The Award-Winning Tour Specialist
Celebrating 25 Years of tour excellence
Close

Himalayan Kingdoms

  • Duration
    24 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Go Beyond
  • Price From
    £7,990pp
  • Read Reviews
OFFERS
Earlybird Sale

Save up to £1,000 per person on touring worldwide Offer ends: 23 Dec 2024 View Offers

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.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 22 , Lunches: 21 , Dinners: 22
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    22 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 4Learn More
    X A good level of fitness is required as you can expect to be walking, or taking part in a physical activity like cycling, for longer periods of time on several days throughout the tour, and may be required to tackle some more challenging terrain. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Extended walking. Physical activities on challenging terrain.
Travel Expert

How can we help?

For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.

Call 0808 274 8594

Tour Highlights

Our Himalayan Kingdoms tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Tour Experiences

Tour Itinerary

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.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Kolkata
    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.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Explore Kolkata
    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 will also see Fort William.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Train to New Jalpaiguri
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Drive Darjeeling
    Day 5: Drive 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Explore Darjeeling
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Sikkim
    Day 7: 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Khecheopalri Lake
    Day 8: Khecheopalri Lake

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

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 9-10
    Discover Gangtok
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Rumtek Monastery
    Day 11: Rumtek Monastery

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

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Kalimpong at leisure
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Into Bhutan
    Day 14: Into Bhutan

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

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 15-16
    Discover Thimpu
    Days 15-16: Discover Thimpu

    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 17
    Travel to Gangtey
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 18
    Walking in Gangtey
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 19
    Rural Bhutan
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 20
    Discover Punakha
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 21
    Travel to Paro
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 22
    Tiger's Nest Monastery
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 23
    Fly to Kolkata
    Day 23: Fly to Kolkata

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

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 24
    Depart Kolkata
    Day 24: Depart Kolkata

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

    • Breakfast

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.

  • Nights 3
    The Peerless Inn
    12 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700013 India
    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.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Bar
  • Night 1
    Royal Sarovar Portico
    Sevoke Road 3rd Mile, Siliguri 734008 India
    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.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
  • Nights 2
    Viceroy Hotel
    17, Gandhi Road, Darjeeling 734101 India
    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.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
  • Nights 2
    Norbu Ghang Resort
    Monastery Road, Pelling 737113 India
    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.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    The Royal Plaza
    Upper Syari, Deorali, Gangtok 737102 India
    The Royal Plaza
    Surrounded by lush green terrain, The Royal Plaza hotel is ideally located within close proximity to a number of attractions, including the Black Cat Museum, Do Drul Chorten Stupa (a religious site) and Deorali Orchid Sanctuary. Room amenities include air conditioning, a refrigerator and minibar.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    The Elgin Silver Oaks
    Ringking Pong Road, Kalimpong 734301 India
    The Elgin 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.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Night 1
    Riverwood Forest Retreat
    Pmgsy Rd New Jalpaiguri, Metteli, Dakshin Dhupjhora 735206 India
    Riverwood Forest 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.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Night 1
    Hotel Druk
    Zhung Lam, Post Box No. 148 Phuentsholing Throm, Chhukha, Phuentsholing 21102 Bhutan
    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.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Kisa Hotel
    Langjophakha Near National Assembly Hall, Above Lhu Drong Park, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
    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.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Dewachen Hotel
    16004 Bhutan
    Dewachen Hotel
    Located amidst a pine forest in the hidden valley of Phobjikha - Gangtey, the Dewachen Hotel offers unparalleled views as well as opportunities to explore nature on a hike through Gantey. Hotel facilities include a gift shop, bar as well spa and fitness facilities.
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Zhingkham Resort
    Zhingkham Resort
    Providing unparalleled views of the Punakha Valley, the Zhingkham Resort features rooms with modern furnishing, Wi-Fi, complimentary coffee facilities as well as a minibar. Hotel facilities include spa & wellness facilities, a restaurant on site and more.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Olathang Hotel
    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.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 6°c
  • 20mm
  • Hue
  • 21°c
  • 145mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 12°c
  • 16mm
  • Kolkata
  • 20°c
  • 11mm
  • Paro
  • 0°c
  • 9mm
  • Pelling
  • 10°c
  • 15mm
  • Siliguri
  • 13°c
  • 8mm
  • Thimphu
  • 5°c
  • 25mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 7°c
  • 24mm
  • Hue
  • 22°c
  • 45mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 14°c
  • 17mm
  • Kolkata
  • 23°c
  • 30mm
  • Paro
  • 2°c
  • 10mm
  • Pelling
  • 12°c
  • 21mm
  • Siliguri
  • 18°c
  • 18mm
  • Thimphu
  • 8°c
  • 33mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 10°c
  • 48mm
  • Hue
  • 24°c
  • 59mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 18°c
  • 47mm
  • Kolkata
  • 28°c
  • 35mm
  • Paro
  • 6°c
  • 34mm
  • Pelling
  • 16°c
  • 43mm
  • Siliguri
  • 20°c
  • 33mm
  • Thimphu
  • 10°c
  • 31mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 13°c
  • 116mm
  • Hue
  • 27°c
  • 68mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 21°c
  • 89mm
  • Kolkata
  • 30°c
  • 60mm
  • Paro
  • 10°c
  • 81mm
  • Pelling
  • 18°c
  • 93mm
  • Siliguri
  • 26°c
  • 94mm
  • Thimphu
  • 14°c
  • 58mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 15°c
  • 197mm
  • Hue
  • 29°c
  • 122mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 22°c
  • 199mm
  • Kolkata
  • 31°c
  • 142mm
  • Paro
  • 12°c
  • 180mm
  • Pelling
  • 20°c
  • 183mm
  • Siliguri
  • 28°c
  • 300mm
  • Thimphu
  • 18°c
  • 122mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 16°c
  • 570mm
  • Hue
  • 30°c
  • 87mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 24°c
  • 565mm
  • Kolkata
  • 30°c
  • 288mm
  • Paro
  • 14°c
  • 416mm
  • Pelling
  • 22°c
  • 488mm
  • Siliguri
  • 30°c
  • 658mm
  • Thimphu
  • 20°c
  • 246mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 17°c
  • 782mm
  • Hue
  • 30°c
  • 66mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 24°c
  • 851mm
  • Kolkata
  • 29°c
  • 411mm
  • Paro
  • 14°c
  • 549mm
  • Pelling
  • 22°c
  • 735mm
  • Siliguri
  • 30°c
  • 818mm
  • Thimphu
  • 20°c
  • 373mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 17°c
  • 635mm
  • Hue
  • 30°c
  • 194mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 24°c
  • 657mm
  • Kolkata
  • 29°c
  • 349mm
  • Paro
  • 14°c
  • 406mm
  • Pelling
  • 22°c
  • 545mm
  • Siliguri
  • 28°c
  • 643mm
  • Thimphu
  • 20°c
  • 345mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 16°c
  • 437mm
  • Hue
  • 28°c
  • 509mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 23°c
  • 453mm
  • Kolkata
  • 29°c
  • 288mm
  • Paro
  • 13°c
  • 259mm
  • Pelling
  • 21°c
  • 408mm
  • Siliguri
  • 26°c
  • 538mm
  • Thimphu
  • 19°c
  • 155mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 14°c
  • 122mm
  • Hue
  • 26°c
  • 898mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 22°c
  • 112mm
  • Kolkata
  • 28°c
  • 143mm
  • Paro
  • 10°c
  • 84mm
  • Pelling
  • 19°c
  • 109mm
  • Siliguri
  • 21°c
  • 142mm
  • Thimphu
  • 16°c
  • 38mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 10°c
  • 24mm
  • Hue
  • 24°c
  • 682mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 18°c
  • 13mm
  • Kolkata
  • 25°c
  • 26mm
  • Paro
  • 6°c
  • 11mm
  • Pelling
  • 15°c
  • 15mm
  • Siliguri
  • 17°c
  • 13mm
  • Thimphu
  • 11°c
  • 8mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Darjeeling
  • 7°c
  • 7mm
  • Hue
  • 21°c
  • 350mm
  • Kalimpong
  • 14°c
  • 6mm
  • Kolkata
  • 21°c
  • 17mm
  • Paro
  • 2°c
  • 5mm
  • Pelling
  • 12°c
  • 10mm
  • Siliguri
  • 14°c
  • 5mm
  • Thimphu
  • 7°c
  • 13mm
+ -
Himalayan Kingdoms map

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

2024 - Download Detailed Itinerary

2025 - Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

Offers
Applicable

Earlybird Sale

The early bird catches the worm! Secure an amazing deal on a 2025 or 2026 tour. Save up to £1,000pp

If you can find a tour with the same inclusions cheaper, we will match it AND give you a reward. We will also match the price of any Wendy Wu Tour quoted elsewhere and we guarantee the price of your tour will never rise after you've paid.

Fetching Price Information - please wait

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

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.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Group Tour includes

Additional Price Information

What our Customers Say

Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 5572 reviews on Feefo Logo

Extensions and Stopovers

Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

From our India Blog

Read our latest articles or travel inspiration, exciting news about our destinations and all things Wendy Wu Tours

10
Jul

Our Top Tips for India

India. Home to 1.3 billion people, land of the world’s highest cricket ground and the place that...
7
Apr

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s India and Bhutan Itinerary

You’ve heard the exciting news that Royals Prince William and Kate Middleton are to visit...
18
Apr

Wildlife of India

It’s true, many of us wouldn’t think of a holiday in India as the time and place to look for...
Read more India blogs
Call us on 0800 1445 282 to book this tour