The direct flight with Swiss (subject to availability) will takes us to Delhi, the capital of India, in just over 7 1⁄2 hours.
10:00 a.m. Meet the travel group Zürich International Airport (Kloten) at Starbucks between Check-in 1 and Check-in 2.
10:15 a.m. Check-in processed by Swissport at Zurich Airport in the Check-in 1 area.
12:40 p.m. Departure from Zurich to Delhi.
23:55 Arrival in Delhi. 
Overnight stay in hotel. Flight time 7 1⁄2 hours

We will fly along the Himalayas to Bagdogra. In the fine weather permits, we will see the 8,000 m peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Everest and Kangchendzönga. From Bagdogra we drive on a winding road past wooded hills, small villages and tea plantations to Darjeeling. At the time of the British colonial power in India, Darjeeling was one of the most popular “hill stations” to escape the heat of the lowlands. Even today, you can still sense a lot of colonial flair in this place.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Darjeeling (2,100 meters). Flight time 2 hours. Travel time 3-4 hours (B,L,D)

Weather permitting, we will set off early in the morning for Tiger Hill (2,590 m). We will enjoy a spectacular sunrise and a fantastic view as far as the Kangchendzönga massif. On a clear day you can see as far as Mount Everest.
Afterwards we will take the famous “Toy Train”, which was built over 120 years ago. The ride on this narrow-gauge railway is an exciting experience.
After lunch we will visit a tea plantation for which Darjeeling is so famous. The main harvest time is March to October. Depending on the season, there is less activity in November and no tea is picked during the winter months.
However, we can visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute or the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Darjeeling (2,100 meters). Travel time Toy Train is 2 hours Travel time 2-3 hours (B,L,D)

On day 4 we have a varied journey ahead of us in the remote west of Sikkim. On the valley floor, we will cross the Rangit River and follow it until a pass road leads up to Rinchenpong. On a clear day, we can see Kangchendzönga in the distance. Here we will be guests in a typical Sikkimese farmhouse lodge.
Overnight stay in an simple farmhouse lodge in Rinchenpong (1,600 meters). Travel time 4-5 hours (B,L,D)

We will discover the rural surroundings of Rinchenpong by foot. We will first hike through an oak forest to a nearby hill where there is a lonely monastery and, if we are lucky with the weather, we can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the Kangchendzönga massif with the mountain giants Pandim, Kabru and Narsing at 1,900 meters. Later, we will explore the lonely hamlets with their traditional Lepcha houses and experience the rural, natural way of life of the small farmers. In the evening, we will have the opportunity to attend the evening ceremonies and evening prayers in the village monastery.
Overnight stay in an simple farmhouse lodge in Rinchenpong (1,600 meters). Hike 4-6 hours (B,L,D)

Through a varied landscape with terraced rice fields, rushing waterfalls and remote settlements, we will drive to Pelling.
Just before the mountain ridge of Pelling, we will hike to the ruins of Rabdentse, the former royal fortress. In Pelling, we will pay a visit to the famous 18th century Pemayangtse Monastery with its uniquely carved wooden sculpture. The monastery was involved in the royal government during the kingdom and played an important role. The Pemayangtse Monastery is also called the “Perfect Sublime Lotus”, which means “the all-encompassing, perfect lotus”.
We will also climb up to the Nyingma Monastery of Sanga Chöling. The latter is situated on a hill above Pelling. From there, we will enjoy a fabulously beautiful view of Kangchendzönga and other snow-capped mountain peaks. There is a meditative atmosphere at this place, especially in the morning and evening hours. Today, around 20 monks live in the monastery. The numerous chortens on a terrace next to the main temple are very old, sacred burial sites of important lamas and are reminiscent of the Buddhist teachings. From the monastery, we will walk to the Chenrezig statue, which was completed in fall 2018. The newly built complex also includes a skywalk and a gallery inside the statue. At a height of 41 meters, it is the tallest of the three large statues in Sikkim.
Depending on the weather, we may not undertake the hike to Sanga Chöling until the next morning. We will stay in a Sikkimese guesthouse below Pelling.
Overnight stay in the guesthouse below Pelling (1,700 meters). Travel time 3 hours. Hike 2-3 hours (B,L,D)

On our way to Yuksom, we will visit the sacred, wish-fulfilling Khecheopalri Lake. The original name of the lake was Kha-Chot-Palri, which translates to the “Heaven of Guru Padmasambhava”. The small, legendary lake is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus.
We will start at the lake and set off on a beautiful hike past small villages, terraced fields and forests with cardamom plantations. The hike is mostly downhill and takes about 3 hours. From the end point at the Rathong River, we will continue to Yuksom, where we will spend the night.
Overnight stay at the guesthouse in Yuksom (1,750 meters). Travel time 3-4 hours. Hike 3 hours (B,L,D)

Yuksom is now just a village, but was once the capital of Sikkim. The most popular trek in Sikkim starts from here, leading up to the almost 5,000 metre high Goecha La pass near the 8,000 metre high Kangchendzönga. Although we don’t hike quite as far, we will make our way to the coronation site of the first king of Sikkim. A small temple and a huge stupa mark the place where the empire was founded. We will reach the Norbugang Chörten, the sacred place where the coronation of the first king took place in 1642. Under a gigantic cedar (Cypressus cashmeriana) stands the stone throne on which Chogyal Phuntsok Namgyal was crowned King of Sikkim by three lamas. We will then hike uphill to Dubdi and visit the oldest monastery in Sikkim, which was built in 1701.
Overnight stay at the guesthouse in Yuksom (1,750 meters). Hike 3-4 hours (B,L,D)

On the way to Kewzing, we visit the Tashiding Monastery, which stands on a cone-shaped mountain. There are several chortens next to the monastery. It is said that just seeing these chörten cleanses all sins. We can try this out! The prayer walls with the mantras artfully carved in stone are also beautiful. Unfortunately, the stonemason who created all these works of art passed away a few years ago.
Later in the afternoon, we reach Kewzing, a typical Bhutia village. Here we are guests in the home of a family and immerse ourselves in the culture of the Bhutia Sikkimese, who originally come from Tibet.
We take a short tour of the village on foot. We end the evening with a traditional Bhutia dinner in the simple kitchen of our host family, followed by a small cultural performance around the campfire. Of course, a “Chang”, a home-brewed beer made from millet, is a must.
Overnight stay in a simple family house in Kewzing (1,550 meters). Travel time 3 hours. Hike 2 hours (B,L,D)

Day 10’2 varied drive will takes us to the town of Ravangla, where we will stroll through town past tiny pubs and corner stores. We will take a detour and visit the Buddha Park with its gigantic Buddha statue, which was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in March 2013.
We will drive along the mountain ridge with its spectacular panorama to the largest tea garden in Sikkim. The Temi tea garden is known for its excellent, organically grown tea and is an insider tip among connoisseurs. We will continue to the town of Singtam on the valley floor and head north to the Rumtek region.
Following the road lined with prayer flags, we will arrive at the original old monastery of Rumtek which dates back to 1734. It exudes a wonderful sense of tranquillity and is situated on a mountain ridge with fantastic views of the hills and fields of Martam. A small shrine in an adjoining room is dedicated to the protector of the Kagyu school, Mahakala. However, the figure is covered because of its powerful effect.
His Holiness, the 16th Karmapa, head of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism, lived here from 1959 to 1981. After fleeing to Sikkim due to the Chinese invasion of Tibet, he received asylum, land and support from the King of Sikkim to build the new monastery of Rumtek. His home monastery in Tsurphu in Tibet was used as a model. During the 16th Karmapa’s lifetime, the monastery was an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The 16th Karmapa is one of the most important reincarnations in the Tibetan Buddhist world and the head of the Karma Kagyu school. The Karma Kagyu school is one of the four main branches of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama is the head of the Gelugpa (Yellow Caps) school.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Rumtek (1,350 meters). Travel time 4-5 hours. Hike 1-2 hours (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we will take a hike on narrow paths across terraced rice fields to a small indigenous settlement. We willwalk through the village and gain an insight into village and rural life. We will be invited to visit the village shaman in a house built on stilts. Here we are allowed to witness a ceremony and enjoy a cup of tea together.
We will then visit the Lingdum Zurman Kharwang monastery. Inside the colorful complex, the murals tell of important events in the life of the Buddha. The cosmopolitan monastery also has an active monks’ school. The young monks can often be found memorizing the Tibetan alphabet or reciting mantras (powerful prayers).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Rumtek (1,350 meters). Travel time 1-2 hours. Hike 1 – 3 hours (B,L,D)

We will drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. We will walkt to the Gangtok bazaar and get to enjoy the hustle and bustle, maybe even make a deal or two at the market. The Institute of Tibetology has one of the finest collections of Buddhist literature, as well as a large number of thangkas, bronze figures and cult objects. From there we will continue to the Do-Drul Chörten.
Traditional crafts are taught at the Cottage Industries Institute. Traditional wood carvings, textiles and bamboo items are also available here.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok (1,650 meters). Travel time 1 1⁄2-2 hours. Hike 1-2 hours (B,L,D)

A long drive will takes us through the “flatlands” of India and on to the border of Bhutan, which we will cross at Phuentsholing, where we will spend the night. Here we will say goodbye to our Indian guide and our driver. From here on, we will be traveling with a Bhutanese guide and driver.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Phuentsholing (300 meters). Travel time 6-7 hours (B,L,D)

Our first day in Bhutan will takes us on a long but varied drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. If we feel like it, we will take our first stroll through town. Towards evening we will drive up to the “Buddha Viewpoint”, where an almost 50 m high Buddha figure has been built high above Thimphu. At the top, there is a beautiful view overlooking Thimphu and the surrounding area.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Thimphu (2,320 meters). Travel time 6-7 hours (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we will drive to the starting point of our hike, which will take us to Tango Monastery. Tango was founded in the 12th century and is now a monastic university, a place where monks retreat for many months. This is a beautiful hike to one of the most exciting places in Bhutan. After the hike, we will visit the famous weekend market in Thimphu. products and food from the local farmers are sold here. You will see large quantities of chili everywhere, which is very important in Bhutanese cuisine. Depending on the season, you can also find more exclusive foods such as ferns or leather. These foods also have their place in Bhutanese cuisine, although leather was mainly eaten in the past.
After the market, we will visit a small manufacteur where handmade paper is produced. At the “Institute for Zorig Chusum” (Institute of 13 Crafts), we admire some of Bhutan’s crafts, including thangka painting, clay sculpture and wood carving. It is exciting to be able to look over the backs of the teachers and students during their training.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Thimphu (2,320 meters). Travel time 1 1⁄2 hours. Hike 2-3 hours (B,L,D)

We will drive to Trashigang, a rarely visited village with a small monastery. From here we will continue on foot. A slight but steady uphill climb, we will hike along a secluded path through beautiful forests to Lungchuzekha. This place is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area and in good weather we can see several of the 6,000 and 7,000 m peaks in Bhutan, such as Jomolhari (7,314 m), Kang Bum (6,500 m), Gangchenta (“Great Tiger Mountain” 6,840 m), Masang Gang (7,165 m) and many other peaks. We will also see Gangkhar Puensum. At 7,541 meters, this is not only the highest mountain in Bhutan, but also the highest unclimbed peak in the world.
After a leisurely picnic and taking in the view, we will walk to the Dochula Pass. This is very photogenic with 108 stupas at the top and offers a very beautiful view. From here we drive into the valley of Punakha, which is 2000 meters lower.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Punakha (1,250 meters). Travel time 2-3 hours. Hike 3-4 hours (B,L,D)

In the morning, we will visit the Punakha Dzong, the most architecturally beautiful dzong in the whole of Bhutan. Built in 1638, it was the second dzong in Bhutan. Punakha was the capital and administrative center of Bhutan until 60 years ago, when the capital was moved to Thimphu.
A short hike  will take us to a river, where we will cross the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. In the village on the other side, we will visit the village school. Here we will be invited to lunch with a local family and learn a lot about village and family life in the countryside. In the afternoon we will drive on to Phobjikha.
Overnight stay in a guesthouse in the Phobjikha valley (2,800 meters). Travel time 3-4 hours. Hike 1 hour (B,L,D)

The Phobjikha Valley is one of the most beautiful mountain valleys in Bhutan. In winter, several hundred of the very rare black-necked cranes spend the coldest season here. Depending on the course of the winter, these large birds arrive from mid-November and leave the valley again from mid-February to make their way to their summer breeding grounds. We will enjoy the beautiful landscape, take a lovely walk through the valley and visit some small villages. Depending on our mood, we can also visit the Gangtey monastery and may even be invited to have tea with a family.
Overnight stay in a guesthouse in the Phobjikha Valley (2,800 meters). Travel time and short hike 3 hours. (B,L,D)

The most famous monastery in Bhutan, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, owes its name to the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the greatest tantric master in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. He landed here in the 8th century on the back of a tigress, on his escape from Tibet. The monastery is located very spectacularly on a steep rock face.
After breakfast, we will drive to the parking lot below the monastery. From here, a partly steep path will leads us up to a small restaurant that belongs to the monastery. We will enjoy the breathtaking view of the monastery while having a snack. We will continue on our way up to the Tiger’s Nest. If we feel like it, we can stop at Kyichu Lhakhang on the way back. This is considered to be the oldest temple in Bhutan and was built in 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Afterwards we will have free time in Paro. This small, pretty town is ideal for strolling through the streets, having a cup of tea in one of the small restaurants or doing some last-minute shopping.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro (2,280 meters). Travel time 1 hour. Hike 3 1⁄2-4 hours (B,L,D)

Transfer to the airport in Paro and return flight to Delhi.
Note: The Bhutan flights are sometimes canceled or postponed at short notice. In such a case, we may fly to Delhi via Kolkata or another destination.
We will be picked up at the airport and taken to a nice hotel with a swimming pool. Here we will have a room available until the evening and can relax at the end of the trip.
If you wish, you can visit some of the sights of Delhi on a half-day sightseeing tour with a local guide. This is not included and must be booked in advance (CHF 80 per person incl. local English-speaking guide, cab with driver and entrance fees).
Note: Many of our Himalayan travelers find the huge contrast between the megacity of Delhi and the impressions of their trip a real culture shock. In addition, you often spend a long time in the car in the crowded streets of Delhi. Decide for yourself how you would like to spend the last day of your trip.
In the evening we drive to the airport, where we check in for our return flight to Switzerland.

Day room in hotel in Delhi. Travel time 1⁄2 h. Flight time 2 1⁄2 h. (B,L,D)

Group travel dates return trip from/to Zurich

April 6-26, 2024
Contact 26.04.2024

November 16 -December6, 2024
Contact 16.11. – 06.12.2024