Darjeeling & Last Himalayan Kingdom

Tour Highlights

Kolkata
Dalhousie Square and the Victoria Memorial
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Tiger Hill and the Mountaineering Institute
Darjeeling tea plantation
Paro and the Tiger’s Nest
Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital
Punakha Dzong

What’s Included (Full details)

Standard Class Rail
Heritage Rail Excursion
3-5* Accommodation
Breakfast Every Day
Evening Meals
13 Nights' Hotel Accommodation
8 Lunches
Return Scheduled Flights
Upgrades Available
Transfer Flights

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Itinerary
Hotels & Trains
Optional Extras

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Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Days 1-3

London to Kolkata

We depart from London and fly via Mumbai to Kolkata, one of India's largest and most captivating cities. On arrival on Day 2 we transfer to the 5-Star Oberoi Grand Hotel for a three-night stay. After a leisurely morning on Day 3, we begin exploring this magnificent metropolis. We see the city's Jain temple, brightly painted with pastel colours and adorned with intricate carvings. We continue through the surrounding maze of backstreets, where locals can be seen painstakingly sculpting statues to sacrifice at the nearby temples. Later we take the circular railway train to Prinsep Ghat, providing a colourful insight into local life.

Day 4

Kolkata to Siliguri

Early this morning we enjoy a real treat as we visit Kolkata's lively flower market, where the streets are transformed in an explosion of bright colours. Later we return to the hotel for breakfast. We then transfer to the station, where we visit the Heritage Rail Museum before joining our train for the journey to New Jalpaiguri. On arrival we transfer by coach to Siliguri in the foothills of the Himalayas, where we overnight.

Day 5

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Today we climb almost 7,000ft into the Himalaya as we enjoy an enthralling journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Loved and used by locals, the line is also UNESCO listed. We board the narrow-gauge train in the heart of the town; for a while the train runs directly through the noisy centre of the street before climbing into the verdant surrounding forest. Numerous vibrant plants and shades of green provide a backdrop as we wind our way around the mountainsides and continue our ascent. As we climb higher, there is a noticeable change not only in the climate, but also the culture as colourful Buddhist prayer flags hang across the streets like bunting. After pausing for lunch at a hill station, we rejoin the train and continue to Darjeeling. Pastel-painted houses are stacked almost on top of each other as we approach the town. Here we spend three nights at the Hotel Windamere.

Day 6

Tiger Hill and Mountaineering Institute

We visit Tiger Hill viewpoint, where we watch the sunrise from behind Kanchenjunga, India's highest mountain. The peak changes colour with the sunlight, casting orange, red and pink hues on their surroundings. Later we travel on the steam-hauled Train to Ghum - the highest hill station in the area - and visit the town's Buddhist monastery. In the afternoon we visit Darjeeling's Mountaineering Institute, which is the final resting place of Tensing Norgay. We will also have the opportunity to see the Red Panda at Darjeeling Zoo.

Days 7-8

Darjeeling tea and Gorumara National Park

For centuries Darjeeling has been famed as a tea-growing centre, and today we visit one of the town's authentic tea plantations for a guided tour. We see the lush, sloping hillsides where the tea is grown, before enjoying a tasting in the town's charming bazaar. On Day 8 we travel back down through the mountains by coach. The route is incredibly scenic; we pass a series of crystal-clear waterways as they cut through soaring mountains on their rapid journey downwards. We arrive in Gorumara National Park, where on this afternoon's safari we hope to spot the rare one-horned rhino. We spend tonight at Hotel Sinclair in nearby Chalsa.

Day 9

To Bhutan

Today marks our crossing into Bhutan. Perhaps best known for its 'Happiness Index', Bhutan is largely undiscovered by the outside world. Set deep in the Himalaya, Bhutan is free from pollution; more than half the country is protected as a nature reserve and the fresh mountain air is apparent the moment we cross the border. We enjoy lunch in the town of Phuentsholing, and visit Kharbandi Gompa, a monastery surrounded by peaceful gardens of tropical plants. We then continue to Paro, where we spend two nights at the Tiger's Nest Resort.

Days 10-11

The Tiger's Nest and Punakha

Today we take in one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks by enjoying an optional climb to a viewpoint that looks over to the stunning Tiger's Nest monastery. We descend and enjoy lunch at a local farmhouse. Tonight we are treated to traditional Bhutanese entertainment.

On Day 11 we visit the mesmerising Rinpung Dzong, a fortress monastery and a fantastic example of Bhutanese architecture. We also visit the National Museum, housed in a former watchtower of Rinpung Dzong, before taking the drive through the alluring mountain route to Punakha, where we spend tonight. Our journey takes us over the winding Dochula Pass. At 10,000ft, the pass offers unrivalled panoramas of the Himalayas, as well as 108 temples scattered across the hillsides. Here we see the memorial to those who lost their lives in the Chinese conflicts.

Days 12-13

Punakha Dzong and Thimpu

Today we visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple and monastery dedicated to the fertility rites of the tantric tradition. Later we enjoy a visit to the exceptional Punakha Dzong en-route to Thimpu, where we take an exploratory walk this evening. On Day 13 we enjoy a tour of Thimphu. Among the highlights we see are the majestic Memorial Stupa, built for the monarchy. We visit the Folk Heritage Museum. We then proceed to Buddha Point, where an enormous Golden Buddha stands proudly on a hillside. Our final visit is to Thimphu's mighty 17th century Dzong, a striking fortress.

Days 14-15

To Kolkata and London

Today we transfer to Paro for our flight to Kolkata, where we take a tour on arrival. We overnight at the Hotel. On Day 16 we fly to London.

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

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3 NIGHT HOLIDAY EXTENSION TO AMRITSAR

One of India's most religiously significant cities, alluring Amritsar is nestled just a stone's throw away from the border with Pakistan. Amritsar is most famed for the incredible Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine in the world, which welcomes pilgrims and visitors the world over in numbers that could rival even the Taj Mahal. On this thrilling and insightful holiday extension, you will spend three nights either in the heart or on the outskirts of enchanting Amritsar, and explore the extraordinary wonder of this sacred city.

Day 1 - Delhi to Amristar
Transfer to the railway station early this morning and board the Shatabdi Express* for Amritsar. On arrival, transfer to the Hotel Ramada** for two nights in the heart of the city, and within easy walking distance of the incredible Golden Temple. The jewel in Amritsar's crown, this evening you will enjoy your first visit to this sacred Golden Temple, and as the sun sets and the distinctive golden dome is lit up, this already magical sight becomes even more spectacular. Tonight you will witness the daily Palki Ceremony, where the Sikh Holy Book is carried through a procession of worshippers into the Temple and 'put to bed' for the night.

Day 2: Exploring Amritsar
Early this morning, return to the Golden Temple to view its majesty at dawn. You then embark on a guided tour of the city. Your tour includes a visit to Jallianwalla Bagh. These public gardens were the site of General Dyer's infamy against peaceful protestors, and today there is a sombre and peaceful garden and memorial. Later, you are transferred to the Wagah border, and witness the Changing of the Guard. This very unique and energetic ceremony is a great draw for tourists and locals alike, and the lowering of the flags is often met with impassioned applause and cheering from both sides.

Days 3-4: Return to Delhi and London
Your morning is at leisure in Amritsar, and you may wish to take the opportunity to explore the bazaars and narrow streets of the old city. Later, board the Shatabdi Express to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the Holiday Inn Aerocity for one night. After breakfast on Day 4¸ continue to the airport and board your direct flight to London.

*It is also possible to transfer to Amritsar by air for a more comfortable and convenient journey **Please note, due to the proximity of the Hotel Ramada to the Golden Temple, alcohol is prohibited and will not be served. We can offer as an alternative the 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel, located on the outskirts of Amritsar. Please call for details.

3 NIGHT EXTENSION TO VARANASI & THE GANGES

Also known as the 'Eternal City', Varanasi is a burst of colour right on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, and is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. Hindu pilgrims flock to the riverside Ghats to cleanse their spirit and wash away their sins and it is also considered an auspicious place to die, ensuring a direct route to heaven. You are able to immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions here, where the important moments in life and death are played out for all to experience.

Day 1: Delhi to Varanasi
Today you will meet a Great Rail Journeys representative for your transfer to Delhi airport. On arrival in Varanasi, another representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel. After some time to settle in, you are free to begin exploring this vibrant city. This evening you will be escorted to the Ghats to witness the spectacular Aarti ceremony; a spiritual ritual involving lights and incense in which residents make offerings to the river goddess - Mother Ganga.

Day 2: Guided tour of Varanasi
Early this morning you will join a guided boat ride on the river Ganges. As the sun rises over the water, float by locals as they carry out their everyday activities from washing their clothes to morning prayers. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, continue your day with a guided tour, taking in the sights and sounds of the Old City including Bharat Mata Temple, the only temple of its kind dedicated to Mother India, and Benaras Hindu University. Later enjoy an excursion to the home of Buddhism, Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after reaching enlightenment.

Day 3: Return to Delhi
This morning you are at leisure to continue exploring Varanasi, perhaps visit the famous Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity of Shiva, or maybe take a walk through the galis, the city's winding alleyways which lead to traditional market stalls. This afternoon transfer to the airport with your guide for the return flight to Delhi and a night at the conveniently located 4-star Holiday Inn Aerocity.

Day 4: The journey home
After breakfast, you will be accompanied back to the airport for your onward flight.

Darjeeling & the Last Himalayan Kingdom

Itinerary

Hotels & Trains

Optional Extras

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