid flowers in the northeast, this town
has a bustling flower market. After breakfast we will visit the
colourful flower nurseries, the Buddhist monastery Jang-DongPalriffo Brang, and Dr Graham’s Homes, a century old
residential school for needy children. This afternoon we
continue our climb inland to Gangtok (1677m), the capital of
the remote mountain kingdom of Sikkim. The city literally
clings to the mountain side with wonderful views in all
directions. Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino (2 nights)
BLD
March 24, Tuesday
Gangtok
After breakfast we'll venture across the valley to Rumtek
Monastery, a replica of the Tibetan monastery of Tsruphu, the
world centre of the Kagyupa Sect. In the city we will visit Droul
Chorthen (memorial to the dead), the Institutes of Tibetology,
Handicrafts & Handlooms as well as Flower Gardens & Orchid
Sanctuary and Enchey Monastery. If time permits, we will visit
the colourful local market.
BLD
March 25, Wednesday
Gangtok / Pelling (Pemayangtse)
A day of breath-taking scenery awaits us as we drive through
dramatic mountain scenery to the historic Buddhist centre of
Pemayangtse, the most important religious centre in Sikkim. At
just over 1860m, the region offers exceptional views and
opportunities to explore this mountainous state. The Buddhists
of Sikkim adhere to the ancient rituals - crimson-robed Lamas
(priests) chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and
trumpets while soft light flickers from decorative lamps.
The Chumbi Mountain Retreat (2 nights)
BLD
March 26, Thursday
Pelling
This morning we will visit Khecheopalri Lake, where it is
believed that wishes made before the lake come true. Myth
has it that leaves never fall in the lake, instead they are caught
by birds and carried away. The lake is part of a sacred trail
followed by devout Buddhists. This afternoon will be devoted
to Pemayangtse Monastery, a sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Dating from 1705, it is the oldest and most important religious
site in Sikkim, home to a very strict order of monks. A highlight
of this region is the magnificent mountain scenery with the full
range of the Himalayas including Kanchenjunga, third highest
peak in the world, being visible on a clear day.
BLD
March 27, Friday
Pelling / Darjeeling
This morning we make our way through the heart of Sikkim to
the former British hill station of Darjeeling, once described as
the "Queen of the Himalayas". Founded in 1833, as a British
sanctuary from Calcutta’s intense summer heat, the city sits
2225m above sea level, on a ridge facing the Himalayan
peaks in one direction and the plains of India in the other.
Mayfair Darjeeling Hotel (2 nights)
BLD
March 28, Saturday
Darjeeling
Very early this morning we set out for Tiger Hill (2530m) to
enjoy the effects (weather permitting) of the rising sun as it
strikes the snow clad Kanchenjunga Range. With clear weather,
we'll be able to see Mt Everest. Continue to Ghoom Monastery,
built in the Tibetan style, enshrining an image of the Maitreya
Buddha. Returning to Darjeeling we'll see the Lebong Valley
(with the world's highest racetrack) and visit the Padmaja Naidu
Himalayan Zoological Park, the Himalaya Mountaineering
Institute, the Tibetan Refugee Centre, the Botanic Gardens and,
if time permits, a tea estate.
BLD
March 29, Sunday
Bagdogra / Paro / Thimphu, Bhutan
After a very early breakfast we descend from the mountains,
following the route of the toy train to Bagdogra where we catch
our morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. With our Bhutanese guide
we make the one hour drive Thimphu (2134m), the modern
capital of Bhutan, set in the valley of the Wang Chu
River. Although not what one expects from a capital city,
Thimphu is a lively enough place. Home to civil servants,
expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong
national character in its architectural style.
River View Hotel or similar (2 nights)
BLD
March 30, Monday
Thimphu
Our day will be devoted to exploring the most important sites
of this capital. Highlights will include the National Institute of
Traditional Medicine, the Zorig Chusum (or Painting
School),
National
library,
Royal
goldsmith
workshop and Memorial Chorten (stupa). In the afternoon
continue to the Changangkha monastery with views over the
city, Motithang Zoo (to see the rare Takin, Bhutan’s national
animal), Drupthob Temple and Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha
Point), Tashichho Dzong and the national Handicraft
Emporium.
BLD
March 31, Tuesday
Thimphu / Wangdue
This morning we drive to Wangdue (Wangduephodrang) via
Punakha crossing the Dochu Pass (our highest point at
3048m). In clear weather we can see the eastern Himalayas
including the highest mountain in Bhutan (Mt. Gangar Punsum
7520m). We then descend to the lower and warmer valley of
the Lobesa River and the village of Wangdue (1311m) where
we will view the remains of the Dzong (fortified temple) from
across the river and visit the local markets. The Dzong itself
was destroyed by fire in 2012 and is slowly being rebuilt, using
traditional methods. Kichu Resort or similar (2 nights) BLD
April 1, Wednesday
Punakha / Wangdue
This morning we drive to Punakha, an important town with one
of the most beautiful Dzongs, set on a small hill overlooking
the Po and Mo Chu Rivers. Built in the 17th Century by
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel it served as the capital of
Bhutan until 1955. Today it is still the most important fortress
and administrative centre in the country, being the winter
residence for the Central Monk Body and the Chief Abbot of
Thimphu. Those interested can take a hike into the forest to
the unique Khamsum Yule Namgyel Monastery, recently built
by Her Majesty, the Queen of Bhutan. Later we return to our
hotel by Wangdue.
BLD
April 2, Thursday
Wangdue / Paro
This morning we return to Paro via Thimphu making an enroute stop to visit the oldest building in Bhutan (1629), the
Simtokha Dzong. Built by the king who unified Bhutan as a
Dzong, it now houses one of the premier Bhutanese language
schools. Early this afternoon we will make our way to the paro
Dzong where the Paro Tsechu is taking place. This five day
festival is one of the biggest in all Bhutan, drawing people
from all over the country who come to see and be seen. On
the stage is a steady progression of extremely colourful
dances performed by costumed dancers. Equally interesting
are the people attending, most of whom will be local families
traditionally dressed.
Kichu Resort Paro or similar (3 nights)
BLD
April 3, Friday
Paro
We will return to the festival for another morning of fascinating
sights, sounds, and culture. Later we will drive down the valley
where we can hike to the Taktsang Tea House to view the
magnificent hanging Taktsang Monastery, one of the most
important places of pilgrimage in the Himalayan world. The
Taktsang (Tiger) Monastery is perched some 800m above the
valley floor on the sheer black face of the mountain. From the
ruins of Drugyal Dzong (Victorious Bhutanese Fortress, the
site of several 17th Century battles in which the Bhutanese
defeated the invading Tibetans), we have dramatic views of
the valley and Mount Chomolhari. Our final visit will be to the
Dungtse Temple home to some very interesting art work. BLD
April 4, Saturday
Paro
We spend the morning to attend the closing ceremonies of the
Paro Festival. During this event a huge banner is unfurled with
thousands of admirers flocking to see and touch it. The final
blessing are then given to end the festival. Later we complete
our exploration of Paro, visiting the village and Kychu Temple,
one of 108 such temples originally built in the 7th century by
the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gempo to spread and to
defend Buddhism. We then visit the National Museum, which
highlights many aspects of Bhutanese culture and history
dating back to the 7th century. Originally a watchtower, Ta
Dzong is set on a promontory high over the valley. Just below
is the Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645, it still serves as the district
administrative centre and school for monks.
BLD
April 5, Sunday
Paro / Delhi
All too soon, we fly back across the Himalayas directly to Delhi
where we will have day rooms provided at an airport hotel.
Very late this evening we will transfer back to the airport
where we will catch our overnight flights.
BLD
April 6, Monday
Delhi / Toronto, Canada
Our overnight flight will have us back in Toronto by midday
with ample time to catch a connecting flight to our homes
across Canada.
EFF02JUL14
Bhutan - Credit Jill Dimitrieff
CT Rating 4 - Very Challenging: This is a destination like no
other, offering unique experiences of different cultures, lifestyles
and religions. This journey will take members to remote regions
where travel conditions will be difficult with limited facilities.
Roads are very poor in parts of Bhutan and Sikkim and touring
coaches are small and basic. In Bhutan we shall use country
inns and hotels which are rustic but comfortable - all rooms will
have private bathrooms. Due to the physical and cultural
demands entailed by this itinerary, all members must be in good
physical health, capable of handling themselves and their
luggage.
Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)
Land Only (Join / Leave Delhi)....................................... $6,085
Toronto ........................................................................... $7,895
Ottawa / Montreal ........................................................... $8,095
Halifax / Winnipeg .......................................................... $8,265
St. John’s / Regina / Saskatoon ..................................... $8,465
Edmonton / Calgary / Vancouver ................................... $8,395
Victoria ........................................................................... $8,465
Single Supplement ......................................................... $1,445
Call for prices from your home city. Airfares are subject to
change.
Land Only price includes internal flights with all current related
taxes and fees. International flights will be on Jet Airways.
Prices are based on taxes, surcharges, airfares and exchange
rates effective April 2014 and are subject to change. Tour
price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room with private
bathroom and a minimum of 15 participants travelling.
Note: Members will require a Visa for India, assistance will be
provided in arranging this (Visa cost is included). Some
members from certain areas in Canada might be required to
obtain own visa, due to consulate jurisdictions.
The price includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($353
-$423pp) for passengers up to and including 74 years on
departure date (rate varies by the cost of the trip). Cost
supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85 (from $210$412pp). Clients 86 years and older and/or residing outside
Ontario - please contact our staff for procedures. This
insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries
limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss
your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website
for the most current information. Final payment will be due
January 2, 2015. To reserve your spot on this tour, simply
complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you
wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your
deposit of $600 per person plus the cost of insurance to:
CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD
1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6
Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143
Email: tours@craigtravel.com / Web: www.craigtravel.com