The Award-Winning Tour Specialist

Himalayan Kingdoms

23 days Go Beyond Group Tour

Himalayan Kingdoms

Take an incredible journey through Sikkim and Bhutan. Sikkim sits in the shadow of the world's highest mountains - The Himalayas. Bhutan's rich Buddhist culture permeates everyday life.

  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 22 , Lunches: 21 , Dinners: 22
  • Accommodation
    22 nights in 3+ star accommodation
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 4
    A good level of fitness is required as you can expect to be walking, or taking part in a physical activity like cycling, for longer periods of time on several days throughout the tour, and may be required to tackle some more challenging terrain.
    Learn More
    Extended walking. Physical activities on challenging terrain.
Go Beyond Group Tour
23 DAYS
From USD $9,867PP
Kolkata - New Jalpaiguri - Siliguri - Darjeeling - Pelling - Gangtok - Kalimpong - Gorumara - Phuentsholing - Thimphu - Gangtey - Punakha - Paro
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Tour Highlights

Our Himalayan Kingdoms tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Kolkata (2N+1N) - New Jalpaiguri - Siliguri (1N) - Darjeeling (2N) - Pelling (2N) - Gangtok (2N) - Kalimpong (2N) - Gorumara (1N) - Phuentsholing (1N) - Thimphu (2N) - Gangtey (2N) - Punakha (2N) - Paro (2N)
  • Day 1
    Arrive Kolkata
    Dinner
    DAY 1: Arrive Kolkata

    Arrive in Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata for a two-night stay. You will be met at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in the Arrivals Hall by your National Escort or Local Guide from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with any other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer 45 minutes to an hour to your hotel and check-in.

    Dinner
  • Day 2
    Explore Koltata
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 2: Explore Koltata

    Enjoy the morning free at leisure. In the afternoon explore the city of Kolkata, visiting sites such as the Victoria Memorial, the Kalighat Temple and drive past Fort Williams. Sightseeing today includes approximately 3 hours on foot and includes a visit to Kalighat Temple. Please note that many foreigners find the temple uncomfortable as they still make live animal sacrifices here (usually at midday) and it can be crowded and pushy. To create the image of blood running on the ground, for example, they grind hibiscus flowers with water to run deep red. Goats are ritually sacrificed each day to honour the goddess Kali, known for her destructiveness. There is an obligatory donation of at least INR 50 (GBP 60p) to each person at the temple. This is not included in your tour cost.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3
    Train To New Jalpaiguri
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 3: Train To New Jalpaiguri

    Rise early this morning and explore the flower market, where you will have an amazing view of Howrah Bridge, one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world. Visit Kimhartuli and a Jain temple dedicated to Paresnath, who was the 23rd Jain Tirthankaras. Sightseeing this morning will involve approximately 2 to 3 hours on foot. In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station to board your 8-hour train to New Jalpaiguri. Upon arrival, drive to Siliguri and check into your hotel for an overnight stay. Please note: As the train is a day train, your seats will be in an AC Chair Car. More than likely you will not be able to purchase any food or drink on the train, so if you need snacks make sure to pre-purchase them before boarding. The train carriages are shared, so please always be aware of your belongings.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Drive To Darjeeling
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 4: Drive To Darjeeling

    Depart Siliguri and begin the 3 to 4-hour drive to Darjeeling, passing through hills and tea plantations. Upon arrival proceed to your hotel for a two-night stay. Please note: Electricity shortages are common in Darjeeling.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Explore Darjeeling
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 5: Explore Darjeeling

    Rise early this morning to catch a jeep or sumo bus to Tiger Hill, located 15km outside of town. Here you will enjoy a jeep ride to Tiger Hill, where you will get a clear view of the sun rising over Mt. Kanchenjunga (weather dependent). There will be some light walking to get to the lookout. Visit the Yiga Choling Monastery before returning to Darjeeling for breakfast. Ride the famous steam powered ‘Toy Train’ for about an hour around the hillside before visiting the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursdays) and a nearby tea plantation.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Into Sikkim
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 6: Into Sikkim

    Commence the 6 to 7-hour drive to Pelling in Sikkim. Just before arriving in Pelling, visit the Pemayangtse Monastery – refer to Appropriate Dress below. Upon arrival in Pelling, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Khecheopalri Lake
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 7: Khecheopalri Lake

    Explore Khecheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga Falls this morning, travelling in jeeps or sumo bus for your sightseeing. Drive approximately an hour and a half to Khecheopalri Lake then Kanchenjunga Falls over the road that is uneven and unsealed. Sightseeing here is leisurely. Following this, you will return to Pelling to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 8-9
    Discover Gangtok
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAYS 8-9: Discover Gangtok

    Commence the 4 to 5 hour drive to Gangtok this morning, visiting Tashiding Monastery enroute. The next day, explore Enchey Monastery this morning located on a hilltop above Gangtok – please refer to Appropriate Dress below. Next visit Sikkim Research Institute of Technology (SRIT) and Do Drul Chorten.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Rumtek Monastery
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 10: Rumtek Monastery

    Depart Gangtok and drive 1 hour to the Dharam Chakra Centre and the Old Rumtek Monastery. Explore the two sites before commencing the 3-hour drive to Kalimpong, where you will proceed to your hotel for a two-night stay.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Kalimpong At Leisure
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 11: Kalimpong At Leisure

    Today is at leisure to take a break from the driving and relax in this quaint town. You may choose to visit the Hindu Temple in town, or the local Catholic Church, markets or a local monastery to hear the monks chanting.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Gorumra Wildlife Sanctuary
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 12: Gorumra Wildlife Sanctuary

    Say goodbye to Kalimpong as you drive approximately 4 hours to Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary and check into your hotel. In the afternoon embark on a 2-hour jeep safari through park. Please note passports will need to be taken to the wildlife sanctuary today to allow entry.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Inot Bhutan
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 13: Inot Bhutan

    Depart Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary and drive 3 and a half hours to Phuentsholing where you will meet your Bhutanese National Escort or Local Guide. Proceed to your hotel and check-in before visiting the Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang - refer to Appropriate Dress below.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 14-15
    Discover Thimphu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAYS 14-15: Discover Thimphu

    Leave Phuentsholing this morning and drive 6 to 7 hours along the national highway to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, for a two-night stay. The main highway is undergoing widening; therefore ongoing construction may be present. En route to the capital, visit Kharbandi Gompa, where there will be light sightseeing. Next day, your sightseeing tour of Thimphu begins this morning with a visit to the National Library, the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum and a viewing of the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. After lunch at the hotel, discover the National Memorial Chorten, browse a handicraft emporium, tour the Folk Heritage Museum and the Textile Museum before driving out of town to Thimphu Zoo to see the Bhutanese Takin. Later offer prayers to Buddha at Buddha Point and explore Trashi Chhoe Dzong. In total today, there will be approximately 3 to 4 hours of walking.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 16
    Travel To Gangtey
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 16: Travel To Gangtey

    After breakfast, begin the dramatic 5-and-a-half-hour drive to Gangtey village. We pass through Dochu La, which is marked by prayer flags and chortens. On a clear day, there are superb views of the mountain ranges including Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. In the afternoon wander of the village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 17
    Walking In Gagtey
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 17: Walking In Gagtey

    Enjoy a day of leisure with the option of a hike through the valley for exceptional views across the stunning landscape.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 18
    Rural Bhutan
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 18: Rural Bhutan

    After breakfast, visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to find out more about these rare creatures. Later depart Gangtey and begin the 3-hour drive to Punakha. After checking into your hotel, visit Punakha Dzong and hike to Chimi Lhakhang.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 19
    Discover Punakha
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 19: Discover Punakha

    Explore the area around Punakha today. Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang temple complex, which overlooks the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. Later discover Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 20
    Travel To Paro
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 20: Travel To Paro

    This morning drive 4 and a half hours by road to Paro, stopping en route at the Simtokha Dzong. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. A steady uphill walk is required to reach the ridge where the Dzongs sit; please refer to Appropriate Dress below for visiting the Dzongs.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 21
    Tiger's Nest Monastery
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 21: Tiger's Nest Monastery

    This morning experience what is sure to be a highlight of your time in Bhutan - hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest)! Drive approximately 20 minutes to the start point for a hike to Taktsang Monastery. The moderate hike takes all morning, after which a vegetarian lunch is served at the cafeteria located inside the Monastery, which is run by monks. Return to Paro in the afternoon, visiting Kyichu Lhakhang, (if time permits) one of the oldest and most sacred temples of the Kingdom. Please note: The trek to the Taktsang Monastery is very steep in some places and can be unstable on foot, particularly on the downward leg as the steps (close to 800 of them) are only found between the view point and the monastery with the remainder of the path being dirt. Despite this, the journey is certainly worthwhile on account of the superb views enroute. If you have mobility issues or dislike heights, you may struggle to undertake this trek. Please speak to your National Escort or local guide if you have any concerns. Please read the Taktsang Monastery section of the travel information below for more details on today’s hike.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 22
    Fly Into Kolkata
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 22: Fly Into Kolkata

    Say farewell to Bhutan and transfer to the airport for your early morning flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free at leisure to explore the area surrounding your hotel; take a tram trip, go for a ride in a rickshaw, or explore the markets (activities are at your own expense).

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 23
    Depart Kolkata
    Breakfast
    DAY 23: Depart Kolkata

    You will be transferred to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata according to the departure time of your flight today. Any time before your flight will be at leisure.

    Breakfast
Himalayan Kingdoms map

Trip Notes

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Book With Confidence

When to go

The best time to visit India is from November to March when you’ll enjoy pleasant warm dry days and low humidity.

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 2
    9
    6
  • 20
  • Hue
  • 18
    24
    21
  • 145
  • Kalimpong
  • 6
    18
    12
  • 16
  • Kolkata
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 11
  • Paro
  • -6
    7
    0
  • 9
  • Pelling
  • 4
    15
    10
  • 15
  • Siliguri
  • 3
    23
    13
  • 8
  • Thimphu
  • -3
    12
    5
  • 25
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 3
    10
    7
  • 24
  • Hue
  • 18
    25
    22
  • 45
  • Kalimpong
  • 8
    20
    14
  • 17
  • Kolkata
  • 17
    29
    23
  • 30
  • Paro
  • -4
    9
    2
  • 10
  • Pelling
  • 6
    17
    12
  • 21
  • Siliguri
  • 10
    25
    18
  • 18
  • Thimphu
  • 1
    14
    8
  • 33
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 6
    14
    10
  • 48
  • Hue
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 59
  • Kalimpong
  • 12
    24
    18
  • 47
  • Kolkata
  • 22
    34
    28
  • 35
  • Paro
  • 0
    12
    6
  • 34
  • Pelling
  • 10
    21
    16
  • 43
  • Siliguri
  • 13
    28
    20
  • 33
  • Thimphu
  • 4
    16
    10
  • 31
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 9
    17
    13
  • 116
  • Hue
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 68
  • Kalimpong
  • 16
    26
    21
  • 89
  • Kolkata
  • 25
    35
    30
  • 60
  • Paro
  • 4
    15
    10
  • 81
  • Pelling
  • 13
    23
    18
  • 93
  • Siliguri
  • 21
    31
    26
  • 94
  • Thimphu
  • 7
    20
    14
  • 58
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 12
    18
    15
  • 197
  • Hue
  • 24
    33
    29
  • 122
  • Kalimpong
  • 18
    27
    22
  • 199
  • Kolkata
  • 26
    35
    31
  • 142
  • Paro
  • 7
    17
    12
  • 180
  • Pelling
  • 16
    24
    20
  • 183
  • Siliguri
  • 24
    33
    28
  • 300
  • Thimphu
  • 13
    22
    18
  • 122
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 14
    19
    16
  • 570
  • Hue
  • 25
    34
    30
  • 87
  • Kalimpong
  • 20
    27
    24
  • 565
  • Kolkata
  • 26
    34
    30
  • 288
  • Paro
  • 10
    18
    14
  • 416
  • Pelling
  • 18
    25
    22
  • 488
  • Siliguri
  • 25
    35
    30
  • 658
  • Thimphu
  • 15
    24
    20
  • 246
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 14
    19
    17
  • 782
  • Hue
  • 25
    35
    30
  • 66
  • Kalimpong
  • 20
    27
    24
  • 851
  • Kolkata
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 411
  • Paro
  • 11
    18
    14
  • 549
  • Pelling
  • 18
    25
    22
  • 735
  • Siliguri
  • 26
    34
    30
  • 818
  • Thimphu
  • 15
    25
    20
  • 373
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 14
    20
    17
  • 635
  • Hue
  • 25
    34
    30
  • 194
  • Kalimpong
  • 20
    27
    24
  • 657
  • Kolkata
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 349
  • Paro
  • 10
    18
    14
  • 406
  • Pelling
  • 18
    25
    22
  • 545
  • Siliguri
  • 25
    31
    28
  • 643
  • Thimphu
  • 16
    25
    20
  • 345
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 13
    19
    16
  • 437
  • Hue
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 509
  • Kalimpong
  • 19
    27
    23
  • 453
  • Kolkata
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 288
  • Paro
  • 9
    17
    13
  • 259
  • Pelling
  • 17
    25
    21
  • 408
  • Siliguri
  • 23
    28
    26
  • 538
  • Thimphu
  • 15
    23
    19
  • 155
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 10
    18
    14
  • 122
  • Hue
  • 23
    29
    26
  • 898
  • Kalimpong
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 112
  • Kolkata
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 143
  • Paro
  • 4
    16
    10
  • 84
  • Pelling
  • 14
    24
    19
  • 109
  • Siliguri
  • 16
    26
    21
  • 142
  • Thimphu
  • 10
    22
    16
  • 38
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 6
    15
    10
  • 24
  • Hue
  • 21
    26
    24
  • 682
  • Kalimpong
  • 12
    23
    18
  • 13
  • Kolkata
  • 20
    30
    25
  • 26
  • Paro
  • -1
    12
    6
  • 11
  • Pelling
  • 9
    21
    15
  • 15
  • Siliguri
  • 10
    24
    17
  • 13
  • Thimphu
  • 5
    18
    11
  • 8
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Darjeeling
  • 3
    12
    7
  • 7
  • Hue
  • 18
    24
    21
  • 350
  • Kalimpong
  • 8
    20
    14
  • 6
  • Kolkata
  • 14
    27
    21
  • 17
  • Paro
  • -5
    10
    2
  • 5
  • Pelling
  • 6
    17
    12
  • 10
  • Siliguri
  • 4
    23
    14
  • 5
  • Thimphu
  • -1
    14
    7
  • 13

Pricing & Availability

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  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
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    Arrival Date
    Return Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Land only: This tour price is based on land itinerary only. No international flights are included.
    • Visa: A visa may be required and is not included in the tour price. Please check entry requirements with your nearest Consulate.
    • Tipping kitty: Customary tipping amount of approximately US$160pp is paid locally in India.
    • Transfers: Airport transfers are included when arriving on the first day and departing on that last day of the tour, or when booking the group tour additional nights’ accommodation through Wendy Wu Tours.
    • Early check-in and late check-out are not included but can be arranged at an additional price.
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • Meals as stated (refer to itinerary)
    • Domestic transportation
    • Touring with English-speaking guides & entrance fees
    • All accommodation

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

    Extensions and Stopovers

    Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

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