The less-traveled regions of northeastern India and the neighboring Kingdom of Bhutan are the focus of a nine-night journey from Banyan Tours and its sister company Shakti.
Clients will spend four nights in the Indian state of Sikkim, four nights in Bhutan and an overnight in Delhi.
Sikkim is a nature-lover's paradise, where travelers will explore the remote Indian Himalayas. Guides will lead walks from village to village, visiting Rinchenpong Monastery and catching sight of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain. Lodging is in traditional Himalayan houses notched up to meet Western standards, and a key feature of the tour is interacting with host families and other village locals.
In Bhutan, clients are accommodated at a base camp. Program highlights include a drive along the Chele La Pass; a hike to Kila Goemba; an ancient nunnery perched on the side of a cliff; and a visit to the Taktsang Monastery, where, legend has it, Guru Rinpoche landed his flying tigress, bringing Buddhism from Tibet.
Rates start at $5,700 per person, double, and departures are through April.
Prices cover all accommodations, most meals, transportation, English-speaking guides, entrance fees, economy roundtrip airfare between India and Bhutan, visa and royalty fees for Bhutan and all taxes.
Retailers interested in learning more are asked to call the tour company at (866) 401-3705.