An up-country adventure in the Himalayas' last hidden kingdom - Druk Yul, "Land of the Thunder Dragon" - and Darjeeling, a favorite hill station during India's British Raj

DAYS 1-2: USA or Canada/Delhi, India
Depart on a flight bound for Delhi.

DAY 3: Delhi
On arrival, your room is available for immediate occupancy. After a morning at leisure, explore both Old and New Delhi. Tonight, join fellow travellers for cocktails and dinner. The Oberoi New Delhi B D

DAY 4: Delhi/Paro/Thimphu
A scenic flight to Bhutan offers bird's-eye views of the Himalayan peaks and Everest. Upon arrival in Paro you continue overland (approximately 2 hours) to Thimphu, enjoying views of the winding valley with farms and farmhouses which are unique to Bhutan enroute. In Thimphu you check into your hotel where there is time to relax before dinner. Taj Tashi Hotel B L D

DAY 5: Thimphu
Begin your exploration today with visits to the new Textile Museum and the School of Arts and Crafts. After lunch, visit the Drupthop temple and its resident nuns. This evening participate in a traditional Bhutanese cooking demonstration. Taj Tashi Hotel B L D

DAY 6: Thimphu/Punakha/Thimphu
Drive over the 10,500-foot-high Dochula pass. After lunch, a short drive brings you to the Wangdi Phodrang Dzong and a visit to the Temple of the Divine Madman. A Bhutanese dignitary joins you as guest speaker and host for dinner. Taj Tashi Hotel B L D

DAY 7: Thimphu/Paro
Begin your day with a visit to the lively market followed by a display of archery with the local Bhutanese. Drive to Paro and visit one of the oldest of Bhutan's temples - Kyichu Lhakhang. Arrive at your hotel retreat late in the afternoon. Uma Paro B L D

DAY 8: Paro
After breakfast, visit picturesque Taktsang ("Tiger's Nest") Monastery and spend the day visiting the temple and meeting the monks. Uma Paro B L D

DAY 9: Paro/Phuntsholing
Visit the National Museum, and continue overland towards Phuntsholing on a scenic drive through terraced fields, with an en route stop at Kharbandi Gompa. Hotel Druk/Lhaki Hotel B L D

DAY 10: Phuntsholing/Darjeeling
After breakfast travel through rural Bhutan crossing the border into India and the Himalayas. Hotel Mayfair B L D

DAY 11: Darjeeling
Travel to Tiger Hill to see the sun rise over Kanchenjunga. Visit Ghoom Monastery, home to the "Yellow Hat" Buddhist sect. Later, ride the narrow-gauge "Toy Train" in the emerald green valleys in the shadow of Kanchenjunga. Hotel Mayfair B L D

DAY 12: Darjeeling
A city tour of Darjeeling shows you the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the market. Enjoy a private lunch at a tea garden estate. Join your fellow travellers for dinner this evening. Hotel Mayfair B L D

DAY 13: Darjeeling/Bagdogra/Delhi
Return to Delhi for an evening at leisure. The Oberoi New Delhi B D

DAY 14: Delhi/USA or Canada
Transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight. B

This program contains some active elements and a minimum level of fitness is required.