14 Days · India & Bhutan

Sikkim & The Himalayan
Kingdom Bhutan

Delhi · Darjeeling · Gangtok · Kalimpong · Phuntsholing · Thimphu · Punakha · Paro · Delhi

Duration 14 Days / 13 Nights
Starts & Ends Delhi
Bhutan Nights 6 Nights in Bhutan
Travel Style Culture, Nature & Spiritual
14 Days · India & Bhutan

Sikkim & The Himalayan
Kingdom Bhutan

Delhi · Darjeeling · Gangtok · Kalimpong · Phuntsholing · Thimphu · Punakha · Paro · Delhi

Duration 14 Days / 13 Nights
Starts & Ends Delhi
Bhutan Nights 6 Nights in Bhutan
Travel Style Culture · Nature · Spiritual
Delhi Bagdogra (Flight) Darjeeling Gangtok Kalimpong Phuntsholing Thimphu Punakha Paro Delhi

— Tour overview

Fourteen days through
the Eastern Himalayas & Bhutan

Experience an unforgettable journey through the spectacular landscapes of India's Eastern Himalayas and the peaceful Kingdom of Bhutan. Beginning in Delhi, the adventure takes you to the famous tea gardens of Darjeeling, the vibrant mountain capital of Gangtok, and the charming hill town of Kalimpong before crossing into Bhutan through Phuntsholing. This carefully planned itinerary combines breathtaking scenery, rich cultural traditions, ancient monasteries, and authentic Himalayan hospitality.

Inside Bhutan, discover the country's unique way of life as you explore the capital city of Thimphu, cross the beautiful Dochula Pass with its 108 memorial chortens, visit the historic Punakha Dzong, and experience the peaceful valleys of Paro. The journey reaches its unforgettable highlight with the hike to the world-famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff nearly 900 metres above the valley floor.

From UNESCO-listed heritage attractions and world-famous tea plantations in India to Bhutan's magnificent dzongs, Buddhist monasteries, colourful prayer flags, mountain passes, and welcoming local communities, this 14-day itinerary offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, spirituality, and Himalayan adventure.

— Day by day

Complete itinerary

Day 01: Delhi Arrival

Arrive at Delhi airport, After completing immigration formalities in India—you will meet your guide, and together we will head to your accommodation. If time permits, you are free to explore the capital on your own. You can reach Old Delhi by taxi or tuk-tuk, where the Red Fort and the bustling shopping district of Chandni Chowk await you.

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1 Night in Delhi


Day 02: Delhi - Bagdogra (Flight) & Bagdogra – Darjeeling

Arrival • Darjeeling Tea Region • Market Visit

Morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight for Bagdogra. Meet upon arrival at Bagdogra airport & you drive along steep mountain passes into the Darjeeling Tea region, an area renowned for its tea plantations. Along the way, you gain your first impressions of the beautiful, secluded landscape and catch frequent glimpses of the countless, evergreen tea fields and visit the local market in the evening. Overnight Stay in a Hotel.

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2 Nights in Darjeeling.

Driving distance: approx. 70 kms; Driving time: approx. 1.5 hours


Day 03: Darjeeling

Sunrise at Tiger Hill • Temple Visit • Toy Train (UNESCO World Heritage Site) • Tea Plantation • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Museum • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park • Dali Monastery (Optional if time allows)

Early in the morning—long before the sun has risen—you can drive to the Tiger Hill viewpoint. Even if getting out of bed isn't exactly easy, you simply shouldn't miss the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga massif! A unique and unforgettable experience awaits you as the sun paints the snow-capped peaks of the eight-thousanders a fiery red. Weather permitting, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest and then driveback to the hotel and after a hearty breakfast and a short break get ready for your Sightseeing.

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The Day will start with Shri Mahakal Temple, It is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva. Situated atop Observatory Hill, the temple is distinguished for embodying both Hindu and Buddhist spiritual traditions, symbolizing Darjeeling’s cultural harmony and religious coexistence. Afterward, another highlight awaits: a ride on the historic, steam-powered narrow-gauge railway—the so-called "Toy Train" (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). During the journey, you will travel through the picturesque landscapes of Darjeeling, passing tea fields, small villages, and monasteries. At the final stop, you can pay a brief visit to the charming railway museum. On the return journey, take the opportunity to visit the nearby Tibetan monastery of Ghoom if time allows. 

In the afternoon, you will visit one of the many tea plantations in the area to gain insights into the tea production process. Subsequently, the itinerary includes a visit to the Mountaineering Museum at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which is situated within a Zoo. Here, you will have the opportunity to see the rare Bengal tiger and the snow leopard. The evening is at your leisure. If Time allows, visit Dali Monastery. It is also known as Druk Thupten Sangag Choeling Monastery, is a major Tibetan Buddhist. Overnight stay at Hotel in Darjeeling.


Day 04: Darjeeling – Gangtok

Rumtek Monastery • MG Road 

Morning after breakfast drive to Gangtok enroute visit Rumtek Monastery also called the Dharmachakra Centre. It is a focal point for the sectarian tensions within the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism that characterize the Karmapa controversy. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Afterward, MG Marg, or Mahatma Gandhi Marg, is the most famous street in Gangtok. This Road is lined up with glittering Shops, restaurants, shops and bars on both sides of the Road. Overnight Stay at Hotel. 

2 Nights in Gangtok.

Driving distance: approx. 96 kms; Driving time: approx. 4-5 hours)

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Day 05: Gangtok

Tashi View Point • Enchey Monastery • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Morning after breakfast, proceed to the city tour of Gangtok and first visit Tashi View Point, as it is a popular scenic lookout located on a hilltop. It offers sweeping views of the Eastern Himalayas, including the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga and other ranges and later head towards the Enchey Monastery was established in 1909. It belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. Later visit Namgyal Instituteof Tibetology. The foundation stone of the Institute was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama on 10 February 1957 and it was opened officially by the Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 1 October 1958. Rest of the day at leisure in Gangtok or explore the local MG Road market. Stay overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

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Day 06: Gangtok – Kalimpong

Deolo Hill • Durpin Monastery • Kalimpong Market Walk

Morning after breakfast drive to Kalimpong. This route is one of the most scenic short mountain drives in the Eastern Himalayas.The road follows the beautiful Teesta River for a long section.

There we will visit Deolo Hill. It is regarded as a signature viewpoint of Kalimpong, symbolizing the town’s tranquil and verdant character. Its combination of natural beauty, recreational space, and accessibility. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.

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Afternoons visit Durpin Monastery, officially known as Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kalimpong. Perched atop Durpin Dara Hill, this serene monastery is surrounded by lush pine forests and offers sweeping views of the Teesta River, Kalimpong town, and even Mount Kanchenjunga on a clear day. In the evening you are free to take a leisure walk in nurseries or shops in local markets. Stay overnight at the hotel. 

1 Night in Kalimpong.

Driving distance: approx. 75 kms; Driving time: approx. 2 hours)

Day 07: Kalimpong – Phuntsholing

Coronation Bridge • Bhutan Gate • Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang • Local Market Walk

Morning after breakfast drive to Phuntsholing (India & Bhutan border).

A Beautiful mountain-to-plains transition route stretching across the Teesta River. On the way to Phuntsholing we will cross One of the most iconic bridges in North Bengal, Coronation Bridge locally known as Bagh Pool (Tiger Bridge), is a colonial-era arch bridge spanning the Teesta River at Sevoke near Siliguri. You will drive through the Dooars Forest.The road through forests and tea gardens is extremely scenic and later you will reach the India and Bhutan Border and there you will have the experience of Border Crossing. 

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After crossing the last Town of India ,,Jaigaon’’ and entering the first Town of Bhutan ,,Phuntsholing’’. It serves as Bhutan’s principal gateway to India, linking the Himalayan kingdom with the bustling plains of West Bengal through the neighboring Indian town of Jaigaon. After the immigration & custom formalities at the border meet by Local Bhutanese tour guide there you will see BhutanGate. It is an iconic ceremonial gateway marking the border between the town of Phuntsholing and the Indian town of Jaigaon. Serving as Bhutan’s southernmost entry point, it symbolizes the transition from the bustling Indian plains to Bhutan’s serene, mountainous landscape and distinct cultural identity, after it you will be transferred to a hotel for check-in.

Evening visit Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang, this small temple built in the centre of Phuentsholing town represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. Later take a stroll around Town’s Market area. Overnight at the hotel 

1 Night in Phuntsholing

Driving distance: approx. 165 kms; Driving time: approx. 4.5 hours)

Day 08: Phuntsholing - Thimphu

Karbandi Monastery • Clock Tower Square

Morning after early breakfast drive to Thimphu.This is the most important transition in your Bhutan journey because you move from the warm border town of Phuntsholing into the Himalayan capital city of Thimphu.The route is scenic, winding, and filled with mountain landscapes, waterfalls, monasteries, and viewpoints.

En route visit Kharbandi Gompa.Karbandi Monastery, also known as Rinchending Goempa, is a Buddhist temple complex. Upon arrival Thimohu check-in at the hotel.

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In the evening you will have a walk to market and visit Clock Tower Square.

It is a central public plaza in Thimphu, known for its intricately decorated clock tower that blends traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship with modern urban design. It serves as a social, cultural, and architectural focal point of Bhutan’s capital, symbolizing both national heritage and contemporary civic life. Overnight at the hotel. 

2 Night in Thimphu. 

Driving distance: approx. 165 kms; Driving time: approx. 4-5 hours

Day 09: Thimphu

Folk Heritage Museum • National Institute for Zorig Chusum • Memorial Chorten • Buddha Dordenma • Tashichho Dzong

After breakfast, proceed for a tour of some of city’s main highlights:

Folk Heritage Museum: The Museum is dedicated to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. 

Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

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Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang): Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Conclude the tour of the day with a visit of Tashichho Dzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10: Thimphu – Punakha

Dochula Pass • Druk Wangyal • Punakha Dzong • Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)

After breakfast, drive up to Dochula pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. 

At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. These chortens are built in three layers, the first lowest level layer has forty-five chortens, the second has thirty-six and the top layer has twenty-seven, built around the main chorten.

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Later drive onward to Punakha. 

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and seat of government until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the fertile Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. Located at an elevation of 1300m above sea level, Punakha enjoys mild winters and is a popular year-round destination. 

After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic Dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to us, though long established here.

Then a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang.

The Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple), situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and want one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

Evening explore newly developed Wangdue town and its local market. Overnight at the hotel 

1 Night in Punakha.

Driving distance: approx. 70 kms; Driving time: approx. 1-2 hours)

Day 11: Punakha – Paro

Ta Dzong • Rinpung Dzong • Market Visit

After breakfast, drive to Paro along the scenic highway. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel.

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only international airport, Mount Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. 

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Post lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

After Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeruandcosmic Mandala.

Evening explore Paro city centre and market area. Overnight at the hotel. 

2 Nights in Paro.

Driving distance: approx. 115 kms; Driving time: approx. 3 hours)

Day 12: Paro

Paro Taktsang • Drukgyel Dzong

Morning after breakfast the morning is reserved to visit Taktsang Monastery, one of the fabulous locations in the known world. The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor.Reached only by foot or pony, the 4–5 km trail winds through pine forests festooned with prayer flags and offers panoramic valley views. The midpoint café provides rest and refreshments before the final approach across a gorge and waterfall. The hike typically takes five to seven hours round trip and is considered moderately strenuous due to altitude and incline. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

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Day 13: Paro – Delhi (Flight)
Morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport to connect the flight to Delhi. Meet upon arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to the hotel for check in. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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Day 14: Depart From Delhi to your Homeland country
In time transfer to International airport for your onward flight.

Included Services & Policy

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Tour including domestic flights, chartered bus, jeep, boat rides (as per itinerary), and all transfers.

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Accommodation in double rooms with private bathroom (bath/shower & WC). Some hotels feature air conditioning and a swimming pool. If any listed accommodation is unavailable, an equivalent standard hotel will be provided whenever possible.

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Hotel check-in time: 2:00 PM.

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Daily breakfast, dinner, and local snacks at noon.

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Mineral water provided during bus journeys.

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Entrance fees to monuments, attractions, and sightseeing locations as per the itinerary.

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Your native language Insight Indien tour guide and an English-speaking transfer guide.

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Local family interaction and cooking experience with an Indian family (wherever possible).

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Tea or coffee at a local home (wherever possible).

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24/7 emergency support and medical assistance coordination.

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Lost luggage assistance.

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One tree planted for every guest.

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Tuk-tuk city adventure (wherever possible).

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Transportation in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles.

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Rickshaw ride in Delhi and food walk (wherever possible).

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Boat rides according to the itinerary.

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Participation in ceremonies and cultural activities such as weddings, festivals, celebrations, and school visits (subject to approvals and availability).

Reality Check (Straight Talk)

This journey combines India's Eastern Himalayas with Bhutan, so expect several scenic mountain drives between Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. While the roads offer spectacular views, they are winding and some travel days are long.

The hike to Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) Monastery is moderately challenging, taking approximately 5–7 hours round trip. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy this unforgettable experience.

If you prefer a slower pace, extra nights can be added in Darjeeling, Gangtok, Thimphu, or Paro to reduce driving time and allow for a more relaxed Himalayan holiday. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience both the beauty of India's Eastern Himalayas and the rich culture, spirituality, and natural landscapes of Bhutan in one unforgettable journey.

Want to make this journey even more comfortable or upgrade it into a luxury India & Bhutan experience?

We can upgrade your hotels and resorts, add extra nights in Darjeeling, Gangtok, Thimphu, or Paro, arrange premium vehicle options, customize sightseeing, and tailor the itinerary to match your travel style, pace, and comfort.

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