Punakha Area, Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

The sacred Taktsang Monastery in Bhutan is also referred to as the Tiger's Nest monastery. | Richard I'Anson

Paro Valley Monastery, Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

Punakha Dzong, Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

Darjeeling, with Kanchenjunga in the background

Darjeeling, Sikkim & Bhutan Explorer

An immersive journey across the Eastern Himalaya, blending vibrant cultures, high mountain scenery and sacred sites

13 Days from

$5820 USD

Trip Code: DBE

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$1330 USD

Duration

13 Days

Activities

13 day cultural discovery

Accommodation

12 nights hotel

Meals

11 Dinners
4 Lunches
12 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint

55kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(658kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Visit tea estates, monasteries and local markets in Darjeeling, Sikkim and Kalimpong
Ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) to Ghum and visit the famous Yiga Choeling Monastery
Visit Rumtek Monastery in Gangtok and explore Kalimpong’s Tibetan-influenced markets
Discover Bhutan’s highlights including Thimphu, Punakha Dzong and Himalayan valleys
Cross the scenic Dochu La Pass with panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya
Explore Paro and visit the famous Taktsang 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery

Overview

This unique journey takes you deep into the cultural heartlands of Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan, linking three distinct Himalayan regions into one rewarding itinerary. Traversing dramatic landscapes and engaging with diverse communities, this adventure is ideal for travellers looking to explore Buddhist heritage, mountain towns and high passes, all while enjoying light walking and insightful local experiences.

Your trip begins in the famed hill station of Darjeeling, known for its heritage charm, tea estates and views to the high Himalaya. Here you visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, explore the local markets and ride the historic Toy Train. From Darjeeling, travel into Sikkim to explore Gangtok and Kalimpong, where you visit monasteries, markets and learn more about the unique culture of this former Himalayan kingdom.

After returning to the plains, you cross an impressive archway marking the official entry into Bhutan. From here, a short drive takes you to the border town of Phuentsholing.

Travelling inland through forested hills and traditional settlements, you reach Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, where you visit cultural landmarks and gain insight into local life. From Thimphu, cross the scenic Dochu La Pass, with its 108 chortens and panoramic Himalayan views, en route to Punakha. Here, visit the striking Punakha Dzong, dramatically located at the confluence of the Mo and Po rivers.

The journey concludes in Paro with a hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched high on a cliffside, this sacred site offers a spectacular end to your Himalayan adventure. Comfortable accommodation, expert local guides and a mix of road travel, cultural exploration and easy walking combine to make the Darjeeling to Bhutan Explorer a rewarding insight into one of the most captivating regions in the world.

Itinerary

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On arrival in Kolkata, you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and take some time to unwind, allowing yourself to adjust to the pace of India. If you arrive earlier in the day and wish to explore, we can assist with optional sightseeing arrangements. A briefing and thorough trip orientation will be conducted by your guide around 5pm. Note: As an alternative to arriving in Kolkata on a late night flight, you may wish to consider arriving the day before the trip commences. Please talk to your World Expeditions reservations consultant or your travel agent for pre-tour accommodation options. Overnight: Fairlawn Elgin Kolkata or similar

Meals: Nil

This morning we take a short flight to Bagdogra, located at the foothills of the eastern Himalaya. On arrival you will be met by your local expert guide and transferred to Darjeeling. Although the drive is around 70km the time will vary considerably depending on traffic conditions when ascending the main highway. As the road winds its way up the mountainside, expansive views open out across the low-lying plains below. By late afternoon we reach the hill station of Darjeeling, where the cool mountain air and first glimpses of the distant snow-capped peaks offer a memorable welcome to the region. Overnight: The Elgin or similar NOTE: Internal fights are not included in the tour cost. We will nominate a group flight and will be happy to assist with booking this for you. Please note that at the time of writing, the baggage allowance for the internal flight is 15kg. Excess baggage is approx. INR 700 per kilo.

Meals: B,D

Perched high on a forested ridge, Darjeeling offers sweeping views across the Indian plains and towards the towering peaks of the eastern Himalaya, including Kangchenjunga. This morning you board the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known locally as the "Toy Train", for a short but scenic journey to Ghum. As you travel along the narrow-gauge tracks, enjoy views over the hills and tea gardens that make this region so picturesque. On arrival in Ghum, you visit Yiga Choeling Monastery, the oldest in the area and home to a striking 4.6m (15-foot) statue of the Maitreya Buddha. After time to explore the monastery and take in the peaceful surroundings, you return by vehicle to Darjeeling. The afternoon is free to relax or discover more of this charming hill town. Overnight: The Elgin Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

Today, you explore the cultural and historical highlights of Darjeeling, one of India’s most celebrated hill stations. You visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, established in honour of Tenzing Norgay, where you gain fascinating insight into India’s mountaineering heritage. You also walk through one of Darjeeling’s renowned tea plantations, learning about traditional tea production and the region’s global reputation for fine teas. Later, you wander through Darjeeling’s lively local markets, soaking up the vibrant blend of Sherpa, Tibetan, Nepali and Bengali influences that shape the town’s unique character. Overnight: The Elgin Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

Today you travel by road through the scenic foothills of Sikkim, a journey that winds its way past terraced rice paddies, small villages, and pine forests. The drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, takes approximately five to six hours. Overnight: The Elgin Norkill Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim since the 19th century, is perched along a ridge with sweeping views across the valleys below. On a clear day, you may catch glimpses of Kangchenjunga rising above the distant hills. Today you explore some of the city's key sites, including a visit to Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important centres for Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. With its traditional architecture, intricate murals and serene setting, the monastery offers insight into the region’s spiritual heritage. You also have time to stroll through parts of the town, soaking in the unique blend of cultures that define this remote Himalayan capital. Overnight: The Elgin Norkill Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

This morning you drive to Kalimpong, passing through rural Sikkimese landscapes and small hillside villages. Located near the Tibetan border, Kalimpong was once a key trading post between India and Tibet. The town later became a place of refuge for many Tibetans who fled to India in 1959, and their culture remains a strong part of the community today. Take your time to explore the local markets, where the Tibetan influence is clear in the many momo stalls and shops offering regional cuisine and crafts. Overnight: Silver Oaks Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

Today you descend from the hills of Sikkim to the Indian plains and continue to the India–Bhutan border. After clearing Indian immigration and customs, you cross an impressive archway that marks the official entry into the Kingdom of Bhutan. Here you meet your Bhutanese guide, who will accompany you for the duration of your time in Bhutan. A short drive takes you to your hotel in Phuentsholing, where you receive a trip briefing and spend the night. Overnight: Lhaki Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, we set off for Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and largest city. It is the political and cultural heart of the country, home to the royal family and government. Despite its size, Thimphu is famously free of traffic lights, relying instead on traffic police to manage the flow. The city offers a fascinating mix of traditional Himalayan culture and modern life. The drive climbs steadily from the Indian plains into the forested hills and into the scenic Thimphu Valley. Overnight: Riverview Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

In the morning, you enjoy some sightseeing in Thimphu before beginning the drive to Punakha. The journey takes you over the Dochu La Pass at 3,100 metres (10,170 feet), where, on clear days, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peaks and several of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. The pass is also home to 108 chortens (stupas), making it a popular stop for photographs. From the pass, you descend through forested hills into the warmer lowlands of Punakha. Once the capital of Bhutan, Punakha remains an important cultural centre and is dominated by the striking Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (female) and Po Chhu (male) rivers. Each winter, the Central Monk Body relocates here from Thimphu to take advantage of the milder climate. En route, you visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the revered Buddhist teacher Drukpa Kunley, known as the Divine Mad Monk. His teachings, often unconventional and humorous, continue to play a unique role in Bhutanese spiritual life. Overnight: Meri Phuensum or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today after breakfast you set out on a scenic hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a striking temple perched on a hill overlooking the Punakha Valley. The 3.5 km (2.2 mile) round-trip takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and follows a trail through terraced rice fields and pine forests. Commissioned by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, the four-storey temple was built to promote peace and prosperity. Inside you will find intricate murals and sacred relics, and from the rooftop enjoy sweeping views of the valley, the Punakha River, and distant snow-capped peaks. After the hike, we retrace our route back to Paro a scenic drive of 4 to 5 hours. On arrival, and after lunch, visit Ta Dzong, the former watchtower of Paro Dzong, now home to Bhutan’s National Museum. The exhibits include regional costumes and beautifully painted and appliquéd thangkas. Later in the afternoon, take a stroll through downtown Paro before continuing to Kyichu Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred sites dating back to the 7th century. Overnight: Hotel Drukchen or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you drive to the base of Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tiger’s Nest, perched at 3,120 metres (10,000 feet) on a cliffside above the Paro Valley. One of Bhutan’s most sacred sites, it is believed to be a resting place of Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have arrived here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue evil spirits. The monastery is surrounded by blue pine and rhododendron forest and remains an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world. From the base, you begin the hike up the well-worn trail to the viewpoint through chir pine forest. It takes around an hour and a half to reach a tea house, which offers excellent views of the monastery and the valley below. From here, a further half-hour walk brings you to a viewpoint almost directly opposite the cliffside where the monastery is set, providing a dramatic and rewarding perspective of this iconic site. In the afternoon, you return to Paro and have time to explore the town on foot. Paro’s main street, built in the mid-1980s, is lined with traditional wooden shopfronts, local restaurants and handicraft stores, making it one of the best towns in Bhutan for a leisurely stroll and souvenir shopping. Overnight: Hotel Drukchen or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we are transferred to Paro airport where our trip concludes.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

12 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 11 dinners
Expert local guides in both India & Bhutan
Good quality accommodation on a twinshare basis throughout
Heritage hotels while in India
All internal transportation by private vehicle
Airport Transfers on Day 1 and Day 13
Sightseeing & sight entry fees as specified in the itinerary
Bhutan Government visa and sustainability fees

Not included

International flights & Internal flights from Kolkata/Bagdogra (NOTE: We will advise the group flight & can book this for you)
Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Tips
Travel insurance
Indian Visa
Excess luggage charges - the included flights have a 15kg per person checked baggage allowance. Additional kilos can be purchased at the airport.