Sikkim and Bhutan Journey

Leh_Ladakh, India 15 Days - 14 Nights Group: According To Need
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Trip Description

This route carries you from the energy of Delhi to the cool heights of the eastern Himalaya, where tea hills glow after rain and monasteries rest quietly above deep river valleys. In Sikkim, days unfold among sacred temples, forested ridges, and mountain towns that still feel protected from the rush of the plains. The landscape then shifts as you cross into Bhutan, a kingdom shaped by ritual, architecture, and a way of life built on balance and tradition. Between soaring viewpoints, prayer wheels, fortress monasteries, and warm encounters with local people, the journey feels both grand and deeply personal, like travelling through living stories.

DAY 1 – Arrival in Delhi

On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to recover from travel and ease into India’s rhythm. Overnight in Delhi.

DAY 2 – Flight to Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling

You fly from Delhi to Bagdogra, then begin the climb into the hills toward Darjeeling. The road winds through landscapes of tea gardens, eucalyptus, and shifting mist, with the mountains gradually taking over the horizon. Darjeeling’s atmosphere is calm and elegant, shaped by its Himalayan setting and its long relationship with tea culture. Along the way, you often glimpse the famous narrow gauge railway, known for its small train that threads through hillsides and sometimes crosses the road itself. Arrive in Darjeeling and settle in for the night, surrounded by cool air and views that feel like a promise of what is to come. Overnight in Darjeeling.

DAY 3 – Darjeeling, tea heritage and hill town charm

Today is dedicated to Darjeeling. There is time to experience the iconic mountain railway if you wish. Later, you visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate and enjoy a walk around Chowrasta and the Mall. Overnight in Darjeeling.

DAY 4 – Darjeeling to Pemayangtse via the Teesta and Rangeet valleys

You leave Darjeeling and follow the Teesta valley toward the Sikkim border at Melli, then continue through the Rangeet valley into a world of deeper forests and wider mountain panoramas. The road reveals dramatic views of high peaks when the sky is clear, with Kangchenjunga and other giants shaping the skyline. On arrival in Pemayangtse, you visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, a key spiritual centre of Sikkim associated with the Nyingma tradition. The day also includes time at Rabdentse, the ruins of Sikkim’s former capital, where forest paths lead you to stone remnants that still hold the memory of an old kingdom. Overnight in Pemayangtse.

DAY 5 – Pemayangtse and Rabdentse, sacred art and royal history

You explore Pemayangtse in greater depth today, discovering its quiet halls, ancient icons, and detailed sacred art. The atmosphere here is both intimate and powerful, with mountain silence outside and spiritual presence within. A short walk through thick forest leads again toward Rabdentse, where the ruins sit like a hidden chapter of history. The setting is serene, and the blend of nature and heritage makes the visit feel contemplative rather than museum like. Overnight in Pemayangtse.

DAY 6 – Pemayangtse to Rumtek with a stop at Temi Tea Estate

You travel toward Rumtek, crossing changing landscapes as the route threads deeper into Sikkim. Along the way, you stop at Temi Tea Estate, the state’s signature tea garden, known for refined production and beautiful hillside scenery. Continue to Rumtek and settle in. Overnight in Rumtek.

DAY 7 – Rumtek Monastery and onward to Gangtok

In the morning, you visit Rumtek Monastery, set on a hillside with views toward Gangtok. After the visit, you drive to Gangtok, a mountain capital with bright buildings, lively streets, and a dramatic setting. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Gangtok.

DAY 8 – Gangtok, monasteries and cultural discoveries

Today you visit Enchey Monastery, a peaceful spiritual site linked to the Nyingma tradition. The day can also include time at important cultural sites such as the research institute dedicated to Tibetan studies and art, a handicraft centre and significant stupas. Overnight in Gangtok.

DAY 9 – Gangtok to Kalimpong

After breakfast, you drive to Kalimpong. After check in, you visit a handmade paper workshop, the Lepcha Museum and flower nurseries. Overnight in Kalimpong.

DAY 10 – Kalimpong to Phuntsholing, crossing into Bhutan

You leave Kalimpong and descend toward the plains before reaching the Bhutanese border town of Phuntsholing. Visit Zangdopelri Monastery. Overnight in Phuntsholing.

DAY 11 – Phuntsholing to Thimphu, the road into the kingdom

After breakfast, you begin the journey to Thimphu and explore the city’s key sights. Overnight in Thimphu.

DAY 12 – Thimphu to Punakha, mountain pass and fortress monastery

You travel to Punakha via a high pass marked by prayer flags and visit Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.

DAY 13 – Punakha to Paro, valley landscapes and Bhutanese heritage

You continue to Paro and visit Ta Dzong and Paro Dzong. Overnight in Paro.

DAY 14 – Flight from Paro to Kolkata

You fly from Paro to Kolkata. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Kolkata.

DAY 15 – Kolkata and departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Kolkata before transfer to the airport for departure, closing a journey shaped by tea hills, sacred monasteries, and the rare atmosphere 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

15 Days / 14 Nights

Group Size

According To Need

Location

Leh_Ladakh, India

€0/-

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