15 Day Bengal to Bhutan Adventure
Women Only
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
Solo traveller friendly
5 GOOD REASONS TO DO THIS TRIP!
MINGLE DEEP INTO CULTURES A Hindu flower market, Bengali food on chaotic Kolkata streets, a hot stone bath in a country that measures its wealth in happiness, an audience with a Buddhist Monk and an ancient monastery called Tiger’s Nest.
RIDE THE HIMALAYAN TRAIN You’ll ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ as the train pulls away from town and tracks in-sync with the road and into the mountains… then.. WAIT! Did it really just take a 360-degree turn around a manicured monument garden?
TAP INTO YOUR INNER ADVENTURER Two Countries, two cultures and one seriously remote land border in between. Now, that’s a story you’ll be rolling out for entertainment and travel cred for years to come!
SLEEP ON TOP-OF-THE-WORLD It’s hard to know what to love the most – the homely family-run overnight stay, the hearty dinner that’s best shared, or the dome-like and almost touchable night sky just outside your door!
MEDITATE IN TWO COUNTRIES Beginners welcome – just go with the flow and be at one with your teacher and calmic surroundings – first inside a monastery in the mountains of India, then Bhutan.
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
|---|---|
|
|
Price
$7,504 AUD (twin share/ per person)
$1,314 AUD (private supplement)
- $1,650 AUD deposit
- 2 week cooling off period applies
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo
Private supplement available (max 4 spots) for those who would like to pay extra for their own
Trip length
15 days, 14 nights
Starts
Kolkata, India, 16 April 2025
Finishes
Paro, Bhutan, 30 April 2025
Meeting point
Elgin Fairlawn, Kolkata, India
Ending Point
Hotel Lhayuel, Paro, Bhutan
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section to see the participation requirements.
Included
- Meals: 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners
- 1 domestic flight – India
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Daily Fees & Visa charge
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Private group road transport throughout
- 13 nights boutique accommodation
- 1 night homestay with shared bathroom facilities
- 1 top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader for each country
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Indian Tourist Visa
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more details)
Trip Map
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1 – Hello Bengal!
Welcome to Kolkata! Once the crown jewel of the British Empire in India, and now your new home for the next few nights. A member of our local team will be waiting for you at the airport, and you’ll be whisked straight to your hotel.
Relax in your hotel’s colonial ambiance, or maybe you’re feeling adventurous and plan to dart straight out into Kolkata’s chaotic streets! Whatever you’re planning, just be ready tonight, because you’re not going to want to miss out on catching up with your fellow Patchies over your welcome dinner!
Accommodation: Elgin Fairlawn (or similar)
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Markets, Mayhem and Artists
You’ll wake up to smell the roses this morning when you kick off the day at Kolkata’s Flower Market, the largest wholesale flower market in East India and an absolute riot of colour. There’s marigolds and lotuses that stretch as far as the eye can see too, and as you wander, flower garlands symbolising peace and unity might just find their way around your neck – you’re a local now!
Then, it’s off to the potter’s quarter in Kumartoli, where the magic of Durga Puja comes to life. As you watch these skilled craftsmen shape gods and goddesses out of clay you’ll be totally entranced, and you’ll struggle to tear your eyes away.
After a short breather, you’ll meet back up with the group in the evening for a Bengali street food tour that’s guaranteed to raise your eyebrows and get your tastebuds dancing. Kati roll, anyone?
Accommodation: Elgin Fairlawn (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Colonial meets Bengali
You can’t visit Kolkata without exploring its colonial past and learning about the British Rule here which lasted from the 1770s until the early 20th century. Your guide will take you on a tour of the most iconic colonial buildings in the city to bring history to life. It’s the most fun history class you’ve ever taken!
Come evening, we’re mixing it up with a Bengali cooking class that’s on the menu for dinner. And hey, if you’re more ‘chaotic in the kitchen’ than ‘chef extraordinaire,’ no stress! After picking up the freshest ingredients from the market, you’ll be whipping up some authentic Bengali dishes in no time – even if you’re usually a kitchen nightmare! Oh, and of course you need to round off dinner with something sweet.
Luckily, Bengali sweets are impossible to resist…
Accommodation: Elgin Fairlawn (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Darjeeling
Today’s a travel day, Patchies! So, grab that book you’ve been dying to read and make sure it’s at the top of your carry-on – it’s about to get some serious action because you’re Kolkata-to-Bagdogra-bound by flight.
Back on solid ground, you’ll tackle the journey to Darjeeling, a drive that’ll have your nose glued to the window as you soak in the gorgeous, tea-loving landscapes of this region. Lunch today is a perfect pause before you carry on the journey towards your new Darjeeling digs, Summit Swiss. Stunning is the only word for the views from the patio of your mountain chalet-style retreat.
Accommodation: Summit Swiss (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Sunrise, Trains and Meditation
Would you like to sleep in, or launch your day in the wee hours, Jeep-bound to Tiger Hill? Sure, it’s a magnet for tourists, but catching the first light hitting Kanchenjunga’s summit is a Himalayan bucket-list. Did you know it’s only a wee, three hundred metres shorter than its Everest cousin? Then, it’s all aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway towards Ghum. Again, it’s on every traveller’s list, but some things are popular for a reason – so embrace it and enjoy the fifty-minute ride!
You will be guided into a state of zen with a meditation session this afternoon. It’s the perfect counter to Tiger Hill’s early morning buzz, a moment to breathe deep and embrace the calm. We’re carrying on with the peaceful vibe, with a stop at the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda. If you time it right, you’ll catch a prayer session, marked by deep, resonant drumming. Can you feel the vibrations as you wander?
For tonight, we’ve planned… absolutely nothing! After such a full-on day, you’ll enjoy the downtime!
Accommodation: Summit Swiss (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Ging Tea Estate
Today, you’ll trade the rugged Himalayan landscapes for the rolling green terraces of the Ging Tea Estate. Wandering through the tea gardens under the crisp, mountain air you’ll get a front-row view to the delicate art of tea plucking. It turns out, your morning cuppa is a labour of love and precision!
And then there’s lunch at the estate, which is an experience in itself. Dining with a backdrop of the estate’s private gardens and surrounded by echoes of British colonial elegance, you’ll feel a million miles away from the India you’ve come to know and love.
Accommodation: Summit Swiss (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – You’re Bhutan-Bound!
It’s Day seven already and as much as you’ve loved India, you’ll be bouncing out of bed this morning knowing that by this afternoon, you’ll be catching your first glimpse of Bhutan! Sure, you’re not one of the first travellers arriving when the country quietly opened to the world in 1974, but you’ll still be one of the very few who have ever ventured beyond her borders and into “The Land of Happiness” – protected by a high value, low volume policy, implemented decades before sustainability became a tourism buzzword!
Buckle up for today’s twisty-turny journey. The roads are as windy as they are wondrous, but you and the other Patchies will laugh off the bumpy drive and revel in the adventure. As you roll into Phuentsholing, it’s time to leave your India crew with a warm embrace and meet your new Bhutan team with open arms. Get ready for an evening of new flavours and friendships at tonight’s welcome dinner, Bhutanese style!!
Accommodation: Hotel Druk (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Paro
Today’s 5-hour drive takes you to Paro, the journey punctuated by even more of those gasp-worthy mountain views you’ve come to expect from Bhutan after just one day in the country! The first stop of the day involves wandering across a 900-year-old bridge to come face-to-face with Tacho Lhakhang Temple, a taste of the many glorious temples that dot the Bhutanese countryside.
After the long journey you’ll pull into Paro, a town hugging the banks of the Paro Chhu (river) and bordered by mountains reaching into the sky. Tonight’s dinner is at a local farmhouse, and an introduction to local specialities like Ema Datshi and red rice. Surrounded by the warmth of wooden beams and the smiles of staff in their traditional dress, you won’t be able to stop grinning. Days like this are why you travel!
Accommodation: Mandala Resort Bhutan (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Tiger’s Nest
Today’s the day for Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous sight, clinging to a cliff with what looks like sheer gravity-defying magic! Missing this? Not on our watch.
So… how to get there? If you’re itching for an adventure, strap on those hiking boots and tackle the five-hour hike. Or, if you’re keen to cut the walking down to half that time, there’s always the option to be led on horseback for some of the way! Yes, it’s a grueller, and no matter how worthy the views are, the steep and uneven path won’t be for everyone, so if you don’t fancy dropping all that sweat, no problem! Jump in for a drive that promises eye-popping views without the huffing and puffing.
Whichever way you choose, the day ends with a splash of indulgence: a hot stone bath that’ll melt away every ounce of tension in your body. Ahhh…
Accommodation: Mandala Resort Bhutan (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Haa Valley
Wow, Day 10 already! Today we’re whisking you off to Haa, a hidden valley gem that only 15,000 lucky souls get to call home. When it comes to bragging rights, Haa might just take the crown for Bhutan’s most hypnotising spot. And the cherry on top? You’re bedding down here tonight!
Today’s agenda is chock-full with checking out Haa’s Haa-mazing sights (sorry, we couldn’t resist!). As the night sky draws in, you’re in for a treat – a blanket of stars so dense, you might feel like you’re floating in space rather than standing on Earth. Settle into a cosy overnight in a local homestay – where the dinner table will brim full with local delights setting you up for sweet dreams in your simple overnight digs.
Accommodation: Chimmi or Ugyen Village Homestay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Thimphu
You’ll want to linger in Haa a bit longer, so get up at dawn to catch the sunrise and treasure the time with the family who lovingly hosted you overnight. The time will be over way too soon because next up, you’re off to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. With a four-hour drive that’ll pass by in the blink of an eye,don’t be fooled by the word “capital” – its size and relaxed pace make it feel like a small town.
In Thimphu, make your way to the King’s Memorial Chorten. Half-memorial, half-monument to peace, this modern landmark’s significance is timeless, constantly surrounded by devotees and pulsating with spiritual energy so strong you can almost feel it! Then, as evening draws in, why not head out to the local crafts bazaar? It’s a snapshot of local life too genuine to overlook, and a fabulous opportunity to snag some totally unique, handcrafted souvenirs.
Accommodation: Hotel Thimpu Tower, Thimphu (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Monks, Nuns and Meditation
Today’s dive into Thimphu is royal, spiritual, and quintessentially Bhutanese. Home to the royal family, Thimphu is brimming with sights, and while we can’t list everything (there’s so much!) a standout is the Painting School, also called the Institute for Zorig Chusum. Here, students dedicate a whopping six years to mastering the kingdom’s 13 traditional arts, so it’s safe to say Bhutan takes its art scene very seriously.
After lunch, pop by Pangri Zampa, a 16th-century monastery where monks delve into astrology and Buddhist philosophy, and to chat with the nuns about their lives and spirituality at Zilukha Nunnery. This is a rare opportunity and these moments, deep in conversation, are the ones you’ll carry fondly with you, long after leaving Bhutan.
Slip into bed tonight in a state of peace, after a private Patchie meditation in a truly fitting location!
Accommodation: Hotel Thimpu Tower, Thimphu (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 – Punakha
Post-breakfast, you’re off to Punakha, cruising over the Dochula Pass at 3,080 m. Along the way, prayer flags flutter in the wind against the stunning backdrop of the eastern Himalayas. It’s a three-hour drive, but what a drive it is!
Punakha Dzong is one of the oldest, and most fairytale-like monasteries in the country, so making a stop here is pretty much essential. Crossing its ornate bridge, you’ll feel like you’re passing into a Nirvanic world.
After the drive, stretching your legs is a must, and what better way than a stroll to Chimi Lhakhang, the renowned Temple of Fertility? Surrounded by paddy fields, this is a place of hope and blessings, where the pressures of everyday life feel like a distant memory.
Accommodation: Hotel River Valley, Punakha (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 – Paro
It’s Day 14 already, so let’s finish off with a bang at Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang. Then it’s time to check in again at the oh-so-lovely Hotel Lhayuel. Drink in those irresistible Bhutanese hillside views, drenched in the oranges, pinks and reds of the setting sun, one last time. Yep – that time is unfortunately here: it’s your final sleep of the trip!
Tonight, you’ll come together one last time: not as a group of strangers, like you started the trip, but as an adventurous Patchie crew. Enjoy your final Bhutanese feast and raise your glasses in a goodbye toast known in Bhutan as Kel-Chang.Say cheers, not just to give thanks to the memories made on this trip, but also to the future reunions and adventures yet to come.
Accommodation: Hotel Lhayuel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 – Farewell Friends!
It’s that bittersweet moment, Patchies – your journey through both the low and highlands of Bengal and through Bhutan, the only country in the world that officially measures its happiness – is winding up. Over one last breakfast, be sure to swap numbers with each other and promise to keep in touch. Then you’ll transfer to the airport with plenty of time before your flight. One thing’s for sure, though – we can’t wait to welcome you back with open arms on another unforgettable adventure. So, where to next?
Included: Breakfast
The Essential Info
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
Food is everything in India. From street food to fine dining, you can find it all. Service in restaurants can be a bit slow, but the wait is worth it. North India is a vegetarian and vegan paradise. Most meals are included in this trip, but when they’re not, your Tour Leader will be on hand to point you towards restaurants with better hygiene.
While travelling with us you’ll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest what to try during your trip.
Bhutanese cuisine is influenced by Chinese, Tibetan and Indian culture. Don’t be surprised to see mountains of rice being served. Apart from white rice, the healthier red rice is also eaten. If you enjoy eating Chinese food, you should also enjoy Bhutanese food as they share similar tastes and ingredients. Another major ingredient in Bhutanese food is cheese, which is no surprise considering Bhutan is a relatively cold country and the majority of the farmers herd livestock that produce dairy. Suja (butter tea) is a popular local drink that regularly appears at breakfast.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love to travel but don’t like being herded around B-grade attractions… just the mere idea of joining a ‘big bus’ tour makes you want to run for the hills.
You also know, however, that some places are worth the wait.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation!
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
If that sounds like you, you’d make a great Patchie.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several airlines that offer nonstop and one stop flights between Kolkata and Australia or New Zealand. Bhutan has one international airport – that’s in Paro where the trip ends. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate flights to several destinations, including Kolkata, New Delhi, Kathmandu and Singapore. NB: Flights only operate in daytime hours.
India: Australian and New Zealand passport holders can apply for a 30 day E-Tourist Visa no earlier than 30 days before arrival. Cost approximately $40AUD. We’ll give you more details closer to the application time.
Bhutan: The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) charged by the Bhutanese Government is already included in the trip cost. Also included is the tourist visa. Should you choose to stay in Bhutan longer than the itinerary’s length, the current SDF charge is $100USD per extra night (after the trip ends), as well as a $25USD visa extension fee (one-off charge).
Private airport transfers are included. We recommend arriving the day before the trip starts to allow some time to recover from your flights.
Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights if you’re in need of assistance.
One handbag up to 7 kgs and 115 cms (L+W+H),
Checked luggage – 20 kg. Excess baggage available (can be arranged before the flight or at the airport) – a guide will assist.
https://www.goindigo.in/add-on-services/excess-baggage.html)
Level 1 or Easy
You’ll need a general level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 2 – 3 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. From time to time, you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit-down toilets) but when you’re on the road, sometimes it’s the only choice available. You’ll also need to be able to negotiate over-the-bath showers and be able to occasionally sit on the floor.
NB: The Tiger’s Nest trek is rated for Level 2 fitness (moderate) – this is a 5-hour walk that includes uneven ground, mismatched stairs and some steep sections. We’ve arranged an alternative activity for anyone who’d prefer not to do the trek. All other activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
In April, Kolkata generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 35°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 24°C and low monthly rainfall. In Darjeeling, expect a mild 24°C through the day, and a jacket reaching temperature of around 14°C at night.
April is one of the best months to visit Bhutan. It’s Spring and visibility is usually clear, and the temperature ranges from a chilly -4 to 4°C at night time, to low to high teens during the day.
Altitude sickness is rare in Bhutan because most of the valleys (and where the accommodation is usually located) are under 2,500 metres. However, the altitude is higher than most Australians and New Zealanders are used to, so due to the thinner air, some people may find activities more challenging than normal. We ask all guests to consult their doctor about a personal management plan to minimise the risk of altitude sickness.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf. Your trip covers 2 countries with individual currencies, so we ask your contribution be:
- India tip kitty given to your guide on Day 1
- 2,200 Indian Rupee (equivalent to $40 AUD) at exchange rate $1AUD: 55 rupee)
- Bhutan tip kitty given to your guide on day 7
- 1,300 Bhutanese (equivalent to $15 USD) at exchange rate $1USD: 83BTN).
Each kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and service providers.
What is not covered in the tip kitties are a customary tip for your lead guide in India and lead guide in Bhutan. For this, we recommend the following:
- Indian Guide: 3,500 – 4,000 Indian Rupee ($60 to $70 AUD equivalent)
- Bhutanese Guide: 4,600 – 5260 Bhutanese Ngultrum ($55 to $62 USD equivalent)
NB: The Bhutanese currency comparison is listed as USD because AUD is not a currency easily exchangeable in Bhutan.
