Darjeeling Sikkim & Bhutan Tour 12 Days
Cultural Tour of Darjeeling, Sikkim & Bhutan
Trip Price From US$ 2340 | See Details
Trip AccommodationBest tourist standard hotels through-out the trip. Hotels can compared to 3-4star standards. See Details
Group SizeAny number of participants.
MealsAll meals.
RouteDarjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Phuntsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro
Trip TypeOverland cultural and sightseeing tour
Trip SeasonsBest from late Feb-April, Oct-Nov. Next good times are in May, Dec, Jan and February.
Best MonthsJanuary, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Trip highlights
updating…
Explore Sikkim and Bhutan, two of the most isolated Himalayan regions. Centuries-old Buddhist monasteries cling to mountain cliffs and rice paddies stair-step down steep hillsides. Your journey begins with arrival transfer to Darjeeling, where we include a ride on the narrow gauge mountain railway and sunrise over Kangchenjunga from Tiger Hill. Visit the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok and passing on to Rumtek, visit the Karmapa’s Monastery. Travel to Kalimpong, once an important trading post for these parts of the world.
From Kalimpong our road then descends into the plains known as Duars, filled with lush tea garden. Cross into Phuntsholing, Bhutan. Discover Bhutan’s captivating cultural mix, reflected in its beautiful shrines, temples and handicrafts as you travel from south to western Bhutan; in the towns and villages of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha valley. Explore the Dzongs, ancient fortresses that once protected the kingdom.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bagdogra – Darjeeling (D) Arrive by flight in Bagdogra airport or in NJP/Siliguri train station. Upon arrival, you are met by our Guide and driver, and transfered to Darjeeling, which takes about 3 hours. After high tea in the evening, take a stroll around Chowrastha Mall.
Overnight in hotel New Elgin or similar.
Day 2: Sightseeing tour in Darjeeling (B/L/D) Early this morning- optional: (before dawn) drive to Tiger hill for sunrise view of the Himalayas. After breakfast, visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park & Snow Leopard Breeding Centre. Walk down to Tibetan Self-help center, visit a tea estate and drive back to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon take a joy-ride on a toy train to Ghoom, which makes en-route stop at Batasia loop. On the way back, visit Old Ghoom monastery and the sprawling Dali Monastery complex.
Overnight at hotel Elgin or similar.
Day 3: Darjeeling – Gangtok (B/L/D) Drive through the tea gardens, descend through sub-tropical Teesta valley and enter Sikkim at Rangpo. After permit formalities, continue drive to Gangtok the capital of Sikkim (total 4hr). Visit the institute of Tibetology and Deorali Dodrup Chorten monastery. In the evening at Gangtok, walk through MG Marg and visit Lal Bazaar.
Overnight in Gangtok at Norkhil or Netuk House.
Day 4: Gangtok Sightseeing (B/L/D) This morning in Gangtok, visit the Enchey Monastery, drive to View Points such as Tashi view and Ganesh Tok, followed by visit of Flower Exhibition and stroll on the promontory near the White Hall and Palace complex. Before lunch, visit the Cot tage Industries showroom and workshop. Afternoon is free to rest or pursue your own interests.
Overnight in Gangtok at Norkhil or Netuk House.
Day 5: Rumtek & Kalimpong (B/L/D) Drive for about 1 hr to Rumtek monastery on the opposite ridge of Gangtok. After visiting the Rumtek, continue drive to Kalimpong (3hr). Visit Durpin Dara view point with a brief look at the monastery nearby. Visit other Monasteries, Orchid /Flower nursery, Churches and homes of the colonial era, Dr Grahams Homes campus, Deolo Hill view points, and the local bazaar.
Overnight in Himalayan Hotel.
Day 6: Kalimpong – Phuntsholing, Bhutan (B/L/D) Descend Darjeeling hills and cross the Duars Plains with Tea Gardens into Phuntsholing, Bhutan, located at the bottom of foothills. Meet our Bhutanese Guide and stroll around the town.
Overnight in hotel Druk.
Day 7: Phuntsholing-Thimphu (B/L/D) Drive uphill to Thimphu after completing immigration formalities. En-route stop and visit Rinchending Monastery, other villages and towns along the way. In Thimphu we will visit Tashicho Dzong and tour the town area in the evening.
Overnight in Jumolhari Hotel/River View.
Day 8: Thimphu (B/L/D) Full day tour in the capital to cover all the major landmarks and interesting sights including local markets. You can visit any sights or attractions based on your interest.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 9: Thimphu – Punakha (B/L/D) Early drive across Dochula pass to Wangdiphodrang. Visit the town and view the fortress of Wangdue. Drive to Punakha and visit impressive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers.
Overnight in Meri Phuensum Resort or Punatsangchu Resort.
Day 10: Punakha – Thimphu – Paro (B/L/D) Return drive across Dochula pass to Thimphu and continue drive to Paro (total 4 ½ hr drive). In Paro visit National Museum, Rinphung Dzong and stroll around the township.
Overnight in hotel Gangtey Palace or Valley View.
Day 11: Paro (Takstang trek) (B/L/D) Today, you have an option to hike upto Takstang or continue with the further sightseeing of the valley. Even after Taktsang, we have time to visit the ruined Drugyal Dzong, Kichu temple and a local farm house.
Overnight In Hotel
Day 12: Departure (B) Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight. Depending on the Druk Air schedule, you can fly to Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata or Kathmandu.
We can also suggest dates to coincide with local festivals in Bhutan or Sikkim.
