Bhutan Festival & Sikkim Tour
Sikkim Darjeeling Tour with Festival in Bhutan
Trip Overview
Duration
17 Days
Trip Highlights
- Famous hill stations of Sikkim and Darjeeling
- Tea plantations
- Absorb diverse Buddhist traditions
- A journey between India and Bhutan to appreciate the natural and cultural diversities
- Wander in bazaars, villages, and towns
- Meet monks, nuns, farmers, and children and interact with them
- Join in the celebration of a colorful festival or two
- Try out local foods
- Hike to famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped Himalayas from several locations on this trip
Trip Description
Bhutan Festival and Sikkim tour is a journey of Geographical and cultural contrasts, as you travel from a rich mixture of ecosystems ranging from sub-tropical to the high mountain ranges, and across unique culture and traditions. Join us on this life-changing journey that begins in the Indian state of Sikkim, where you’ll explore mountain monasteries, sip tea beneath the Himalayan peaks at the Raj-era hill hotel in Darjeeling, then cross the vast plains of Dooars to the magical Kingdom of Bhutan.
Amid verdant valleys dotted with historic fortresses and shrines, delve into Bhutan’s rich culture, discovering how happiness is woven into the fabric of everyday life. As you travel into the heart of the Kingdom’s Bumthang district, meet with monks, nuns, farmers, children, and artisans. Explore villages, historic monuments, and sacred sights. On this trip, we also join in the celebration of one or more than one Tsechu, an extremely colorful local festival where the local community comes together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize.
Wind Horse has been operating this tour for the last 10 years with a small modification each year. In the past, we used to start the tour in Bhutan, but this year, we are starting the tour from Sikkim. We have also have added a flight from Bumthang to Paro, to cope with changing road conditions.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Day 2 & 3: Gangtok, Sikkim
Day 4 & 5: In Darjeeling
Day 6: Phuentsholing, Bhutan
Day 7 & 8: Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan
Day 9 & 10: In Punakha /Wangdue valley
Day 11: Gangtey, Phobjikha valley
Day 12 & 13: In Bumthang
Day 14, 15 & 16: In Paro valley and hike to Taktsang
Day 17: Departure
Trip Itinerary
Arrive in Delhi
Gangtok, Sikkim
In Darjeeling
Phuentsholing, Bhutan
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan
In Punakha /Wangdue valley
Gangtey, Phobjikha valley
In Bumthang
In Paro valley and hike to Taktsang
Departure
Included
- All transfers
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- English speaking local tour guides
- Accommodations in listed hotels or similar (3 & 4 star type mix, with good location, local character, and good, if not best reviews)
- All meals throughout the trip (except in Delhi, where only breakfast is included).
- Bottled water in the vehicle (during the day)
- Bhutan Visa and all required permits.
- Bhutan’s daily tourists’ fees
- Flight Delhi to Bagdogra
- Flight Bumthang-Paro
Not included
- Indian Visa.
- Flight into Delhi
- Flight out of Paro
- Medical Insurance
- Bar/Beverages, Laundry, Gifts, Gratuities and other personal expenses not listed in included section
GEAR INFORMATION
The following lists are the essential trekking gear that is recommended for trekking in Nepal and all listed gears can also be bought easily in Kathmandu, Kathmandu has a number of shops selling the necessary clothes and gear for trekkers.
- A few pairs of Thermal tops
- Fleece jacket/pullover
- Windcheater – waterproof shell jacket one pair
- Down jacket -( It will be provided by the company if you do not have your own)
- Comfortable Fleece/wool trousers
- Trekking pants- at least 2 pairs
- Mittens/woolen gloves
- Warm Hiking socks
- Trekking sue with spare laces
- Pair of flip flop
- Under wears & Swimming costume
- Hiking Cotton trousers/t-shirts
- Sun hat/scarf
- Sunglasses
- Sleeping bag -( It will be provided by the company if you do not have your own)
- Trekking poles (Not 100%)
- Day bag above 40 L
- 1 set- Headlamp
- Small lock for the day backpack
- Reusable water bottles- 2 letters
- Water purification tablets/ electric light
- Wash towel
- Toiletries (wet tissue, quick-drying towel, toilet paper, moisturizers, lip balms, sunscreens, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clipper, small mirror, toothpaste & brush, etc.)
- Rain poncho
- Basic personal first aid kit
Trip Map
