The Himalayan Kingdoms + Heritage Trail
An unforgettable odyssey around the tea plantations, temples and untouched towns of magical Bhutan and Northern India - all set against the awesome, snow-capped Himalayas.
Why not extend your Himalayan expedition with a magical trip to India's remarkable temple cities of Bhubaneshwar and Puri?
Day 16 (Fri): Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar. Morning flight to 2,000-year old Bhubaneshwar, once the ancient capital of the Kalinga Empire and now the capital of Orissa. Enjoy an afternoon tour of its ornately carved Parsuramesvara and Mukteswar temples. (B)
Day 17 (Sat): Bhubaneshwar - Puri. Travel to the holy city of Puri, stopping en-route at Konark, a World Heritage Site-listed for its magnificent, chariot-shaped Sun Temple. (B)
Day 18 (Sun): Puri. Today marvel at Puri's Jagannath, a 12th century, walled temple complex that is one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites surrounded by colourful markets. The rest of the day is free to explore Puri's bustling shops and beaches. (B)
Day 19 (Mon): Puri - Bhubaneshwar. Return to Bhubaneshwar, where this afternoon, you'll visit the astonishing Udayagiri and Kandhagiri Caves, home to incredible Jain carvings and artworks dating from the 2nd century BC. (B)
Day 20 (Tue): Bhubaneshwar - Kolkata. Transfer to Bhubaneshwar airport for your flight to Kolkata and an overnight stay. (B)
Day 21 (Wed): Kolkata - UK. Transfer to Kolkata airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Darjeeling and the Himalayas
Parashurameshvara Temple, Bhubaneshwar
Siddhesvara and Mukteswar Temples, Bhubaneshwar
Victoria Monument, Calcutta
Sunset on the River Hoogly
Inside Parasumeswar Temple, Bhubaneshwar
Puri
Darjeeling tea pickers
Himalayas at sunrise
One of Puri's beaches
Rath Yatra in Puri, last year
Darjeeling
Countryside near Pelling
Gangtok
View from Gangtok
Gangtok valley
Bhutan
Bhutan shrine wall decoration
Bhutan temple
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Kolkata.
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights. The rest of the day is yours to sample this mesmerising city, which is home to 14 million people and served as India's capital during the British Raj until 1911.
DAY 3: Kolkata.
Known as the 'City of Joy' and now resurgent after decades in the shadows, Kolkata (Calcutta) spreads itself along the River Hoogly and is filled with extraordinary Raj-era monuments, crumbled colonial mansions, chaotic streets and bustling markets. This morning, visit its incredible flower and vegetable market before taking a boat ride along the Hoogly, observing the bathers dipping in its waters. This afternoon brings a tour of the city's highlights, taking in its impressive white marble Victoria Memorial built in 1921, the vast Howrah Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the Maidan, one of the world's largest city parks. (B)
DAY 4: Kolkata - Bagdora - Darjeeling.
This morning fly to Bagdora, then drive to Darjeeling, nestled in the green Himalayan foothills. During the British Raj, Darjeeling's temperate climate led to its development as a hill station for the British to escape from Kolkata's heat. This lovely town is circled by snow-tipped peaks and terraced tea plantations and still boasts many grandiose Victorian buildings. Darjeeling is known for its tea industry and some of its plantations date back to the mid 19th century. (B, D)
DAY 5: Darjeeling.
Rise early for a spectacular pre-dawn trip to Tiger Hill, the highest point in the area. Here, you'll watch a glowing sunrise over Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, and the neighbouring East Himalayas, maybe even catching views of mighty Everest if the weather is clear. Afterwards, travel to Ghoom Monastery, a lavish mountain monastery housing rare Buddhist manuscripts and a priceless Maitreya Buddha. In the afternoon, visit a local tea plantation. Later, take an optional trip on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's legendary 'Toy Train' - a UNESCO World Heritage site (subject to train being in service) - a quaint steam locomotive. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Darjeeling - Pelling.
This morning, drive through stunning mountains to Pelling, a remote hill station in India's Buddhist Sikkim province. Set beneath mighty, snow-tipped Kanchenjunga, the town stands 6,840 feet above sea level and commands heart-stopping views over the peaks and glaciers of the Himalayan Singalila range. After checking in at your hotel, marvel at the famous 18th century Pemayangtse Monastery just outside town. Set high on a hill, this old-world monastery is decorated with traditional frescoes, antique carvings and multicoloured prayer flags. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Pelling - Gangtok.
More scenic delights await today as you travel through phenomenal mountainscapes to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. On the way, you'll pass through cardamom, ginger and paddy fields - all under the constant gaze of the Himalayas. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Gangtok.
Perched above the Ranipool River, this bustling hill station stands against an epic backdrop of the Kanchenjunga range and buzzes with shops, restaurants and markets. Today, admire its many delights, including the beautiful Rumtek Monastery with its intricately painted exterior and priceless Buddhist manuscripts. This afternoon, explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, with its rare statues and embroidered scrolls, charting the intertwined Buddhist cultures and histories of Sikkim and Tibet, before viewing the Do-Drul Chorten, an imposing stupa ringed by prayer wheels.
DAY 9: Gangtok - Pheuntsholing.
Today, say goodbye to Gangtok as you travel (approximately 7 hour drive) past mist-wreathed mountains and lush valleys to Pheuntsholing, a modern town on the border between India and Bhutan, for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Pheuntsholing - Thimphu.
Today, enjoy the glorious landscapes of Bhutan - regarded as the world's last great paradise for its fairytale mountains, monasteries and mystical aura - on your way to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. Lying in a valley 7,710 feet above sea level, this atmospheric town is known for its elaborately decorated timbered houses, white-painted chortens and vibrant markets. The afternoon is free to acquaint yourself with this spellbinding place. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Thimphu.
Today marvel at Thimphu's main sights including its striking Memorial Chorten - a huge stupa - and Handicrafts Emporium where you can buy local textiles and crafts. Also, visit the Tashichho Dzong, the 350-year old secretariat building, National Library and the Painting and Woodcraft School. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Thimphu - Punakha.
Enjoy an early morning drive to Bhutan's former capital, Punakha, spread over an exquisite valley covered in rice and mango groves. En route, cross the 10,300-foot high Dolchu Pass, which on a clear day, affords awesome views over the Himalayas. Afterwards visit Punakha Dzong, a huge, fortified Buddhist monastery alongside the rushing Pho Chu river. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: Punakha - Paro.
Today head to Paro, which because of its history, has the closest cultural connections with Tibet of any Bhutanese districts. The afternoon is at leisure to stroll through the local market and along the Paro River. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Paro.
This morning, visit Ta Dzong, a mountain watchtower housing the Bhutan National Museum with its displays of antique paintings, dance-masks and weaponry. Next, admire elegant Rinpung Dzong, a 17th century fortress-monastery built to defend against Tibetan attack. Overlooking the Paro River and approached over an ornate wooden bridge, this intricately carved building is a monastic school and administrative seat for the Paro district. (B, L, D)
DAY 15: Paro - Kolkata.
This morning, transfer to Paro airport and fly to Kolkata for one night. (B)
DAY 16: Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar.
Morning flight to 2,000-year old Bhubaneshwar, once the ancient capital of the Kalinga Empire and now the capital of Orissa. Enjoy an afternoon tour of its ornately carved Parsuramesvara and Mukteswar temples. (B)
DAY 17: Bhubaneshwar - Puri.
Travel to the holy city of Puri, stopping en-route at Konark, a World Heritage Site-listed for its magnificent, chariot-shaped Sun Temple. (B)
DAY 18: Puri.
Today marvel at Puri's Jagannath, a 12th century, walled temple complex that is one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites surrounded by colourful markets. You will also visit Gundicha Ghar, Puri's other, equally holy temple. The rest of the day is free to explore Puri's bustling shops and beaches. (B)
DAY 19: Puri - Bhubaneshwar.
Return to Bhubaneshwar, where this afternoon, you'll visit the astonishing Udayagiri and Kandhagiri Caves, home to incredible Jain carvings and artworks dating from the 2nd century BC. (B)
DAY 20: Bhubaneshwar - Kolkata.
Transfer to Bhubaneshwar airport for your flight to Kolkata and an overnight stay. (B)
DAY 21: Kolkata - UK.
Transfer to Kolkata airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Kolkata: The Park; Darjeeling: Elgin; Pelling: Mt Pandim; Gangtok: Norkhill; Pheuntsholing: Druk/Lhaki; Thimphu: Phuntsho Pelri/Kisa; Punakha: Zangtho Pelri/Puna Tsangtshu; Paro: Olathang/Namsaycholing; Bhubaneshwar: Swosti; Puri: Toshali Sands.
The Himalayan Kingdoms + Heritage Trail 19 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
The Himalayan Kingdoms + Heritage Trail 20 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
The Himalayan Kingdoms + Heritage Trail
Price from £2529.00
Holiday Highlights
- Kolkata City tour
- River Hoogly Boat ride
- Darjeeling Ghoom Monastery, tea plantation
- Tiger Hill Sunrise over Himalayas
- Pelling Pemayangste Monastery
- Punakha Via the Dolchu Pass
Departures from
- Birmingham
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
18 Oct 2012 to 01 Nov 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
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