Himalayan Explorer: Sikkim-Darjeeling-Bhutan Tour

Calcutta, India

Day 1: Arrival in Calcutta

Transfer to hotel near airport.

Day 2-3: Darjeeling

One hour flight to Bagdogra and a pleasant drive to Darjeeling where we spend two glorious days. Darjeeling is perhaps the most beautiful city in the Himalayas. Sunrise visit to Tiger Hill, a ride on the toy train to Ghoom and visits to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Rail Museum. Enjoy lovely walks at your leisure.

Day 4: Darjeeling-Pemayangtse

We depart to Pemayangtse on a stunning drive through forests of aok, pine and orchids with the Kangchendzonga range in the background. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery and Sangacheoling Monastery.

Day 5-6: Gangtok & Rumtek

Drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Visit monasteries, dharma centers, cottage industries and enjoy the impressive view of Mt. Kanchendzonga. Excursion to Rumtek Monastery.

Day 7: Gangtok-Phuntsholing

Drive to the Bhutanese border. Overnight in Phuntsholing.

Paro, Bhutan

Day 8: Arrive Paro

Those who are driving from Phuntsholing will be picked up at hotel at 7:30 am.

Those that are joining Bhutan only tour, will arrive by flight this morning.

Day 9: Paro

Attend the Paro Festival. Visit the Dzong and other sites around Paro.

Day 10-11: Thimphu

Morning attend Paro Festival.

Afterwards, depart to Thimphu.

Thimphu is an enchanting blend of the old and new. Visits include the Memorial Chorten, National Library, Institute of Traditional Medicine and the bustling bazaar. A special treat here is a visit to the School of Arts and Crafts.

Day 12:Punakha

Explore Punakha Dzong, located in the middle of the river, where many women go to pray for progeny, and then visit nearby villages.

Day 13-14:Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)

Phobjikha Valley is a glacial valley located on the western slopes of the Black Mountain at an altitude of 9840 feet. It is the winter home to the rare black-necked crane that migrate from high plateaus of Tibet in late Fall.

Visit the ancient Gangtey Gompa and stroll around the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. Optional walks.

Day 15: Trongsa

En-route, we visit the beautiful the Chendibji Stupa. This afternoon, visit Trongsa Dzong, a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture.

Day 16-18: Bumthang

In Bumthang tour Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of religious Buddhist paintings; Tamshing Monastery, one of the most sacred Nyingmapa monasteries and Mebartso, the burning lake.

A day excursion to the remote village Ura.

Day 19: Fly to Paro

Arrival and lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon independent.

Day 20: Paro

We start out early on our hike of Taktsang Monastery (aka Tiger's Nest Monastery). Everyone at your own pace; go as far as you like. Return to Paro and continue visits.

Day 21: Depart

Fly to Bangkok or Kathmandu for your flight home.

OR join our tour of Tibet.

Trip Length

21-day trip begins in Calcutta and ends in Paro
14-day trip begins and ends in Paro (Bhutan Only)

Dates

Full Tour: March 15-April 4, 2024
Bhutan Only: March 22-April 4, 2024

Land Cost

2024 Sikkim-Darjeeling-overland to Paro: $2300 based on minimum 4 people; Single Room Supplement: $660
2024 Bhutan Price: $6250 based on minimum 4 people; Single Room Supplement: $660

Accommodations

4/5-star hotel Calcutta airport, 5 star in Darjeeling and Sikkim, best traditional guesthouses in Bhutan

Group Size

4-12 guests

Included Meals

All breakfasts, all meals in Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan
Breakfast only in Phuntsholing, border town India-Bhutan

Reading List

Suggested Reading