06 Nov 2026
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£7,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £8,880
Escorted tour
Himalayan Kingdoms: Darjeeling, Sikkim & Bhutan with Flights – 24 Days
Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan's dzongs and the Tiger's Nest, with UK flights and all meals included.
24 days
From £6,790 incl. flights
Tour overview
This 24-day escorted tour explores the eastern Himalaya, from the tea hills of Darjeeling and the Buddhist monasteries of Sikkim to the mountain kingdom of Bhutan, with return flights from the UK and all meals included. Groups have between 12 and 28 travellers aged 12 and over, with an English-speaking tour director and local guides. You stay twenty-two nights in comfortable three- and four-star hotels and resorts, among them the Viceroy in Darjeeling, a resort in Pelling, a forest retreat at Gorumara and the Olathang Hotel in Paro, after an overnight flight out from the UK.
From Kolkata, once the capital of British India, you explore its grand colonial buildings and flower market, then take a train north to New Jalpaiguri. Driving up through endless tea plantations, you reach the hill station of Darjeeling, rising before dawn to watch the sun light up Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, from Tiger Hill.
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Crossing into the state of Sikkim, you visit Pemayangtse Monastery and the sacred Khecheopalri Lake near Pelling, then spend two nights in Gangtok, Sikkim's lively capital. After Rumtek Monastery you relax in Kalimpong and take a jeep safari into Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rhinos, elephants and bison.
Entering Bhutan at Phuentsholing, you explore Thimphu, the capital, then cross the Dochu La pass to the glacial Phobjikha Valley at Gangtey, with an optional hike. In Punakha you visit the magnificent riverside dzong, and in Paro you hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley, before flying back to Kolkata for your flight home.
The physical rating is medium, with early starts, mountain roads and an optional steep hike to the Tiger's Nest. This tour suits travellers who want to discover the Himalaya's Buddhist kingdoms in comfort, with flights and meals included. Return flights from the UK, the internal flight from Paro and all meals are included, so there is very little to arrange. Departures run in spring and autumn, the best seasons for clear mountain views. Bhutan's entry permit is arranged as part of the tour. Bhutan limits visitor numbers, so departures fill early.
Trip highlights
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Sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill (Day 6)
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Pemayangtse Monastery and Khecheopalri Lake (Days 7–8)
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Gangtok and Rumtek Monastery (Days 9–11)
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A jeep safari in Gorumara (Day 13)
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Punakha Dzong (Day 20)
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The Tiger's Nest Monastery (Day 22)
Your route
19 stops from Kolkata to Kolkata
- Kolkata Days 1–3
- New Jalpaiguri Day 4
- Siliguri Day 4
- Darjeeling Days 5–6
- Pelling Days 7–8
- Khecheopalri Lake Day 8
- Tashiding Monastery Day 9
- Gangtok Days 9–10
- Old Rumtek Monastery Day 11
- Kalimpong Days 11–12
- Gorumara Day 13
- Phuentsholing Day 14
- Thimphu Days 15–16
- Dochu La Day 17
- Gangtey Days 17–18
- Punakha Days 19–20
- Paro Days 21–22
- Tiger's Nest Monastery Day 22
- Kolkata Days 23–24
Why choose this tour
Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan in one tour, with flights and all meals included. Comfortable hotels and a tour director throughout.
Best suited to
- Travellers who value comfort
- Culture and faith lovers
- Couples and solo travellers
- Mountain scenery lovers
Day-by-day itinerary
24 days from Kolkata, India to Kolkata, India
-
Day 1 · UK Fly to Kolkata
Fly overnight to India.
- Hotel
- Overnight flight
- Meals
- Dinner
-
Day 2 · Kolkata Arrive in Kolkata
Time at leisure after arrival.
- Hotel
- The Peerless Inn
- Meals
- Dinner
-
Day 3 · Kolkata Kolkata
An afternoon tour of the city.
- Hotel
- The Peerless Inn
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 4 · Howrah Bridge, New Jalpaiguri Train north
The flower market, then a train north.
- Hotel
- Royal Sarovar Portico
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 5 · Darjeeling Darjeeling
Through tea gardens to the hill station.
- Hotel
- Viceroy Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 6 · Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Tiger Hill
Sunrise over Kanchenjunga.
- Hotel
- Viceroy Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 7 · Pelling, Pemayangtse Monastery Sikkim
Cross into Sikkim.
- Hotel
- Norbu Ghang Resort
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 8 · Khecheopalri Lake Khecheopalri Lake
A lake sacred to Buddhists and Hindus.
- Hotel
- Norbu Ghang Resort
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 9 · Gangtok Gangtok
Drive to Sikkim's capital.
- Hotel
- The Royal Plaza
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 10 · Gangtok Gangtok
Explore the capital.
- Hotel
- The Royal Plaza
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 11 · Rumtek, Kalimpong Rumtek Monastery
Monasteries, then Kalimpong.
- Hotel
- The Elgin Silver Oaks
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 12 · Kalimpong Kalimpong
A day at leisure.
- Hotel
- The Elgin Silver Oaks
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 13 · Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary Gorumara
A jeep safari in search of rhinos.
- Hotel
- Riverwood Forest Retreat
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 14 · Phuentsholing Into Bhutan
Cross the border into Bhutan.
- Hotel
- Hotel Druk
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 15 · Thimphu Thimphu
Drive to Bhutan's capital.
- Hotel
- Kisa Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 16 · Thimphu Thimphu
Explore dzongs and markets.
- Hotel
- Kisa Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 17 · Dochu La, Phobjikha Valley Gangtey
Over the pass to a glacial valley.
- Hotel
- Dewachen Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 18 · Gangtey Gangtey
An optional valley hike.
- Hotel
- Dewachen Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 19 · Punakha Punakha
Via the crane information centre.
- Hotel
- Zhingkham Resort
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 20 · Punakha Dzong Punakha
Temples and the riverside dzong.
- Hotel
- Zhingkham Resort
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 21 · Simtokha Dzong, Paro Paro
The oldest fortress on the way to Paro.
- Hotel
- Olathang Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 22 · Taktsang Monastery Tiger's Nest
Hike to the cliffside monastery.
- Hotel
- Olathang Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 23 · Kolkata Fly to Kolkata
An early flight back to Kolkata.
- Hotel
- The Peerless Inn
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 24 · Kolkata Fly home
Fly back to the UK.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Kolkata (2 nights) The Peerless Inn
- Siliguri (1 night) Royal Sarovar Portico
- Darjeeling (2 nights) Viceroy Hotel
- Pelling (2 nights) Norbu Ghang Resort
- Gangtok (2 nights) The Royal Plaza
- Kalimpong (2 nights) The Elgin Silver Oaks
- Gorumara (1 night) Riverwood Forest Retreat
- Phuentsholing (1 night) Hotel Druk
- Thimphu (2 nights) Kisa Hotel
- Gangtey (2 nights) Dewachen Hotel
- Punakha (2 nights) Zhingkham Resort
- Paro (2 nights) Olathang Hotel
- Kolkata (1 night) The Peerless Inn
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Return flights from the UK, with taxes
- Accommodation 22 nights in three- and four-star hotels
- Meals 22 breakfasts, 21 lunches and 23 dinners, including all meals from arrival to departure
- Train to New Jalpaiguri, private transport and the flight from Paro to Kolkata
- Tiger Hill sunrise and Darjeeling sightseeing
- Sikkim monasteries and Khecheopalri Lake
- Gorumara jeep safari
- Bhutan sightseeing, including Punakha Dzong and the Tiger's Nest
- Tour director and local guides
Not included
- Meals not included 1 lunch
- Visas for India and the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee where not stated
- Drinks
- Tips
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want a small group
- You dislike long drives on mountain roads
- You want an active trekking holiday
- You are on a tight budget
Good to know
Meals by day
Breakfast: Days 3–24 · Lunch: Days 3–23 · Dinner: Days 1–23
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £6,790 per person, including flights. 9 upcoming departures. Single travellers from £8,380 (single supplement from £1,590).
Flights from UK airports.
12 Mar 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£6,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £8,380
02 Apr 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£6,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £8,380
15 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£6,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £8,380
05 Nov 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£6,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £8,380
10 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£6,890pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £8,480
07 Apr 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£6,890pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £8,480
15 Sept 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£6,890pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £8,480
03 Nov 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£6,890pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £8,480
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Are flights included?
Yes, return flights from the UK and the flight from Paro to Kolkata are included.
Are meals included?
Yes, all meals are included from arrival to departure.
How hard is the Tiger's Nest hike?
A steep walk of several hours up a mountain path. It is optional, and horses are available for part of the way.
Do I need visas?
UK visitors need an e-visa for India. Bhutan's permit is arranged as part of the tour.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 12.
How many people travel together?
Between 12 and 28 travellers, with a tour director and local guides.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary