North East India and Bhutan Journey

This morning is dedicated to the historic heart of the city around Dalhousie Square, best explored early when the streets are calmer and the light is softer on the old façades. You begin near the flower market by the Hooghly, full of colour and movement, then continue through landmarks that echo the city’s colonial past, including the grand administrative buildings and memorial sites that shaped an era. Later, you visit the Victoria Memorial, a striking white marble monument set within landscaped gardens, both a landmark and a museum that reflects the city’s layered story. You then visit the Kali Temple, one of the region’s most revered Hindu sites, before ending the day in Kumartuli, the potters’ quarter where artisans shape clay idols for major festivals. The evening is free. Overnight in Kolkata.

Before dawn, you travel to Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise over Kangchenjunga, a moment that often feels unreal as the peaks catch the first light. You then visit the Ghoom Monastery, known for its Buddhist heritage and an impressive statue of Maitreya Buddha, along with preserved manuscripts and the quiet presence of devotion. In the afternoon, you visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Centre. The evening is free. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Today you explore the cultural heart of Pelling with visits to Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse. Pemayangtse is one of Sikkim’s most important monasteries, known for sacred art, murals, and spiritual heritage, with mountain views adding to the experience. Rabdentse, once the capital of the kingdom of Sikkim, now lies in atmospheric ruins reached by a walk through forested paths. The afternoon is free for rest or quiet exploration. Overnight in Pelling.

Today is dedicated to Gangtok’s spiritual and cultural highlights. You visit Rumtek Monastery, an important centre of Buddhist learning and worship, known for its sacred objects and impressive setting. You also visit Do Drul Chorten and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Time is spent at the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms and Enchey Monastery. The evening is free. Overnight in Gangtok.

You descend through lush landscapes toward the border, following roads lined with forests, tea gardens, and fields. After crossing, you arrive in Phuntsholing, Bhutan’s gateway town, where the shift in atmosphere is immediate, calmer streets, traditional architecture, and a different rhythm of daily life. Settle in and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Phuntsholing.

Today you discover Bhutan’s capital through its key cultural sites. You begin at Buddha Point, then visit the Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the Institute of Zorig Chusum, the Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan, and Trashichhoe Dzong. Overnight in Thimphu.

You begin the day with an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, then continue toward Paro with stops at Simtokha Dzong. In Paro, you visit Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight in Paro.

You are transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, bringing the journey to a close after days shaped by tea hills, Himalayan monasteries, and the unique calm of Bhutan.