Himalayan Kingdoms

Days 1-2 : Fly to Kolkata

Fly overnight to Kolkata.

Day 3 : Discover Kolkata

Enjoy a morning at leisure. In the afternoon visit Victoria Memorial, drive past Fort William, and then visit Kumartuli and a Jain Temple.

Day 4 : Train to New Jalpaiguri

Rise early for a morning tour of the Kalighat Temple, the flower market, Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square, Secretariat Building and the Old Court House Street. Later, transfer to the railway station to board your train to New Jalpaiguri. On arrival, drive to nearby Siliguri.

Day 5 : Darjeeling Tea Plantation

Depart Siliguri and continue by road through hills and tea plantations to Darjeeling in the Lesser Himalaya, at an average elevation of 2,045m.

Day 6 : Darjeeling Toy Train

Rise early and enjoy a jeep ride to Tiger Hill and visit Ghoom Monastery. Later, head to the railway station to board the UNESCO listed Toy Train. In the afternoon visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

Day 7 : Journey to Sikkim

Drive north to Pelling crossing into the state of Sikkim, and visit the Pemayangtse Monastery.

Day 8 : Kanchenjunga Falls

Visit the spectacular Kanchenjunga Falls and sacred Khecheopalri Lake.

Day 9-10 : Discover Gangtok

Drive to Gangtok and visit Tashiding Monastery. The next day visit Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute and Do Drul Chorten.

Day 11 : Rumtek Monastery

Depart for Kalimpong, visiting Rumtek Monastery on the way.

Day 12 : Kalimpong at Leisure

The day is at leisure to explore Kalimpong, a bazaar town with beautiful views of the Himalayas. You may wish to visit the many flower nurseries around the town – they are filled with local orchids.

Day 13 : Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary

Venture into the Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary on a jeep safari, where you might be lucky enough to spot a One Horned Rhino.

Day 14 : Travel to Bhutan

Depart for the Bhutan border and continue to Phuentsholing.

Day 15 : Kharbandi Gompa & Thimphu

Visit the Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Kharbandi Gompa, before continuing your journey to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan.

Day 16 : Discover Thimphu

Take a tour of Thimphu, including the National Library, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (painting school), the Simply Bhutan Living Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and National Textile Museum. Later, see Thimphu Zoo, the National Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong and drive to Buddha Point.

Day 17 : Dochu La Mountain Pass

Depart for Punakha via Dochu-La. Tour the Punakha Dzong and the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

Day 18 : Trongsa Dzong & Bumthang

Leave Punakha for Trongsa through Pele-La pass. Visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648, and Ta Dzong museum, before departing for Bumthang across the Yutong-La pass and into the Chumey Valley. That evening visit the Swiss Farm, home to Bhutan’s only native beer.

Day 19 : Explore Bumthang

Visit Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong.

Day 20 : Scenic Drive to Punakha

Depart for Punakha, driving along the irresistibly scenic mountain highway.

Day 21 : Punakha & Paro Temples

Take a morning walk to Chimi Lakhang, known as the Temple of Fertility, then depart for Paro. En route, visit the Simtokha Dzong. Arrive in Paro, visit Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong.

Day 22 : Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Begin a moderately challenging hike to the dramatic Taktsang Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Break for lunch at a cafeteria run by monks, located halfway up the trail with a view of the monastery. The second part of the climb is more strenuous but the views of the monastery, perched precariously on the cliffside, are hugely rewarding. Return to Paro in the afternoon, visiting Drugyal Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang on the way.

Day 23 : Fly to Kolkata

Rise early this morning for the flight back to Kolkata where the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 24 : Fly Kolkata to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Tour includes:

all international airfares
all domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges
all accommodation
all meals
entrance fees, guides and daily tours
visa fees for UK and EU passport holders

Wendy Wu Tours is the leading independent specialist tour operator to China in the UK. They offer an extensive range of tour itineraries to enable you to visit famous tourist attractions such as the Great Wall, the Yangtze River or the Terracotta Warriors in China, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Taj Mahal in India.

Many of their tours also take you off the beaten track, to emerald lakes and traditional villages, allowing you to enjoy the authentic China experience. Other unforgettable excursions include a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s traditional Hutongs, attending a Buddhist ceremony or cruising on a traditional junk boat. They also offer the opportunity to explore a bustling city like Hong Kong or Dubai en-route for a few nights.

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Wendy Wu Tours allow you to not only visit famous attractions but really discover the country’s culture, natural beauty and hidden treasures. Coupled with their affordable, all-inclusive style pricing, it’s no surprise that the company is growing from strength to strength and winning multiple industry awards along the way!