Himalayan Kingdoms

Tour Highlights

Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary

Thimphu

Taktsang

Discover Darjeeling

Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a jeep safari through the sanctuary, home to the elusive One Horned Rhino

Thimphu

Explore the friendly Buddhist city of Bhutan's capital

Taktsang

Take in the dramatic setting and layout of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Discover Darjeeling

Discover Darjeeling – Famous for its tea

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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Find a tour with the same inclusion cheaper and we will match it AND give you a reward. We will match the price of any Wendy Wu Tour quoted elsewhere. The price of your tour will never rise after you've paid. See full terms and conditions.

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Additional Price Information

Based on London Heathrow departures

Flight upgrades available on request

Land only from ￡4,890 (Kolkata - Kolkata)

Single room from ￡1,290

Tipping paid locally USD $155

Price listed is based on new bookings only

Himalayan Kingdoms - Tour Itinerary

Days 1-2 Fly to Kolkata

Fly overnight to Kolkata. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 3 EXPLORE KOLKATA

Enjoy a relaxed morning before venturing out for an afternoon tour with visits to the magnificent Victoria Memorial and Kalighat Temple – you’ll also see Fort William.

DAY 4 TRAIN TO NEW JALPAIGURI

Get up early to visit a fragrant flower market and view the cantilever Howrah Bridge. Stop by Kumortuli, the potters’ quarter, and see a Jain temple. Later board a train to New Jalpaiguri before driving to Siliguri to spend the night.

DAY 5 DRIVE TO DARJEELING

Head out of Siliguri through endless tea plantations to the famous hill station of Darjeeling, which is located at a cool 2,134 metres.

DAY 6 EXPLORE DARJEELING

Wake before dawn to catch the sun rising over Mount Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill, which you’ll reach by jeep. On the way back to Darjeeling visit Yiga Choling Monastery. Later, all aboard the famous ‘Toy Train’ which winds its way through the lush green hills and plantations before exploring the Himalaya Mountaineering Institute.

DAY 7 INTO SIKKIM

Drive north to Pelling, crossing into the state of Sikkim. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim’s oldest, where you can find tranquillity along with amazing views.

DAY 8 KHECHEOPALRI LAKE

Visit the spectacular Khecheopalri Lake, considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus, and the magnificent Kanchenjunga Falls.

DAYS 9-10 DISCOVER GANGTOK

Drive through more spectacular scenery to Sikkim’s vibrant capital Gangtok, stopping at 18th-century Tashiding Monastery en route. There is nowhere better than Gangtok to enjoy exotic flowers and mountain panoramas. The next day visit the Enchey Monastery and the Sikkim Research Institute of Technology.

DAY 11 RUMTEK MONASTERY

Begin the day at Dharma Chakra Centre and old Rumtek Monastery, before continuing to the bustling bazaar town of Kalimpong.

DAY 12 KALIMPONG AT LEISURE

Take a day to catch your breath and enjoy some leisurely explorations of Kalimpong – there are plenty of spots to enjoy Himalayan panoramas and also flower nurseries full of local orchids.

DAY 13 GORUMARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Take a jeep safari into the depths of Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary, where you might be lucky enough to spot one-horned rhinos, elephants, leopards and bison.

DAY 14 INTO BHUTAN

Cross into Bhutan and continue to Phuentsholing. Later visit the Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang Temple in the centre of the town.

DAYS 15-16 DISCOVER THIMPHU

Follow the national highway to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, stopping en route at Kharbandi Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The next day, explore the city with time at the National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Handicrafts Emporium and Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and Trashi Chhoe Dzong.

DAY 17 TRAVEL TO GANGTEY

Drive over the dramatic Dochu La mountain pass admiring the views as you travel to the Phobjikha Valley. Visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region and explore Gangtey village and the surrounding valley.

DAY 18 WALKING IN GANGTEY

Enjoy a day of leisure with the option of a hike through the valley for exceptional views across the stunning landscape.

DAY 19 RURAL BHUTAN

Leave Gangtey for Punakha visiting the Black Necked Crane Information Centre en route. On arrival visit Punakha Dzong before hiking through the paddy fields and local villages to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple of fertility.

DAY 20 DISCOVER PUNAKHA

This morning visit the magnificent temple complex at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang. Later appreciate the incredible views from Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten which is said to have been built to promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world.

DAY 21 TRAVEL TO PARO

Drive to Paro, stopping en route at the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the kingdom. Paro is surrounded by some of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, visit Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong.

DAY 22 TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY

Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) is Bhutan’s most famous monastery, perched on the side of a cliff 900 metres above the Paro Valley. It can only be reached by a moderately challenging hike along a woodland trail – the views along the way are the perfect distraction! Returning to Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang.

DAY 23 FLY TO KOLKATA

Rise early to fly back to Kolkata,where you'll have the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 24 FLY KOLKATA TO UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Useful Information

Visas

A visa is required by all nationalities. A single entry visa should be arranged in advance of travel. Unlike many other tour operators, we include your entry visas in the price of our tour. We handle the entire visa process – all you need to do is fill out the form and send your passport to us. We are always on hand to help you with any questions or queries you might have when completing the form.

Food

The cost of all meals is included in your group tour cost. Breakfast is served in the hotel and usually includes western dishes. We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or unusual in taste. Any food/diet requests MUST be specified at the time of booking and you should mention it again to the National Escort/ Local Guides when you meet them – they will do their utmost to cater for any special requests, such as vegetarian meals or food to be avoided in case of allergies.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected element in the tourism industry today and India is no exception. We have established a tipping system whereby every passenger gives a set amount to the National Escort who will distribute the amount appropriately. On multi-country tips, this amount will be paid in stages on arrival in each country. If there is no National Escort, you will need to give your money to your Local Guides and tipping amounts for each city will be shown in your final itinerary. The amount is calculated for each tour. We will indicate the tipping amounts in your final documents for guidance.

Communication

To call the UK the international access code is 0044 then the number. To call Wendy Wu Tours it is 00 44 207 403 7860. Emergency 24 hour telephone (out of office hours) is 00 44 7984 041 625. Mobile Phones Mobile phones are growing in popularity and you will find high quality coverage. We recommend that you contact your mobile supplier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated costs before you leave the UK.Some hotels may have Wi-Fi which usually comes at an additional cost.

Shopping

Shopping can be a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests whilst on holiday, your tour will include a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. We have included visits to establishments that not only provide an opportunity to purchase a locally produced, but you’ll witness first-hand how these local products are made, their history and how they support the economy. We are aware that people like to take home souvenirs, so we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Sample Tour Hotels

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

• The Peerless Inn

  One of the finest Kolkata hotels, The Peerless Inn has 122 en-suite rooms and is located in the heart of Kolkata, central to local shopping areas. All rooms feature modern amenities including; air-conditioning, TV, tea/coffee makers and mini-fridges. Other facilities include a fitness centre, restaurant and currency exchange.

• Royal Sarovar Portico

  The Royal Sarovar Portico 4 star hotel is a delight for business and leisure, in an ideal location for tourists heading towards Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok. Guests can enjoy the verdant landscapes from the luxurious en-suite rooms, and delicious multi cuisine, a relaxing spa and pool.

• Viceroy Hotel

  Amidst the mighty Himalayas, Hotel Viceroy offers beautiful mountain views 2,650 yards above sea level. The hotel’s en-suite rooms feature a satellite TV and electric kettle. Other facilities include a sun terrace, sauna and library for guests. For dining, there is a multi-cuisine restaurant, as well as a coffee lounge. In-room dining is possible with room service.

• Norbu Ghang Resort

  In a delightful hillock overlooking a breath-taking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, Norbu Ghang Resort sprawls over an abundant private space offering its visitors plenty of room to amble around or relax in quiet solitude. The resort offers comfortable en-suite rooms with private balconies, and serves guests both local and international delicious cuisines.

• The Royal Plaza

• Silver Oaks

  Situated in the northeast of India, Silver Oaks Kalimpong is surrounded by beautiful greenery and is a great place to unwind. Situated close to the main Kalimpong area allows guests to discover the delights of this former Bhutanese village as well as visit markets and local shops. The hotel features 25 spacious en-suite rooms including great views of the hotel's gardens, and a delicious in-house restaurant serving local favourites.

• Riverwood Retreat

  The Riverwood Forest Retreats is located in Gorumara, 8 km from Gorumara National Park and 2 km from Dakshin Dhupjhora Masjid. The Riverwood Forest Retreats is a luxury forest resort in the lovely Sunderbans. This classic boarding house with a simple decor exudes bucolic charm, also featuring air conditioning, an iron and telephone. The hotel also provides bikes for hire and a swimming pool.

• Hotel Druk

  The Druk Phuentsholing Hotel guarantees guests a peaceful stay, perfectly positioned near to the main city and shopping centres. The hotel offers 32 beautifully appointed en-suite rooms, all providing Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and television. The hotel also boasts a excellent restaurant serving local Bhutanese Indian and Chinese flavours.

• Kisa Hotel

  Located right in the heart of the city overlooking sparkling river meandering across the valley, Kisa hotel is the unique blend of Bhutanese traditional and contemporary architecture. Elegantly adorned with classical paintings and frescos, its 35 guestrooms are equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi and television. The hotel’s onsite restaurant serves delicious local and continental flavours.

• Pema Karpo

  Pema Karpo is a beautiful hotel located between Khuru and Bajo town, with a magnificent view of Puna Tsang Chuu. Each en-suite room overlooks the breath-taking view of the silver sands of Punatsangchu River or the beautiful dusky terraced paddy fields. The hotel also features a gift shop and restaurant serving tasty Bhutanese, Continental and Indian cuisines.

• Yozerling Lodge

  Situated in the historical Bumthang District, Yozerling Lodge offers beautiful, scenic views over Jalikhar. The lodge's airy en-suite rooms each offer Wi-Fi, a balcony and room service. Other facilities include a bar, laundry and foreign exchange service.

• Olathang Hotel

  Beautifully located on a hill amidst 28 acres of blue pine forests and greenery, Olathang Hotel has comfortable en-suite rooms, all featuring television, tea/coffee facilities and room service. The hotel also offers a multi-cuisine restaurant & bar, spa and a traditional hot stone bath ensuring guests a warm and comfortable stay.