Bhutan, famed as Shangri-La, received merely 4,500 tourists through all of 2002, whilst Hong Kong had 25,000 visitors per day. Nestled in the eastern Himalayas between China and India, the Land of the Thunder Dragon astounds with its unspoilt landscape of white-capped mountain peaks interspersed with rivers cascading along verdant valleys coloured by flaming rhododendrons and orchids. The Bhutanese treasure nature as the source of all life- the government adheres to a National Environment Strategy. It is the only country in the world whose state religion is the tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism and this permeates all strands of the daily routine encouraging a reverence for the living and the land. Annual festivals, like the Paro and Thimphu Tsechus, bring the local population closer in their dedication to Guru Rimpoche and other deities. Medieval Dzongs, fortress-like temples, look down on every district, whilst fluttering prayer flags, prayer wheels and stupas line every path and road.
The enchanting tiny state of Sikkim lies at the eastern end of the mighty Himalayas bounded by Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and West Bengal, nestling beneath the protective shadow of its guardian deity, Mount Kanchenjunga or Khangchendzonga, at 8,598 meters the third highest mountain in the world. Sikkim is truly one of the last Shangri Las with diverse and scenic beauty, magnificent mountains, eternal snows, dark forests, green fertile valleys, raging torrents and placid lakes.
Buddhism came to Sikkim from Tibet through the divine agency of Guru Padmasambhava (the "Lotus Born") who in the 8th century prophesized that Buddhism would overrun Sikkim. This came true in the 17th century with the coming of the three lamas. One of the lamas was the venerated Lhatsun Chemp, who formally introduced Buddhism to Sikkim when, it is said, he used his mystical powers to fly to the top of Mt Kabru from where he surveyed the landscape until he found the way in to the hidden valley. Once in Sikkim, he met two other Lamas, Sempa Chempo and Rigzing Chempo. The place where the three converged was thenceforth called Yuksam or Place of the Three Wise Ones.  Buddhism is a tangible presence in Sikkim: white prayer flags fluttering in the wind, boy-monks in maroon scampering on the streets and gaudily painted monasteries (they number about 130) splendid in their isolation, in harmony within the tranquil mountainous environment.
Sikkim remained an independent kingdom, ruled by the Chogyal (King) until 1975 when it became the 22nd state of the Indian union. It is the least populous state in the union, with only 500000 inhabitants, but one of the most strategically important for India as it lies astride the shortest route between India to Tibet. Gangtok, the "town on a hilltop" is perched high on the ridge of a valley at 1677 m. Since becoming the State capital in the mid-19th century, the town has undergone a rapid change in its endeavour to become more cosmopolitan. Today the town is tinged with modernity and the hustle and bustle of urban existence.  However, visitors will be smitten by its Old World charm and the gentle cordiality of its people: a mixture of Lepchas, Bhutias- from Tibet- and Nepalese who settled in large numbers when the state was under the British Protectorate.

15th Mar – Depart London Heathrow at 2200h by Emirates arriving Dubai 0845h. Continue at 1325h. Arrive Kolkata 1915h and transfer to the charming, central and atmospheric Fairlawns hotel for 2 nights B&B.

16th Mar- After breakfast, visit Dalhousie Square (or BBD Bagh British India’s administrative capital), St Paul’s Cathedral, the Maidan (Calcutta’s lungs), Victoria memorial, Mother Teresa’s mission, the Kali and Jain temples. Dinner at the hotel.

17th Mar– Transfer to Druk Air at 0850h for Paro 1030h. Attend part of the 4-day Paro Tsechu, dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, at the 17th century Rinpung Dzong. Witness dances performed by monks and laymen, in a state of meditation, transforming themselves into the deities they represent and exorcising evil spirits. There are a large number of dances involving specific spectacular costumes, masks and ornaments. The Tsechu is an opportunity for the Bhutanese to immerse themselves in the meaning of their religion whilst a living occasion to see and be seen. Consequently, people tend to wear their finest clothes and jewellery, and eat and drink extravagantly. Drive to Singye Hotel, Thimphu, administrative capital and home to the King.

18th Mar– Visit the pious landmark Memorial Chorten, National Library, Thangka painting school & Taschichodzong monastery originally built in 1641 by the Shabdrung, it was reconstructed in 1961 without nails or architectural plans.

19th Mar – Drive through the Dochula pass- 3050m- viewing the highest peaks of Bhutan. Descend through temperate forests to the semi-tropical zone of bamboo, cactus and orange to Punakha Dzong, the massive island fortress built between the Pho-chu (male) and the Mo-chu (female) rivers in 1637 by the unifying saint and administrator, the Shabdrung. It is still the winter residence of the religious and administrative Monk body having withstood many earthquakes, floods and fires. Continue to Paro Valley.

20th Mar – Visit the National Museum, a watchtower, and Tiger’s Nest, or Taktsang, Monastery where Guru Padmasanabhava alighted upon the back of a tigress. Once the international community marvelled at this 8th century feat of construction, built into a sheer 1000m-rock face, they now assist the Bhutanese in its faithful restoration following a fire in 1998. (Taktsang is a very strenuous, steep 2-hour walk each way, normally it is best just to drive to its viewpoint). After sunset the huge thongdrel, an aged religious appliqué the size of the Dzong wall, is unveiled when an appropriate air of excited anticipation has been reached. The thongdrel is revealed until dawn whilst people receive blessings and the monks in their finest colourful silk robes chant in the still of the night.

21st Mar – Drive 7 hours, lunch en route, to India (we meet the Sikkim guide at Phuentsholing) and the Jaldhapara Lodge.

22nd Mar- Subject to availability & paid locally: early morning elephant-back safari in Jaldhapara wildlife sanctuary, seeking wild elephant, deer and the rare (about 35 here), one-horned Indian Rhinoceros (rhinoceros unicornis). After breakfast, Drive 5 hours via the Coronation Bridge, built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s coronation, to Hotel Dickling, Darjeeling. Afternoon: free to walk and visit the local sites and shops. Visit the Tea Planters Club for pre-dinner drinks.

23rd Mar – Ride the toy train, paid locally, (one of only two World Heritage railways) to Ghoom, the world’s highest steam train station at 2200m. Visit Yogachoeling Gompa at Ghoom & Thupten Sangachoeling, Dali. Optional visit to Darjeeling zoo.

24th Mar- Drive three hours to the Mintokling Hotel, Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital. After a relax: visit to the Rumtek Monastery, the Lal Market and a traditional Sikkimese evening stroll along Mahatama Ghandi Marg.

25th Mar- Early morning drive, 0500h, to enjoy sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga at Tashi viewpoint. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Drive 2 hours along the Nathula highway, former silk route to Tibet, to the beautiful Tshangu Lake, only 400kms from Lhasa and, at 3753m, the high point of the trip. Optional yak ride possible. Visit Enchey monastery.

26th Mar- Drive to Ravangla, visiting the Temi Tea gardens, for a relaxing stay at Mount Narshing resort with dinner by a log fire included, and opportunity for optional horse riding.

27th Mar: Depart at 0900h to visit the 17th century Tashiding Monastery and continue to Yuksum and the Tashigang resort. Walk 45mins to the 11th century Dubdi Monastery and Coronation Place where the 1st King of Sikkim was crowned.

28th Mar - Following breakfast drive to the holy Kechopalri Lake, sacred to both Hindus and buddhists and said to have flown from Yuksum for a change of scene and where birds are supposed to retrieve fallen leaves and debris. Continue to the famous Pemayangtse Monastery and then drive to New Jalpaiguri and the overnight Darjeeling Mail to Kolkata from NJP.

29th Mar- Arrive 0815h and taxi to tranquil Fairlawns Hotel. Day at leisure.

30th Mar – Transfer to airport, for Emirates at 0835h arrives Dubai 1255h, depart at 1430h arrives London at 1815h.

Due to possible changes to flights, the Tsechu and the Drukair schedule the itinerary may slightly alter.

COSTS -  £1900.00. The air holiday and flight is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6151.

Includes Flights, English-speaking guides, B&B hotels (full-board Bhutan & Fairlawn), transport & excursions as shown.
Excludes visa charges, local airport taxes, toy train and elephant safari rides, insurance (available throughLIVEfor £37), meals not mentioned in the itinerary, tips, drinks and other items of a personal nature, optional excursions and activities.

VISAS are required for Bhutan- $20 issued on arrival (2 photos) & India £30 + £15 LIVE Travel fee (includes Sikkim permit).

DRESS respectfully for Bhutanese Tsechus, they are not tourist entertainments but genuine manifestations of ancient rites, held on ground consecrated by Lamas, that we are privileged and, indeed, blessed to witness. Bring a rainproof jacket or fleece as spring temperatures range 4-200C. You may wish to buy a traditional Kho, national dress, for the Tsechu, from £20.