• The chance to travel to the extraordinary Kingdom of Bhutan and discover India’s least known region in one incredible holiday!
• Discovering why Kolkata is known as the ‘City of Joy’
• The exciting pick ‘n mix menu of optional visits and experiences
• Staying in Darjeeling, land of Buddhist monasteries, tea plantations, bargain-hunting, and trekking
• Travelling on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
• Tea Tastings!
• Exploring the extraordinary biodiversity of the Singalila National Park Area
• Staying in the word’s fifth highest capital city
• Being immersed in the gentle spirituality of the last Buddhist Kingdom in the world
• Meeting Bhutanese people – artisans, nuns, monks, farmers, and families
• Witnessing a spectacular archery competition

• Meeting tribal communities on the India/Bhutan border
• Staying in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city and fifth highest capital in the world
• Standing beneath the 51.5m tall Buddha Dordenma
• Learning about the Bhutanese concept of Gross National Happiness from an expert
• Visiting extraordinary monasteries and temples and experiencing the gentle spirituality of Buddhism
• Watching Buddhist monks make paper by hand – and having a go yourself!
• Shopping with the locals in craft bazaars and markets
• Joining nuns in prayer
• Hoisting prayer flags and discovering the meditative nature of this tradition
• Cooking – and eating – like a local at a beautiful farm
• Watching a spectacular archery competition
• Trying on Gho/kira – Bhutanese national dress
• Cruising along the River Ganges, past temples and bathing Ghats
• Visiting Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charities
• Wandering through Kolkata’s vast, vivid, and fragrant Mullick Flower Market
• Staying in Gangtok, 5,000 feet up in the Himalayas
• Visiting extraordinary monasteries and temples
• Taking part in an Introduction to Buddhism and Meditation workshop
• Experiencing the spiritual peace of Lake Tsomgo and the Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary
• Seeing the sun rise on Tiger Hill and watching the Himalayan range turn gold
• Travelling on the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
• Visiting the Everest Museum
• Watching Tibetan artisans at work
• Visiting a tea estate and tasting the Champagne of Teas
• Exploring the breath-taking Singalila National Park in a 1953-4 model Land Rover
• Creating a ‘bespoke’ holiday from a pick ‘n mix menu of optional experiences and visits

• 18x night’s accommodations on twin sharing basis
• Breakfast and dinners at all the hotels
• 16x lunches
• 1 x afternoon tea
• All transfers, entrance fees, sightseeing, excursions
• Toy train from Darjeeling to Ghoom (please note, this is not air-conditioned)
• A private talk on Gross National Happiness 
• Tea offerings to nuns at Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery
• Hoisting prayer flags at Dochu-la Pass
• Cooking Lesson in Gytsothang Farmhouse at Punakha
• Archery lesson at the farmhouse in Paro
• Photo opportunity in a Gho/kira
• A sumptuous traditional Bhutanese meal at the farm in Paro
• Cultural Performance at hotel in Paro
• All taxes and fees and gratuities
• Services of an accompanying English-speaking Bhutanese guide for all sightseeing tours (staying at a different hotel) from pickup from Phuentsholing Border (Day 12) to drop at Paro airport (Day 18)
• All inland travel permits
• Visa Fee and Visa Processing
• Assistance on arrival and departure at the airports by Sita representatives
• 2x 500ml bottle of mineral water per day

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Day One – Sunday 3rd March/13th October
13:40 – depart London Heathrow on Emirates EK002 for Dubai

Day Two – Monday 4th October/14th October
00:40 – arrive Dubai
02:00 – depart Dubai on Emirates EK570 for Kolkata
07:40 – arrive Kolkata and meet your local, English-speaking Tour Manager 
08:40-10:30 - transfer to your hotel, The Oberoi Grand 5* Hotel where you will have breakfast and check in

Kolkata is famous for its people, culture, food, music, literature, and the movies. Known as the City of Joy and the intellectual capital of India, it was established by the British in 1690 and remained their capital until 1911. Many colonial features remain today, including trams, India’s first underground railway and plenty of Victorian architecture. Kolkata is also associated with most of India’s Noble Prize winners such as Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa.

12:30-13:30 - lunch at the hotel

15:30-18:30 - Hoogly River cruise down to the Howrah Bridge, the unique cantilever Bridge across the river Ganga that joins the two metropolises of Kolkata and Howrah. You will also sail past the Howrah Railway Station, one of the busiest in the world, and various heritage sites on the banks of the great river, including the historical point of arrival of Job Charnock, the House of Dolls, the Nimtolla Ghat, the oldest Gun and Shell Factory in India, and numerous temples and bathing ghats.

Dinner at the hotel

Day Three – Tuesday 5th March/15th October

Breakfast at the hotel

08:30-12:30 - morning visit to The Mother’s House - Missionaries of Charity, established by the Blessed Mother Teresa, followed by a visit to St Paul's Cathedral, noted for its Gothic architecture and reputed to be the largest church in Kolkata and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia. The tour will end with a visit to the iconic Victoria Memorial.

Lunch at the hotel a local restaurant or hotel

Afternoon at leisure or choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 – Adda with a poet, writer, and publisher

Option 2 – Local market, Cooking Demonstration and Bengali meal

Dinner at the hotel

Day Four – Wednesday 6th March/16th October

Breakfast at the hotel

09:30-12:30 - you will drive past Dalhousie Square with its important colonial buildings before visiting the 130-year-old Mullick Ghat Flower Market, the largest flower market in Kolkata, and one of the biggest in Asia. You will then enjoy an exclusive sightseeing tram ride around the city, ending at the gate of the Gariahat tram depot.

12:30 - 13:30 - lunch at a local restaurant 

Afternoon at leisure or choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 – discover the Temples of Kolkata

Option 2 – Kolkata Food Walk with Tasting

Dinner at the hotel

Day Five – Thursday 5th March/17th October

Breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer by private coach for Kolkata airport and your internal flight to Bagdogra

12:40 - depart Kolkata by Indigo flight 6E751

13:45 - arrive Bagdogra 

A local, English-speaking Tour Manager will meet you at baggage collection and you will all drive to Gangtok, stopping for lunch at the Lemon Tree Hotel on the outskirts of Siliguri. 

Early evening – arrive at Gangtok and check into Elgin Nor-Khill hotel. 

At an altitude of 1570m, the beautiful hill town of Gangtok became the capital of north-eastern state of Sikkim state in the mid-19th century and has undergone rapid development since then. It is known for its scenic beauty and striking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Rich in thick green forests, Sikkim abounds in birds and butterflies, varieties of orchids, rhododendrons and wildflowers and magnificent views of the Himalayas. The existence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries, and the unspoilt natural beauty of Gangtok offers you a truly unique travelling experience.

Dinner at the hotel

Day Six – Friday 8th March/18th October

Breakfast at the hotel

08:30-11:00 - visit to Rumtek, the largest and wealthiest of Sikkim’s monasteries, followed by an Introduction to Buddhism and Meditation Workshop with a qualified instructor or Lama at Bamboo Retreat’s traditional prayer room. 

Lunch

14:30 - return to Gangtok for an afternoon at leisure or choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 - visit Ray Mindu Village, known for its traditional food and handicraft centre

Option 2 - visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology & Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts

Dinner at the hotel

Day Seven – Saturday 9th March/19th October

Breakfast at the hotel

08:00 - 11:30 - excursion to Lake Tsomgo, part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape. (Please Note: As this lake is located in a restricted area, all nationals must obtain special permits. Your guide will arrange these; however you will need to carry a photocopy of your passport, Indian visa, and a passport size photograph.)

11:30 – 13:00 – return to Gangtok

13:00 - 14:45 - lunch at a local Gangtok restaurant, followed by a visit to a flower show at the White Hall complex.

Rest of the day at leisure or choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 - visit to Do-Drul Chorten stupa and Tashi Viewpoint

Option 2 - visit to Tsuk-La-Khang and Enchey Monastery

Dinner at the hotel

Day Eight, Sunday 10th March/20th October

08:00 - 12:30 - breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Darjeeling where you will check into the heritage Mayfair Hotel. 

Darjeeling has been a popular hill station since the British established it in the mid-1800s. With its idyllic setting, exhilarating climate and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga peak. This is the land of the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Buddhist monasteries, tea plantations, bargain-hunting, and trekking.

12:30 - 13:30 - lunch at a local restaurant 

Early afternoon at leisure or choose from am optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1: meeting with with Mr. Hemant Kr. Pradhan, President of Gorkha Sainik Smriti Chinha Samity and Life Member of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage(INTACH), Darjeeling Chapter Chairman, Gorkha War Museum Trust, Darjeeling.

16:00-17:30 British-style afternoon tea at Windermere Hotel & Sustainability talk with Sunirmal Chakraborty, The Windermere Hotel is Darjeeling’s only truly authentic colonial property of the British Raj era. Sunirmal Chakraborty is the former Senior Master of St. Pauls School and former Principal La Martiniere Kolkata.

Dinner at the hotel

Day Nine, Monday 11th March/21st October

04:00-07:00 - dawn excursion to Tiger Hill (2590m) to see the sunrise and its reflection on Kanchenjunga, India’s highest peak. (Weather permitting). 

07:00-07:30 - breakfast back at the hotel

09:00-12:00 - Toy Train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom (India’s Highest railway station) where you will visit Ghoom monastery with its 15ft high gilded statue of the Maitreya Buddha. 

12:00 - 13:00 - lunch at a local restaurant 

13:00 - 16:30 - sightseeing tour including the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where you can see equipment used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay during his summit, and the Everest Museum which has complete details on Everest. You will then visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see the Himalayan animals such as Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear, as well as several varieties of birds. The tour ends with a visit to the Tibetan Self Help Centre or Refugee Centre, a rehabilitation centre for the Tibetan refugees established in 1959 after they followed Dalai Lama and escaped from Tibet. The institute is run by Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicraft. The production of Tibetan handicraft is the centre's main activity along with leather work, paintings and wooden work, etc.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel

Day 10 – Thursday 12th March/22nd October

Breakfast at the hotel

10:00-11:00 - tea tasting at a local tea shop

After the tea tasting, you can choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge

Option 1: Heritage walk of Darjeeling with an expert photographer 

Option 2: Visit to the Tomb of Alexander Cosma De Karos at Old Cemetery. 

Lunch at a local restaurant 

Remainder of the day will be free at leisure.

Dinner  at the hotel

Day 11 – Wednesday 13th March/23rd October

Early breakfast at the hotel

07:30 - 09:00 - excursion to the Singalila National Park area where you will explore this hilly area in an Old Model Private Number Land Rover (1953-54 model).

12:00 - 12:30 - Lunch at a local lodge/homestay in Tumling, entry point for the national park, followed by some free time to explore at your leisure.

13:30 - 15:30 - return to Manebhanjan by Land Rover

15:30 - 17:00 - return to Darjeeling 

Dinner at the hotel

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Day 12 – Thursday 14th March / 24th October

Breakfast at the hotel and check out drive to Bhutan stopping for lunch at Sinclairs Retreat Dooars, Chalsa Hilltop and to visit two tribal communities near Grassmore Village en route.

Mid-afternoon - arrive at the India/Bhutan border where you will meet your English-speaking Bhutan guide, who will help you through immigration on the Bhutan side. You will then continue your drive to Phuentsholing. This small, beautiful town lying directly at the base of the Himalayan foothills, is the gateway to Bhutan and it is the kingdom’s financial, industrial, and trading capital.  You will spend the night at Hotel Phuentsholing.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 13 – Friday 15th March / 25th October

Breakfast at the hotel

Early morning check out and drive on to Thimphu. The journey takes you through light mountain jungle filled with lianas and orchids, over a ridge and down to the Toorsa river, which is the source of energy for the massive Chukha Hydel hydroelectric power project. The views are magnificent, and you will stop several times along the way.

12:30-14:30 – check in at Druk Hotel and have lunch. 

Ranging in altitude from 2248-2648m, Thimphu is the fifth highest capital city in the world. It is the home of the Royal family and the nerve centre of Bhutan’s administrative, religious, and commercial activities. It is also the most modern city in the Kingdom. Dotted with cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping centres, it reflects a happy harmony of traditional and modern ways of life. 

Afternoon visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, (also known as the painting school) that offers a six-year course in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The students follow a comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progresses through painting, woodcarving, embroidery, and statue making.

You will also have an opportunity to see the Takin Reserve. Also called cattle chamois or gnu goat, the takin is the national animal of Bhutan. 

Early evening talk on Gross National Happiness (GNH), the economic and development philosophy that serves Bhutan’s unique culture based on Buddhist spiritual values.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 14 – Saturday 16th March / 26th October

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning visit to Pangri Zampa Monastery (School of Astrology) in the north of Thimphu, followed by a visit to a paper factory near Paro to see the complex, centuries-old process of Des-Ho making and have a go yourself. 

Then visit to the Buddha Dordenma (Giant Buddha statue) sitting on top a hill overlooking Thimphu. At 51.5m tall, the Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest in Asia. 

Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon visit to the authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar, Farmer’s Market and Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery where you will have the chance to join the nuns at prayers, listen to their lilting chants and witness the tea offerings. 

Dinner at the hotel
 

Day 15 – Sunday 17th March / 27th October

Breakfast at the hotel and check out

Morning – drive to Punakha, visiting the Dochu-la Pass en route. At elevation of 3,100m, this is a great place to stop and admire the breath-taking panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks (weather permitting). The 108 chortens, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags add to the charm of the place. It is a popular picnic spot for locals, and you can see them relaxing with family and friends. You will have the opportunity to hoist prayer flags (lung dhars) yourself.

Late morning – arrive at Punakha where you take a 30–40-minute walk through a village and paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang temple and on to Gyatshothang Farmhouse where you will cook and eat lunch with the owner, award-winning designer, and traditional Bhutanese textile dye expert Aum Karma.

Afternoon – visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan.

Later afternoon - check in to the RKPO Green Resort set in the heart of the Punakha Valley. 

Dinner at the hotel

Day 16 – Monday 18th March / 28th October

Breakfast at the hotel and check out

Morning – Drive towards Paro, a beautiful valley situated at an elevation of 2200m that is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, as well as the country’s only international airport. The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile tracts, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Lunch time - check in to Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa. 

Afternoon – after lunch visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country where you will have the chance to observe elderly pilgrims spinning the prayer wheels and offering obeisance to the different deities and gurus established in this charming complex.

You will then spend some time browsing for souvenirs in the Paro’s market before visiting one the finest farmhouses in the valley to watch – and participate in - an archery tournament. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Early evening – try on the Bhutanese national dress – Gho/kira (a great photo opportunity) followed by a sumptuous traditional Bhutanese meal.

Day 17 – Tuesday 19th March / 29th October

Breakfast at the hotel

Today you have two options:

Option A: Hike to viewpoints and Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, 07:30-16:00

(Please note: The walkable path after second view point may be slight difficult – it is steep, and the surfaces are uneven and sometimes wet. A reasonable level of fitness is required to reach the viewpoint and cafe. Those who wish can continue to the monastery itself. We have allowed enough time for guests to proceed at a slow pace. If anyone does not wish to walk up hill can enjoy the views and cup of tea/coffee at the cafeteria)

Option B: Visit to Drukgyal Dzong Dungtse Lhakhang , 09:00-13:00 with afternoon at leisure

Early evening – watch a cultural performance at hotel wearing traditional outfit.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 18 – Wednesday 20th March / 30th October

Breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Paro airport for flight to Kolkata.

You will meet your English-speaking Indian Tour Manager at the airport and drive to The Oberoi Grand hotel 5* to check in and have lunch. The afternoon is at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 19 – Thursday 21st March / 31st October

Breakfast at the hotel

A day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, relax by the swimming pool or pamper yourself in The Oberoi Spa.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 20 – Friday 22nd March / 1st November

Early morning - check out of the hotel and drive to Kolkata airport to board flight for London / onwards destination. 
08:55 – depart Kolkata by Emirates flight EK571
12:50 - arrive: Dubai   flight time 5 hours 25 minutes
16:05 – depart Dubai by Emirates flight EK005

20:00 – arrive London Heathrow flight time 7 hours 55 minutes 

Tour Ends

• On your holiday you will be staying in a selection of 5* and 4* Deluxe and Heritage hotels.
• Rooms are either Deluxe or Executive.
• Breakfast and dinner are included with your stay.  
• Our local guide with be on hand to assist you with check-in and out 
• We will do our utmost to accommodate special room requests 

India

Kolkata

Oberoi Grand 5*  An icon on the landscape of Kolkata for more than a century, this hotel has a reputation for taking care of its guests that befits the best hotel in Kolkata. The sense of calm that pervades the outdoor space is carried into the classically appointed rooms and suites that encircle the courtyard. Fine dining spaces, and a spa ensure that all your needs are covered.

Gangtok

Elgin Nor-Khill Located in the heart of Gangtok town, 5,000 feet up in the Himalayas, this Hertiage Hotel and Spa celebrates the elegance and grace of Kings era in Sikkim. The word “Nor-Khill” translates to the “house of jewels” - the jewels being the surrounding mountains, valleys, flowers, and fruits. The Kanchen garden in the hotel used to be a favourite spot of the Chogyal (King of Sikkim). Each of the 25 deluxe rooms and suites, is a taste of luxury and offers a magnificent view of the Himalayas from the windows.

Darjeeling

Mayfair Hotel 5* Mayfair Darjeeling ranks as one of the best luxury hill resorts in India. Exuding old world charm and quiet elegance, it strikes the perfect balance between old and new. You will wake up to birdsong and the greenery and crisp mountain air will refresh your senses. Dining options include a grand buffet restaurant serving some of the best food in town, and an English bar  with lovely sunset views. Facilities  include an excellent spa, a well-equipped gym, a state-of-the-art banquet hall, and a lovely library.

Bhutan

Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing Hotel  This 3* hotel is  in the midst of  the  hustle and bustle of the city and near to a  popular mani dungkhor (Buddhist prayer wheel) .  It is moderately appointed.

Thimpu

Druk Hotel Nestled in the heart of Thimphu city, close to business, leisure and government landmarks, this distinctive 4* deluxe hotel is a relaxed and elegant haven dedicated to the comfort and happiness of each guest.

Punakha Valley

RKPO Green Resort Flanked by thick pine forests and overlooking hundreds of paddy fields, this hotel marries contemporary design with Bhutan’s ancient and alluring ways. At the core of the RKPO philosophy lies the sense of simplicity and peace that permeates everything about Bhutan.

Paro

Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa Nestled on the edge of the national forest and the quiet Ngoba Village, Naksel gets its name from the Dzongka translation of 'Forest,' which is only fitting for this Himalayan sanctuary. The main lodge and surrounding cottages of Naksel rests on more than six acres for forest land, at 2700 meters above sea level.