Northeast India with Bhutan and Nepal Tour

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, begin your exploration of Kolkata, affectionately known as the City of Joy. Your first stop is the iconic Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel that connects the city across the Hooghly River. As you cross the bridge, you'll be greeted with stunning views of the bustling cityscape and the serene river below. It's a great spot to capture some memorable photos. Next, visit the Victoria Memorial Hall, one of the most renowned landmarks in Kolkata. This magnificent marble structure, built in honor of Queen Victoria, houses a museum showcasing artifacts from the British colonial period. Continue your journey to the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by the beloved Mother Teresa. Afterward, head to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, one of Kolkata's most revered Hindu temples. Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is a significant pilgrimage site. Your next stop is St. Paul's Cathedral, a beautiful Anglican cathedral known for its Gothic architecture. As the day draws to a close, make your way to the Eden Gardens, one of the most famous cricket stadiums in the world. Although you won't be attending a match, you'll have the chance to admire the stadium from the outside, especially as it lights up in the evening. The vibrant atmosphere around Eden Gardens is a reflection of Kolkata's passion for cricket. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kolkata.

In the morning, depart for Kolkata Airport for your flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport, a local person will greet you and drive you to Darjeeling. Check in at your hotel upon arrival. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring or relaxing. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with an early morning excursion to Tiger Hill, situated at an impressive altitude of 8,364 feet. This spot offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga Peak, provided the weather is clear. After soaking in the early morning beauty, head back down, stopping at the historic Ghoom Monastery and the scenic Batasia Loop. Return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast before embarking on a full day of sightseeing. Begin with a visit to the Japanese Temple and the Peace Pagoda, where tranquility and stunning vistas await. Next, explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to rare Himalayan wildlife, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which showcases the region’s climbing heritage (note: it’s closed on Thursdays). Continue your journey with stops at Tenzing & Gombu Rock, a tribute to the legendary mountaineers, and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (closed on Sundays), which offers a glimpse into the vibrant Tibetan culture. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to a local tea estate, where you can learn about the renowned Darjeeling tea. Return to your hotel in the evening for a restful overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with unforgettable experiences.

After breakfast, head to Kalimpong and check in at your hotel upon arrival. Spend the morning relaxing before starting your local sightseeing. Begin with Durpin Hill, where you'll explore the impressive Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery, linked to the same Buddhist tradition as the Dalai Lama. Continue your tour with stops at Jelapla View Point and Pine View Point for panoramic vistas. Visit Chitra Bhanu, Kalim Temple, and the Dr Graham's Homes Complex for a taste of local history and culture. End your day at Delo Hill (5,556 ft), the highest point in Kalimpong, offering sweeping views of the town, Mt. Kanchenjunga, the Relli Valley, and the Teesta River. Return to your hotel in the evening for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, journey to Gangtok and check into your hotel upon arrival. Take some time to relax and freshen up before heading out. Begin your exploration at Tashi View Point, which provides stunning views of the Kanchenjunga peaks, weather permitting. Next, drive to Rumtek Monastery, a major spiritual center located 23 km from Gangtok, offering insight into Sikkim's rich Buddhist heritage. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, soaking in the local atmosphere. Return to your hotel in Gangtok for an overnight stay.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full day of sightseeing in Gangtok. Begin your day with a visit to Hanuman Tok, a serene temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, situated in the upper reaches of Gangtok and maintained by the Indian Army. Next, head to Ganesh Tok for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. Continue your tour with a visit to the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom (closed on Sundays), where you can appreciate Sikkimese art and craft. Explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (also closed on Sundays), which offers fascinating insights into Tibetan culture and Buddhist artifacts. Proceed to the Do Drul Chorten Monastery, an important stupa surrounded by prayer wheels and vibrant religious art. Finally, enjoy the natural beauty of Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, a picturesque spot combining scenic waterfalls with a unique eco-park. Return to your hotel in the evening for a restful overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart for Phuentsholing, located on the Bhutan border. Check in at your hotel upon arrival and take the rest of the day to relax or explore at your own pace. Enjoy the local ambiance and prepare for your upcoming adventures in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax and settle in. In the evening, step out for a leisurely stroll around Thimphu’s main street and market area. This is a great opportunity to soak in the local atmosphere, browse through traditional crafts, and experience the unique charm of the city. Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a day of exploring Thimphu. Start with a visit to Pangri Zampa Monastery for an insightful astrology session. Next, head to the National Library, which boasts an impressive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, and then explore the Institute for Zorig Chusum (the Painting School), where traditional Bhutanese arts are taught. Continue to the Textile Museum to appreciate Bhutanese weaving and fabrics, and visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum that vividly portrays the nation's cultural heritage. Later, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress-like temple offering stunning views from its ridge. Drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) to see the country’s largest Buddha statue, offer prayers, and enjoy panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley. If time allows, stop by the King's Memorial Chorten, where you can witness locals in prayer and spinning prayer wheels. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha, crossing the breathtaking Dochula Pass. This pass is renowned for its beauty, with 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens built by the Queen Mother in 2003 marking its significance. On a clear day, enjoy stunning views of Bhutan's highest mountains. Continue your drive to Punakha and check into your hotel upon arrival. After settling in, visit the Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most magnificent fortresses, renowned for its intricate architecture and the elaborate temple within. Later, trek to Chimi Lhakhang, perched on a hillock and known as the "temple of fertility." A stroll through the surrounding village offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Paro, making an interesting stop en route in Wangdue Phodrang. Visit the Wangdue Dzong, a fortress known for its impressive architecture and historical significance, and explore the local market for a taste of the region's vibrant culture. Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax at your own pace. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and prepare for your upcoming adventures in this picturesque valley. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a memorable hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched on a dramatic cliffside, this sacred site is said to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century, who is believed to have flown here on a tigress’s back to subdue a local demon and meditated for three months. The trek to the monastery offers stunning views and an unforgettable experience, taking approximately 2 hours at an average pace. Although the original temple was damaged by fire in 1998, it was meticulously restored and stands in its former glory. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, originally constructed as a watchtower and now housing the National Museum of Bhutan. Continue to Rinpung Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery that showcases Bhutanese architectural prowess. Explore Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan, and visit Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Paro International Airport to board a flight to Kathmandu. Flying into Kathmandu on a clear day is nothing short of breathtaking. As your plane glides over the majestic, snow-capped mountain peaks, the exhilarating panorama sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a friendly representative from Alkof Holidays will greet you and escort you to Nagarkot, a tranquil hill station renowned for its breath-taking sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas. Check-in at a hotel in Nagarkot for an overnight stay.

Start your day with an awe-inspiring sunrise over the Himalayas in Nagarkot. After a hearty breakfast, we will drive to Bhaktapur, a city rich in medieval art and architecture. Explore the ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square, marvel at the exquisite temples, and stroll through its quaint streets. Next, head to Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in Nepal, where you can soak in the spiritual ambiance and watch monks in prayer. In the afternoon, we will drive to Kathmandu, where you will check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the city, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of the day.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, set out for an engaging day of exploration, starting with Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.

Swayambhunath Stupa: Begin your day with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hillock 2 kilometers west of Kathmandu. This ancient Buddhist stupa, estimated to be around 2000 years old, offers breathtaking views over the valley. While the oldest written references date back to the 5th century, local legends suggest it could be much older, possibly forming during the valley’s creation. The stupa is popularly known as the "Monkey Temple" due to the large population of monkeys that roam the site.

Thamel: Next, hop on a rickshaw for a charming 20-minute ride to Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist district. This lively area is filled with narrow streets lined with a diverse range of shops, budget hotels, and eateries. It’s an excellent spot for souvenir shopping, offering everything from clothing and handicrafts to music CDs and paintings. When hunger strikes, you’ll find a variety of restaurants serving delicious local and international dishes.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Continue your tour at Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the city. This historic square is surrounded by a fascinating array of temples, courtyards, and ancient royal palaces. Highlights include the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar (the residence of the Living Goddess), Ashok Vinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and Kal Bhairav, the fearsome deity. Don’t miss the impressive Kasthamandap pagoda, which is said to have been constructed from a single tree and is the namesake of the city.

Patan Durbar Square: Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Patan, situated 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. Known as the "City of Artisans," Patan Durbar Square is renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture. The square features ornate palaces, artistic courtyards, and elegant pagoda temples, showcasing the peak of Newari craftsmanship from the Malla kings' era. Admire the intricate wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples spread across the square. Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye, carrying with you the sweet and beautiful memories of your incredible Northeast India with Bhutan and Nepal Journey. Our warm and friendly representative will escort you to Kathmandu airport, ensuring a seamless transfer as you prepare to board your flight home or continue your onward journey. Wishing you safe travels and hoping to see you again for another unforgettable adventure!