From £5,365pp
Including flights
Small Group Tours
Mystic Realms of India & Bhutan
There are so many pinch-yourself moments on our India & Bhutan tour, it’s hard to pick out the highlights. Exploring India’s north-eastern corner, you’ll embrace Kolkata’s vibrancy and colour, before heading to the hills of Darjeeling for tea, toy trains and an unforgettable sunrise over Mount Everest. We’ll then cross the border into Bhutan, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, a country closed to visitors until just 50 years ago. With tourism numbers still strictly limited, it’s a real privilege to travel here. We’ll immerse ourselves in Bhutanese culture, heritage and tradition, experiencing everything from a spiritual tea-offering ceremony with nuns to platefuls of deliciously authentic local cuisine at simple, charming hotels. Trek through forested landscapes to admire the sight of the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, explore ancient dzongs (fortresses), visit mountaintop monasteries, and enjoy peace and tranquillity in spades. There are many festivals taking place across the year - if we’re lucky, we’ll be witness to one during our time here.
Your holiday includes
Meals
13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 13 dinners
Flight
International flights and luggage are included
Accommodation
13 nights in hotels and 1 in flight
Excursions
- City tour of Kolkata
- Rickshaw ride to Kolkata local markets
- Cruise along the Hooghly River
- Sunrise at Tiger Hill, Darjeeling
- Excursion to the Himalayan Zoological Park, Mountaineering Institute & Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre
- Visits to Bhutia Busty Monastery, Ghoom Monastery, Thimphu Textile Museum, Zilukha Nunnery, Tashichho Dzong & craft bazaar, Tango Monastery & Pangri Zampa, Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan & Rinpung Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang temple
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to Ghoom
- Excursion to Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma statue & Royal Takin Preserve
- Meet with Bhutanese art students
- Tea-offering ceremony with Zilukha nuns
- Bhutanese cultural dance performance
- Archery lesson at a local farm
- Guided brewery tour and beer tasting
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Tour manager
Expert guidance throughout your holiday
Exceptional value every time
VIP door-to-door
Our transfer service to and from home with unlimited mileage.
Insurance
Included optional travel insurance or £120pp price reduction if not required.
Itinerary
Duration: 15 days