INTRODUCTION
There are few places in the world that have successfully resisted western
influences but the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan has fought hard to keep its
culture and traditional values. This is quite an achievement for a country
so small and certainly adds to the appeal of this beautiful land. The evidence
of this is seen in the spectacular monasteries and fortresses (dzongs) as
well as in the friendliness of the people, many of whom still wear traditional
dress and live in villages where time seems to have stood still. Imagine
all this with a backdrop of the Himalayan peaks of up to 7300m (22000 ft).
A beautiful and spiritual land that offers every traveller a unique experience.
The Himalayan range extends west into Sikkim which is dominated by the awesome
Kangchendzonga (formerly Kanchenjunga) at 8586m (25800ft). The trekking
here is stunning especially in April when rhododendron and giant magnolia
trees colour the forests and orchids, primulas, hibiscus are abundant. As
tourism is also fairly new to this region the facilities are simple but the
rewards are plenty.
Highlights of West Bengal include the Toy Train to the colonial hill station
of Darjeeling and a visit to the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary to scout for
elephants, leopards or even the elusive tiger add to the enchantment of the
region.
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SERVICES WE OFFER
In Bhutan travel must be with a recognised local agent. We can provide fully
tailormade programmes for 2 or more people as well as regular departures
that individuals can join. These are subject to minimum numbers.We will arrange
all the travel requirements. In Sikkim we can arrange culture tours as well
as trekking tours. To trek in some regions special permits and minimum numbers
are required but not for the cultural tours around Gantok and Pemayangtse
and the lower treks.(See also our India dossier)
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TYPICAL ITINERARIES
SIKKIM, BENGAL & BHUTAN OVERLAND (with optional trekking) 16 days
This is based on the itinerary of our occasional group tour but similar tours
can be arranged tailormade - ask for details of the next group tour..
Sikkim is squeezed between Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet and the whole kingdom
is dominated by the mighty mount Kanchenjunga. The picturesque Buddhist towns
nestle in the hills which are enlivened in Spring with rhododendrons and
many other wild flowers. Darjeeling is the entry point, famous for tea
plantations and the "toy train". To reach Bhutan we pass through the jungles
of Bengal with a classic elephant back wildlife ride. The king of Bhutan
only permits a few visitors a year so the country retains its ancient mystery.
The people continue their lives almost unchanged by the outside world so
the monasteries and palaces clinging to cliff faces still retain their
traditional significance giving us an insight into what our world might have
been like in the middle ages.
Day 1- Arrive at Biratnagar airport (and meet up with trekkers). Drive
to Siliguri on the border. Night Siliguri. Alternatively you can fly into
Bagdogra airport and join in Darjeeling
Day 2 -Drive to Darjeeling (about 3 hours). If the famous "toy train"
to Darjeeling is operational there will be an option to use this. Night
Darjeeling.
Day 3- Around Darjeeling, Bhutia Busty monastery, Mountaineering
Institute, Happy Valley tea gardens, museum and plantations.
Day 4 -Early morning visit to Tiger Hill for sunrise over the Himalayas.
Visit Ghoom monastery on the way back. After a late breakfast at the hotel
we drive up into the mountains to Pemayangtse.
Day 5 -The Pemayangste and Sanga monasteries sit high on ridges in
the forest. Drive to Gangtok visiting Rumtek on the way.
Day 6- Explore Gangtok the capital of Sikkim with fascinating bazaars,
rhododendron and orchids gardens and sweeping mountains views. Drudul Chorten,
Enchay monastery and the Research Institute of Tibetology. Night Gangtok.
Day 7 -Drive to Kalimpong. Visit the flower nursery, Tongsa and
Zandophelri monasteries and explore this picturesque hill station.
Day 8- Spend the morning at the weekly market in Kalimpong then drive
down from the mountains into the tropical jungles of West Bengal at Jaldapara
wildlife sanctuary. Night Jaldapara.
Day 9- Early morning elephant ride in the jungle for wildlife viewing
(this is the habitat of the Bengal tiger but only the very lucky spot one).
Drive up to the border town of Phuntsoling where you enter the mysterious
Kingdom of Bhutan. Continue with a spectacular drive into the mountains to
Thimpu.
Day 10- A scenic drive to Gangtey passing through forests and the
Dochu Pass where on a clear day 200 miles of Himalayan peaks are in view.
Visit Simthoka Dzong enroute. Night Gantey.
Day 11- Visit the Gantey Valley then continue east to Tongsa to see
its great monasteries.
Day 12- In the morning we visit the outer premises of Tongsa Dzong
which is the largest and perhaps the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. It
stands on a spur above a deep gorge and is dominated by a 2-wing watchtower.
The Ta Dzong was the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family and is also
very spectacular. In the afternoon we take a lovely drive onto Bumthang which
is a pretty village in Central Bhutan.
Day 13- After a morning walk in the Bumthang Valley we drive to Punakha
to meet those who did the trek. Night Punakha.
Alternative Trekking Option:
Day 11- Start a pleasant 3 day trek with a moderate trail through a forest
of juniper, bamboo and rhododendron etc. Then over Tsele pass to Gogona.
The stay in this remote village will be a highlight.
Day 12- A gentle climb to Shobju Pass (over 11000ft) before descending
into a wide valley. We camp at Rhotokha.
Day 13- Another climb to Tashi Pass (9200ft), and then a long descent
through changing vegetation to Wangdi. Drive to Punakha to rejoin the non
trekkers. Night Punakha.
Day 14 - Visit Phunakha Dzong which is the winter residence for the
religious leader of Bhutan. From here it is another spectacular drive to
Thimpu. Explore the area and night at Thimpu.
Day 15- Drive to Paro. Then a 2 hour horse ride (or walk) to see the
cliff-hanging Taksang Monastery. Return to Satsam Chorten either by pony
or on foot and return to Paro.
Day 16 - Departure day, transfer to Paro airport.
JOURNEY TO DRUK YUL- 5 days
Day 1: Arrive in Paro after a spectacular flight. Met at airport and
transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: The day begins with a visit to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong,
where on a clear day, views extend to the peak of Chomolhari (24 000ft).
After lunch a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient
watchtower, which has a fine collection of thangka paintings, textiles and
other interesting artifacts.
Day 3: A short drive to satsam Chorten. From here we take a 2 hour
pony ride to view the cliff-hanging Takstang Monastery. We return to Satsam
and then drive to Thimpu. Overnight Thimpu.
Day 4: A full day sightseeing including the National library, the
School of Thangka Painting, Traditional Medicine Institute, a visit local
craftsmen and the Tashicho Dzong. Overnight Thimpu
Day 5: Return Paro in time for your flight.
(This tour has regular departures from Kathmandu- Ask us for the dates and
latest prices.)
INTO SIKKIM- 8 days departs Calcutta
Day 1: Upon arrival at Calcutta, met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight
at the hotel.
Day 2: Day is at leisure. Evening transfer to the Rail Terminal in time to
connect your overnight train Darjeeling Mail to New Jalpaiguri. Overnight
in Air-conditioned Sleeper.
Day 3: Upon arrival at New Jalpaiguri, change to Toy Train to Darjeeling.
The journey in Toy Train is a stunning achievement, winding its way up the
hillside, often with brilliant views over the plains. Upon arrival at Darjeeling,
met and transferred to your hotel for 3 nights. Overnight hotel.
Day 4: Early morning enjoy an excursion to the Tiger Hill and return via
Ghoom Monastery. Afternoon enjoy the sightseeing of the city along with a
visit to the Tea Estate, where you can watch the pickers at work. Overnight
hotel.
Day 5: A full day at your leisure. Overnight Hotel
Day 6: Depart road to Gangtok which is 97 kms from Darjeeling (approx 4 hrs
driving time) Check into your hotel for 2 nights. In the afternoon a sightseeing
tour of Gantok. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Morning enjoy an excursion to the Rumtek Monastery and the Research
Institute of Tibetology. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Drive to the Bagdogra Airport which is 124 kms (approx 4 hrs driving
time), in time to connect with your flight.
Prices start from £595 based on 2 people
THE SANDAKPHU TREK- 13 days including 6 day trek
Day 1 Arrive Delhi. Transfer to your hotel
Day 2: Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi (or optional 1 day
trip to Agra)
Day 3: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra and continue to
Darjeeling. Overnight hotel.
Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Darjeeling including a tea garden and the Himalayan
Institute of Mountaineering.
Day 5 -11: Drive from Darjeeling to Manaybhanjang. We embark on our trek
from Manaybhanjang to Rimbik. We pass through the villages of Tonglu, Ghairibas,
Kalpokhri, Sandakphu, Phalut and Raman staying in mountain huts or modest
houses along the way. This area receives few tourists and offers spectacular
scenery and an insight into local culture.
Day 12: Drive to Pemayangtse. Overnight in Hotel
Day 13: Drive to Gantok where we stay for 2 nights
Day 14: Full day sightseeing of Gantok.
Day 15: Drive to Bagdogra for your flight to Delhi. Overnight Delhi
Day 16: Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
KACHENJUNGA TREK - 17 days including 11 day trek
As well as offering fascinating culture, peoples, landscapes and wildlflowers
Sikkim is a great place to trek in the little visited foothills of Mount
Kanchenjunga. This is an example of a strenuous trek. Trekking is up to 8
hours per day (less at high altitude) staying in huts where available or
camping so you need to be fit. Less strenous treks can be arranged.(see above)
Day 1- Arrive Bagdogra and transfer to Darjeeling, approximately 3 hours.
It is posssible to join in Darjeeling if you wish to arrive by a different
route. Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 2- A long and rough ride via Pemayangtse to the historic village of Yuksom.
The altar and throne of the first ruler (1641) still exist in this peaceful
and beautiful village.
Day 3- A testing start to the trek with a long and sometimes steep climb
through dense semi-tropical forest then through silver fir and cypress trees.
We sleep in Tshoka (2950m) which is the last village on our trek.
Day 4- We deviate from the usual route by walking to Zamlingang (4000m).
Another good climbing day through mixed temperate forests and rhododendron.
Day 5- A gentler climb with great views as we trek to Chowrikhang (4380).
Day 6- Today we trek into Dzongri (4030m) which is important to Buddhists
for its chortens containing Buddhist relics. It also offers spectacular views
of Kanchendzonga especially at sunrise or sunset.
Day 7- We follow the ridge trail through dwarf rhododendrons and juniper
for about 5 km. Then there is a steep drop to cross Prek Chu river and a
gentle climb to Thangsing.
Day 8- Trek to Onglathang (4200m).
Day 9- Trek from Onglathang to Zemathang (4500m). This is our camp to reach
Goecha La (4940m).
Day 10- The path is steep and on moraine with loose boulders which make it
tough but we should be fit by then! From here we can see the sheer face of
the eastern wall of Kanchenzonga.
Day 11- We retrace our steps to Onglathang
Day 12- Onglathang down to Thangsing where we can start to relax with the
toughest part of the trek behind us.
Day 13- Onto Dzongri for another chance at the sunset (or rise) over the
mountain peaks.
Day 14- We return to Tshoka or perhaps stay at Bahkim for a change.
Day 15- And finally the last leg back to the relative comfort of Pemayangtse.
Day 16- We head back to Darjeeling for a chance of last minute shopping or
a well-earned rest.
Day 17- Departure day. Transfer to Bagdogra airport or other onward destination.
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OTHER INFORMATION
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Arc Journeys
Destinations
This is a brief description of the regions we cover, go to the
MAIN INDEX for links to Dossiers on each destination.
South East Asia
Visit ancient temples and traditional villages, relax
in exclusive hideaways, witness colourful festivals, learn about textiles,
local cooking or music and dance, cruise jungle rivers, meet orangutans or
trek the jungles and volcanoes .... We are acknowledged experts on this region;
this is what the Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore Handbook says about
us: "Arc Journeys have excellent cultural and natural tours run by people
who understand and care for the country, its people and environment."
Australasia
Meet the koalas & 'roos, visit the wineries, stroll deserted beaches,
dive The Reef, climb The Rock, experience the open spaces and untouched
wilderness. Escape the crowds. Accommodated self-drive, treks, 4WD tours,
gourmet cycle tours...indulge in the Aussie way.
India and The Himalayas
Walk through small villages among 8000m peaks, receive blessings from a Buddhist
Lama, stay in magnificent palaces, search for rhino and tiger. Himalayan
treks, rail journeys, camel & horse safaris, palace hotels, houseboats
or homestays...
Africa
Meet the curious lemurs, look out for the Big 5, climb Kilimanjaro, visit
villages where time has stood still. Luxury lodges or camping expeditions,
Self-drive or escorted 4WD safaris, horseback safaris, rail journeys, treks,
fly- in tours ......
South America
Discover the mysteries of the Incas, explore colonial towns and Indian markets,
hear the music and festivals, trek the Andes, take great train journeys,
cruise the Amazon and the Galapagos, meet blue footed boobies and giant turtles.
Small group tours and tailormade itineraries.
The Arctic
Dog sledding, polar bears, birds & whalewatching, cruise Alaska, Greenland
or rivers, touch an iceberg, see the Northern Lights or midnight sun, experience
the wilderness of the Arctic. Small group tours and tailormade itineraries.
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CONTACT DETAILS
Email 
David Halford Travel 102 Stanley Rd Cambridge CB5 8LB UK
UK Tel 0207 681 3175 Fax +44 207 6813175
Australia Tel & Fax +61 3 9923 6158
Home page http://www.travelarc.com
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