Himalayan magic & mysteries

The contrasting British Raj cities of Kolkata and Darjeeling bookend an unforgettable visit to an extraordinary Himalayan Shangri-La. Join this very special small-group tour to one of the most remote corners of the world. Spend a week in the tiny but mesmerising country of Bhutan, where success is measured in Gross National Happiness instead of GDP, and where the traditions of Buddhism are never overrun by the modern world. Explore Kolkata, a vibrant city once the capital of the Raj, and relax in the cool surroundings of the famous hill station of Darjeeling.

Highlights

  • Spend two days in Kolkata - capital of the British Raj
  • Travel through the foothills of the Himalaya
  • Discover Paro Taktsang - the Tiger's Nest Monastery
  • Take in the view of the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu, from Buddha Point
  • Travel over Dochula Pass, with its 108 Buddhist chortens
  • Discover Punakha, Bhutan's ancient capital
  • Beautiful, riverside Paro
  • The unforgettable landscape as we travel to the border town of Phuntsholing
  • Watch the sun rise over towering Kanchenjunga
  • Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
  • Travel through the foothills of the Himalayas to Darjeeling
  • Kolkata's sights, including the glorious Victoria Memorial

Inclusions

  • 11 nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at hotels in Kolkata (2 nights), Thimphu (2), Punakha (1), Paro (2), Phuntsholing (1), Darjeeling (2) and Delhi (1), plus one night on the aircraft
  • Six lunches
  • Return flights to Kolkata, returning from Delhi
  • Internal flights from Kolkata to Paro, and from Bagdogra to Delhi via Dubai
  • Air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
  • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager