Sikkim, Darjeeling, And Bhutan Tour

A journey to the Buddhist monasteries and the Himalaya

Duration
13 days
Group size
14 people
Country
Bhutan

Sikkim, Darjeeling, And Bhutan Tour Overview

A journey to the Buddhist monasteries and the Himalaya

A journey to the Buddhist monasteries and the Himalaya

On our Sikkim and Darjeeling tour with a Bhutan extension, you visit centuries-old Buddhist monasteries, walk along mountain cliffs and hike past rice terraces that step down the steep hillsides. Your journey in the eastern Himalaya begins with your arrival and transfer to Darjeeling, where the tour includes a ride on the narrow-gauge mountain railway and a sunrise view over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.

You visit Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and the well-known Rumtek Monastery, seat of the Karmapa. You travel to Kalimpong, once an important trading post in the region. From Kalimpong the road descends to the plains known as the Duars, which are covered in tea gardens.

You then cross into Bhutan at Phuentsholing on the India and Bhutan border. In Bhutan you learn about the country's culture through its shrines, temples and handicrafts as you travel from the south to western Bhutan, through the towns and villages of the Paro, Thimphu and Punakha valleys. You hike to Bhutan's Tiger's Nest monastery on its cliff and explore the dzongs, the ancient fortresses that once protected the kingdom from invaders.

Sikkim and Darjeeling, and Bhutan, are two regions of the eastern Himalaya known for their natural beauty and for the Buddhist way of life that their people follow.
We invite you to join us on our Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan tour.

Key highlights of the Sikkim, Darjeeling, And Bhutan Tour

Itinerary

  1. On arrival in Kathmandu, we meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in there is a briefing, and the rest of the day is free.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    None, arrival day
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    None

  2. After breakfast you set out on a full day of sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley. This includes the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa, and Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, which is 2,000 years old. You then drive to Nagarkot (7,200 ft), a hill station with a wide mountain panorama from Everest in the east to Annapurna in the west, including eight of the world's highest mountains, in a quiet rural setting. Meals: breakfast and dinner.

    Altitude
    2,175 m (7,140 ft)+775 m
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Nagarkot
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Early in the morning you watch the sunrise and the mountain view from Nagarkot, then drive back to Kathmandu via the historic town of Bhaktapur. You stay in Kathmandu and prepare for the Bhutan part of the trip. Meals: breakfast.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)−775 m
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    Breakfast

  4. After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for the one-hour flight to Bhadrapur in south-east Nepal, followed by a transfer to Darjeeling. You need to obtain your Indian visa at home before travelling in order to enter India. Overnight in Darjeeling.

    Altitude
    2,050 m (6,730 ft)+650 m
    On foot
    None, 3–4 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Darjeeling
    Meals
    Breakfast

  5. Early in the morning, at around 4 am, you drive to Tiger Hill (8,364 ft / 2,550 m) to view the sunrise over Kanchenjunga (subject to clear weather). On the way back you visit Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop. After breakfast you set out on a half-day sightseeing tour covering the Japanese Temple, the Peace Pagoda, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursdays), the Darjeeling Ropeway ride (ticket not included, approximately INR 180.00 per person), Tenzing and Gombu Rock, the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre (closed on Sundays) and a panoramic view of a tea estate. Overnight at the hotel.

    Altitude
    2,050 m (6,730 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Darjeeling
    Meals
    Breakfast

  6. You drive to Gangtok (5,500 ft / 1,677 m, 130 km, 4 to 5 hours). Check in and overnight at the hotel.

    Altitude
    1,680 m (5,510 ft)−370 m
    On foot
    None, 4–5 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Gangtok
    Meals
    Breakfast

  7. After breakfast you set out on a sightseeing tour covering Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, the Research Institute of Tibetology, the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom (closed on Sundays), the Flower Show and Enchey Monastery. The evening is free to explore Gangtok. Overnight at the hotel.

    Altitude
    1,680 m (5,510 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Gangtok
    Meals
    Breakfast

  8. After breakfast, you transfer to Phuentsholing, the border town between India and Bhutan. The evening is free to explore the town. Overnight at the hotel.

    Altitude
    300 m (980 ft)−1,380 m
    On foot
    None, 7–8 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Phuentsholing
    Meals
    Breakfast

  9. After breakfast, you drive to Thimphu, which takes about 5 hours. In Thimphu you visit: 1. The National Memorial Stupa, built in memory of the late third King of Bhutan. 2. Tashichho Dzong, built as a fortress in the 17th century and now used as the “Seat of the Royal Government”. Overnight: hotel in Thimphu.

    Altitude
    2,320 m (7,610 ft)+2,020 m
    On foot
    None, 5 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Thimphu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. In the morning you visit Buddha Point, home to the largest statue of the Buddha in Bhutan and a good viewpoint over Thimphu. 1. You then drive to Punakha (3 hours) via the Dochula pass, at an elevation of 3,100 metres. 2. Chimi Lhakhang, a 30-minute hike, is dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, known in the West as the Divine Madman. 3. Punakha Dzong, the most impressive dzong in the country, stands at the confluence of two rivers. Punakha was formerly the capital of Bhutan. Overnight: hotel in Punakha.

    Altitude
    1,200 m (3,940 ft)−1,120 m
    On foot
    None, 3 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Punakha
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. You drive to Paro, which takes about 4 hours. Visits: 1. Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now houses the National Museum. 2. Paro Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in the valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional covered cantilever bridge. A short distance further is one of the many archery grounds. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, and you may be able to watch a match in progress. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

    Altitude
    2,200 m (7,220 ft)+1,000 m
    On foot
    None, 4 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Paro
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. 1. You drive to the foot of the hill below Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) and hike up to the monastery, which sits approximately 1,000 metres above the Paro valley. The hike takes around 5 hours for the round trip. A pony ride is available for the ascent only, at extra cost. 2. Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan, founded in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

    Altitude
    2,200 m (7,220 ft)
    On foot
    5 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Paro
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. After breakfast, you depart for Kathmandu, Delhi, Bangkok, Singapore or Kolkata.

    Altitude
    2,200 m (7,220 ft)
    On foot
    None, departure day
    Night in
    No overnight
    Meals
    Breakfast

What's included

  • All accommodation in Nepal, India and Bhutan.
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary.
  • Private transfers and internal flights to Bhadrapur.
  • Sightseeing tours with professional English-speaking tour guides.
  • All airport pick-ups and transfers.
  • Farewell dinner with a Nepali cultural show.
  • Travel permits.
  • Bhutan visa fees.
  • Entrance fees for major monuments in Bhutan.

Not included

  • Personal travel insurance.
  • All personal items.
  • Some lunches and dinners.
  • Tips for guides and drivers.
  • Mountain and road rescue.
  • Other emergency evacuations, which will be charged if required.
  • Expenses arising from illness, landslides, political disturbances, re-routing, flight cancellations or any other unforeseen situations or events outside our control.
  • Drinks, telephone bills, laundry, postage and similar items.
  • Nepal and India visa costs.
  • City monument entrance fees of approximately USD 35, payable on arrival in Nepal.
  • Flights into Nepal and out of Bhutan.

Reviews

Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
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Showing 10 reviews from 901 on Tripadvisor

I want to go to Kathmandu : )

December 2013, Tripadvisor

This year for my birthday I wanted to go to Kathmandu to help children with disabilities and without parents. It's become somewhat of a yearly tradition for me to help such children - it is my gift to myself, but not knowing anyone in Nepal I did a bit of research and eventually found Earthbound Expeditions headed up by the extremely intelligent, warm, and dynamic Rajan Simkhada. I was extremely impressed by how quickly he responded to my messages at all times of day and even more so when I found out how busy he was with civic and community projects aimed at improving life for the Nepali people and giving back. Their Ganesh Himal Charity trip was a wonderful idea but like so many people today with very little time I did not have the amount of time necessary to do take this tour. I explained to Rajan my situation and what I wanted to do and he custom made an itinerary to accommodate my wishes. I was sincerely impressed with his staff such as Shreeram Adhikari who outside of trekking up to the earth's highest point was assisting in the civic and community projects to aid Nepalese people. Rajan and Shree along with the rest of their staff did everything possible to make my trip to Nepal my favorite one to date. I accomplished all I set out to do and more. In a country with more spirit and kindness than money or infrastructure this is a HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT! I would HIGHLY Recommend Earthbound Expeditions to ANYONE seeking to visit the beautiful country of Nepal, India, Bhutan, or any other area they service. Best Regards, Alex Kruz

AlexKNew York City, New YorkRead on Tripadvisor

Trekking and Teaching

December 2013, Tripadvisor

It was my second time joining Earthbound. After the Everest Trek, I decided to visit my guide's (Arjun) village and the schools there. It was an amazing experience teaching the students in the mountains (highly recommended to all!!!). There is no hotels in his village so I stayed at Arjun's house (I lived like the locals!!). The Everest Trek was great but the experience of living like the locals was even more memorable. Without their assitance, it would not be possible to set up a students scholarship to support the students (some w/o parents) in the mountains. Thousand thanks to Arjun and Earthbound again for making my dreams come true!

Henry_SuenHong Kong, ChinaRead on Tripadvisor

Himalayan Trek & Chitwan National Park

November 2013, Tripadvisor

We recently had a great trip to Nepal. Earthbound Expeditions, & in particular Rajan, went out of their way to make sure we achieved all the objectives of our trip. We added extra day trips for rafting & canyoning which together with our trek & the Chitwan National Park trip really gave us a holiday of a lifetime. Thank you Rajan & also Assif, our porter/guide.

tometucker2013Lowestoft, United KingdomRead on Tripadvisor

Wonderful Nepal Tour

October 2013, Tripadvisor

Our family of 5 just returned from Nepal and touring with Rajan and Earthbound. Our trip experience was wonderful and as we review the exciting pictures, we marvel at the sights that are Nepal.  All our guides, hotels, and arrangements were in excess of our expectations.  We were greatly surprised about the quality of the tea houses.  Rajan always made perfect arrangements for our group and our guide Gopal was very friendly, knowledgable, and knew the locals providing us with the best experiences. We highly recommend Earthbound and their great staff.

Joe FEscondido, CaliforniaRead on Tripadvisor

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