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Tea & Happiness in Darjeeling & Bhutan

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Tea & Happiness in Darjeeling & Bhutan

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Explore colonial architecture left by the British Raj and a 17th Century monastery said to have been left by Guru Rinpoche, who flew in on a tigress!

This one of a kind itinerary will really feed the appetite of curious travellers who love to experience new cultures whilst taking in awesome scenery and historical contrasts. Visit the Himalayan tea plantations of Darjeeling in West Bengal, then embark on an adventure in the neighbouring Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan - a country that is literally governed by a philosophy of happiness! You’ll also take in India’s vibrant, eclectic cultural capital, Kolkata.      

 Highlights include

  • Snaking through West Bengal on the overnight Darjeeling Mail Train
  • Taking on the challenge of hiking to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest monastery in Bhutan, with the option to camp along the way
  • Sipping fresh hand-picked tea whilst gazing out to the Himalayas from your heritage hotel in Darjeeling
  • Getting under the surface of Kolkata, the hub of Bengali culture

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your own holiday, fill in the form below.

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

 Depart the UK bound for Kolkata.

DAYS 2 - 4 KOLKATA  (India)

 On arrival at Kolkata airport, make the short journey by car to your central hotel.  

 Over the next few days, you will get a real insight into Kolkata; the former capital of British India is a riot of colour and where slums and shopping malls stand cheek by jowl with beautiful colonial architecture and green spaces. During your stay, enjoy a walking tour that takes in different neighbourhoods and the street food stalls of Gariahat Food market, providing a fascinating window into Bengali culture. Highlights also include a private riverboat journey on the River Hooghly complete with Indian snacks and local tea, and an evening at the Victoria Memorial, Kolkata’s most famous monument. The memorial is situated in the city centre, surrounded by acres of gardens and has a museum housing paintings, manuscripts and sculptures dating back to the British Raj.

Day 4-5 Overnight Train to West Bengal (india)

 On the evening of day 4, you’ll be transferred to the train station to board the legendary Darjeeling Mail train, bound for New Jalpaiguri. The overnight journey takes 10 hours to travel north through West Bengal. Facilities are basic but this is a great insight into the country and a fun way to travel. For many people this will be a highlight of the trip but, if you’d rather fly, the itinerary can be adapted accordingly.  

Day 5-7 Darjeeling    (india)

Upon arrival at New Jaipalguri railway station, you will be met by your driver for the drive to Darjeeling. The journey can take a few hours, however, it is very scenic and you will have opportunities to stretch your legs along the way. The region is flanked by tea plantations and Himalayan peaks. Your stunning heritage hotel is nestled on a hilltop in the style of a Maharaja's summerhouse, with comfortable rooms and charming colonial decor

 Although there is plenty of time to relax here and gaze at the jaw-dropping scenery with a cup of fresh tea, you’ll also get a chance to ride the famous Toy Train to the small hillside town of Ghoom and take a jeep into Badamtam Forest where a naturalist guide will help you identify the birds, butterflies and rich plant life all around you.

Day 8  & 9 Thimphu  (Bhutan)

Today you’ll be transferred south by road to Bagdogra where you’ll board a short 40-minute flight to Paro in the Kingdom of Bhutan.  In the company of your guide, you'll drive from Paro to Thimphu where you'll spend some time exploring the sights and sounds of this capital city. Tour the iconic monuments dive into to the bustle of the farmers' weekend market and, if you're lucky enough to be in town on a Saturday, observe the national sport of archery being played.

Thimphu is also the best place in the country to learn about the hugely important arts and crafts of Bhutan. The 13 skills include weaving and carpentry and they are an important part of the country's identity. If you'd like to, have a go at creating your very own traditional work of art - it's hard not to be inspired by the local talent around you!

DAY 10: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA VIA THE DOCHULA PASS   (bhutan)

Your guide and driver have a particularly scenic journey in store for you today as you travel through pine and cedar forests over the Dochula Pass and down into Punakha valley. If the skies are clear there will be stunning views of the Himalayas awaiting you! There are interesting stops to be made en route too: visit a war memorial of 108 stupas built at the crest of the pass to commemorate Bhutanese soldiers and the fascinating Temple of Fertility in its idyllic position on a rotund hill.

DAY 11: PUNAKHA DZONG (bhutan)

The impressive and ancient Punakha Dzong is set on the confluence of the rushing Mo Chuu and Pho Chu rivers. Your guide will bring the spectacular complex to life for you - dating back to the 17th Century and the place where all Bhutan’s kings have been crowned, it is a beautiful and fascinating building to explore.

DAYS 12 & 13: HAA VALLEY   (bhutan)

From Punakha, travel west with your guide and driver to the remote and incredibly scenic Haa Valley, close to the Tibetan border. Explore the villages and temples of this picturesque area including a 7th Century monastery and a local farmhouse where you can try your hand at making traditional dumplings.

Day 14 Haa and Paro (bhutan)

En route from Haa to Paro, there is the option to stop at Chele La, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan where you can part the strings of prayer flags to reveal the most incredible views of the snow-capped mountains. From here you can either trek or continue by car to the fascinating Kila Nunnery, home to a truly isolated community of nuns.

Then descend by car into Paro Valley where there is time for an orientation tour with your guide. Perhaps end the day with tea and local wine and a round of archery at a traditional, old fashioned farmhouse.

DAYS 15 & 16: BUMDRA TREK   (bhutan)

You have the option to stay in a hotel in Paro and take a day trek to Tiger's Nest Monastery but, if you have a reasonable level of fitness and like a bit of an adventure, we’d recommend the 2-day hike via Bumdra - Cave of a Thousand Prayers. Either way, your guide will accompany you, and if you take the overnight option an expert trekking guide will join you too.

The overnight Bumdra option includes a day spent hiking through the forest and along ridges to 4000m altitude and your camping spot.  Don't forget to hang your own prayer flags while you're here, before descending the next day (whilst everyone else is ascending!) to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Hiking down from above is quite a special way to catch your first glimpse of Bhutan' most famous sight. 

After allowing plenty of time to explore inside Tiger's Nest, descend into the Paro valley where your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel - it's time to toast the end of your adventure with a drink and a fine meal!

DAY 17: FLY HOME

Transfer to the airport and wave goodbye to your guide and driver - and this extraordinary kingdom.  

 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £3,000 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,500. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
  • Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
  • Meals as described
  • 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
  • Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Bumdra High Camp

Bumdra High Camp, Paro

A comfortable tented camp perched above the Tiger's Nest Monastery with views over the Paro Valley.

Como Uma Paro

Como Uma Paro, Paro

A combination of modern and traditional design in a tranquil spot above the breathtaking Paro Valley.

Lechuna

Lechuna, Haa

An authentic farmhouse set in the scenic Haa Valley amongst traditional, rural village life.

Mayfair Hill Resort

Mayfair Hill Resort, Darjeeling

In Darjeeling, the Mayfair Hill Resort offers old-fashioned luxury and stunning Himalayan views.

Oberoi Grand

Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Classic Colonial style heritage hotel is an exceptionally comfortable luxury experience in the heart of Calcutta.

Zhiwa Ling Ascent

Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Thimphu

A modern boutique property set on acres of lush land overlooking the city, valley and mountains in Thimphu.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Bhutan's National Sport

Bhutan's National Sport, Various Locations

Khuru is a hugely popular social activity played in groups throughout the country.

Chele La Pass

Chele La Pass, Haa

Some 4000 meters high, Chele La Pass is the highest motorable track in Bhutan, located at the mid-way point between Haa and Paro Valleys.

Darjeeling's Buddhist Heritage

Darjeeling's Buddhist Heritage, Darjeeling

Explore Darjeeling City, with its significant Buddhist heritage and backdrop of the magnificent Himalayas.

Darjeeling Tea Gardens

Darjeeling Tea Gardens, Darjeeling

Explore one of Darjeeling's tea plantations, where you'll learn everything there is to know about the world famous tea

Exploring Punakha Dzong

Exploring Punakha Dzong, Punakha

Punakha Dzong dates back to the 17th century when it was built by the 1st Rinpoche and arguably the most beautiful.

Hanging your Prayer Flags

Hanging your Prayer Flags, Various Locations

Bhutan is practically crisscrossed with prayer flags and they're usually in the frame on any photo taken.

Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery

Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery, Paro

No cameras/phones are allowed into the monastery so the interior is something you will have never seen before.

Hot Stone Bath Experience

Hot Stone Bath Experience, Various Locations

Enjoy a traditional hot stone bath, immerse yourself in a typical Bhutanese family tradition.

Morning Visit to Buddha Dordenma Thimphu

Morning Visit to Buddha Dordenma Thimphu, Thimphu

The Buddha Dordenma is an enormous golden statue in the mountains overlooking the Thimphu Valley.

The 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan

The 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan, Thimphu

Art and craft are hugely important in Bhutan and there are 13 arts and crafts that represent the spirit and identity of the country.

The Fertility Temple & The Divine Madman

The Fertility Temple & The Divine Madman, Punakha

When you go to Bhutan, prepare not to be embarrassed about the proliferation of phalluses painted around most doorways!

The Kolkata City Experience

The Kolkata City Experience, Kolkata

Experience dignified and historical town of Kolkatta - from the Victoria Memorial to 'Black Town' and traditional bazaars.

Toy Train Darjeeling to Ghoom

Toy Train Darjeeling to Ghoom, Darjeeling

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the "Toy Train", is narrow gauge railway from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Tea & Happiness in Darjeeling & Bhutan'

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

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