High amongst lofty mountains, embark on an incredible journey through the breathtaking Indian state of Sikkim and the magical kingdom of Bhutan, a lesser known but truly spectacular section of the Himalayas.
Our Himalayan Kingdoms tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Take a jeep safari through the sanctuary, home to the elusive One Horned Rhino
Explore the friendly Buddhist city of Bhutan's capital
Take in the dramatic setting and layout of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Discover Darjeeling – Famous for its tea
This tour is suitable for those who are looking to get more off the beaten track and have an extended period of time available to travel. This tour is rather active and involves some walking, outdoor activities and times at high altitude. This tour involves a day train journey.
Fly overnight to Kolkata. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Enjoy a relaxed morning before venturing out for an afternoon tour with visits to the magnificent Victoria Memorial and Kalighat Temple – you will also see Fort William.
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.
Head out of Siliguri through endless tea plantations to the famous hill station of Darjeeling, which is located at a cool 2,134 metres.
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.
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.
Visit the spectacular Khecheopalri Lake, considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus, and the magnificent Kanchenjunga Falls.
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.
Begin the day at Dharma Chakra Centre and old Rumtek Monastery, before continuing to the bustling bazaar town of Kalimpong.
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.
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.
Cross into Bhutan and continue to Phuentsholing. Later visit the Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang Temple in the centre of the town.
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.
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.
Enjoy a day of leisure with the option of a hike through the valley for exceptional views across the stunning landscape.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rise early to fly back to Kolkata,where you'll have the afternoon at leisure.
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The best time to visit India is from November to March when you’ll enjoy pleasant warm dry days and low humidity.
Places Visited: UK - Kolkata (3N) - Siliguri (1N) - Darjeeling (2N) - Pelling (2N) - Gantonk (2N) - Kalimpong (2N) - Gorumara (1N) - Phuentsholing (1N) - Thimphu (2N) - Gangtey (2N) - Punakha (2N)) - Paro (2N)- Kolkata - UK
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
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