North East India and Bhutan Journey

Darjeeling, India 16 Days - 15 Nights Group: According To Need
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Trip Description

This itinerary links the vibrant spirit of Kolkata with the cool calm of the eastern Himalaya, guiding you through tea-covered hills, mountain monasteries, and high valleys where clouds drift slowly across ridgelines. In Sikkim, days are shaped by sacred sites, local markets, and panoramic viewpoints that make the mountains feel close enough to touch. The journey then crosses into Bhutan, where traditional architecture, prayer flags, and fortress monasteries create a quieter rhythm, deeply rooted in ritual and balance. It is a journey where landscapes and culture meet in equal measure, blending moments of pure natural beauty with meaningful encounters that reveal how life unfolds in these remote mountain worlds.

DAY 1 – Arrival in Kolkata

On arrival at Kolkata airport, you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Kolkata sits along the Hooghly River with a strong sense of history, where colonial architecture and modern life share the same streets. The rest of the day is free to settle in and rest. Overnight in Kolkata.

DAY 2 – Kolkata heritage and local life

This morning is dedicated to the historic heart of the city around Dalhousie Square, best explored early when the streets are calmer and the light is softer on the old façades. You begin near the flower market by the Hooghly, full of colour and movement, then continue through landmarks that echo the city’s colonial past, including the grand administrative buildings and memorial sites that shaped an era. Later, you visit the Victoria Memorial, a striking white marble monument set within landscaped gardens, both a landmark and a museum that reflects the city’s layered story. You then visit the Kali Temple, one of the region’s most revered Hindu sites, before ending the day in Kumartuli, the potters’ quarter where artisans shape clay idols for major festivals. The evening is free. Overnight in Kolkata.

DAY 3 – Flight to Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling

You fly to Bagdogra, where you are met and begin the ascent toward Darjeeling. The road winds through green hills and tea estates, with cool air and mountain views gradually replacing the plains. Darjeeling is famous for its tea heritage and its Himalayan railway, and the setting feels naturally peaceful, especially as mist drifts across the slopes. After check in, the evening is yours to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Darjeeling.

DAY 4 – Darjeeling sunrise and Himalayan heritage

Before dawn, you travel to Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise over Kangchenjunga, a moment that often feels unreal as the peaks catch the first light. You then visit the Ghoom Monastery, known for its Buddhist heritage and an impressive statue of Maitreya Buddha, along with preserved manuscripts and the quiet presence of devotion. In the afternoon, you visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Centre. The evening is free. Overnight in Darjeeling.

DAY 5 – Darjeeling to Pelling

This morning you travel by road to Pelling, a mountain destination known for its wide open views and calm atmosphere. The scenery shifts into forests, valleys, and bright green slopes, with Kangchenjunga often appearing in the distance when weather allows. Pelling feels quieter than the larger towns, ideal for slowing down and enjoying the landscape. After arrival and check in, the rest of the day is free. Overnight in Pelling.

DAY 6 – Pelling monasteries and ancient capital ruins

Today you explore the cultural heart of Pelling with visits to Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse. Pemayangtse is one of Sikkim’s most important monasteries, known for sacred art, murals, and spiritual heritage, with mountain views adding to the experience. Rabdentse, once the capital of the kingdom of Sikkim, now lies in atmospheric ruins reached by a walk through forested paths. The afternoon is free for rest or quiet exploration. Overnight in Pelling.

DAY 7 – Pelling to Gangtok

You continue to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, set on steep hillsides with a dramatic Himalayan backdrop. The city blends tradition and modern mountain life, with monasteries and viewpoints close to lively streets and markets. After arrival, the rest of the day is free to settle in and enjoy the town’s energy at your own pace. Overnight in Gangtok.

DAY 8 – Gangtok, monasteries and traditional crafts

Today is dedicated to Gangtok’s spiritual and cultural highlights. You visit Rumtek Monastery, an important centre of Buddhist learning and worship, known for its sacred objects and impressive setting. You also visit Do Drul Chorten and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Time is spent at the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms and Enchey Monastery. The evening is free. Overnight in Gangtok.

DAY 9 – Gangtok to Kalimpong

After breakfast, you drive to Kalimpong, a hill town known for its mild climate, orchids, and gentle pace. The town’s history as a trade link with Tibet still echoes in its multicultural character. In the afternoon, you explore key local sites including monasteries and viewpoints, with Durpin Dara offering elevated views over the town, surrounding hills, and tea plantations. Overnight in Kalimpong.

DAY 10 – Kalimpong to Phuntsholing

You descend through lush landscapes toward the border, following roads lined with forests, tea gardens, and fields. After crossing, you arrive in Phuntsholing, Bhutan’s gateway town, where the shift in atmosphere is immediate, calmer streets, traditional architecture, and a different rhythm of daily life. Settle in and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Phuntsholing.

DAY 11 – Phuntsholing to Thimphu

The morning includes the necessary entry formalities, then you begin the scenic drive to Thimphu. You stop at Kharbandi Monastery for a viewpoint over the plains and the town below, then continue through mountain roads, rivers, and valleys, passing villages with Bhutanese architecture that feels both simple and carefully detailed. Arrive in Thimphu and check in. The evening is free to rest or take a gentle walk through the capital. Overnight in Thimphu.

DAY 12 – Thimphu exploration

Today you discover Bhutan’s capital through its key cultural sites. You begin at Buddha Point, then visit the Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the Institute of Zorig Chusum, the Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan, and Trashichhoe Dzong. Overnight in Thimphu.

DAY 13 – Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

You travel to Punakha via Dochula Pass, where prayer flags and chortens mark one of Bhutan’s most scenic crossings. You visit the Punakha Dzong, set at the confluence of two rivers and considered one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Overnight in Punakha.

DAY 14 – Punakha to Paro

You begin the day with an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, then continue toward Paro with stops at Simtokha Dzong. In Paro, you visit Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight in Paro.

DAY 15 – Paro, Tiger’s Nest and valley heritage

This morning is devoted to the hike to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest. Later, you visit Drukgyel Dzong and a traditional farmhouse. Overnight in Paro.

DAY 16 – Departure from Paro

You are transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, bringing the journey to a close after days shaped by tea hills, Himalayan monasteries, and the unique calm of Bhutan.

Accommodation in Bhutan reflects the country’s calm pace of life, deep cultural traditions, and breathtaking Himalayan surroundings. Rather than large international hotel chains, most stays are in carefully designed lodges and boutique hotels that blend traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern comfort.

SkyZeg Hotel Selection
At SkyZeg, we select properties that offer both authenticity and quality. Each hotel is chosen for its location, service, atmosphere, and ability to provide a meaningful connection to the landscapes and culture of Bhutan.

🏔 Himalayan Mountain Retreats

Many hotels in Bhutan are built in the style of traditional Bhutanese homes and monasteries, featuring hand-painted woodwork, carved windows, and peaceful courtyards overlooking valleys and mountains.

🏡 Boutique Lodges & Cultural Stays

Depending on your itinerary, accommodation may include boutique lodges and comfortable retreats reflecting Bhutanese culture and architecture.

🌄 Valley & Nature Views

In destinations such as Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha, hotels are often surrounded by forests, rice terraces, and Himalayan hills, offering peaceful scenery after a day of exploration.

Service in Bhutanese hotels is warm and personal, reflecting the country’s strong culture of hospitality. Many properties also serve traditional Bhutanese cuisine alongside international dishes, allowing guests to enjoy local flavors throughout their stay.

✔ Accommodation Details
All hotels included in your itinerary are carefully reviewed for comfort, reliability, and service standards, ensuring a relaxed stay throughout your journey. Rooms are usually arranged on a double occupancy basis, with daily breakfast included.

Your final hotel selection will be shared in your detailed travel proposal, allowing you to review each property before confirming your trip.

✨ Personalized Stay
If you prefer a particular style of accommodation — from luxury Himalayan resorts to intimate boutique lodges — our team will be happy to tailor the selection to match your travel style.

Every SkyZeg journey to Bhutan is carefully crafted according to your interests, travel season, and choice of accommodation. Once your itinerary is finalized, our team will share a detailed proposal outlining all services and pricing.

Below is a general overview of what is typically included and not included in the trip cost.

✔ Included in the Price
  • 24/7 assistance from our travel experts throughout your journey, before and during your trip.
  • English-speaking local guide accompanying you during your travels in Bhutan, helping you explore its culture, monasteries, and landscapes.
  • Private transportation with a professional driver for airport transfers, sightseeing, and travel between destinations mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Comfortable, well-maintained vehicles including petrol, road taxes, parking, vehicle insurance, and driver accommodation and meals.
  • Accommodation in carefully selected hotels or lodges listed in your itinerary, usually based on double occupancy.
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel, and often lunch and dinner depending on the travel program.
  • Government taxes and service charges applicable at the time of booking.
  • Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and required tourism permits where applicable.
  • Airport assistance and transfers on arrival and departure.
✖ Not Included in the Price
  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Visa fees and banking charges
  • Additional baggage charges according to airline policies
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Drinks and personal expenses including shopping and optional activities
  • Optional experiences not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance or repatriation assistance
  • Any service not specifically listed under “Included in the Price.”

🌤 Best Time to Travel

Bhutan is best visited from late September to November when skies are clear and mountain views are spectacular.

Spring from March to May also offers beautiful landscapes and blooming valleys.

Winter months bring colder temperatures but also peaceful travel conditions and clear mountain views.

🚗 Getting Around

Travel within Bhutan is mainly done by road. Because of the mountainous terrain, journeys between towns and valleys may take longer but are scenic and memorable.

Paro is home to Bhutan’s only international airport, and flights into the country are limited.

💰 Currency and Payments

The official currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BTN), which has the same value as the Indian Rupee.

Cash is still the most practical payment method in many places, especially outside the main towns.

🏥 Health and Altitude

Bhutan’s elevation is high, and some travelers may feel altitude effects. It is recommended to acclimatize slowly and drink plenty of water.

🛕 Religion and Cultural Etiquette

Bhutan is deeply influenced by Buddhism, and monasteries and sacred sites play a central role in daily life.

Visitors should dress modestly and behave respectfully when visiting temples and religious sites.

🍲 Food and Dining

Bhutanese cuisine is warming and often spicy, with rice, vegetables, cheese, and chili-based dishes forming the heart of many meals.

🎒 What to Pack

Layered clothing is recommended for Bhutan as temperatures can vary between sunny days and cool evenings.

Comfortable walking shoes are also useful for monastery visits and hillside walks.

Travel Tip
Carry some local cash for small purchases and monastery visits where card payments may not be available.
Start Planning Your Journey
Departure Month

January 2026

Duration

16 Days / 15 Nights

Group Size

According To Need

Location

Darjeeling, India

€0/-

Per Person
Included in Your Trip:
  • All necessary arrangements
  • Support throughout your journey
  • Essential travel services
  • Assistance for smooth planning
Full View

Each destination has its own charm and story. We've selected not only the best places to visit but also hand-picked hotels to ensure your comfort. We also offer options based on your budget and travel style.