Compare East Himalayan Kingdoms by World Expeditions vs Buddhist Tour from the Birth to Death by Varanasi Excursion

Day 1 Join Kathmandu

You will be met by a World Expeditions representative on arrival and transferred to the Radisson hotel. In the afternoon there is a half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu (including Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath). Evening drinks are held in the hotel for all World Expeditions clients arriving today. Drinks and snacks will generally be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15 pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.

meals : Array

Day 2 Fly Bhadrapur, drive to Darjeeling

Early transfer to the airport for our flight to Bhadrapur. On arrival we will meet our Indian guide and then transfer to our chartered bus for the drive to Darjeeling.As the road climbs up to Darjeeling we gain impressive views back down to the Indian plains.On arrival in Darjeeling we savour the cool mountain air and our first glimpse of the snow capped Himalaya.This evening a pre-trip briefing will be given.

meals : B,L,D

Day 3 In Darjeeling

Darjeeling is set on the top of a wooded ridge commanding views both to the plains and to the high mountains including Kangchenjunga. During the day we will organise sightseeing to the Tibetan Refugee Centre and also to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. We also visit one of the famous tea plantations that were established in the middle of last century. Later we explore the local bazaars and appreciate the rich variety of peoples including Sherpas, Tibetans and Bengalis who have made Darjeeling their home. A visit to the Tea Planters Club is also recommended, for it was here that the British inter-war expeditions stayed before assembling their Sherpa crews that would accompany them on the long march through Sikkim and across Tibet to the base of Everest.

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 Drive to Gangtok (6 hrs)

This spectacular drive winds through the rice paddies and pine forests of the Sikkim foothills. The drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim taking around five to six hours. Overnight Norkhill Hotel.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 In Gangtok

Gangtok has been the capital of Sikkim since the 19th century. On a clear day it affords excellent views up the Zemu Valley to Kangchenjunga. We have scheduled visits to the Cottage Industries Emporium with its fine array of traditional crafts including hand woven carpets, shawls and hand carved furniture. We also visit the Tibetan Institute where many valuable manuscripts are stored after they were brought to Sikkim in 1959.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Drive to Kalimpong (6hrs)

En route we visit Rumtek Monastery, 24 km from Gangtok. The Monastery is affiliated with one of the important Tibetan Buddhist sects - the Kargyapa sect. When the leader of this sect escaped from Tibet in 1959 he was invited to settle in Sikkim. With an influx of funds the monastery was restored to its traditional Tibetan architectural lines in the 1960's - the original monastery having being destroyed by an earthquake. From Rumtek the drive to Kalimpong takes a further four hours, with time that afternoon to visit the bazaar and appreciate the time when the town was an important trading post between India and Tibet.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Drive to Phuentsholing (6/7hrs)

We drive back down to the Indian Plains and the Indian-Bhutan border. After clearing Indian immigration and customs we drive to an impressive archway that marks the formal entry to the Kingdom of Bhutan.  Here you will be met by our Bhutan guides who will accompany you to the nearby hotel in Phuentsholing for your briefing and overnight stay.

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Drive to Thimphu (6/7hrs)

The drive to Thimphu winds up from the Indian plains to the Thimphu Valley. On arrival in Thimphu we transfer to our hotel for overnight accommodation. Thimphu has been the capital since 1960 (the previous being Punakha). This afternoon we will pay a visit to the main Secretariat building - the Tashichho Dzong is the most prominent building consisting of the main Secretariat, the National Assembly Hall, the Office of the King and the Throne Room. Its remarkable construction is in traditional Bhutanese style without the use of nails or metal of any kind. We also visit the large Stupa dedicated to the late King HM. Jimge Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the founder of modern day Bhutan.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 In Thimphu & transfer to Wangduephodrang via Dochu La

We spend the morning enjoying the charm of Thimpu. The town is by no means large and easily explored on foot. There are some interesting markets and bazaars, and the Handicraft Emporium with famous weaving, woodcarvings and paintings and the Post Office sells Bhutan's world renowned stamps. before we drive for about three hours to Wangduephodrang (locally known as “Wangdi”), changing climatic zones from mountainous to tropical. On the way, we cross over Dochu La, a 3150-metre-high pass marked by prayer flags and a chorten and, if the weather is fine, a view of the eastern Himalaya including the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt Gangar Punsum (7520m). We drive through forests of rhododrendron and magnolia, before the road descends into the warmer lowlands around Punakha. Overnight Wangdi Kyichu Resort. *On the 24th June 2012, the beautiful Wangduephodrang Dzong was completely destroyed by fire. It was one of the oldest and most substantial dzongs in Bhutan built in 1638. Renovations were underway when the fire started and so most of the historic relics had been put into storage and were saved from the devastation of the fire. Re-building is already underway to restore the dzong to its former glory.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Drive to Paro via Punakha Dzong

This morning we visit the Punakha Dzong, which once served as the old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress was built in 1637 between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every February there is a procession known as the Punakha Serda to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. No journey in Bhutan is complete without a visit to this fascinating and visually stunning Dzong. Transfer to Paro, approx, 5 hrs. Our sightseeing program in Paro includes visits to the Paro Dzong and the even older Ta Dzong that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. While we are not permitted inside the monastery at the Dzong we can take a look around inside this impressive building which is the monastic and administrative centre for South-West Bhutan. Ta Dzong is the original fort and has been carefully transformed into a museum with excellent displays of all facets of Bhutan's rich cultural history. Old costumes and battle dress, together with priceless jewellery and specimens of the kingdoms unique flora and fauna are included within the museum.

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 In Paro, Taktsang Monastery

We drive to the foot of the Taktsang Monastery - the famous Tigers Nest Monastery said to have been one of the divine resting places of the Guru Ringpoche. However, although much of the building was once destroyed by fire it is now restored and it is still worthwhile to ascend the walking trail to appreciate the monasteries breathtaking location on a cliff edge about 800 metres above the valley floor. The rest of the day is free to complete sightseeing and purchases before our early morning departure the following day.

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 Trip concludes in Paro

Early morning transfer to the airport and onward arrangements.

meals : B

Day 1: New Delhi - Varanasi (By flight)

Arrive at Varanasi and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon proceed on a half day temple tour of Varanasi visiting Bharat Mata (Mother India) Mandir, Durga, Tulsi Manas, Sankat Mochan Temple and the new Vishwanath Temple. Followed by Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat and overnight at hotel.

Start point arrival gate, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Day 2: Varanasi

In morning after breakfast half day city tour of Sarnath, 10 km from Varanasi, where the Buddha preached his first sermon in the Deer Park, contains the most impressive remains, as well as a modem temple. The Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dhamek stupas are outstanding. There are also the remains of a monastery, and the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3: Varanasi - Bodhgaya

Morning proceed for Bodhgaya which is about 247 kms / 6-7 hrs drive. Bodhgaya is the place where Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. On arrival check into hotel and the rest of the day is free. You can leave for attending evening prayer at Mahabodhi temple. Later, return to the hotel and have a comfortable stay at night.

Day 4: Bodh Gaya - Rajgir

After breakfast, depart for Rajgir, 70 km, 2 hrs by road. Arrive in Rajgir and check into hotel. Rajgir was the capital of the Magadha kingdom and is a pilgrimage for Jains and Hindus as well. The Japanese Buddhists have built the massive Vishwashanti Stupa on the Ratnagiri Hill which can be accessed by a chairlift. The stupa has statues of Buddha at the four stages of his life - birth, enlightenment, teaching and death. From the hill top, the Jain shrines can also be viewed scattered across 26 distant hills. Griddhakuta, located on Ratnagiri Hill is another site where Budhha stopped by to preach. Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 5: Rajgir - Patna

After breakfast, proceed to Patna by road, 80 km. Arrive in Patna and check into hotel. Patna is Bihar’s capital city and can be used as a base to visit the Buddhist sites of Vaishali and Kesariya. After lunch, take a local sightseeing tour of Patna. This would include: Golghar (built as a granary), Gandhi Museum, Patna Museum, Har Mandir Takht, Qila House or Jalan Museum with some really rare relics like Napolean’s bed and Marie Antoinette’s porcelain; and the ruins of Pataliputra. Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 6: Patna- Vaishali - Kushinagar

Morning proceed to Kushinagar (approx. 256 kms and 07 hrs drive) enroute visiting Vaishali - place where Buddha announced the approaching of his Mahaparinirvana. After that continue drive to Kushinagar (place where Lord Buddha had left the world behind him after offering an invaluable contribution to humanity, the great religion known as Buddhism). On arrival Kushinagar, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Mahaparinirvana Temple (where Buddha took his last breathe) and Rambhar Stupa (cremation site of Lord Buddha). Overnight stay at Kushinagar hotel.

Day 7: Kushinagar - Lumbini

Morning after Breakfast drive to Lumbini - the birth place of Lord Buddha (180 kms and 05 hrs drive). On arrival, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the birth place of Buddha - Mayadevi Temple. This place is a blessed one for its serenity and the natural beauty, purely coinciding to the perception of a place where the legend was born. Overnight stay at Lumbini hotel.

Maha Parinirvana Day: Parinirvana Day, or Nirvana Day is a Mahayana Buddhist holiday celebrated in East Asia in death place of lord Buddha (Kushinagar). By some it is celebrated on 8 February, but by most on the 15 February. It celebrates the day when the Buddha is said to have achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body.

Day 8: Lumbini - Kapilavastu

Morning leave for Kapilavastu - the childhood home of Gautam Buddha. & also visit ruins of the Palaces Overnight stay at Kapilavastu hotel

Day 9: Kapilavastu - Sravasti

In the morning after Breakfast proceed to Sravasti where the Buddha preached most of his sermons. Here he is said to have performed many miracles, and levitated. During the monsoon, he used to stay at the Jetavana monastery on the outskirts of this town. Visit various tourist spots such as Anand Bodhi tree, ruins of the Jetavana monastery, age-old stupas Visit Sahet Mahet and Angulimal caves. Overnight stay in Sravasti.

Day 10: Sravasti - Lucknow - (By flight) Delhi

Morning breakfast at hotel & drive (190 kms / approx. 5.5 hrs drive) to Lucknow airport for onward journey to board flight for New Delhi. Arrive at Delhi Airport and transfer to pre- book hotel. Representative will assist you till hotel check in. Evening at leisure, overnight stay at Hotel in Delhi.

Day 11: Delhi Sightseeing

Morning relish breakfast visit city tour of exciting capital of India is awash with sights. Start to Delhi sightseeing visit Jama Masjid - largest Mosque in India Chandni Chowk oldest, biggest street super market of Old Delhi. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and try out a rickshaw ride for Red Fort, Rajghat would be our next stoppage where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated Humayun Tomb - first garden-style tomb of India inspired by Persian architecture. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - residence of the President of India and India Gate - subjected in respect to honor the soldiers who in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutabud- din Aibak. Return to hotel. Retire for the night at hotel in Delhi.

Day 12: Departure from Delhi

Breakfast at hotel. Carry out activities, get an transfer assistance for the Airport to board your flight back home.

Tour ends here with sweet memories.