Nepal - Sikkim - Bhutan - India

Travel to Delhi and take a connecting flight to Bagdogra.

Upon arrival in Bagdogra, transfer to the hotel. Bagdogra is an area that stretches over the foothills of the Himalayas and is flat land gently sloping from north to south. To the west, the Mechi River forms a long border with Nepal. On the east side, the Mahananda River forms a short border with Bangladesh. In the afternoon, it is very interesting to visit the local market and observe the people. You will see everyday life on the streets, watching people shop, cook, eat, and get haircuts at open-air tea shops. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive for half an hour on flat terrain, and then the ascent begins through rainforests, tea plantations, and villages to Darjeeling, located over 2045 m above sea level. Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful high-altitude locations on the Indian subcontinent. Its unique location and views will leave you in awe. We will visit a large tea plantation with a beautiful backdrop of the Kanchenjunga Himalaya, the third-highest peak in the world. During the British regime in India, the British retreated to Darjeeling and established a tea plantation for export, as tea export from China was expensive. In the evening, we will visit the bazaar. Overnight stay at the hotel.

The day begins very early with a trip to Tiger Hill (2550 m) to witness the sunrise over the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, and Kanchenjunga. On the way back to the hotel, we will visit a monastery with a famous Buddha statue. In the afternoon, we will tour around Darjeeling, visiting Padmaja Naidu Park, the Tibetan Handicraft Center, tea plantations, and a factory. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast today, we will take an excursion on the Toy Train to Ghoom Monastery. Enjoy the exciting experience of riding the Toy Train, which was started by the British 141 years ago to connect the difficult Himalayan terrain with the flatlands of India. In the afternoon, drive for about 4-5 hours by car along the Teesta River, enjoying views of the Teesta Valley and beautiful landscapes as we head to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. India took control of Sikkim in April 1973 as an associated state after the monarchy was overthrown. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will explore Gangtok, the bustling capital of Sikkim, known for its typical architecture with overhanging roofs in pagoda style. In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Rumtek Monastery, which is very interesting for every visitor. This monastery is located 24 kilometers south of Gangtok and is visually the most impressive of all the monasteries in the country. Despite the increasing tourism, the monks have retained much of their natural friendliness. We will also visit Enchey Monastery and Tashi View Point, about 8 km from Gangtok, which offers views of Khangchendzonga and Siniolchu. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will drive for about 6 hours through beautiful landscapes, numerous green hills, and ethnic settlements to Phuntsholing (Bhutan). The stunning drive through the tea plantations goes by quickly, giving you your first impression of Bhutan in the small border town of Phuntsholing. In the late afternoon, we will visit some sights such as Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, the banks of the Torsa River, and Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra, reflecting Bhutan’s traditional culture and ancient lifestyle. Overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, we will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Just 5 km from Phuntsholing is Kharbandi Gompa, the most beautiful monastery built by the royal grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. The monastery is set amidst a garden filled with tropical plants and flowers. From the monastery garden, there are magnificent views over the plains and the town of Phuntsholing.

A one-hour bus ride will take us to the Paro Valley. We will drive another half hour toward Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest” – according to legend, the second Buddha, Guru Padma Sambhava, rode here on the back of a tigress. This extraordinary structure was built in the eighth century. Nearby, there is a beautifully situated restaurant where we can enjoy some Bhutanese delicacies in a relaxed atmosphere for lunch. We will then leisurely hike back the same way to Paro. In the afternoon, we can visit the Kiyuchu Lakhang temple complex, one of the oldest Buddhist shrines in the Tibetan cultural sphere. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we will drive towards the Tibetan border to a viewpoint in the mountains in Dhulikhel. Here we will have excellent views and photo opportunities to capture the entire Himalayan range. Dhulikhel is located on the Friendship Highway, which connects Kathmandu with Tibet. Overnight stay at the Himalayan Horizon Hotel (or similar).

Drive to Nagarkot. Nagarkot is a famous viewpoint for sunrises and sunsets, offering views of all the mountain peaks at the edge of the Kathmandu Valley. On clear days, you can see the entire Himalayan range, from Dhaulagiri (8167 m) in the west to Everest (8848 m) and Kanchenjunga (8585 m) in the east. Overnight stay at the Serene Resort (or similar).

After breakfast, drive 35 km to Bungamati and Khokna. Both are small Buddhist/Hindu Newar villages. The centerpiece of Bungamati is the beautiful Rato Machhendranath Temple. Khokna is known for its beautiful wooden carvings and typical brick houses. Here, you will experience the daily life of the people in the Kathmandu Valley. Most activities occur on the streets, including cooking, washing, cleaning, and massaging babies with mustard oil. In the afternoon, you will return to Kathmandu. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit Bodnath, the little Tibet of Nepal. Many Tibetans who fled with the Dalai Lama in 1959 live here. Enjoy visiting the impressive Bodnath Stupa, the most important structure for Buddhists. In the afternoon, visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, the oldest and most significant Buddhist shrine, known for its all-seeing eyes of Buddha. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World and undoubtedly the best landmark in India – the Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is a poem in white marble, an architectural marvel, and the ultimate monument of eternal love. In the late afternoon, visit the Agra Fort, built by the emperor. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive back to Delhi on the Yamuna Expressway (205 km / 3-4 hours). Drive to the hotel and check in. After a short break at the hotel, head out to explore some attractions in the Indian capital. The visit includes the Sikh Temple or Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and other nearby attractions, including government buildings such as the President’s House Complex, the North and South Block, the Parliament House, and India Gate. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Transfer to the airport and return flight to Frankfurt.