Sikkim to Bhutan, Himalayan Tea and Temples Escape

Darjeeling, Bhutan 15 Days - 14 Nights Group: According To Need
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Trip Description

A tailor-made journey that begins in India’s mountain tea country and gradually climbs into the quiet, sacred world of Bhutan. This route is designed for travelers who seek green hills, monastery stories, gentle culture, and vast Himalayan skies. You move from Darjeeling’s colonial charm and toy train tracks to Sikkim’s hidden monasteries and tea gardens, then cross into Bhutan, where life feels calmer, cleaner, and deeply spiritual. The finale in Kolkata adds one last layer, rich in history, museums, and unexpected energy. This SkyZeg journey connects three Himalayan worlds in one seamless storyline. In Darjeeling, mornings are cool and fragrant, with tea gardens clinging to hillsides and views opening toward Kanchenjunga. In Sikkim, monasteries rest quietly above valleys and forests, and life feels closely tied to the land. Then comes Bhutan, where the pace softens once more. Entering through Phuntsholing, you travel into the heart of the kingdom, visiting Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro, crossing mountain passes lined with prayer flags and fortress monasteries that feel like living heritage. It is a journey designed for those who value scenic drives, meaningful encounters, and places that still feel real.

DAY 1 – Arrive in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and meet your SkyZeg representative. Private transfer to your hotel. Time to rest and settle in after your flight. Overnight in Delhi.

DAY 2 – Delhi to Bagdogra, then Drive to Darjeeling

Fly from Delhi to Bagdogra. On arrival, begin the drive to Darjeeling. The landscape changes fast. Flatlands give way to rolling hills, then tea gardens appear in neat green waves. Darjeeling feels like an old mountain town with a soft Tibetan influence, colonial echoes, and views that can stop you in your tracks when the clouds lift. Overnight in Darjeeling.

DAY 3 – Darjeeling, Tea and Heritage Walks

Today is fully dedicated to Darjeeling. If you wish, you can ride the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train, a heritage journey that winds through steep hills and flower lined bends. It is slow, charming, and full of character. Later, visit Happy Valley Tea Estate to see how tea is made, from leaf to cup. In the afternoon, stroll along Chowrasta and the Mall, where you can browse small shops selling local crafts like thangkas, textiles, woodwork, and Himalayan souvenirs. You also pass landmarks like St Andrews Church and the colonial era Gymkhana Club. Overnight in Darjeeling.

DAY 4 – Darjeeling to Pemayangtse

Drive toward Sikkim via the Teesta Valley and cross into a quieter mountain world. Continue through the Rangeet Valley to Pemayangtse, with growing views of snow peaks like Kanchenjunga and Pandim. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the most important monasteries of the Nyingma order in Sikkim. Continue to the ruins of Rabdentse, Sikkim’s former capital, a place that feels both historic and peaceful, wrapped in forest. Overnight in Pemayangtse.

DAY 5 – Pemayangtse, Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins Walk

This morning, return to Pemayangtse Monastery for a deeper guided visit. The monastery is known for its sacred relics and intricate art, including a remarkable wooden structure that depicts a celestial palace in symbolic detail. Later, take a short forest walk to the Rabdentse Palace ruins. The site is protected and quietly atmospheric, with stone remnants surrounded by trees and mountain air. Overnight in Pemayangtse.

DAY 6 – Pemayangtse to Rumtek, via Temi Tea Estate

Drive toward Rumtek, with a key stop at Temi Tea Estate, Sikkim’s best known tea garden. You can observe how the tea is grown and processed, and enjoy the gentle hillside views that make this area so calming. Continue to Rumtek for the evening. Overnight near Rumtek.

DAY 7 – Rumtek Monastery, then Transfer to Gangtok

Visit Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim’s most important monastery, known for its Tibetan architecture and beautifully decorated prayer hall. Thangkas, murals, and silk banners fill the space with color and meaning. After the visit, drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, a lively hill city with surprising views and a warm, welcoming feel. Check in and enjoy a relaxed evening. Overnight in Gangtok.

DAY 8 – Gangtok, Monasteries and Tibetan Culture

Explore Gangtok’s cultural highlights, starting with Enchey Monastery, a peaceful place above town that follows the Nyingma tradition. Depending on your pace and interests, continue with: ? Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, known for one of the richest Tibetan collections outside Tibet ? Do Drul Chorten, a major stupa surrounded by prayer wheels ? Cottage Industries Institute, where you can see local artisans working and find thoughtful souvenirs Overnight in Gangtok.

DAY 9 – Gangtok to Kalimpong

Drive to Kalimpong, set at the lower edge of the Himalayas. The town is known for its spring colors, orchids, and hillside gardens. After check in, visit a local paper workshop, then stop at the Lepcha Museum, which offers an authentic look at the region’s tribal history, spiritual objects, and musical heritage. End with a visit to one of Kalimpong’s well known flower nurseries, famous for rare varieties exported worldwide. Overnight in Kalimpong.

DAY 10 – Kalimpong to Phuntsholing

Drive through Bengal’s plains toward Bhutan. At the Bhutan border gate, you feel the shift immediately. The atmosphere becomes calmer, the streets feel quieter, and the pace slows. In Phuntsholing, visit Zangdopelri Monastery, set in a small park that is perfect for an evening stroll. If you enjoy small collectors items, this is also a great place to browse Bhutan’s famous stamps through the local philatelic office. Overnight in Phuntsholing.

DAY 11 – Phuntsholing to Thimphu

Begin the climb into Bhutan’s interior. The road winds up through forests and viewpoints, with permit checkpoints along the way. Arrive in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, set beside the Wang Chu river. Visit key sights based on time and opening days, such as the Memorial Chorten, the Takin reserve at Motithang, viewpoints above town, and the impressive Tashichho Dzong. Overnight in Thimphu.

DAY 12 – Thimphu to Punakha

Drive to Punakha, crossing a mountain pass decorated with prayer flags and chortens. On clear days, the Himalayan skyline feels close. Arrive in Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital, and visit the majestic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers. Overnight in Punakha.

DAY 13 – Punakha to Paro

Drive to Paro Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful regions. Visit Ta Dzong National Museum and Rinpung Dzong. Optional planning for the Taktsang Monastery hike. Overnight in Paro.

DAY 14 – Paro to Kolkata by Flight

Fly from Paro to Kolkata on a dramatic mountain route. On clear days, views may include Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Bhutan’s high peaks. Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Kolkata.

DAY 15 – Kolkata, then Departure

If your schedule allows, explore Kolkata with your guide before a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Start Planning Your Journey
Departure Month

January 2026

Duration

15 Days / 14 Nights

Group Size

According To Need

Location

Darjeeling, Bhutan

€0/-

Per Person
Included in Your Trip:
  • All necessary arrangements
  • Support throughout your journey
  • Essential travel services
  • Assistance for smooth planning
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