Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan

In secluded Sikkim, mighty Kanchenjunga (28,162') stands sentinel on the border with Tibet, reigning over deep-cut river valleys lush with tea estates, rhododendron forests, and a profusion of orchids and wildflowers. In Darjeeling, a major tea-growing center, we find a venerable Victorian hill station famed for stupendous mountain vistas. In Bhutan, we discover a remarkable kingdom closed to the world until the 1970s. Here gold-roofed fortress-monasteries grace nearly every valley and the traditional way of life and Tibetan Buddhist culture thrive. With village rambles, hill walks, and delightful accommodations, including a 19th century tea plantation, this is an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Delhi / Bagdogra / Gangtok, Sikkim

From Delhi, we fly to Bagdogra and enter Sikkim, a remote Indian state that until 1975 was an independent Buddhist kingdom on the main trade route from India to Tibet. Our scenic journey brings us through the wooded foothills of the Himalaya to the hill station of Gangtok, once Sikkim’s capital, set on a ridge at 5,600 feet and surrounded by steeply terraced hillsides. Here we visit the venerated Rumtek Monastery, seat of the Red Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Days 4-5
Tashiding / Pemayangtse

Western Sikkim, with its great tracts of old-growth forest and plunging river valleys, is home to two of Sikkim’s ancient monasteries, Tashiding and Pemayangtse. We contour along bright green rice terraces and fields of cardamom to Tashiding, festooned with a forest of prayer flags. We also visit stunning Pemayangtse (“Perfect Sublime Lotus”), a 17th century monastery poised high above the roaring Rangit River. Our forest hike at sacred Khecheopalri Lake offers carpets of wildflowers and fantastic views of Mount Pandim (21,946'). Overnights are at the Elgin Mount Padim, whose guest rooms open to spectacular vistas of the snowy summit of Kanchenjunga.

Days 6-8
Darjeeling / Kanchenjunga Views / Tea Estate

Straddling a ridge at 7,000 feet, Darjeeling is the classic Victorian hill station. From our charming accommodation, a historic 1,600-acre hilltop tea plantation in the countryside, we enjoy tea tasting, forest walks, and stupendous sunrise views of Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.

Days 9-11
Phuntsholing, Bhutan / Thimphu

Crossing tea plantations on our journey to Phuntsholing in the Kingdom of Bhutan, we head up winding mountain roads and through mystical rhododendron forests to reach the country’s capital, Thimphu, at 7,700 feet. In the Thimphu Valley, we enjoy a hike through rhododendron forests to the Wangdi-Tse Monastery, with its vibrant murals and views over Thimphu.

Days 12-13
Punakha Valley

Crossing the Dochu La (10,200') brings us to Punakha, a deeply traditional region. Here we explore the extraordinary 17th century Punakha Dzong, a true masterpiece of Bhutan’s unique architecture, and hike a riverside trail past whitewashed farmhouses.

Days 14-16
Paro / Taktsang Monastery

In the emerald-green Paro Valley at 7,500 feet, we visit the remarkable 17th century Paro Dzong, then hike up to Taktsang, a famed monastic retreat called the “Tiger’s Nest,” built into a sheer cliff face. Depart from Paro on Day 16.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 2+, Moderate, according to trip rating system. It features vehicle-based sightseeing with day walks and hotel/lodge accommodations throughout. Our optional day hikes take place at altitudes of 4,000-7,000 feet. All hiking is with a daypack only, and you always have the option to skip any hike you don’t want to undertake. This trip is appropriate for anyone in good health living an active outdoor lifestyle. Although you carry only a daypack on the walks, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. You should wear sturdy, well-broken-in footwear.

Explanation of Trip Levels