The Kingdom of Bhutan & Darjeeling

The historic wonders of the Eastern Himalayas will be yours to explore across this insightful escorted tour. Fly first to Kolkata, the colonial heart of the British Raj, to explore the Victorian landmarks of Dalhousie Square ahead of a sunset river cruise on the River Hooghly. Then, travel north with a short flight to Bhutan, stopping in the enchanting national capital, Thimphu. Discover the country’s rich Buddhist heritage with visits to the towering Buddha Dordenma statue, the Memorial Chorten and the Textile Museum. You’ll also see Bhutan’s national animals at the Motithang Takin Reserve ahead of a panoramic journey to Punakha. Visit the Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple for further insight into the country’s Buddhist culture and the Punakha Dzong, before heading to Paro.  

Continue with a full day of sightseeing around Paro’s cultural and religious centres. Take in Simtokha Dzong, the first of its kind in Bhutan, and delve into the country’s centuries-long history with stops at Ta Dzong’s National Museum and Rinpung Dzong. The following day will bring you to the famed Tiger’s Nest monastery, which rises 900 metres above the Paro Valley, ahead of a beer-tasting session at the renowned Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Next, fly to Darjeeling, where you’ll learn about the region’s colonial history and tea plantations. Glide through the region’s Himalayan landscapes on the town’s heritage ‘Toy Train’ and visit Ghoom Monastery. Learn more about the region’s Sherpa culture with a stop at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and see its unique wildlife up close, ahead of an early morning excursion to watch the sun rise over Everest the next day. Explore a local tea farm before bringing your Bengal exploration to a close with a flight back to New Delhi and a final optional excursion to elegant Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.  

✓ Day 1: Fly to India

✓ Day 2: Land in Kolkata 

✓ Day 3: Included Kolkata City Tour

✓ Day 4: Fly to Paro and travel to Thimphu

✓ Day 5: Included Thimpu sightseeing

✓ Day 6: Travel to Punakha and afternoon Punakha Dzong visit

✓ Day 7: Travel to Paro and included city tour

✓ Day 8: Included Taktsang Monastery visit and afternoon beer-tasting session

✓ Day 9: Fly to Bagdogra and travel to Darjeeling

✓ Day 10: Included ‘Toy Train’ ride to Ghoom Monastery and Eastern Himalayas excursion

✓ Day 11: Included Tiger Hill visit and afternoon tea plantation tour

✓ Day 12: Travel to Delhi via Bagdogra

✓ Day 13: Day at leisure with optional Agra excursion

✓ Day 14: Return flight