BHUTAN and SIKKIM March 19 - April 6, 2015

19 Days • All Meals Escorted by Janet Williams

Paro Tsechu Festival - Credit David Craig

High in the Himalayan Mountains, the Kingdoms of Bhutan and Sikkim have been for many world travellers a dream destination. We are pleased to offer this very unique destination. From Delhi we will fly to the base of the mighty Himalayas where we will explore the charming Kingdom of Sikkim, with its memories of the British Raj, its fascinating temples and its mighty peaks. Highlights will include the still quiet settlement of Kalimpong, which still retains some of its British heritage, the capital Gangtok which quite literally feels like it was built on a steep mountain slope, Pelling with its awe inspiring views of the Himalayas and Darjeeling, home of mountaineers and tea plantations.

Then travel with us as we explore the most important centres of Bhutan and attend one of that nation’s most important and colourful religious festivals in Paro. Since the middle of the last century, an enlightened royalty has worked diligently to preserve the lifestyles and cultural heritage of Bhutan while encouraging the people to adapt to the outside world. Today children will greet us in English and we can journey through this land with relative ease, enjoying comfortable hotels, good transportation and interesting food. However, due to the high altitudes and extremely difficult terrain, tour membership is limited to those in good health, capable of enjoying the rugged conditions. By its nature this will be a limited sized group and we urge those interested to book early.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Gangtok, mountain capital of Sikkim

Travel to the top of the world, admiring the Himalayan

Mountains in all their glory from Pelling

Enjoy legendary Darjeeling, home of mountaineering and tea plantations

Attend the Paro Tsechu, one of Bhutan’s biggest religious festivals featuring magical costumes, colourful masks as well as traditional dances and music

Stay in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, Wangdue a provincial

town and Paro, Bhutan’s gateway to the world

Marvel at the gentle people of Bhutan, living their

traditional lifestyles

INCLUSIVE FEATURES

Return economy class airfare to/from India

Deluxe, first class and best available hotels as indicated or similar

Travel by private coach or car depending on area visited

Visa fees for India and Bhutan for Canadian passport holders

All 48 meals (B - 16 breakfasts, L - 16 lunches, D - 16 dinners)

Fully inclusive sightseeing program with all entrance fees

Services of your Canadian tour escort plus a professional English speaking tour managers/guides

All gratuities for included services

All taxes including airport departure taxes

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Airport transfer in Canada or equivalent value

TOUR ESCORT

Leading this exciting journey to Bhutan will be Janet Williams. Janet recently retired after 35 years in the teaching profession, most recently as a Vice Principal. According to Janet, being a tour guide is the perfect retirement activity! It combines her passion for travel and love of new experiences and cultures with the enjoyment of sharing all of this with passengers from all across Canada. She has done extensive personal travelling and has also lead successful trips on our behalf to many parts of the world. This includes Myanmar, China, Russia, Australia and New Zealand, Egypt, Tunisia, Madagascar, South America as well as many parts of Europe. She is looking forward to sharing this wonderful travel experience with you!

March 19, Thursday Depart Canada Group members gather in Toronto for the overnight flights to Delhi.

March 20, Friday Arrive Delhi Arriving Delhi late this evening, we will be met and transferred directly to our hotel. Kempinski Ambience Hotel (2 nights)

March 21, Saturday Delhi This morning we will be introduced to some of Old Delhi’s great highlights. Starting with the 300 year old Chandni Chowk market, a maze of lanes crowded with shops selling a variety of items, the noise and crowds are a quintessential part of any Indian market. From here we continue to the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means "mosque commanding a view of the world". In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, is Raj Ghat, a simple and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Next we pass through the Red Fort that dominates this area, before visiting Qutab Minar, the monument begun in 1199 built to symbolize the supremacy of Islam. This structure was eventually the prototype of all minars in India. Our next stop is Humayun's tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. It is believed that it was this mausoleum, which inspired the Taj Mahal. BLD

March 22, Sunday Bagdogra / Kalimpong, Sikkim We fly this morning from Delhi to Bagdogra. On arrival we follow the River Teestra into the Himalayas. En route is Kalimpong (1250m), a hill station in the Mahabharat Range in the Indian state of West Bengal. Enshrined with ancient Buddhist monasteries, centuries old churches and temples, Kalimpong was a part of Bhutan until it was occupied by the British. With its lush green forests and dense, velvety plantations of tea, and lack of crowds Kalimpong is a wonderful place to begin our journey. We will have free time this afternoon to explore this peaceful town. Elgin Silver Oaks Hotel (1 night) BLD

March 23, Monday Kalimpong / Gangtok A major source of orchid flowers in the northeast, this town has a bustling flower market. After breakfast we will visit the colourful flower nurseries, the Buddhist monastery Jang-Dong-Palriffo Brang, and Dr Graham’s Homes, a century old residential school for needy children. This afternoon we continue our climb inland to Gangtok (1677m), the capital of the remote mountain kingdom of Sikkim. The city literally clings to the mountain side with wonderful views in all directions. Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino (2 nights) BLD

March 24, Tuesday Gangtok After breakfast we'll venture across the valley to Rumtek Monastery, a replica of the Tibetan monastery of Tsruphu, the world centre of the Kagyupa Sect. In the city we will visit Droul Chorthen (memorial to the dead), the Institutes of Tibetology, Handicrafts & Handlooms as well as Flower Gardens & Orchid Sanctuary and Enchey Monastery. If time permits, we will visit the colourful local market. BLD

March 25, Wednesday Gangtok / Pelling (Pemayangtse) A day of breath-taking scenery awaits us as we drive through dramatic mountain scenery to the historic Buddhist centre of Pemayangtse, the most important religious centre in Sikkim. At just over 1860m, the region offers exceptional views and opportunities to explore this mountainous state. The Buddhists of Sikkim adhere to the ancient rituals - crimson-robed Lamas (priests) chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft light flickers from decorative lamps. The Chumbi Mountain Retreat (2 nights) BLD

March 26, Thursday Pelling This morning we will visit Khecheopalri Lake, where it is believed that wishes made before the lake come true. Myth has it that leaves never fall in the lake, instead they are caught by birds and carried away. The lake is part of a sacred trail followed by devout Buddhists. This afternoon will be devoted to Pemayangtse Monastery, a sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Dating from 1705, it is the oldest and most important religious site in Sikkim, home to a very strict order of monks. A highlight of this region is the magnificent mountain scenery with the full range of the Himalayas including Kanchenjunga, third highest peak in the world, being visible on a clear day. BLD

March 27, Friday Pelling / Darjeeling This morning we make our way through the heart of Sikkim to the former British hill station of Darjeeling, once described as the "Queen of the Himalayas". Founded in 1833, as a British sanctuary from Calcutta’s intense summer heat, the city sits 2225m above sea level, on a ridge facing the Himalayan peaks in one direction and the plains of India in the other. Mayfair Darjeeling Hotel (2 nights) BLD

March 28, Saturday Darjeeling Very early this morning we set out for Tiger Hill (2530m) to enjoy the effects (weather permitting) of the rising sun as it strikes the snow clad Kanchenjunga Range. With clear weather, we'll be able to see Mt Everest. Continue to Ghoom Monastery, built in the Tibetan style, enshrining an image of the Maitreya Buddha. Returning to Darjeeling we'll see the Lebong Valley (with the world's highest racetrack) and visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, the Himalaya Mountaineering Institute, the Tibetan Refugee Centre, the Botanic Gardens and, if time permits, a tea estate. BLD

March 29, Sunday Bagdogra / Paro / Thimphu, Bhutan After a very early breakfast we descend from the mountains, following the route of the toy train to Bagdogra where we catch our morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. With our Bhutanese guide we make the one hour drive Thimphu (2134m), the modern capital of Bhutan, set in the valley of the Wang Chu River. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is a lively enough place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. River View Hotel or similar (2 nights) BLD

March 30, Monday Thimphu Our day will be devoted to exploring the most important sites of this capital. Highlights will include the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the Zorig Chusum (or Painting School), National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Memorial Chorten (stupa). In the afternoon continue to the Changangkha monastery with views over the city, Motithang Zoo (to see the rare Takin, Bhutan’s national animal), Drupthob Temple and Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), Tashichho Dzong and the national Handicraft Emporium. BLD

March 31, Tuesday Thimphu / Wangdue This morning we drive to Wangdue (Wangduephodrang) via Punakha crossing the Dochu Pass (our highest point at 3048m). In clear weather we can see the eastern Himalayas including the highest mountain in Bhutan (Mt. Gangar Punsum 7520m). We then descend to the lower and warmer valley of the Lobesa River and the village of Wangdue (1311m) where we will view the remains of the Dzong (fortified temple) from across the river and visit the local markets. The Dzong itself was destroyed by fire in 2012 and is slowly being rebuilt, using traditional methods. Kichu Resort or similar (2 nights) BLD

CT Rating 4 - Very Challenging: This is a destination like no other, offering unique experiences of different cultures, lifestyles and religions. This journey will take members to remote regions where travel conditions will be difficult with limited facilities. Roads are very poor in parts of Bhutan and Sikkim and touring coaches are small and basic. In Bhutan we shall use country inns and hotels which are rustic but comfortable - all rooms will have private bathrooms. Due to the physical and cultural demands entailed by this itinerary, all members must be in good physical health, capable of handling themselves and their luggage.

Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)

Land Only (Join / Leave Delhi) ....................................... $6,085

Toronto ........................................................................... $7,895

Ottawa / Montreal ........................................................... $8,095

Halifax / Winnipeg .......................................................... $8,265

St. John’s / Regina / Saskatoon ..................................... $8,465

Edmonton / Calgary / Vancouver ................................... $8,395

Victoria ........................................................................... $8,465

Single Supplement ......................................................... $1,445

Call for prices from your home city. Airfares are subject to change. Land Only price includes internal flights with all current related taxes and fees. International flights will be on Jet Airways. Prices are based on taxes, surcharges, airfares and exchange rates effective April 2014 and are subject to change. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room with private bathroom and a minimum of 15 participants travelling.

Note: Members will require a Visa for India, assistance will be provided in arranging this (Visa cost is included). Some members from certain areas in Canada might be required to obtain own visa, due to consulate jurisdictions. The price includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($353-$423pp) for passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date (rate varies by the cost of the trip). Cost supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85 (from $210-$412pp). Clients 86 years and older and/or residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff for procedures. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Final payment will be due January 2, 2015. To reserve your spot on this tour, simply complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit of $600 per person plus the cost of insurance to:

CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD

1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6

Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143

Email: tours@craigtravel.com / Web: www.craigtravel.com

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April 1, Wednesday Punakha / Wangdue This morning we drive to Punakha, an important town with one of the most beautiful Dzongs, set on a small hill overlooking the Po and Mo Chu Rivers. Built in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel it served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. Today it is still the most important fortress and administrative centre in the country, being the winter residence for the Central Monk Body and the Chief Abbot of Thimphu. Those interested can take a hike into the forest to the unique Khamsum Yule Namgyel Monastery, recently built by Her Majesty, the Queen of Bhutan. Later we return to our hotel by Wangdue. BLD

April 2, Thursday Wangdue / Paro This morning we return to Paro via Thimphu making an en-route stop to visit the oldest building in Bhutan (1629), the Simtokha Dzong. Built by the king who unified Bhutan as a Dzong, it now houses one of the premier Bhutanese language schools. Early this afternoon we will make our way to the paro Dzong where the Paro Tsechu is taking place. This five day festival is one of the biggest in all Bhutan, drawing people from all over the country who come to see and be seen. On the stage is a steady progression of extremely colourful dances performed by costumed dancers. Equally interesting are the people attending, most of whom will be local families traditionally dressed. Kichu Resort Paro or similar (3 nights) BLD

April 3, Friday Paro We will return to the festival for another morning of fascinating sights, sounds, and culture. Later we will drive down the valley where we can hike to the Taktsang Tea House to view the magnificent hanging Taktsang Monastery, one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the Himalayan world. The Taktsang (Tiger) Monastery is perched some 800m above the valley floor on the sheer black face of the mountain. From the ruins of Drugyal Dzong (Victorious Bhutanese Fortress, the site of several 17th Century battles in which the Bhutanese defeated the invading Tibetans), we have dramatic views of the valley and Mount Chomolhari. Our final visit will be to the Dungtse Temple home to some very interesting art work. BLD

April 4, Saturday Paro We spend the morning to attend the closing ceremonies of the Paro Festival. During this event a huge banner is unfurled with thousands of admirers flocking to see and touch it. The final blessing are then given to end the festival. Later we complete our exploration of Paro, visiting the village and Kychu Temple, one of 108 such temples originally built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gempo to spread and to defend Buddhism. We then visit the National Museum, which highlights many aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. Originally a watchtower, Ta Dzong is set on a promontory high over the valley. Just below is the Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645, it still serves as the district administrative centre and school for monks. BLD

April 5, Sunday Paro / Delhi All too soon, we fly back across the Himalayas directly to Delhi where we will have day rooms provided at an airport hotel. Very late this evening we will transfer back to the airport where we will catch our overnight flights. BLD

April 6, Monday Delhi / Toronto, Canada Our overnight flight will have us back in Toronto by midday with ample time to catch a connecting flight to our homes across Canada.

Bhutan - Credit Jill Dimitrieff