Discover Darjeeling and Bhutan
Overview
Highlights
- An epic journey that traverses countries, cultures and religions with stunning scenery
- Discover the Indian foothills of the Himalaya and peaceful Darjeeling
- Delve into Bhutan, a Buddhist nation where success is measured in Gross Domestic Happiness
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Our tour starts today in Kolkata (Calcutta). Once the capital of British India, Kolkata has had a turbulent past. It was central to the struggle for Indian independence and thousands of Bengali refugees came here at the start of the 1900s. It's a city of striking cont...
Today we'll begin to explore Kolkata with a tour of some of its major sites. We'll visit St John's Church and the historic Raj buildings around Dalhousie Square, the Jain and Kali temples and the magnificent marble dome of the Victoria Memorial, where the grandeur of ...
We'll pay an early morning visit to the colourful flower market where tons of brightly coloured marigolds are sold by traders, before driving to Belur Math on the banks of the sacred Ganges. A place of pilgrimage for people all over the world, the site is famous for i...
After breakfast this morning, we'll leave Kolkata for the unique landscapes of the Sundarbans. Translating as the 'beautiful jungle', this UNESCO World Heritage setting is home to one of the largest mangrove forests on the planet. Set amongst a vast delta that's fed b...
Starting early, we'll continue our exploration of the Sundarbans, cruising along winding creeks and through dense mangrove forest in search of wildlife. If we're in luck, we might spot Royal Bengal tigers relaxing on the mudflats next to the rivers and creeks. Other w...
After a final cruise in the Sundarbans, a visit to Sudhanyakhali Watch tower and lunch at the Tiger Camp, we'll head back to Kolkata. There'll be time for an evening meal in the city before boarding the Darjeeling Mail overnight sleeper train. Sleeper trains are a ri...
Our train is scheduled to arrive at New Jalpaiguri station at 8am and we'll stop for breakfast before continuing by road to the hill station of Darjeeling. In the days of the Raj, the Bengal government escaped from the Calcutta heat to take up its official summer re...
Tiger Hill is the area's highest viewpoint (2590m), eight miles from Darjeeling and, weather permitting, we'll make a dawn excursion here to contemplate the sunrise and the beauty of the world's third highest mountain Kanchenjunga (8586m) and other eastern Himalayan p...
Today, we'll take the Toy Train to Ghoom Gompa (monastery), eight kilometres south of Darjeeling. The Toy Train line is a narrow-gauge railway running between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Note, while we try to book the traditional steam trains, many of the trains ...
Today we have a long drive to Pelling (around eight hours) and this afternoon we'll cross into the former Kingdom of Sikkim, annexed by India in 1975 to become the 22nd Indian state. On arrival in the town, there'll be the opportunity to take an optional walk to the Sanga Choling monastery, approximately one hour each way.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
Today we'll visit Kecheopelri, also known as the Wishing Lake, considered to be the holiest lake in Sikkim. It's a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus alike. We'll have a picnic lunch at the lake and then return to Pelling. This afternoon, we'll visit Pemay...
We have another long drive ahead today - around eight hours along mountain roads. Along the way, we'll visit Rabdentse, the former capital of Sikkim, before continuing through semi-tropical forests, cardamom plantations and small villages to Gangtok, the present-day c...
Today we'll explore Gangtokz, including the Drodul Chorten. Built to commemorate the victory of good over evil, it contains a complete set of holy books and is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels. We'll also pay a visit to the Institute of Tibetology whose collection of...
This morning, we'll set out on a drive to the Gompa at Rumtek on the other side of the Ranipul Valley. Here, we'll find the headquarters of the Kagyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which was built in the 1960s as a replica of the Tsurpu's monastery in Tibet. The religiou...
Departing for the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing, today we'll drive for around seven hours through the vast tea estates of the Gangetic plains of Bengal. Approximately one-quarter of India's tea is grown in West Bengal state. On arrival in Phuentsholing, we'll meet our Bhutanese local guide and have time for a wander in the town.
Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner
Today, we'll drive towards Thimpu along winding roads, passing paddy fields, apple orchards, pine forests and small hamlets, protected by sculptures of the eight auspicious signs of the Tashi Tagye. The Bhutanese capital, Thimpu, lies in a fertile valley formed by the...
On the road to Punakha, we'll climb up through oak, pine and rhododendron forest to reach Dochu La Pass (3050m). If the weather permits, magnificent views pan out across the mountains towards Gangar Pensum at 7541m, the tallest mountain in Bhutan. Dropping down into t...
This morning, we'll pay a visit to Punakha Dzong. Built in 1637 on a sand bank at the confluence of the rivers Mochu and Phochu, this sacred dzong was the seat of the Bhutanese government until 1960 and is a fine example of Bhutanese monastic architecture with squat r...
This morning, we'll have the opportunity to climb up to the Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery. The monastery clings to a cliff face, and local legend recounts that Guru Rinpoche, who founded the Drukpa Sect and brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on...
Today we'll fly the short distance to Kathmandu, the bustling Nepalese capital. On arrival, we'll take a walking tour to visit the bazaar and the Durbar Square area, the centre of old Kathmandu. Much of the day-to-day life in Kathmandu takes place in the bazaar. It's ...
Our tour ends at our hotel in Kathmandu. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).
Meals Provided : Breakfast
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Anthony
May 2024
Discover Darjeeling and Bhutan
It is an interesting itinerary with various modes of transport. Tour leader was excellent. He took good care of us. We attended two different festival which was a go...
Trusted Customer
Nov 2023
Discover Darjeeling and Bhutan
Visiting the Tiger's Nest monastery
Trusted Customer
Nov 2023
Discover Darjeeling and Bhutan
Imbalace of travel and seeing. Too much travel time especially to rather pointless places. F ex trip to Sunderbans. First day 11 hours on a boat. Following day anoth...
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We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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- Breakfast : 20
- Dinner : 7
- Lunch : 8
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