2017 - TM Great Rail Journeys

83 tantric tradition. Later, visit Punakha Dzong on the way to Thimphu, and enjoy a guided walk of the town. Two Nights: Thimphu, Druk Hotel. BLD Day 12. Thimphu This morning, enjoy a tour of Thimphu. Among the highlights you will see are the majestic Memorial Stupa, built for the monarchy. Later, visit the Folk Heritage Museum before heading to Buddha Point, where an enormous Golden Buddha stands proudly on a hillside. Our final visit is to Thimphu's mighty 17th century Dzong, a striking fortress. BD Day 13. Thimpu, Kolkata Depart Thimpu this morning with a transfer to the airport for an included internal flight from Paro to Kolkata. This afternoon, enjoy a special walking sightseeing tour that includes visits to Dalhousie Square, Targore House, and the Jain temple which is adorned with intricate carvings. Later take a short tram ride to the South Park Street Cemetery. This evening you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner. Stay: Kolkata, Oberoi Grand Hotel. BD Day 14. Depart Kolkata You will be transferred to the airport this morning, after breakfast, for your onward flight. B 3 Kolkata 3 Darjeeling Siliguri 1 Phuntsholing 1 Thimphu 2 Punakha 1 Paro India Bhutan Coach Air Rail Stay (No. of nights) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway 2 resting place of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who reached the summit of Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. BD Day 6. Darjeeling For centuries Darjeeling has been famed as a tea-growing centre, and today you will visit one of the town's authentic tea plantations for a guided tour. See the lush, sloping hillsides where the tea is grown, before enjoying a tasting in a local restaurant. This afternoon is yours at leisure. Perhaps explore the vibrant bazaar. BD Day 7. Phuntsholing Leave Darjeeling this morning and travel towards the Indian/Bhutan border. Along the way pass tea plantations and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, stop off at the village of Grassmore where you will have the opportunity to meet with members of two tribal communities. Stay: Phuntsholing, Druk Hotel. BLD Day 8. Phuntsholing, Paro This morning, you'll visit Kharbandi Gompa, a monastery surrounded by tropical gardens then cross the border into Bhutan before continuing to the resort town of Paro. Bhutan is free from pollution – more than half the country is protected as a nature reserve and the fresh mountain air is apparent the moment you cross the border. Two Nights: Paro, Tiger's Nest Resort. BLD Day 9. Paro Today you have the opportunity to take in one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks by enjoying an optional climb to a viewpoint that looks over to the stunning Tiger's Nest monastery. Enjoy a typical lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure. Tonight you will be treated to traditional Bhutanese entertainment. BLD Day 10. Paro, Punakha This morning, visit the mesmerising Rinpung Dzong, a fortress monastery and a fantastic example of Bhutanese architecture. Also enjoy a visit to the National Museum, housed in a former watchtower. From here, drive through the alluring mountain route to Punakha, to spend the night. The journey takes you over the winding Dochula Pass. At 3,000 metres, the pass offers unrivalled panoramas of the Himalayas, as well as 108 temples scattered across the hillsides. Stay: Punakha, Green Resort. BLD Day 11. Punakha, Thimphu Today, enjoy an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple and monastery dedicated to the fertility rites of the Darjeeling & The Last Himalyan Kingdom 1 1. See the stunning cliffside-clinging Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan travelmarvel.com.au/RJTCDJ14 Tour Notes Prices include transfers and tipping. Porterage is not included unless indicated. Itineraries and hotels may be subject to change. Please see pages 88-89 for full terms & conditions. 2017 Dates & Prices (A$) 14 Days – Kolkata Return (RJTCDJ14) Per Person Twin Share Solo Traveller Feb. 25. $6,395 $8,245 Mar. 18. $6,995 $8,995 Oct. 14; Nov. 4. $6,995 $8,995 SAVE $1,000 per couple* See page 18 for details

• Cover