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Discover Darjeeling and Bhutan (Thimpu Festival)

23 days
From Kolkata (Calcutta) to Kathmandu
4.3
11 traveler reviews
Discover Darjeeling and Bhutan (Thimpu Festival) - Explore!
From
US $8,790
Save and compare this adventure

Price based on per person in Twin Share for departure 17 September 2025

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Plan your adventure:
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 16
Age range 16 to 85
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Weave through the UNESCO Sundarban mangroves
  • Ride the 'Toy Train' to the infamous Darjeeling station
  • Soak up the atmosphere in the colourful Sikkimese capital
  • Spend time in the most relaxed capital city in the world
  • Visit the stunning Dzong at the confluence of two rivers

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Join trip in Kolkata (Calcutta)
  2. Day 2 Explore Kolkata's temples and historic buildings
  3. Day 3 Discover more of Kolkata - visit Belur Math and Dakshineswar Kali Temple
  4. Day 4 Search for wildlife in Sundarbans
  5. Day 5 Cruise through narrow creeks to Dobanke wildlife viewing platform
  6. Day 6 Return to Kolkata for journey to Darjeeling
  7. Day 7 Continue journey to Darjeeling
  8. Day 8 Visit Tiger Hill for views over the Himalayas
  9. Day 9 Ride on the Toy Train to Ghoom Monastery
  10. Day 10 Drive to Pelling and evening walk to Sanga Choling Monastery
  11. Day 11 Walk along Kecheopelri Lake and visit Pemayangtse Monastery
  12. Day 12 Explore Sikkim's former capital and drive to Gangtok
  13. Day 13 Visit a Tibetan craft centre
  14. Day 14 Drive to Kalimpong via Rumtek Monastery
  15. Day 15 Pass through tea estates and enter Bhutan
  16. Day 16 Discover Thimpu's Tashichho Dzong
  17. Day 17 Enjoy the displays at the annual Thimpu Festival
  18. Day 18 Spend a second day at the Thimpu Festival
  19. Day 19 Cross the Dochu La Pass en route to Punakha
  20. Day 20 Visit the riverside dzong and drive to Paro
  21. Day 21 Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery
  22. Day 22 Fly to Kathmandu
  23. Day 23 Trip ends in Kathmandu
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Optional Extras

What's Not Included

  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Explore!

Number of tours

455

Age Range

16 to 85 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

92%

Explore is a global adventure travel company with 42 years’ experience in providing exciting and authentic travel experiences. With over 350 trips in around 100 countries, Explore’s expertly crafted itineraries combined with award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and a commitment to...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.3
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.3
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Transport
    Good
    4.0
  • Accommodation
    Good
    4.0
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.6
  • 4.5
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • A
    · November 13th, 2023
    Darjeeling, Bhutan, Kathmandu.
    Trip date: October 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · November 21st, 2023
    Bhutan was very special in many ways. Loved the calm, peaceful vibe after the frenetic India.The visit to Pemayangtse Monastery listening to the chanting for world peace was very moving. Hike to Tiger’s Nest was more challenging than expected, more info required re the terrain. Punakha Camp was great. Flower market by Howrah Bridge was lovely.
    Show more
    Trip date: October 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · November 9th, 2023
    Bhutan was definitely the highlight of the trip. It's the most beautiful country and, after the hustle and bustle and noise of India, a very welcome stay in a much quieter, more relaxed country with friendly, welcoming people. The night we spent camping by the river was very special, but the real highlight had to be the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, which was fabulous
    Show more
    Trip date: October 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · November 8th, 2023
    Darjeeling was a gem, went far beyond my expectations. Sundarban, cruising the channels was magical. The Kingdom of Sikkim made me feel like a queen. Bhutan was everything I had heard and more. Ponakha camp, a nice ending
    Trip date: October 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · November 18th, 2023
    The highlight was definitely the Tigers Nest Monastery. We were also taken to the temple of "the mad monk "which was not on the itinerary but was really interesting and illustrated the local culture. The camping in Bhutan and the hot stone bath was great but an extra night there would have allowed a chance to explore the local area.
    Show more
    Trip date: October 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · November 20th, 2023
    Wildlife at the Sunderbans, and a lovely hotel. Paro-Kathmmandu flight. Seeing Kanchenjunga at dawn in so many places Darjeeling generally, and Pelling Camping at Punakha. Kathmandu - could happily have stayed longer. I spent so many days getting up at dawn, and it was always worth it!
    Show more
    Trip date: October 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · November 20th, 2023
    Brilliant itinerary in Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan. Loved the camp site in Bhutan and the hotels were all good, apart from Kolkata.
    Trip date: October 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · December 23rd, 2019
    The night at the camp in Punakha was so relaxing I could have spent another night there. The only real negative I found was that we seemed to arrive at each destination quite late. I understand that it can't really be helped most of the time, so I never let it affect me.
    Show more
    Explore! commented on this review
    thanks for the great feedback, Bhutan is such a peaceful place, especially by the river in Punakha!
    Trip date: September 2019
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · December 23rd, 2019
    -
    Explore! commented on this review
    Thanks for the review. Glad you had a nice trip!
    Trip date: September 2019
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · December 23rd, 2019
    I think the main strength of this trip is the extremely varied itinerary. But it should be pointed out that the ending of the monsoon is now unpredictable, and trips that coincide with the Thimpu festival may catch some poor weather. In our case, I was very disappointed with the weather in Darjeeling: I believe it has some pleasant gardens, and I'd like to have seen them.
    Show more
    Explore! commented on this review
    Thanks for your review and feedback. Hope to travel with you in the future.
    Trip date: September 2019
    Review collected by Explore!

Dates & Availability

23 days
Discover Darjeeling and Bhutan (Thimpu Festival)
From Kolkata (Calcutta) to Kathmandu

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Upcoming departures
  • Wednesday
    17 Sep, 2025
    Thursday
    9 Oct, 2025
    English
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Good to Know

Tour ID: 124400

  • Currencies
    Nu.
    Ngultrum
    Bhutan
    Indian Rupee
    India
    रू
    Nepalese Rupee
    Nepal
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M, G. As a traveler from England you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M. As a traveler from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, G.

    Type C
    Bhutan, India and Nepal
    Type E
    Bhutan, India and Nepal
    Type F
    Bhutan, India and Nepal
    Type D
    Bhutan, India and Nepal
    Type M
    Bhutan, India and Nepal
    Type G
    Bhutan
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Bhutan, India and Nepal. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Bhutan, India and Nepal. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Cholera - Recommended for Bhutan, India and Nepal. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bhutan, India and Nepal. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Bhutan, India and Nepal. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Bhutan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Bhutan. Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for India and Nepal. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Bhutan, India and Nepal. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended for Nepal. Ideally 1 week before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before March 10th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after March 10th, 2025, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Explore!. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Explore! will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Explore!" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

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