Kingdoms Of The Sky

Fly to Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling. Once the summer capital of the British Raj in Bengal, Darjeeling sits in a picturesque mosaic of "English" cottages, tea gardens, rice fields and dense forest. Your first morning, travel to Tiger Hill to watch the sun rise over Kanchenjunga. Stop at the Ghoom Monastery, home to the "Yellow Hat" Buddhist sect. Later, board the narrow-gauge Toy Train for a journey through deep emerald green valleys and whispering pine forests in the shadow of towering, snow-clad Kanchenjunga. The next day, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Himalayan Zoological Park and the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center. Mayfair Hill Resort B L D

Depart by Jeep for the journey to Gangtok, Sikkim. Although it has its share of modern shops and offices, Gangtok's deep Buddhist roots remain evident in the pockets of tranquility that spread from the city's many peaceful shrines and monasteries. Visit Deer Park, Tashi Ling, Enchey Monastery and the market. The next day, explore Rumtek, the largest monastery in the area and the seat of His Holiness the Late Gyalwa Karmappa of the Kargyudppa (Red) Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Stop at the Government Institute of Tibetology on your way back to Gangtok. Hotel Nor-Khill B L D

Drive to Kalimpong, "the flower city," resplendent with wild and cultivated orchids, poppies, camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. An afternoon tour shows you the city's highlights, including the Zang-dog-phalri-Fobrang Monastery, with its debating hall and thangka painting workshop; Tirpai Monastery; the flower nursery; and the market. The Himalayan Hotel B L D

After breakfast, a scenic drive through the breathtaking mountains brings you to Phuntsholing. If time permits, visit Zangdopelri Temple, with three main statues and eight different styles of Tibetan chortens (Buddhist shrines). Hotel Druk or similar B L D

Drive overland to Thimphu, stopping en route to see Semtokha Dzong, Bhutan's oldest monastic fortress, built in 1629. In Thimphu, The National Memorial Chorten is a monument that provides deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Visit it as well as Trashichodzong, "the fortress of glorious religion," in Thimphu. Dinner at your hotel is accompanied by a cultural performance. Taj Tashi Hotel B L D

Archery is Bhutan's national sport, and this morning you have the opportunity to attend an archery match. After lunch, visit the National Library, housing an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, known as the Painting School. Here you can see students learning the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Continue to the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums, fascinating testaments to Bhutan's living traditions. Taj Tashi Hotel B L D

Drive to Chuzom at the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers en route to Paro. This afternoon, visit the Ta-Dzong (National Museum), which was built as a watchtower. It now houses a fascinating collection of art, relics and thangkha paintings. Then walk to the Rinpung Dzong, the palatial administrative center, built on a hill above the town. Glimpse farming life when you dine tonight at a traditional farm house. Uma Paro B L D

Participate in a puja (prayer ceremony) at a monastery, where you receive a blessing for good health, peace and prosperity. Then travel to Taktshang or Tiger's Nest Monastery. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew through the Himalayas on the back of a tiger in the eighth century, landed here and meditated. In the 17th century, a temple was erected on the site. Later, visit Drukgyel Dzong, the ruins of a 17th-century fortress from which Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders. Uma Paro B L D

Fly to Delhi. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to relax or do some last-minute shopping. Trident, Gurgaon B L D

Board your homebound flight tonight just after midnight. B