Explore Bhutan with Gangtok-Darjeeling

After breakfast, complete immigration formalities at India-Bhutan border. After completion of all formalities enter Phuentsholing (4 km/ 10-15 minutes) in Bhutan. Drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu (150 km/ 3-4 hour’s drive). En-route visit Rinchending monastery, and stop in villages and scenic spots to enjoy and photograph the landscape which is replete with bounties of nature including waterfalls. Upon arrival in Thimphu check-in at hotel. In Thimphu visit the site of the world’s biggest Buddha statue, Memorial Stupa and stroll around the town. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of Thimphu, visiting Memorial Stupa, Takin Sanctuary, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional Art School, Indigenous Hospital, Textile Museum, handicraft workshops, Zangdopelri Temple, markets and other sights, if time permits, visit to Tashicho Dzong in the evening. Later back to hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Punakha via spectacular view of Dochula (85 km/ 2-3 hour’s drive). From Thimphu, road climbs up to Dochula pass (3,050m), where you have the opportunity to view the peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Descend into Wangdue/Punakha valley. Punakha-Wangdue valley is lower (about 1450m above sea level) and it enjoys sub-tropical climate. On arrival check-in at hotel. In the afternoon, visit impressive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the two rivers. Later drive short distance north through the idyllic countryside and walk short distance uphill to Khamsum Chorten on Nyenzangang hill. The views from here of the terraced rice fields, dotted with traditional houses, the river and the valley surrounded by mountains is amazing! On the way to the hotel, stop to visit the township of Punakha at Khuruthang. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

In the morning after breakfast, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Pho and Mochu rivers. If you wish, you can also take a short (40 minute each way) walk to visit Khamsum Yuelley Chorten. Later check-out from the hotel and drive to Thimphu (130 km/ 3-4 hour’s drive), we spend some time below Dochula pass to explore the botanical park and nearby surrounding for birds for diverse flora. After descending into Thimphu, continue short drive to Paro (50 km/ 1 hour’s drive). Reach Paro and check-in at hotel. Later visit Rinphung Dzong, National Museum, temples of Kichu and Dungtse, visiting local home and the stroll around the township. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to the trail-head north of Paro valley and hike to famous Taktsang (tiger’s nest) monastery (3120m/10,200ft). Visible from afar, this magical monastery is attached to a steep granite cliff 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It is one of the most amazing and important architecture in Bhutan. If for some reason, you are not able to hike, your guide can arrange for other interesting options. You can also hire ponies for the uphill part, up to the first view point and cafeteria, but you should be able to walk back downhill. Although some might not make it to the monastery, it is also worth trying to reach the view point first. Later back to Paro and enjoy free time to stroll around the town. 
Optional: Excursion to Chele la pass if you wish to skip the Takstang hike. 

Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

After early breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Phuentsholing (150 km/ 3-4 hour’s drive). On the way enjoy scenic beauty of small villages. Reach Phuentsholing and complete immigration formalities at India-Bhutan border. After completion of all formalities enter Jaigaon and drive to Chalsa/ Siliguri. On arrival check-in at hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Chalsa/ Siliguri.

After breakfast, drive to Gangtok (125 km/ 3-4 hour’s drive). Reach Gangtok & check-in at hotel. Rumtek Monastery, Botanical Garden, Ganesh Tok, Enchey Monastery, Barthang waterfalls, Nam Nang view point, Ropeway, Flower Show, Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Research Institute of Tibetology & Do Drul Chorten (Stupa) etc. After sightseeing back to hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Early morning sees Tashi View Point. After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Darjeeling (110 km/ 3-4 hour’s drive) (The Queen of the hills situated at a height of 2123 meters / 70001 feet. The land of breathtaking beauty, sloping tea gardens with spectacular views of the Mount Everest. It is also home to the famous World Heritage train (DHR) – The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway). Reach Darjeeling & check-in at hotel. Later visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park & Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Tenzing & Gombu Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center (Closed on Sunday) & Tea Estate etc. After sightseeing back to hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Early morning around 3:45 AM drive to Tiger Hill (8000 feet/ 2440 meters) to see Beautiful Sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak (subject to clear weather). On your way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop & Peace Memorial. After breakfast, enjoy Toy Train ride (Joy ride - optional). Later transfer the guests to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station/ Bagdogra Airport (75 km/ 2-3 hour’s drive) to board the train/flight for onward journey and tour terminates here but sweet memories remain forever...

End of the Tour