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

India, Bhutan

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

$1400 USD

Duration

13 Days

Activities

13 day cultural discovery

Style

In Comfort Adventures

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

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival in Kolkata, you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax and settle into the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city. If you arrive earlier in the day and wish to explore, optional sightseeing can be arranged to introduce you to some of Kolkata’s colonial architecture, bustling markets and cultural landmarks. In the late afternoon your guide will conduct a trip briefing and orientation at around 5:00 pm, providing an overview of the journey ahead and answering any questions before the adventure begins. Note: If your international flight arrives late at night, you may prefer to arrive in Kolkata a day earlier. Please speak with your World Expeditions reservations consultant or travel agent to arrange pre-tour accommodation if required. Accommodation: Fairlawn Elgin Kolkata or similar

Meals: Nil

This morning we take a short 1-hour flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra, located at the foothills of the eastern Himalaya. On arrival you will be met by your local guide and transferred by road to the hill station of Darjeeling. Although the distance is around 70 kilometres, the drive usually takes 4–5 hours as the road climbs steadily into the mountains. As we ascend the winding highway, expansive views unfold across the plains below and the surrounding tea-covered hillsides. By late afternoon we reach Darjeeling, one of India’s most famous hill stations. The cooler mountain air and first glimpses of distant Himalayan peaks provide a memorable introduction to the region. Accommodation: The Elgin Darjeeling or similar Note: Internal flights are not included in the tour cost. We will nominate a recommended group flight and are happy to assist with booking if required. At the time of writing, the baggage allowance for the internal flight is 15 kg, with excess baggage charged at approximately INR 700 per kilogram.

Meals: B,D

Perched high on a forested ridge, Darjeeling offers sweeping views across the Indian plains and toward the towering peaks of the eastern Himalaya, including Kangchenjunga. This morning you board the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the “Toy Train,” for a scenic 1-hour journey to Ghum, the highest railway station in India. As the narrow-gauge train winds through the hills, enjoy views across tea gardens, villages and forested slopes that make this region so picturesque. On arrival in Ghum, we visit Yiga Choeling Monastery, the oldest monastery in the area and home to a striking 4.6 m (15 ft) statue of the Maitreya Buddha. After time to explore the monastery and take in the peaceful surroundings, we return by vehicle to Darjeeling. The afternoon is free to relax or continue exploring this charming hill station at your own pace. Accommodation: The Elgin Darjeeling or similar

Meals: B,D

Today you explore the cultural and historical highlights of Darjeeling, one of India’s most celebrated hill stations. We begin with a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, established in honour of Tenzing Norgay, the legendary Sherpa climber who first summited Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. The institute offers fascinating insight into the history of Himalayan mountaineering and the challenges faced by early expeditions. Later we visit one of Darjeeling’s renowned tea plantations, where you will learn about traditional tea cultivation and processing methods that have made Darjeeling tea famous around the world. In the afternoon there is time to wander through Darjeeling’s bustling markets, where the lively streets reflect a vibrant blend of Sherpa, Tibetan, Nepali and Bengali cultures that shape the town’s unique atmosphere. Accommodation: The Elgin Darjeeling or similar

Meals: B,D

Today we travel by road through the scenic foothills of Sikkim, following a winding route through lush valleys and mountain landscapes. Along the way we pass terraced rice paddies, small hillside villages and forests of pine and subtropical vegetation that characterise this beautiful Himalayan region. The drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, takes around 5–6 hours as the road climbs steadily into the mountains. On arrival, there is time to relax and take in the atmosphere of this lively hill town, known for its monasteries, vibrant markets and views toward the eastern Himalaya. Accommodation: The Elgin Norkhill Gangtok or similar

Meals: B,D

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim since the 19th century, is perched along a ridge with sweeping views across the surrounding valleys. On clear days, distant views of Kangchenjunga (8,586 m / 28,169 ft) may appear above the far horizon. Today we explore some of the city’s key cultural highlights, including a visit to Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important centres of Tibetan Buddhism in the region and the seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage outside Tibet. Set on a hillside overlooking the valley, the monastery is known for its striking traditional architecture, colourful murals and tranquil atmosphere. During the day there is also time to stroll through parts of Gangtok town, where Tibetan, Nepali and Sikkimese influences blend to create a vibrant Himalayan capital. Accommodation: The Elgin Norkhill Gangtok or similar

Meals: B,D

This morning we depart Gangtok and travel by road through scenic Himalayan foothills toward the charming hill town of Kalimpong. The journey takes around 6 hours, winding through rural Sikkimese landscapes, forested hillsides and small mountain villages. Located near the historic trade routes linking India and Tibet, Kalimpong was once an important trading centre where merchants exchanged wool, salt and other goods across the Himalaya. Following the Tibetan diaspora of 1959, the town also became a place of refuge for many Tibetans, whose cultural influence remains visible today. On arrival there is time to explore the local markets, where Tibetan culture is reflected in the many momo stalls, handicraft shops and regional foods that give Kalimpong its distinctive character. Accommodation: Silver Oaks Hotel Kalimpong or similar

Meals: B,D

Today we descend from the forested hills of Sikkim to the warmer Indian plains, travelling by road toward the India–Bhutan border. The journey takes around 6–7 hours, passing through rural countryside and small settlements as the landscape gradually changes from mountain terrain to subtropical lowlands. At the border town of Jaigaon, we complete Indian exit formalities before walking through the impressive gateway that marks the official entry into the Kingdom of Bhutan. After clearing Bhutanese immigration, you meet your Bhutanese guide, who will accompany you for the remainder of your journey through the country. A short drive brings us to our hotel in Phuentsholing, where we settle in and receive a briefing about the upcoming Bhutan portion of the trip. Accommodation: Lhaki Hotel Phuentsholing or similar

Meals: B,D

After breakfast we begin our journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and largest city. The drive takes around 6–7 hours, climbing steadily from the subtropical foothills near the Indian border into the cooler, forested valleys of the Bhutanese Himalaya. Along the way the landscape changes dramatically as the road winds through dense forests, mountain rivers and small settlements before entering the broad Thimphu Valley. Thimphu is the political and cultural heart of Bhutan, home to the royal family, government offices and many of the country’s most important cultural institutions. Despite being the largest city in Bhutan, Thimphu is famously free of traffic lights, with white-gloved traffic police directing vehicles at busy intersections. On arrival, we check into our hotel and have time to relax after the day’s scenic drive. Accommodation: Riverview Hotel Thimphu or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we enjoy some sightseeing in Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital, before beginning our scenic journey to Punakha. The drive climbs through forested hills to Dochu La Pass (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), one of Bhutan’s most beautiful mountain passes. On clear days the pass offers sweeping panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya, including several of Bhutan’s highest peaks and some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. The pass is also famous for its 108 memorial chortens (stupas), which create a striking and photogenic landmark. From the pass we descend through lush forests into the warmer Punakha Valley. Once the capital of Bhutan, Punakha remains an important cultural and religious centre. The valley is dominated by the magnificent Punakha Dzong, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (female) and Pho Chhu (male) rivers. Each winter the Central Monk Body relocates here from Thimphu to take advantage of the valley’s milder climate. En route we visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the revered Buddhist master Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Madman. His unconventional teachings and colourful legacy continue to play a unique role in Bhutanese spiritual culture. Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Punakha or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we begin the day with a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a striking temple perched high above the Punakha Valley. The 3.5 km round-trip walk takes around 1.5–2 hours, following a trail through terraced rice fields and pine forest before climbing to the hilltop temple. Commissioned by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, the four-storey temple was built to promote peace and prosperity. Inside are intricate murals and sacred relics, while the rooftop offers sweeping views across the Punakha Valley, the winding river below and distant snow-capped peaks. After the hike we begin the scenic drive back to Paro, a journey of approximately 4–5 hours retracing our route across the mountains. On arrival in Paro and after lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, the historic watchtower above Paro Dzong that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum contains an impressive collection of artefacts including regional costumes, ancient weapons and beautifully painted and appliquéd thangka paintings. Later in the afternoon we take a stroll through Paro town before visiting Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century. Accommodation: Hotel Drukchen Paro or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we drive to the trailhead below Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest, dramatically perched on a cliffside 600 metres above the Paro Valley at an elevation of 3,120 metres (10,236 feet). One of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, Taktsang is believed to be the meditation place of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who according to legend flew here on the back of a tigress to subdue local spirits and introduce Buddhism to the region. The hike begins along a well-defined trail ascending steadily through chir pine and rhododendron forest. After around 1.5 hours, we reach a teahouse that provides spectacular views of the monastery clinging to the cliff across the gorge. Continuing upward for another 30 minutes, we reach a dramatic viewpoint almost directly opposite the monastery, offering one of the most iconic perspectives of this extraordinary site. After returning to the valley, the afternoon is free to explore Paro town. Paro’s main street, developed in the mid-1980s, is lined with traditional wooden shopfronts, handicraft stores and local restaurants, making it one of the most pleasant towns in Bhutan for a relaxed stroll and last-minute souvenir shopping. Accommodation: Hotel Drukchen Paro or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Trip concludes in Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft)

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

Meals during the trip: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 11 dinners
Bhutan Government visa and sustainability fees
Good quality accommodation on a twinshare basis throughout
Heritage hotels in India
All internal transportation by private vehicle
Airport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 13
Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
Expert local guides in India and Bhutan

Not included

International flights
Internal flights from Kolkata/Bagdogra (NOTE: We will advise the group flight & can book this for you)
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Meals not listed as included
Personal expenses such as laundry
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Tips and gratuities
Any items not listed as included