Bhutan and Assam February 11th - 29th 2012		For printable pdf version of itinerary click here Download Adobe Reader (pdf)
The Bhuddist Kingdom of Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China to the north and northwest, and by India to the east, south and west. Comparable to Switzerland in size and topography, and sparsely populated, it can claim several centuries of rich Buddhist culture. Our itinerary is carefully planned to make the most of Bhutan’s many unique attractions and beautiful regions. There is an abundance of majestic fortresses, fabulous monasteries and superb temples. Bhutan’s architecture is remarkable for its distinctive styles and colours, the ‘dzongs’ or fortresses in particular being noted for their rich patterns of colour on walls, beams, pillars and doors. Art, painting, and handicrafts are also central to the Bhutanese culture which has been preserved by isolation from the world at large until the ‘1960’s’, giving rise to it being named as ‘The Last Shangrila’. Stunning scenery is to be found in the fertile valleys such as Punakha, and in the superb mountain views with the journey through the highest drivable mountain pass in the Kingdom, Thrumshingla, at 4000 meters as one of the main features. Enjoy travelling also through the pine forests, maize fields and hamlets of this fascinating country. We shall also visit Assam in northern India. Visits will include the Kaziranga National Park, home to the Great One-horned Rhinoceros and a host of other species, and a significant World Heritage Site before returning to Kolkata (Calcutta), where the tour will finish. Please call us on 01242 515 712 for more details, or see the itinerary below
Itinerary
Saturday 11th February Assemble at London Gatwick Airport for check-in for the evening  flight to Kolkata (Calcutta). Sunday 12th February Arrive at Kolkata in the early morning and meet your tour guide on arrival for the transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day will be available to rest and relax after the flight.    In the evening there will be a drink and 'Get-Together' dinner  to meet fellow travellers. Overnight: KOLKATA   Monday 13th February Early this morning there will be a visit to the flower market just next to Howrah bridge. It is one of the largest flower markets of Asia selling many different varieties of flowers.     Afterwards there will be a boat ride on the Hooghley river. There will then be some more sightseeing of Kolkata, a city of marked contrasts.   The sightseeing tour of the city includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial, Calcutta's most imposing and monumental marble edifice opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921 and often called the "Taj" of the British Raj, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Indian Museum, the largest in India, with one of the best collections of Indian art. Overnight: KOLKATA   Tuesday 14th February This morning there will be an early transfer to the airport to board the flight for Paro departing at 0820h. Your guide will meet you on arrival at Paro to escort you to the coach for the transfer to the hotel. After check-in there will be an afternoon visit to Ta Dzong National Museum and the Rinpung Dzong fortress. Overnight: PARO   Wednesday 15th February Depart after breakfast for an excursion to Taktsang Monastery. This approximately a 5 hour walk. After a pause and rest for lunch there will be an afternoon visit to the fortress of Drukgyel Dzong and the Buddhist temple of Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight: PARO   Thursday 16th February Depart this morning for the scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan which is famous for its untouched natural beauty set in the glorious landscape of the Thimpu Valley and surrounding hills. Check in on arrival at the hotel. There will be afternoon visits to the National Library, the Arts & Crafts School, and the Textile & Folk Heritage Museum. Overnight: THIMPU   Friday 17th February This morning there will be a visit the fortress of Tashichhodzong, the National Memorial ‘Chorten’ or ‘shrine’ and the 15th century temple of Changangkha Lhakhang. After lunch, drive to Punakha, making a stop en route at Dochula pass, 3080 meters high, to see some of the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Check in to the hotel on arrival. Overnight: PUNAKHA   Saturday 18th February This morning proceed to Bumthang,  visiting  en route  Wangduephodrang, the last town before central Bhutan. The higher reaches of the Wangdue valley has rich pasturelands for grazing cattle. The haunting sound of the wind produced by the deep gorge of the river provides an ideal backdrop for the beautiful scenery on view. This district is famous for fine bamboo work, stone carvings and slate. The imposing ‘Dzong’ or ‘fortress’, is the most notable feature. From here, drive further to Bumthang visiting Chendbji Chorten and Trongsa Dzong en route. Overnight: BUMTHANG   Sunday 19th February The whole of today will be devoted to exploring the beautiful Bumthang valley visiting Jakar Dzong, and the ancient temples of Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. dating from the from 16th & 17th centuries, with some later restoration. Overnight: BUMTHANG   Monday 20th February Depart in the morning for the drive to Mongar via the Thrumshingla pass, at 4000 metres the highest drivable mountain pass in the kingdom. Descend to Sengor, with spectacular views of cascading waterfalls on the way. Stop at the bridge over the Kurichu River. Ascend again through pine forests, maize fields, and eastern hamlets to Mongar. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening there will be a visit to Mongar town and the local market. Overnight: MONGAR   Tuesday 21st February Today there will be a visit to Mongar Dzong followed by the drive on to Trashigang, passing through fern-filled forests and the Kori la pass (2,450 m). The road then descends rapidly through cornfields and banana groves following the Gamri River to Dametsi, a temple perched on top of a steep hill from where the famous Naga Chham masked dances with drums originate. Visit Trashigang Dzong, a fortress/monastry, part of which is occupied by the Drupka monastic community. Check in afterwards at the hotel in Trashigang. Overnight : TRASHIGANG   Wednesday 22nd  February Depart this morning  for Samdrup Jongkhar , with sightseeing en route.    This is the border town of Bhutan for entering India.   Complete the border formalities and cross into Assam for the drive to Guwahati.    This is a long drive this day which wil take about 10 hours.. On arrival in Guwahiti check in to the hotel. Overnight: ASSAM     Day 13 Continue the journey through Assam to arrive at Kazaringa in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax rest and enjoy the hotel facilities. In the evening there will be a slideshow to familiarise everyone with the Park and to learn about the conservation work, in particular the protection of the tiger and the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, that is conducted in the Park. The slideshow also contains a fascinating insight into the culture, customs and festival in the local area. There will be an optional evening nature walk to a neighbouring tea and rubber plantation. Overnight: KAZIRANGA   Friday 24th February Kaziranga is a remarkable success story for its conservation of the One-Horned India Rhinoceros and other animals of North-East India. It is not only the homeland of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, but also provides shelter for a variety of wildlife. It is one of the most significant sites of biological biodiversity in the world. The values and standards of Kaziranga National Park caused it be nominated a World Heritage Site in 1985. The park comprises 430 km² with an additional area of 429 km² situated in the two districts of Assam, namely Golaghat and Nagaon. In addition to the one-horned rhinos, the other major wild attractions include a large population of Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc. Kaziranga National Park is also a birding paradise; the grasslands are raptor country, making many safaris a remarkable experience. There will be an early morning elephant ride and late afternoon Jeep Safari in the park. In the evening there will be a dancing exhibition in the hotel grounds before dinner. Overnight: KAZIRANGA   Saturday 25th February Today there will be early morning drive to the Panbari Range for a nature walk in the park followed by breakfast and a visit to a nearby crafts village.     In the afternoon there will be jeep rides in the central range of the park. Overnight stay : KAZIRANGA     Sunday 26th February There will be an early drive his morning to the Eastern range for a boat cruise on the River Bramhaputra.   The rest of the day is at leisure for either further visits into the Park or a tour of the local area with chance to take a walk in the local village, explore the town and see some aspects of local agriculture. Overnight: KAZIRANGA   Monday 27th February This morning drive to Guwahati airport to board the flight for Kolkata. Arrive at Kolkata and transfer to the hotel. Overnight: KOLKATA   Tuesday 28th February This day will be available for further sightseeing, chance to browse in the Indian Museum, visiting the local markets for shopping, relaxing around the swimming pool etc. There will be a 'Farewell Dinner' in the hotel tonight. Overnight: KOLKATA Wednesday 29th February Transfer in the morning to the international airport to board the return flight. Arrive London Gatwick in the late afternoon. End of tour Tour Cost Price per person Twin/Double £4,465.00 subject to confirmation for 2011 Single Supplement £765.00 Cost Includes All international and domestic flights 17 nights’ hotel accommodation (4/5 star where available.) Meals full board except in Kolkata where it is half board  Private AC mini-coach in Kolkata, and Assam,  cars in Bhutan All sightseeing and admissions as indicated on itinerary Services of English-speaking accompanying guide in Bhutan, local English speaking guide in Kolkata, naturalist in Assam Accompanying STITA escort Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person How to Book To make a booking, please call us on 01242 515 712 or click on our Booking Details.