Darjeeling, Sikkim & Bhutan

15 days - from $4380

Natural beauty, Himalayan vistas and Buddhist culture
This corner of the Eastern Himalaya has a great deal to offer. Bhutan is unique in its appeal, almost completely unaffected by Western influences, and one of the true homes of Tibetan Buddhism. Sikkim is renowned for its flora and large number of Buddhist monasteries, including Rumtek, Labrang and the rarely-visited Phodang, with their fine collections of paintings and relics. Darjeeling, 2000m above the plains of Bengal, is surrounded by tea plantations and is the archetypal hill station; slightly faded, but still a lively centre for the different hill peoples. The view from Tiger Hill at sunrise is one of the most impressive in the Himalaya, with the great bulk of Kanchenjunga dominating the northern horizon. There will also be a chance to ride the famous Darjeeling Toy Train. The spring departure includes the Paro Tsechu, Bhutan's most important and colourful festival, whilst the autumn departure will visit festivals in Wangdi Phodrang and Thimpu.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Delhi; free afternoon to explore. 2 Early morning flight to Bagdogra; drive through Himalayan foothills to Darjeeling. 3 Sightseeing, including visit to Tibetan Refugee Centre, a tea plantation, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoo. 4 Drive through tea plantations to Pelling; afternoon visit Pemayangtse Monastery. 5 Drive to Gangtok, Sikkim's capital; en route visit Tashiding Monastery and Research Institute of Tibetology. 6 Morning visit Rumtek Monastery; afternoon Flower Show, Cottage Industries Institute & Lal Bazzar (Spicie Market). 7 Drive to Kalimpong; visiting Lord Krishna Hindu Temple and Dr Graham's home and school en route; afternoon explore the markets; evening visit Dorpin Dara Monastery. 8 Return to the plains to reach the Bhutan border at Phuntsholing. 9 Drive to Thimpu, capital of Bhutan. 10 Sightseeing in and around Thimpu including the Memorial Chorten and the National Library 11 Drive to old capital of Punakha with superb mountain views from the Duchula pass (3050m); on to Wangdi Phodrang. 12 Drive to beautiful Paro Valley. 13 Full day to explore Paro; visit the National Museum, Paro Dzong and the Tiger's Nest Monastery. 14 Fly to Delhi; evening free. 15 End Delhi.

Mode of travel: Travel by private minibus and two flights.
Group size: Normally 6 to 16, plus leaders and local guides for sightseeing.
Accommodation: 14 nights hotels, all en suite.
Food: All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 12 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $743.75
Trip Reference: AKB
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Itineraries can be slightly different due to festivals; please see Trip Notes for more details.
Trip Reference: AKB