Sikkim To Bhutan Overland

Overview

This happens very easily in places like Sikkim and Bhutan, two wonderful destinations that this entire tour intends to take you. The poetic journey begins at Delhi, where after a brief interaction with the city you fly to Darjeeling. It is decked up with clear rivulets, dense forests, intriguing woods, perfectly manicured tea estates and loads of solitude and peace. There are reachable short distance places like Mirik and more scenic Mungpoo. The next destination is Peling in West Sikkim. This is the place where you get to see Kanchenjunga like never before.

Peling also offers other activities like short beautiful walks from a pretty village called Yuksum. Nearby monasteries and waterfalls are also worth a visit. From here you reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. It is a regular hiily city with all the modern fabric look of a running and rushing life with a little rhythm. It houses the world’s greatest collection of Buddhist literature at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. There is also a zoological park worth a notice.

Further ahead your journey proceeds to Bhutan. Phuentsholing in simple words is like an entry gate especially buses which enter Bhutan from here. It is not a very culturally attractive place. It does not have any Dzong. There are small shopping avenues available. There is a crocodile breeding centre here which although is a place to visit. Overall a distinctly peaceful and an unassuming place - Bhutan welcomes you with an open heart, simple environment and great and warm service. Thimpu and Paro are two of the major attractions of Bhutan with a lot of attractions to offer.

There are ancient monasteries, gompas, Royal palaces, weekend markets, vibrant streets and interesting walks to let you discover the shy and traditional Bhutan!

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01 - Delhi

Arrive Delhi, meet and transfer to your hotel. Later proceed for orientation tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Qutub Minar – the 239ft sandstone tower. Drive past the India Gate; Parliament House [exterior] and the President’s Palace. Visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of Nation was cremated and drive past the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk.

Day 02 - Darjeeling

After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to Delhi domestic airport to connect with your flight to Bagdogra 1050-1300. Arrive Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling.

Day 03 - Darjeeling

Early morning, you will visit Tiger Hill. At an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Darjeeling railway station to board your Toy Train to Ghoom 1040-1130. In the afternoon, you will visit Tibetan Refugee Centre (Closed on Sunday), HMI & Zoo. (Closed on Thursday) and walk to Bhutia Busty Monastery & Observatory Hill.

Day 04 - Pelling

After breakfast, you will drive to Pelling (4 Hrs). Arrive Pelling and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit Pemayangtse Monastery & Rabdantse Ruins.

Day 05 - Pelling

After breakfast, you will make an excursion to Khecheopalri Lake (1 Hr) considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhists and Hindus alike. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.

Day 06 - Gangtok

After breakfast, you will drive to Gangtok (3 Hrs). Arrive Gangtok and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will be at lesiure to pursue independent activities.

Day 07 - Gangtok

After breakfast, in the morning you will have private guided tour of Gangtok visiting Rumtek Monastery, Tibetology (Closed on Sunday) & Do Drul Chorten. In the afternoon, you will visit Enchey Monastery & Cottage Industry. (Both Closed on Sunday)

Day 08 - Kalimpong

After breakfast, you will drive to Kalimpong (3 Hrs). Arrive Kalimpong and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Kalimpong visiting Tharpa Choling Monastery, Thongsa Gompa and Zong-Dog-Pelri-Pho-Brang Monastery;

Day 09 - Kalimpong

After breakfast, you will visit Pedong Monastery. Rest of the day will be at lesiure to pursue independent activities.

Day 10 - Phuntsoling

After breakfast, you will drive to Phuentsholing (5 Hrs). Arrive Phunsoling and check in at the hotel. Afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on own.

Day 11 - Thimphu

After breakfast, you will drive to Thimpu (5 Hrs). Arrive Thimpu and check in at the hotel. Afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on own.

Day 12 - Thimphu

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a private guided full day tour of Thimphu – visiting the National Library, National Memorial Chorten, Institute of Zorig Chusum, Textile & Folk Heritage Museum and Trashichhodzong: The ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’.

Day 13 - Paro

After breakfast, you will drive to Paro (2 Hrs). Arrive Paro and check in at the hotel. Afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on own.

Day 14 - Paro

After breakfast, you will take a private guided full day tour of Paro – Tiger’s Nest (full 5 hrs walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Also visit, Rinpung Dzong. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. Ta Zong: One time watch tower. It was built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967. Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country.

Day 15 - Paro

After breakfast, you are at leisure to relax and explore on your own.

Day 16 - Delhi

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro airport to connect with your flight to Delhi 1125-135. Arrive Delhi and transfer to your hotel then at leisure.

Day 17 - Delhi

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Today at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Delhi International airport to connect with your homebound or onwards flight... or travel to your next destination if you would like to add to this tour.

All our tours and holidays are tailor made so can be amended to suite your budget. Click on our from prices below to see what hotels you can expect based on the cheapest time to travel in High Season per person based on two people sharing a room. We can design this tour for you at a lower or higher price, basically to suite your budget, style and comfort. Contact a specialist to discuss your requirements. International flights are not included.