Himalayan Explorer: Sikkim-Darjeeling-Bhutan Tour

• 1

  Day 1: Arrival in Calcutta

  Transfer to hotel near airport.

• 2

  Day 2-3: Darjeeling

  One hour flight departing at noon for Bagdogra and a pleasant drive to Darjeeling where we spend two glorious days in Darjeeling, perhaps the most beautiful city in the Himalayas. Cherish a 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.

• 3

  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.

• 4

  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.

• 5

  Day 7: Gangtok-Phuntsholing

  Drive to the Bhutanese border.

• 6

  Day 8-9: Paro

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

• 7

  Day 10-11: Thimphu

  Thimphu is an enchanting blend of the old and new. We visit 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.

• 8

  Day 12-13:Punakha

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

• 9

  Day 13-14:Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)

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

• 10

  Day 15: Trongsa

  Enjoy a picnic at the site of the Chendibji Stupa. Visit Trongsa Dzong, a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture.

• 11

  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.

• 12

  Day 19: Fly to Paro

  Arrival and lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon independent.

• 13

  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.

• 14

  Day 21: Depart

  Fly to Bangkok or Kathmandu for your flight home.

• Trip Length

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

• Dates

  March 30-April 19, 2020
  April 6-19, 2020 (Bhutan only)

• Land Cost

  Full Tour 2020: $5185. Single Room Supplement $1225
  Bhutan Only 2020: $3785. Single Room Supplement $600
  Does Not Include Flights

• 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

• Extend Your Trip

  Treasures of Tibet
  Follows Bhutan Tour
  LEARN MORE >

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