Sikkim and Darjeeling with Bhutan

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Introduction

Far Horizon showcases a very picturesque aspect of India in this tour. Set in the magnificent Himalayas – sometimes referred to as the abode of the gods – the lovely towns of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok offer fabulous views, beautiful monasteries, visits to picture-perfect tea estates and interactions with the warm local people to enable you to Experience the Living Cultures of India.

Immerse yourself in the culture of Bhutan in Thimphu, Punakha, Paro. See the beautiful work at the Institute for Zorig Chusum (school of arts and crafts) and ancient Buddhist literature preserved for several centuries. Temples and monasteries abound in the idyllic setting of this breathtaking land.

Tour Highlights

  • Witness the Magnificent Sunrise over the Mt. Kanchenjunga
  • Visit the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan
  • Visit the Buddhist Monasteries
  • Darjeeling – the land of Tea
  • Joy ride on the world heritage Toy Train in Darjeeling
  • Hike to Tiger Nest Monastery in Paro
  • Cultural Capital of India “Kolkata – The City of Joy”
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Destinations Covered

Kolkata Victoria Memorial

Kolkata

The City of Joy

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of West Bengal and the second largest city in India (after Mumbai). This city is a daily festival of human existence, simultaneously noble and squalid, cultured decidedly futuristic.

History and Culture

The history of Kolkata is intimately related with its invention during the British rule dating back 300 years ago. Earlier known as Calcutta, it originated as a capital of British India in 1960 when East India Company dominated the country.

Darjeeling Town View

Darjeeling

Queen of the Himalayas

Spread over a steep mountain ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting of cool climes all year round. This scenic hill station is the perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon and is just around 700 kilometres away from Kolkata.

Gangtok Rumtek Monastry

Gangtok

The Gateway to Sikkim

Nestled between the mighty peaks of the Himalayas, the city of Gangtok rises as a center for Tibetology and Tibetan Buddhist culture. It is the capital of the state of Sikkim in India and a popular destination for globetrotters. The beauty of the city can be imagined by the simple fact that it is filled with dense forest, pleasing climate and majestic locations, one can easily get lost in the serene beauty of North-eastern India. This corner is also one of the offbeat locations of India which is away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities. 

Pelling Female Monks

Pelling

The breath-taking Khangchendzonga
Pelling lies amidst the foothill of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas and provide panoramic views of the surroundings and mountain peaks like Kanchenjunga which is the 3rd highest peak on Earth.
Kalimpong Thongsa Gompa

Kalimpong

The mesmeric Hill Station

Kalimpong is a calm but surreal Buddhist town which is located 50 minutes east of Darjeeling. Known for its panoramic views, Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan handicrafts, Kalimpong is a delight to visit.

Bhutan gate in Phuentsoling

Phuntsholing

The Abode of Kings and Queens

Phuntsholing, also spelled as Phuentsholing is a border town in southern Bhutan and is the administrative seat of Chukha District. 

The gateway of the land of thunder dragons, Phuntsholing is often regarded as the abode of kings and queens of the Himalayan Kingdom. At an altitude of only 300 meters, this commercial centre in Bhutan lies adjacent to Indian town Jaigaon on the Himalayan foothills. There are a number of places to visit in Phuntsholing where you can catch a glimpse of the diversity of Bhutanese, Nepalese and Indian cultures.   

Thimpu Bronze Buddha Dordenma Statue

Thimphu

The Beating Heart of Bhutan

It is a charming capital city that is nestled in the Himalayas with the magnificent sites of the Raidak River which passes through it which is often called as the Thimphu River.

Punakha Dzong Monastery

Punakha

The Land of Red Rice

Punakha is one of the 20 districts located in Bhutan. This place was the previous capital of Bhutan up until 1955 after which the capital was changed to Thimpu. This place is in a close proximity to Thimpu and one can easily reach here by means of car. This place is usually warmer in winter and colder in summer. Located at the height of 1200 m this place is known for its extensive rice cultivation.

Paro Tiger Nest

Paro

The Gateway to the Last Himalayan Kingdom

This beautiful Paro valley is about 2250m above the sea level. Paro is believed to be one of the first valleys to have received the influences of the Buddhism. The wide and fertile Paro valley has both an ancient and a modern face.

Detailed Itinerary

  1. Day 1 Arrive Kolkata

    Kolkata

    Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

    Overnight at the hotel (B)

  2. Day 2 Kolkata / Bagdogra (By Air) Bagdogra/ Darjeeling (Approx. 50 miles / 80 kms / 3 hours' drive)

    Darjeeling

    Our representative will escort you to the airport to board the flight to Bagdogra. A beautiful drive, through the tea gardens, will take you to Darjeeling.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  3. Day 3 Darjeeling

    Darjeeling

    Well before dawn you will go to Tiger Hill, famous for its magnificent views of Kanchenjunga and the eastern Himalayan peaks. On the way back, visit the Ghoom Monastery. You will also visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) and the museum. Adjacent to this is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – a high altitude wildlife park and home to the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Deer, and the Panda.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  4. Day 4 Darjeeling / Gangtok (Approx. 60 miles / 96 kms / 2 ½ hours' drive)

    Gangtok

    Drive to Gangtok through the landscaped tea gardens of Darjeeling and the Tea estate valley. Evening is at leisure to explore the local markets.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  5. Day 5 Gangtok

    Gangtok

    Set out to explore the famous Rumtek monastery – this was the official seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism and a visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Set in serene surroundings of oak, birch and ash woods, the Institute was established in 1958. Built in traditional style, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the world's largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. A pleasant walk through the Orchid Museum is an excellent way to end this wonderful day.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  6. Day 6 Gangtok / Pemayangtse (Approx. 50 miles / 80 kms / 2 hours' drive)

    Pelling

    Leave for Pemayangtse. The Pemayangtse monastery in West Sikkim is held in the highest regard and considered to be one of the oldest monasteries, dating back to 1705.This will be a memorable visit.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  7. Day 7 Pemayangtse / Kalimpong (Approx. 48 miles / 77 kms / 2 hours' drive)

    Kalimpong

    After breakfast, drive to Kalimpong and check-in to your hotel. Later take a short trip to Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery located at the top of Durpin Dara, from where you can get a panoramic view of the town and the mountains. The prayer room inside the monastery is adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs. You will also visit the flower nurseries which grow and export exotic flowers like Amaryllis Lilies, Roses, Gerberas, Dahlias, Gladiolai, Orchids and Cacti – the display of colour here is simply breathtaking. In the evening explore the interesting bazaar of Kalimpong.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  8. Day 8 Kalimpong / Phuntsoling (Approx. 70 miles / 112 kms / 3 hours' drive)

    Phuntsholing

    Drive to Doars. You will visit the Jaldapara Sanctuary which is home to the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and also serves as a frequent feeding ground for elephant herds.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  9. Day 9 Phuntsoling / Thimphu (Approx. 140 miles / 224 kms / 8 - 9 hours' drive)

    Thimphu

    Set off for Thimpu, en-route cross the border between India and Bhutan. On the way you will come across Chuzom, a confluence of the rivers Parochu and Thimpuchu. You will also get to see the three stupas representing three different styles of stupa architecture – Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese. At Thimphu, check-in to your hotel.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  10. Day 10 Thimphu

    Thimphu

    Get an insider's view into Bhutanese culture at the famed School of Arts & Crafts in Thimphu, Tango Gompa and the National Library which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years. Your experience is further enhanced by a visit to the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School). End the day with a walk through the colorful market of Bhutan.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  11. Day 11 Thimphu / Punakha (Approx. 44 miles / 70 Kms / 4 ½ hours' drive)

    Punakha

    Today will be an early start for you, you will take a drive to Punakha. In the afternoon explore Punakha Dzong – a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. This is followed by a visit to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  12. Day 12 Punakha / Paro (Approx. 110 miles / 176 kms / 5 hours' drive)

    Paro

    After a relaxed morning, proceed to Paro.

    Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

  13. Day 13 Paro

    Paro

    Drive to the airport where our representative will assist you in boarding the flight to Kolkata. On arrival in Kolkata, our representative will escort you to your hotel. An orientation tour of Kolkata will include some fascinating monuments like the Victoria Memorial and the St. Paul's Cathedral. Also visit the Indian Museum, which possesses one of the best collections of Indian art in the entire subcontinent.

    Overnight at the hotel (B)

  14. Day 14 Kolkata departure

    Kolkata

    You will be escorted to the International airport to board your outgoing flight.

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