Nepal Darjeeling Sikkim Bhutan Tour - 18 Days

As soon as you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a friendly member of our team will be waiting, holding a sign with your name and ready to assist with your luggage. Once you've cleared immigration—don't worry, it's straightforward, and visas are easily obtained upon arrival—we'll take you to your private vehicle for a smooth transfer into the city.

The drive to your Hotel in Thamel gives you a first glimpse of Kathmandu's charming chaos, bustling streets, prayer flags fluttering, and mountains peeking through the haze. After you check in, you have the opportunity to rest or explore the area a bit. Our guide, typically meets guests for tea in the evening and shares a couple of local tips, such as where to find the best momos just around the corner.

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your Hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley—a seamless mix of ancient temples, spiritual rituals, and Newari artistry. First, we’ll visit Pashupatinath Temple, set beside the holy Bagmati River.

Here, you'll observe Hindu ceremonies and cremation ghats—a glimpse into Nepal's rich and deeply rooted religious traditions. Then, we head to the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas. Walk its perimeter, spin prayer wheels, and feel the serene ambiance under fluttering prayer flags.

After lunch, we'll climb to Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which is situated above the valley and offers panoramic views, as well as the opportunity to interact with playful local macaques. We conclude the day by exploring Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ornately carved palaces, courtyards, and the home of the living goddess Kumari.

Guide Insight: He’ll often suggest a peaceful rooftop café near Boudhanath to sip butter tea while watching monks at prayer.

You’ll rise early for a breathtaking flight from Kathmandu to Paro, a route considered one of the most scenic in the world. In just about 1 hour and 5–30 minutes, you’ll soar over Nepal’s high valleys and the dramatic Himalayan peaks, perhaps even spotting Everest before making a daring descent into the narrow Paro valley, home to one of the world’s most challenging runways.

Once you land, your private car awaits to whisk you through Paro’s serene countryside and across to Thimphu, Bhutan’s tranquil capital. Upon arrival, your discoveries begin with the Folk Heritage Museum, a lovingly restored 19th-century farmhouse that showcases traditional rural life, from tikka-fired kitchens to ancient water mills.

You’ll also visit the National Textile Museum, home to dazzling royal weaves, and then on to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where you can watch students mastering Bhutan’s “13 traditional arts,” including painting, carving, and weaving.

This afternoon's immersion gives you a gentle introduction to Bhutan's living artistry and cultural heart. Let our guide, point out hidden elements, such as how a single stitch in their traditional costumes carries centuries of meaning.

You’ll leave Thimphu after breakfast and enjoy a captivating drive of approximately 2.5 hours through lush forests, apple orchards, and rhododendron groves. Your first stop is the Dochula Pass at about 3,100 meters elevation, famous for its 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, fluttering prayer flags, and panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks like Gangkar Puensum and Masanggang on clear days. You’ll take time to stretch, sip hot tea at the Druk Wangyal café, and stroll the short nature trail through the Royal Botanical Park filled with vibrant flora.

As you wind down the mountain into the serene Punakha Valley, the landscape warms, and you’ll arrive at the majestic Punakha Dzong, a six-story fortress draped across a river confluence, with traditional wood-carved architecture and sacred courtyards to explore. The afternoon is relaxed, perfect for walking the cantilever bridge over the Mo Chhu River or visiting the nearby Chimi Lhakhang temple, known as Bhutan’s temple of fertility.

Guide Insight: Our Bhutan guide, often shares that the Dochula temple was built to honor soldiers who sacrificed their lives, and he takes great pleasure in helping guests tie prayer flags alongside local pilgrims. He also points out that Punakha Dzong serves as one of Bhutan's most revered sites, having been the former capital and still hosting important monastic rituals.

Tip: Pack a light jacket and avoid the mid-afternoon haze at Dochula; timings around 10–11 a.m. usually offer the clearest views of the Himalayas.

You’ll leave the peaceful Punakha Valley behind and head toward Paro via one of Bhutan’s most scenic roads. Your day begins with a mesmerizing journey through the Dochula Pass, situated at approximately 3,100 m and adorned with 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built in memory of fallen Bhutanese soldiers.

On a clear day, you may catch sweeping views of the snow‑capped Himalayan range, including peaks like Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The mountain breeze and fluttering prayer flags make for a deeply spiritual moment amid nature’s grandeur.

After a break for photos and tea at the pass, the road descends through cloudy, shady forests and lush farmland towards Punakha Dzong, also known as the "Palace of Great Happiness." Built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this six-story fortress is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, featuring cantilevered timber bridges, carved murals, and sacred courtyards.

Explore the tranquil halls and cross the wooden cantilever bridge, stopping at the nearby Fertility Temple, Chimi Lhakhang, if time allows. This eccentric cultural detour is a favorite among travelers, as you never know what blessing you may receive. Late afternoon, you will make the drive to Paro, arriving in time for dinner and your first night in this beautiful, peaceful valley.

Experience one of Bhutan's most iconic experiences: a full-day trek to the mystical Tiger's Nest Monastery and sightseeing in the cultural heart of Paro. You’ll begin early by driving from Paro town to the trailhead, surrounded by fresh pine forest and fluttering prayer flags. The trail up to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) climbs roughly 500 meters and takes about 2 to 3 hours one way, depending on your pace.

A mid-hike rest at the cliffside cafeteria gives you a chance to catch your breath and sip tea with sweeping views over the Paro Valley. The final leg, a zigzag of stone steps and rope-lined paths, leads you to the monastery nestled dramatically on the cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. Inside, heavy wooden doors open into sacred temples where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated. Photography and cameras are not permitted. Please leave your belongings in the lockers located at the entrance.

The descent effort leads into the afternoon at Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), the fortress and administrative centre. The National Museum of Bhutan is a quick visit, as you will leave the dzong and proceed directly above it to the former Ta Dzong watchtower. Here, you will find over 3,000 historical artifacts, antique Buddhist art, royal fabrics, religious masks, and natural history articles that cover over 1,500 years of Bhutanese history.

Guide Insight: The guide informs our guests to start the trip around 8 a.m., allowing them to complete the trek before the afternoon crowd arrives, when the views are at their best. He also reminds guests to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and snacks, and dress appropriately for the visit to the monastery.

Your day begins by saying goodbye to the calm, peaceful Bhutanese Kingdom as you make your way from Paro to the Indian border, crossing into Sikkim via Bagdogra. The route is a scenic drive that traverses foothills and small border towns, where you can feel the Himalayan air change with a more lively energy as Bhutan's lightly stir-crazy atmosphere transitions into the incredible vibrancy of India. After completing the necessary border formalities, we will proceed to Sikkim, a region renowned for its lush valleys and rich cultural heritage. This will be a long travel day, but a rewarding day as we connect two great cultures in one unforgettable transition.

We will wake up well before sunrise and head up to Tiger Hill, located approximately 11 km from Darjeeling, to watch the sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga. As the golden sun slowly draws back the curtain over the white-gloved mountains and the Himalayan world's peaks, the incredible sight of Everest in the far background on a clear morning is blissful.

After breakfast, back in town, you'll ride the legendary Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, on a 2‑hour round trip to Ghum, passing through lush tea gardens while looping past the Batasia Loop, where a memorial garden overlooks sweeping mountain views. Along the way, visit the historic Ghoom Monastery, home to a towering statue of Maitreya Buddha.

The rest of the morning will be dedicated to exploring the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where climbers train to attempt to climb Everest, and the nearby museum that collects and presents artifacts and tales of mountain ascension. It's a full and busy morning that showcases jaw-dropping mountain scenery, hints of colonial history, and an amazing cultural ambiance - it is Darjeeling at its best.

The day begins with a scenic drive from Darjeeling to Gangtok, weaving through misty hills and emerald-green valleys. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions, but the views along the way from terraced farms to glimpses of distant snow peaks make time pass quickly.

After crossing into Sikkim at Rangpo, you'll feel the shift in atmosphere as the road ascends toward Gangtok, the vibrant capital tucked amidst the Eastern Himalayas. Your check-in at the Hotel is in the afternoon, leaving you time to unwind or explore MG Marg, the busy pedestrian street in Gangtok filled with cafés, shops, and attractions.

Spend the day soaking in Gangtok’s spiritual sites and panoramic vistas, starting with sunrise at Tashi Viewpoint. Perched about 8 km from town at 2,300 m, this spot offers stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Siniolchu, and surrounding Himalayan ridges, especially vivid in the clear morning light.

From there, you’ll visit Enchey Monastery, just 3 km from central Gangtok. This 200‑year‑old Nyingma Buddhist monastery, built in the form of a Chinese pagoda, radiates serenity atop a pine-forested ridge. Inside, colorful frescoes and carvings come alive during the annual Cham dance festivals.

The next stop is Ganesh Tok, a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located at an elevation of 6,500 ft. The observation deck at Ganesh Tok offers a great vantage point for views across Gangtok town, the surrounding forests, and nearby hills, making it a good spot to snap some photos or take a moment to reflect.

Finally, wander through the Flower Exhibition Centre to view a wide variety of plants, including very rare orchids and flowering plants, all displayed by season. The Flower Exhibition Centre is best utilized during the annual flower shows held in April and May. During this time, it is a wonderful oasis for gardens, featuring benches, flowing streams (in some areas), and stunning gardens filled with vibrant plants.

Local Tip: Our local guides often say this route is “a gentle mix of spiritual calm and Himalayan vistas from chant-filled monasteries to flower-scented gardens.” This day combines reflection and scenery, offering a memorable glimpse into Sikkim’s soulful charm.

Today is a travel day as you bid farewell to the calm rhythms of Gangtok and begin your scenic drive toward the Nepal border. The journey usually takes 6 to 7 hours, depending on road conditions. The road follows winding hill roads flanked by lush greenery, terraced farms, and river valleys.

You will move through rural Sikkimese villages and into eastern Nepal, where the culture and landscape begin to transition gradually. This day will provide you with an opportunity to quietly reflect on the kaleidoscopic array of Buddhist and Himalayan experiences you have just encountered.

You will be transitioning from the lowland eastern Nepal border to the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan, a drastic change from the soaring peaks of the Himalayas you have traversed. It's a long drive, 8 to 9 hours, but the adventure will allow you to admire Nepal's diversity as you transition from terraced hills to the flat, fertile plains of the Terai.

By the time you arrive in Chitwan, the air is warmer, the forests denser, and the rhythm of life noticeably slower. Most travelers settle into a jungle lodge near Chitwan National Park, where the sounds of wildlife begin to replace the buzz of traffic, hinting at the adventures that await them the next day.

Experience the natural beauty of Nepal in the wild at Chitwan National Park, where you can enjoy a fun-filled day of jungle activities. Begin your day with a tranquil canoe ride on the Rapti River, gliding past gharials and mugger crocodiles on the banks, while spotting aquatic birds in their natural habitat. After that, enjoy a guided walk through the jungle, with its dense sal forests, looking for one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys, and sloth bears, if you are lucky.

In the afternoon, it's time for an exhilarating jeep safari into the heart of the park, travelling across grasslands and riverine woodlands - keep your eyes open for the wildlife that might be present. Included in the safari is a stop at the Elephant Breeding Centre, where you can learn about conservation and see the babies playing in the yard. At the end of the day, as the sun sets low in the sky, you can enjoy a vibrant cultural dance performance by the Tharu people, who share their traditions through song, dance, and ceremonial attire. It's a complete and wild immersion in Nepal's biodiversity, culture, and natural beauty.

Tip: Our local guide will share the best times to spot rhinos, either in the early morning or late afternoon, and remind you that while jeep safaris are safe, staying alert and respecting the animals' space is crucial. He also recommends bringing insect repellent and sturdy walking shoes for the forest trek.

The drive from Chitwan to Pokhara is a beautiful journey, spanning the tangled jungles of the Terai region to the gentle foothills of the Annapurna range, and taking approximately 5 to 6 hours by road. The road follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, passing through charming hill towns, terraces of rice, and verdant valleys. Though the road is bumpy in spots, the changing landscape keeps the drive interesting. As you approach Pokhara, the air cools off and, on a clear day, you catch your first glimpse of the snowcapped peaks, which is almost a reward in itself. Most visitors head for a hotel by the lakeside and settle in for a few days, escaping the chaos of the wild and enjoying the calm of Phewa Lake.

You're in for a serene yet scenic adventure, a dawn journey to Naudanda viewpoint, followed by a gentle hike back to Sarangkot, and then a return to Pokhara. The morning starts early with a drive to Sarangkot, where the sunrise unfolds over the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre ranges, casting golden hues over Phewa Lake and the Pokhara valley.

After breakfast at the viewpoint, you’ll begin a 3 to 4-hour hike through lush forests, terraced fields, and charming Gurung villages, gradually ascending to Naudanda at around 1,443 m, where panoramic views stretch across the City, Lake, and Himalayas.

Eventually, you’ll trek down and be driven back to Lakeside Pokhara, where the rest of the day is yours to relax lakeside or explore the old bazaar. This day is light, reflective, and rich in local scenery, a perfect blend of mountain landscapes, Himalayan vistas, and cultural immersion.

Spend the morning visiting the stunning World Peace Pagoda, also known as the Shanti Stupa, perched atop Anadu Hill, south of Phewa Lake. This striking white monument, built by Nipponzan-Myōhōji monks, stands at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters, with a 115-foot dome set on a 344-foot base. From its two-tiered terrace, you’ll be greeted by four Buddha statues, each gifted from a different country, symbolizing key events in his life.

After a gentle 30–to 45–minute hike or a short drive, followed by stairs, you reach the top. You are rewarded with sweeping views of Phewa Lake, Pokhara city, and the snow‑draped Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges, especially magical at sunrise or sunset. The peaceful scene, with the marble of the stupa glistening in the early morning light, the soft sounds of pilgrims chanting in the dhamma hall, and the snow-capped peaks in the distance keeping watch, is an excellent place for stillness and quiet observation.

Our guide usually recommends going for sunrise for two reasons: first, to avoid the crowds, and second, to enjoy a cup of coffee nearby during the golden hour glow. After we finish descending, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax by the lakeside, perhaps visit the Tal Barahi Temple, go for a café hop, or explore the shops in Lakeside Pokhara.

Leave the peaceful foothills of Pokhara for a six- to eight-hour journey back to Kathmandu via the scenic Prithvi Highway, spanning roughly 200 km. Along the way, the road winds past lush terraced fields, riverside gorges, and quaint villages, such as Bandipur, an exquisitely preserved Newari-style town worth a stop.

You’ll follow the Trishuli River for much of the drive, offering postcard scenery at every bend. On clear days, catch glimpses of majestic Himalayan peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu rising in the distance. The Prithvi Highway, although paved, may have rougher patches, especially near Mugling, Malekhu, or after rainfall, so a skilled driver is essential.

Travelers should make an early start (around 6:00 a.m.) to avoid traffic and help mitigate the likelihood of landslide delays. The hills begin to deepen as you approach Kathmandu, and the closer you get, the more the city view starts to reveal itself. In the evening, you will arrive in the capital, culturally enriched by the landscape and departing with fond memories of a cultural experience.

Notes: Consider taking a cultural pause at Monakamana Temple via cable car, or at Kurintar and Bandipur.

Your journey comes to a heartfelt close today. After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Whether you're heading home or on to your next adventure, we guarantee that you'll be able to leave all the stress and last-minute scrambles to us.

Our staff will be nearby to assist you with any luggage or check-in if needed. While you continue your journey, the views you've experienced are merely partial. Take with you the subtle smiles and mountain sunrises; you are taking the mixed tapestry of cultures, the stories and fabric of all who made this a trip of a lifetime. Travel safely and until we meet again, namaste!