13 Days North East with Bhutan Tour Itinerary
Day 1: IXB/ NJP – Gangtok (120 km/ 05 Hrs.)
Your North East India with Bhutan tour starts with pick up from Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station. Meet our tour representative and get assisted with transfer to Gangtok. On your arrival in Gangtok, complete the check in formalities at the hotel and relax.
The rest of the day is at your own leisure. You can choose to spend time relaxing in the comforts of your hotel or go exploring the town.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: In Gangtok
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then proceed for a day trip to Tsomgo Lake. Also known as Changu Lake, this glacial lake is a popular tourist attraction in Sikkim. You can choose to enjoy the picturesque views, yak rides, posing in local attire, and savoring mouthwatering momos and snacks. Optional tour to Nathula Pass (Alt 14000 Ft.) The pass is situated nearby China Border and the visit can also be arranged (Except Mon and Tue) for Indian Nationals only at an additional cost.
The next visit of the trip is the unique Baba Mandir. After sightseeing, get back to Gangtok. The evening is free for shopping activities. Also, do not miss out on delectable delicacies including momos and other Tibetan dishes.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Gangtok – Lachung (115 km / 6 Hrs.)
Once you have had breakfast, drive Gangtok to Lachung at about 10 a.m. Proceed to Lachung, at a distance of 115 km, set at an altitude of 8,600 ft. On the way, stop and enjoy a few wonderful tourist attractions like Tashi Viewpoint, Kabi Longstok, Naga Waterfalls, the confluence of Lachen Chu, and Lachung Chu at Chungthang, Twin Waterfalls, and Bhim Nala Waterfalls.
Arrive at Lachung by late afternoon /in the evening and check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free of plans; you can spend it at your own leisure. Explore the town or enjoy the comfort of your hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Lachung – Gangtok
Start the day with breakfast. Later, leave for a visit to Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers in Sikkim. Nestled at an altitude of 11,800 ft., it is a 1.5 hr drive from Lachung. On the day trip, also pay a visit to Hot Spring. Yumthang is a large valley in Sikkim, one of the most beautiful places in the North East.
After your day trip, get back to Gangtok. On arrival in Gangtok by late evening, check in at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Day 5: Gangtok – Pelling (115 km./ 04 Hrs.)
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Later, get ready for a half-day Gangtok city tour.
The first stop of the day tour is to admire the Banjhakri Falls. Later, visit the local Cottage Industry to learn about the local handicrafts and get to admire the skilled craftsmanship. Learn about the heritage of Tibetan Buddhists in the Dro-Dul Chorten Stupa, an ancient monastery, and the Institute of Tibetology. The last stop of the day is the Flower show and Handicraft Centre.
In the afternoon drive from Gangtok to Pelling. Nestled at an altitude of 6800 feet / 2072 meters in the lap of the mountains, Pelling enjoys great views of the snow-capped mountains, pleasant weather, and other attractions. Enjoy the view and the breeze all through your journey.
On arrival in Pelling, check in to the hotel. There are no further plans for the day. You can choose to stroll around the town or enjoy the comforts of your hotel at your own leisure.
Overnight stay at Pelling.
Day 6: Pelling – Darjeeling (110 km/ 04 Hrs.)
After breakfast at the hotel, start for the half-day Pelling sightseeing tour.
Start with a visit to the Kanchenjunga waterfalls, an ethereal beauty fed by the melting water of the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak in the world. Next, pay a visit to the sacred Khecheopalri Lake, believed to be one of the holiest Buddhist lakes in India and beauty to admire at.
After a mouthwatering lunch, start with Pelling to Darjeeling drive. The beautiful hill station in the North East Himalayas is loved by families, honeymoon couples, and nature lovers in search of peace and serenity.
On arrival in Darjeeling, check in to the hotel. There are no further plans for the day; you can spend time enjoying the comforts of your hotel or stroll through the town.
Overnight stay at Darjeeling.
Day 7: In Darjeeling
Start the day early, before dawn. Leave for Darjeeling sightseeing which includes the sunrise view from Tiger Hill. Watching the sunrise over Mt Kanchenjunga and other high peaks of the Himalayas is a major tourist attraction. After breakfast at the hotel, get back to sightseeing. Pay a visit to Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park.
Next, pay a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday). Later, proceed to a visit to the Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop. While enjoying the fresh air of the mountains, awe at the architectural marvel that makes it possible for the UNESCO-listed world heritage site of Darjeeling Toy Train.
Pay a visit to the Japanese Temple dedicated to Lord Buddha. The Peace Pagoda is another must-visit tourist attraction in Darjeeling which has 4 avatars of Buddha, in the postures of sleeping, sitting, standing, and meditating. Next, visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center to know more about the production of Tibetan handicrafts.
After sightseeing, in the afternoon enjoy shopping on your own. Spend the evening at the Mall Road enjoying the pleasant breeze or savoring the delicious momos and other Tibetan dishes.
Overnight stay in Darjeeling.
Day 8: Darjeeling – Phuentsholing ( 190 km./ 06 Hrs.)
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, after which complete check-out formalities and start with a drive from Darjeeling to Phuentsholing, a town on the border of the southern part of Bhutan. Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and the blissful weather all through the journey.
On arrival in Phuentsholing, check in at the hotel. The day is to be spent at leisure. You can choose to be busy with activities of your interest such as sightseeing, interacting with the locals, etc.
Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.
Day 9: Phuentsholing – Thimphu ( 150 km./ 06 Hrs.)
After breakfast, get on the road to drive towards Thimphu. Complete the immigration formalities and before getting to Thimphu, settled at an altitude of 7,710 ft. The capital city of the Kingdom of Bhutan is a treasure of history, heritage, and culture.
On arrival in Thimphu, check in at the hotel.
In the evening, pay a visit to the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). The Dzong is set on the banks of the Wang Chhu River and is a popular tourist attraction in Bhutan.
Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Day 10: In Thimphu
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Later, proceed with a sightseeing tour in Thimphu.
First stop of the day, pay a visit to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue). Admire the National Memorial Chorten (Monument), a popular tourist site in Thimphu, which is a beautiful shrine of worship where you can find beautiful mandalas and murals. The Folk Heritage Museum offers a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, in addition to an impressive collection of artifacts from royal and rural households, etc.
In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Sangaygang View Point, where the entire view of Thimphu opens up. Next, pay a visit to Changangkha Monastery, a sacred Bhutanese temple bustling with pilgrims where you can get blessings. A visit to the Takin Preserve Centre offers a meeting with the national animal of Bhutan. The last stop of the day tour is the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion).
The evening is free for shopping in local markets.
Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Day 11: Thimphu – Paro (65 km./ 02 Hrs.)
After you have had breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Paro. On the way to Paro, visit the Tamchog Lhakhang. Built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo, also known as the Iron bridge builder, it is a popular tourist attraction in Bhutan. Also, pay a visit to the temple situated on a hilltop. Drive across an ancient style bridge to reach the temple to offer your prayers.
On arrival in Paro, check in at the hotel. Relax for a while after which leave for sightseeing.
In the afternoon visit the Ta Dzong, the National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangka, etc. Next, pay a visit to the Rinpung Dzong. In the local language, it means "fortress of the heap of jewels". Once a royal fortress, the Dzong serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro.
After a day of fun sightseeing, get back to the hotel. Overnight stay at Paro.
Day 12: Paro Sightseeing
Start the day with breakfast after which you leave for sightseeing. Visit Drukgyel Dzong, a popular tourist site in Paro, formerly a fortress and Buddhist monastery, now in ruins. Also visit the famous Taktsang Monastery, also called "Tiger's Nest". Perched on the mountains, the monastery is a beautiful shrine of vibrant colors and fluttering prayer flags. It is a 2 hours hike from the base camp. Kyichu Monastery is the oldest monastery in Bhutan and an important Himalayan Buddhist temple.
There are no further plans for the day. In the evening, proceed to shop in the local market.
Overnight stay at Paro.
Day 13: Leave Paro
Today is the end of the North East with Bhutan tour. Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport to connect the flight for onward destinations with fond memories of North East India and Bhutan.
