Himalayan Kingdoms
24 Days Starting and ending in Kolkata, India
Visiting: Kolkata, Victoria Memorial, Kalighat Temple, Fort William, Howrah Bridge, Kumortuli, Jain Temple, Kolkata, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Darjeeling, Tiger Hill, Yiga Choling Monastery, Himalaya Mountaineering Institute, Pelling, Pemayangtse Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga Falls, Tashiding Monastery, Gangtok, Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Kalimpong, Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary, Phuentsholing, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang Temple, Thimphu, Kharbandi Gompa, National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, Handicrafts Emporium, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, Dochu La, Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Gompa, Gangtey Village, Gangtey, Black Necked Crane Information Centre, Punakha, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, Simtokha Dzong, Paro, Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Tiger's Nest Monastery, Kyichu Lhakhang
Tour operator:
Tour code:
361
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Himalayan Kingdoms" tour, exploring the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of India and Bhutan. Begin your adventure in Kolkata, where you can immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural tapestry. Marvel at the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga and experience the thrill of a jeep safari in Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rhinos and elephants. Discover the lush tea plantations of Darjeeling and enjoy a ride on the iconic 'Toy Train'. In Bhutan, soak up the rich culture, hike through picturesque paddy fields to local villages, and visit sacred sites like Khecheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga Falls. Experience the tranquility of Pemayangtse Monastery in Sikkim and explore the vibrant capital of Gangtok. The tour includes fully guided excursions, accommodation in 3+/4-star hotels, and all domestic and international transportation, ensuring a seamless adventure through these enchanting lands.
Highlights
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Fly to Kolkata
Location: Kolkata
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Kolkata. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 : Discover Kolkata
Location: Kolkata, Victoria Memorial, Kalighat Temple, Fort William
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed morning before venturing out for an afternoon tour with visits to the magnificent Victoria Memorial and Kalighat Temple – you will also see Fort William.
Day 4 - 7 : Train to New Jalpaiguri
Location: Kolkata, Howrah Bridge, Kumortuli, Jain Temple, Kolkata, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get up early to visit a fragrant flower market and view the cantilever Howrah Bridge. Stop by Kumortuli, the potters' quarter, and see a Jain temple. Later board a train to New Jalpaiguri before driving to Siliguri to spend the night.
Day 8 : Kanchenjunga Falls
Location: Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga Falls
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the spectacular Khecheopalri Lake, considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus, and the magnificent Kanchenjunga Falls.
Day 9 - 10 : Discover Gangtok
Location: Tashiding Monastery, Gangtok, Enchey Monastery
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive through more spectacular scenery to Sikkim's vibrant capital Gangtok, stopping at 18th-century Tashiding Monastery en route. There is nowhere better than Gangtok to enjoy exotic flowers and mountain panoramas. The next day visit the Enchey Monastery and the Sikkim Research Institute of Technology.
Day 11 : Rumtek Monastery
Location: Rumtek Monastery, Kalimpong
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day at Dharma Chakra Centre and old Rumtek Monastery, before continuing to the bustling bazaar town of Kalimpong.
Day 12 : Kalimpong at Leisure
Location: Kalimpong
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a day to catch your breath and enjoy some leisurely explorations of Kalimpong – there are plenty of spots to enjoy Himalayan panoramas and also flower nurseries full of local orchids.
Day 13 : Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a jeep safari into the depths of Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary, where you might be lucky enough to spot one-horned rhinos, elephants, leopards and bison.
Day 14 : Into Bhutan
Location: Phuentsholing, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang Temple
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross into Bhutan and continue to Phuentsholing. Later visit the Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang Temple in the centre of the town.
Day 15 - 16 : Discover Thimpu
Location: Thimphu, Kharbandi Gompa, National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, Handicrafts Emporium, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Trashi Chhoe Dzong
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow the national highway to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, stopping en route at Kharbandi Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The next day, explore the city with time at the National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Handicrafts Emporium and Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and Trashi Chhoe Dzong.
Day 17 : Travel to Gangtey
Location: Dochu La, Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Gompa, Gangtey Village
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive over the dramatic Dochu La mountain pass admiring the views as you travel to the Phobjikha Valley. Visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region and explore Gangtey village and the surrounding valley.
Day 18 : Walking in Gangtey
Location: Gangtey
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a day of leisure with the option of a hike through the valley for exceptional views across the stunning landscape.
Day 19 : Rural Bhutan
Location: Gangtey, Black Necked Crane Information Centre, Punakha, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Gangtey for Punakha visiting the Black Necked Crane Information Centre en route. On arrival visit Punakha Dzong before hiking through the paddy fields and local villages to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple of fertility.
Day 20 : Discover Punakha
Location: Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning visit the magnificent temple complex at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang. Later appreciate the incredible views from Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten which is said to have been built to promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world.
Day 21 : Travel to Paro
Location: Simtokha Dzong, Paro, Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Paro, stopping en route at the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the kingdom. Paro is surrounded by some of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, visit Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong.
Day 22 : Tiger's Nest Monastery
Location: Tiger's Nest Monastery, Paro, Kyichu Lhakhang
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) is Bhutan's most famous monastery, perched on the side of a cliff 900 metres above the Paro Valley. It can only be reached by a moderately challenging hike along a woodland trail – the views along the way are the perfect distraction! Returning to Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang.
Day 23 : Fly to Kolkata
Location: Kolkata
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early to fly back to Kolkata, where you'll have the afternoon at leisure.
Day 24 : Depart Kolkata
Location: Kolkata
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
-
Fully Inclusive
Touring with guides and entrance fees is fully inclusive.
-
Accommodation
Accommodation for 22 nights in 3+ or 4-star hotels is included.
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers are included at the destination.
-
All Domestic Transportation
All domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included.
-
Country Entry Visas
Country entry visas are included.
-
Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided.
-
International Travel
International travel is included.
-
Local Taxes
Local taxes are included.
-
Flights
International flights and current taxes are included.
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
-
Drinks with Meals
Drinks with meals are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with all domestic transportation, including internal flights, and international flights with current taxes, ensuring a smooth journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Experience a range of accommodations from the luxurious Peerless Inn in Kolkata to the serene Norbu Ghang Resort with views of Mt. Khangchendzonga. Enjoy modern amenities, multi-cuisine dining, and unique features like a traditional hot stone bath at Olathang Hotel.
Experiences
Phobjikha Valley Black-Necked CranesPay a visit to the fascinating Black-Necked Crane Information Centre in the spectacular Phobjikha Valley, where you can learn about these sacred birds and their environment.
Tiger's Nest MonasteryFollow a well-trodden trail, festooned with colourful prayer flags and the occasional prayer wheel, to reach one of Bhutan's most magnificent sights, Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched 900 metres up the steep side of the spectacular Paro Valley.
Kolkata's Traditional Potters' QuarterExplore Kolkata's traditional potters' quarter, Kumortuli, where you will see the skilled artisans sculpting idols of gods and goddesses in preparation for various festivals.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary?
In Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary, you might be lucky enough to spot one-horned rhinos, elephants, leopards, and bison during a jeep safari.
-
What is the significance of Khecheopalri Lake?
Khecheopalri Lake is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus, making it a significant spiritual site.
-
What can I expect from the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery?
The hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is moderately challenging and follows a woodland trail. The monastery is perched on a cliff 900 metres above the Paro Valley, offering stunning views along the way.
-
What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to cultural sites such as the Victoria Memorial and Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, Pemayangtse Monastery in Sikkim, and various monasteries and temples in Bhutan, including the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery.
-
What is the 'Toy Train' experience in Darjeeling?
The 'Toy Train' in Darjeeling is a famous train ride that winds its way through lush green hills and tea plantations, offering a unique and scenic travel experience.
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 22 nights in 3+ or 4-star hotels, with accommodations featuring modern amenities such as air-conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi, along with facilities like restaurants, fitness centers, and spas.
-
Are there any leisure days included in the itinerary?
Yes, there are leisure days included, such as a day to explore Kalimpong at your own pace and a day of leisure in Gangtey with an optional hike through the valley.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
-
Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
-
What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
-
Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.