Trip Desciption
The two tiny Himalayan nations, the Kingdom of Bhutan and Sikkim, which belongs to India, have retained an air of romantic exclusivity to this day. Removed from the present and nestled amidst a fantastic mountain backdrop, Sikkim and Bhutan are absolute dream destinations not only for alpinists, mountain lovers, and those interested in Buddhism and its history. Bhutan, where the right to happiness is enshrined in the country’s constitution, is one of the last refuges where ancient tantric traditions have survived. The chortens scattered throughout the landscape and the fluttering prayer flags all testify to vibrant Buddhist traditions and fascinate visitors as much as the friendly people and the impressive architecture. One of our popular tour guide Shankar or Ketan accompanies us on our comprehensive cultural and educational tour. The Mongar Teshu monastery festival, with its colorful masked dances, is surely just one of the many highlights of our special tour.
Highlights of the trip
- Comprehensive cultural study tour through two authentic Himalayan kingdoms with Christian Oertel
- In Sikkim, we visit the important monasteries of Tashiding and Pemayangste
- Darjeeling with its tea plantations and a ride on the legendary Toy Train
- Visit to the Tibetan Institute with its extensive collection of tangas and literary documents in Gangtok
- Overland trips to Bhutan
- Visit to the Takstang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
- Experience the Mongar Temple Festival with its masked dances