Tour of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan

Join Odyssey Traveller on this small group tour in the Indian subcontinent, taking us from the verdant tea gardens of Darjeeling nestled in the Himalayan mountain range, to the hilltop monasteries of the former independent kingdom of Sikkim, and finally to the pristine and beautifully isolated mountain landscape of Bhutan.

From A$12,325AUD

Guaranteed

Highlights

  1. 1. Take a toy train ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has the highest railway station in India.
  2. 2. Travel through the lush green tea gardens and forests of Dooars in northeastern India.
  3. 3. Explore several monuments related to Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.
  4. 4. Walk up to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), an iconic Bhutanese cultural landmark nestled in the Paro Valley.
Tour of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan itinerary

Departure Dates

Departure Date Price
08 April 2024

Ends 21 April 2024

A$12,325 Twin

A$13,795 Single

Guaranteed
Selected
04 November 2024

Ends 17 November 2024

A$12,325 Twin

A$13,795 Single

Pre-guaranteed
07 April 2025

Ends 20 April 2025

A$12,725 Twin

A$14,235 Single

Available
03 November 2025

Ends 16 November 2025

A$12,725 Twin

A$14,235 Single

Available
06 April 2026

Ends 19 April 2026

A$13,250 Twin

A$14,850 Single

Available
02 November 2026

Ends 15 November 2026

A$13,250 Twin

A$14,850 Single

Available

Tour of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan

Join Odyssey Traveller on this small group tour in the Indian subcontinent, an incredible journey taking us from the verdant tea gardens of Darjeeling nestled in the Himalayan mountain range, to the hilltop monasteries of the former independent kingdom of Sikkim, and finally to the pristine and beautifully isolated mountain landscape of Bhutan.

This 14-day tour of Darjeeling and Sikkim in India and the country of Bhutan will show you the interaction of old and new cultures, and how the people preserve years-old traditions and untouched landscapes while embracing modernity. This is a region of immense historical and cultural importance. We will visit a number of important destinations that will give us insight about the effects of the British Empire and the history of the Kingdom of Sikkim that flourished in the Indian subcontinent prior to colonisation. We will also have a chance to enter the isolated enclave of Bhutan to learn about its festivals and cultural practices. This is a small group tour for a group of up to 16 mature and senior travellers joining with their partner or as a solo traveller that will enrich the senses with its magical scenery, but will also enrich the mind by teaching us about the unique places to which the rest of the world have had no or limited prior access. This group tour requires a reasonable level of fitness.

India has 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of which we will see on this tour. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the three railways listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Mountain Railways of India". Opened in 1881, UNESCO describes it as "the first, and is still the most outstanding, example of a hill passenger railway." Bhutan has eight sites on the UNESCO Tentative List, and we will visit the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), an iconic cultural landmark located in the Paro Valley. This monastery is associated with Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche or "second Buddha", who is believed to have introduced Buddhism into the Indian subcontinent in the 8th century. We will also explore the sights and the beautiful dzong architecture of the capital of Bhutan, Thimpu.

This small group tour is perfect for the active mature-aged and senior travellers who are after a diversity of scenery and experiences, but also want convenience and comfort. Nearly all of the daily meals are provided on this tour, especially during the Bhutan leg of the trip, giving you a chance to try each destination's unique cuisine.

Odyssey Traveller has been serving global travellers since 1983. As always, couples and solo travellers are welcome, and similar to other Odyssey Traveller tours, you will be accompanied at all times by a Program Leader and local guides who will share their knowledge of the places visited.

History of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan

The histories of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan are intertwined. Darjeeling, noted for its tea industry, is located within the state of West Bengal in northeastern India. Until the early 19th century, Darjeeling was ruled by the Kingdom of Sikkim. The kingdom, situated between modern-day Nepal and Bhutan, was established in 1642 and fought a series of territorial wars with its two neighbours.

In the war between British troops and Nepal that broke out in 1814, Sikkim sided with the British; the kingdom later became a de facto protectorate of the British Empire. The British East India Company, which had taken over most of the Indian subcontinent, took over the formerly Sikkim-ruled Darjeeling in 1835, and built a sanatorium and extensive tea plantations in the region.

Though Bhutan was never colonised, it was forced to cede control of its foreign relations to the British in 1910, a role that was inherited by India in 1949 following that country’s independence from British rule. Sikkim became a protectorate of India in 1950 and later joined the country as its 22nd state. Bhutan began to develop its own foreign relations, joining the United Nations in 1971. In 2008, Bhutan transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

Tour Itinerary Highlights

Darjeeling

We will travel to India, to Delhi for our first night, and fly from Delhi to Darjeeling.

Darjeeling lies 490 kilometres north of Calcutta at an elevation of about 2,100 metres above sea level, on the narrow mountain ridge of the Sikkim Himalayas. Here we will experience an early morning drive to Tiger Hill (2,573 metres) in order to see the dawn light breaking over the snow peaks of the Himalayan mountain range.

Darjeeling is a town located in the foothills of the Himalayas, so this promises to be a scenic drive along a country road dotted with tea gardens, agricultural fields, and small villages. Visible from Tiger Hill are Mt Everest and Mt Kanchenjunga (world's third highest peak), an unforgettable sight.

We will also take a narrow gauge train ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has the highest railway station in India sitting at 2,258 metres.

Sikkim

In Sikkim, we will explore the capital of Gangtok. Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous Indian state of Sikkim, a former Himalayan Kingdom.

We will see several monuments related to Tibetan Buddhism, such as the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre (Rumtek Monastery). Originally built in the 18th century, it was rebuilt in 1960 by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa (Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 1924–1981) after he fled Tibet. The Gyalwa Karmapa is the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu, one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a replica of the Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet.

We will travel through the lush green tea gardens and forests and visit Gorumara, a popular wilderness retreat and a national park. This a true wildlife sanctuary, a reserve forest since the 1890s and untouched by human habitation.

Bhutan

From Sikkim, we drive to the border of Bhutan. Here we will be met by our Bhutanese guide and driver.

A highlight of any visit to Bhutan typically includes watching and participating in one of the many festivals held throughout the year and the temples of Bhutan.

The most famous is the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) in the Paro Valley. This involves a hike of 3-4 hours to reach the site, on a 900-metre ascent up to the monastery at 3,120 meters. This monastery is associated with Guru Rinpoche, who is venerated as a "second Buddha" by adherents of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Himalayan states of India. Even if you decide not to reach the monastery itself, there is a tea shop around the halfway mark, which provides excellent views of the monastery.

Another highlight is the National Textile Museum. The Bhutan Textile Museum was opened in 2001 at the instruction of Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, one of the four wives of the old Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The national museum was established to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage that has been preserved between Bhutan’s mountainous ridges. The building itself was constructed to replicate a traditional Bhutanese house. Visitors really get a full taste of the country’s cultural heritage, and the lingering influence of tradition on the present.

These are only a few of the places we will visit in Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan. For more details and to read about all of our destinations on this wonderful tour, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.

Articles about India published by Odyssey Traveller

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to India

Articles about Bhutan published by Odyssey Traveller

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to Bhutan

Itinerary

14 days

Day 1: Delhi, India

Accommodation: Lemon Tree or similar

Upon arrival in Delhi make your own way to our hotel. In the evening, we meet as a group for an introductory briefing and our welcome dinner.

(D)

Day 2: Darjeeling

Accommodation: Mayfair Resort or similar

In the morning, we will fly from Delhi to Bagdogra in the Indian state of West Bengal (2 hours). From Bagdogra, we will be driven to Darjeeling (3 hours). Darjeeling is a town located in the foothills of the Himalayas, so this promises to be a scenic drive along a country road dotted with tea gardens, agricultural fields, and small villages.

We will check in at our Darjeeling hotel and have the afternoon and evening free.

In the late afternoon you could take a stroll in the Darjeeling Mall in the heart of Darjeeling town. It is also known as Chowrasta. “Chow” means four and “rasta” means road–the place where four roads meet. It is a must visit place for all tourists who want to get a feel of the city. The place has many old book and curio shops, some more than 100 years old. Walk around the shady wooded pedestrian road and enjoy the mist and sunshine.

(B, D)

Day 3: Darjeeling - Ghoom - Darjeeling

Accommodation: Mayfair Resort or similar

We will take an early morning drive to Tiger Hill (2,573 metres) in order to see the dawn light breaking over the snow peaks before sunlight even reaches the lowlands. Visible from Tiger Hill are Mt Everest and Mt Kanchenjunga (world’s third highest peak), an unforgettable sight. The summit at Tiger Hill also commands a fine view of the vast plains of North Bengal.

Tiger Hill is also the summit of Ghoom (also spelled Ghum), a small locality that is home to the highest railway station in India, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (or Toy Train) sitting at 2,258 metres. We will take a toy train ride to Ghoom. The steam locomotive snakes its way through the zigzag trails and loops. It makes a round at the picturesque Batasia Loop with Kanchenjunga as the constant backdrop. At Ghoom, we will visit the Himalayan Railway Museum before returning to Darjeeling.

We will visit:

  • Tibetan refugee Self Help Centre – established on 1st October 1959 to rehabilitate displaced Tibetans who had followed His Holiness, The Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. The Tibetan craftsmen can be seen at work at the centre. We will drive along the road to the Lebong race course area for a stunning countryside view over the rolling slopes of lush green tea gardens.
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Museum – which boasts a rich and rare collection of exhibits; the HMI was built to commemorate the success of sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who accompanied British Edmund Hillary to the summit of Mt Everest in 1953, the first to ever do so
  • Himalayan Zoo – a high altitude wildlife park and a home for the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Snow Leopard and many Himalayan species endemic to the region.

Back in the town centre, we will visit the local market of fashionable handicrafts and jewellery. Laze away in the Mall – the hub of the town. Have a cup of coffee at Caventer’s open air restaurant and watch a glorious sunset. (B, D)

Day 4: Darjeeling - Gangtok

Accommodation: Norkhil Hotel or similar

Today we drive to Gangtok via Peshok road (4 hours). The view of the fascinating tea gardens at Peshok with the Kanchenjunga snow range and Rangit River Valley will demand you to stop for a while for a refreshing break.

From the road junction of Tista Bazar, we follow the winding road along the emerald River Tista. To break up the drive, we can spend time in some scenic spots on the way to enjoy the landscape.

We reach Gangtok by afternoon. Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous Indian state of Sikkim, a former Himalayan Kingdom. This is a buzzing town showing a fusion of modern and traditional culture. Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s, the city became capital of an independent monarchy after British rule ended, but joined India in 1975 as its 22nd state.

In the afternoon, if Day 4 of our tour falls on a weekday, we will visit the Government Institute of Cottage Industry where beautiful souvenirs like carpets, handcarved tables (choktses), traditional handicrafts, furniture, woven carpets and other products, are produced and exhibited for sale.

Nearby you can also visit the Tibetology Institute and museum which holds the world’s largest collection of books and rare manuscripts on the subject of Mahayana Buddhism. There are also many religious works of art and thangka, Tibetan scroll paintings typically constructed from silk brocade.

Just beside the institute is the Dodurl Chorten encircled by 108 prayer wheels built by late Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46. This is one of the most important and biggest stupas found in Sikkim.

After checking in at the hotel, consider going for a short visit to the market or walk on the MG Marg (or Mahatma Gandhi road), the most popular area in Gangtok town. (B, D)

Day 5: Gangtok - Rumtek - Gangtok

Accommodation: Norkhil Hotel or similar

From Gangtok, we will take a half day excursion to the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. Originally built in the 18th century, it was rebuilt in 1960 by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa (Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 1924–1981) after he fled Tibet. (The Gyalwa Karmapa is the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu, one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism). It is a replica of the Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet.

We will walk and visit the nearby Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies, just adjacent to the Monastery Building. (B, D)

Day 6: Gorumara National Park

Accommodation: Sinclairs Retreat or similar

Today after breakfast we set out for a journey to Gorumara National Park in the foothills of the Himalayas (5 hours). The first phase of our journey runs through the hills dotted with beautiful forests and villages. From here the road goes down to the vast plains of Dooars, lying in the outer foothills of the Himalayas. We travel through the lush green tea gardens and forests–the unique features of Dooars.

We continue to Gorumara – a popular wilderness retreat in the Dooars plains and a national park. This a true wildlife sanctuary, a reserve forest since the 1890s and untouched by human habitation.

In the afternoon, we will go on an exclusive car safari to Gorumara National Park. The journey passes through the deep natural grasslands of Gorumara, the natural habitat for rhinoceros, elephants, leopard, bison and many other species of birds and reptiles. We will also visit the watch tower in the core area of the national park. From here we can get a vast panoramic view of the Gorumara grassland. There is a salt pit just at the base of the tower, where the animals regularly come to taste the salt.

After some thrilling excitement, we return to our accommodation in Gorumara. Here we will also have the opportunity to see the different rural life of the plains of Bengal. In the evening, we will arrange a bonfire with a cultural show. (B, D)

Day 7: Gorumbara - Thimpu, Bhutan

Accommodation: Hotel Galingkha or similar

In the morning, we drive about 2.5 hours to the Bhutan border. Here we will be met by our Bhutanese guide and driver.

After lunch, we drive from the border town of Phuentsholing to Thimphu (5 hours), moving from the warmer climate of the south up to the foothills of the Himalayas. Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan.

Take an early evening stroll around town and soak in the atmosphere of this magical capital.

(B, L, D)

Day 8: Thimphu

Accommodation: Hotel Galingkha or similar

Today we will enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of the capital.

Among the places we will visit is the National Textile Museum. The Bhutan Textile Museum was opened in 2001 at the instruction of Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, one of the four wives of the old Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The national museum was established to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage that has been preserved between Bhutan’s mountainous ridges. The building itself was constructed to replicate a traditional Bhutanese house. Visitors really get a full taste of the country’s cultural heritage, and the lingering influence of tradition on the present.

We also visit the Thimphu Chorten, the Golden Buddha (Buddha Dordenma). We explore the postal museum, showcasing Bhutan’s interesting stamps, as well as the Changangkha temple. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Thimphu - Punakha

Accommodation: Hotel Zhingkham or similar

In the morning, we drive east to the Dochu-la (la means “pass”), where, weather permitting, there are panoramic views of the Himalayan snow-peaks. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours. We will visit the modern Victory Temple at Dochu-la, which was built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian insurgents in the early 1980’s.

In the afternoon, we visit Punakha Dzong, perhaps the most photogenic of Bhutan’s Dzongs, situated at the confluence of two fast-flowing turquoise rivers. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Punakha - Paro

Accommodation: Olathang Resort or similar

This morning we walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, a chorten (Buddhist shrine) commissioned by the Queen of Bhutan in 2004. This uphill walk offers a beautiful view of the Punakha Valley.

In the afternoon, we drive to Paro (4 hours) where we will have time to visit some handicraft shops for souvenirs of the trip. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Paro

Accommodation: Olathang Resort or similar

This morning we enjoy some more sightseeing together in Paro, visiting the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a large monastery and fortress and one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.

We also visit the National Museum housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower) which was built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war, in an unusual circular construction resembling a conch shell. The Ta Dzong was badly damaged by an earthquake in September 2011, but has now been renovated. Here we see a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps.

Near the museum we may also be able to see a demonstration of traditional wood turning skills by local artisans who make traditional wooden bowls and cups – and members of the group may try their hand in wood turning as well!

In the afternoon we will see the Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of victory), constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644, and destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Nearby is the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Paro

Accommodation: Olathang Resort or similar

We rise early to visit the spectacularly situated Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), a highlight of any visit to Bhutan. This involves a hike of 3-4 hours to reach the site, on a 900-metre ascent up to the monastery at 3,120 meters. This monastery is associated with Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have introduced Buddhism into the Indian subcontinent in the 8th century. He is venerated as a “second Buddha” by adherents of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Himalayan states of India.

There is a tea shop around the halfway mark, which provides excellent views of the monastery, and some visitors are content with reaching this site. We return in time for lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free.

(B, L, D)

Day 13: Paro - Delhi

Accommodation: Lemon Tree or similar

We take our flight to Delhi and transfer to our hotel.

In the evening we meet again for a farewell dinner.

(B, D)

Day 14: Delhi

The tour concludes after breakfast.

(B)

Includes / Excludes

What’s included in our Tour

  • Two domestic airfares in economy class
  • 13 nights of hotel accommodation.
  • 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 13 dinners.
  • Services of an Odyssey Tour Leader.
  • Local guide throughout the tour.
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees.
  • Tipping and gratuities.
  • Detailed preparatory booklet.

What’s not included in our Tour

  • International flights.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Items of a personal nature such as drinks, alcohol and laundry.
Level 2 - Moderate

Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, be in good health, mobile and able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day, the equivalent of walking / hiking up to 8 kilometers per day on uneven ground.

Book now

Departure

08 April 2024

Guaranteed

Ends 21 April 2024 • 14 days

Change departure date

Customise

Room Type

Single Traveller
A$13,795
Two Travellers
A$12,325 pp

By booking two travellers sharing a room you save $1470 per person.

Payment Type

You can reserve your spot by paying a A$1,000 pp deposit, for full details please see our Terms & Conditions .

Pay Deposit
A$2,000
Pay Full
A$24,650

Prices are per person and valid until 30th December 2024.

Need Help?

We're here to help you with any questions you have. Call us anytime 24/7.
Australia flag 1300 888 225

Make it a private tour

If you have a group of 6 friends or more you can book this tour as a private departure, with all the benefits of our small group tours.
Get in touch to find out more.

Easing your journey

Crossing international borders with restrictions

The list of requirements to travel internationally has changed and will continue to change for several years. Odyssey is here to assist you in managing your way through these requirements:

Pre-departure checklist for travelling across International borders.
Support over email or phone available 24/7 for any questions you have.

For more information see our Crossing international borders with restrictions page.

Book With Confidence

If less than 30 days before your tour starts you are unable to travel as a result of Government travel restrictions, Odyssey Traveller will assist you with a date change, provide you with a credit or process a refund for your booking less any non-recoverable costs.

See Terms and conditions for details.

Peace of Mind Travel

The safety of our travellers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when travelling with us.

See Peace of Mind Travel for details.

Reading List Download PDF

A Field Guide to Happiness: What I Learned in Bhutan about Living, Loving, and Waking Up

Linda Leaming

"In the West, we have everything we could possibly need or want—except for peace of mind".

So writes Linda Leaming, a harried American who traveled from Nashville, Tennessee, to the rugged Himalayan nation of Bhutan—sometimes called the happiest place on Earth—to teach English and unlearn her politicized and polarized, energetic and impatient way of life.

"In Bhutan if I have three things to do in a week, it’s considered busy. In the U.S., I have at least three things to do between breakfast and lunch".

After losing her luggage immediately upon arrival, Leaming realized that she also had emotional baggage—a tendency toward inaction, a touch of self-absorption, and a hundred other trite, stupid, embarrassing, and inconsequential things—that needed to get lost as well. Pack up ideas and feelings that tie you down and send you lead-footed down the wrong path. Put them in a metaphorical suitcase and sling it over a metaphorical bridge in your mind. Let the river take them away.

Forced by circumstance and her rustic surroundings to embrace a simplified life, Leaming made room for more useful beliefs. The thin air and hard climbs of her mountainous commute put her deeply in touch with her breath, helping her find focus and appreciation. The archaic, glacially paced bureaucracy of a Bhutanese bank taught her to go with the flow—and take up knitting. The ancient ritual of drinking tea brought tranquility, friendship, and, eventually, a husband. Each day, and each adventure, in her adopted home brought new insights and understandings to take back to frantic America, where she now practices the art of “simulating Bhutan.” This collection of stories, impressions, and suggestions is a little nudge, a push, a leg up into the rarefied air of paradise—of bright sunlight and beautiful views.

The History of Bhutan

Karma Phuntsho

In recent years, the remote kingdom of Bhutan has increasingly attracted the attention of the world. In 2008, it emerged as the world’s youngest democracy and in the same year crowned the world’s youngest monarch. This was followed by the new King’s colourful wedding in 2011. Today, it continues to enchant the rest of the world with its policy of Gross National Happiness and has become a very popular destination for travel. But, despite its growing popularity and the rising scholarly interest in the country, Bhutan remains one of the most poorly studied places on earth.

Karma Phuntsho’s The History of Bhutan is the first-ever attempt to cover the entire history of Bhutan in some detail in English, combining both traditional perspectives and modern academic analysis. Written by a leading expert on the country, the book tells the story of Bhutan in a narrative style interspersed with some analytical and topical discussion, and numerous citations and translations from earlier writings. It is primarily a historical account, but it also includes substantive discussions of Bhutan’s geography, culture and society to give the readers an incisive introduction to the country.

Samu - Shamu: The Sonam Stories: Narratives of Childhood in Bhutan

Suzie Sims-Fletcher

On a remote campus in the Black Mountains of the Himalayas, students at the Institute of Language and Culture Studies, Royal University of Bhutan, were asked to recall stories of their childhoods. Suzie Sims-Fletcher, their English lopen, taught them how to move from the oral tradition in Dzonghka to written composition in English. These selected tales are at once uniquely provincial yet poignantly universal. The collection offers striking memories of family and community, learning and growth, illness and death, tradition and celebration. An adaptable lesson guide to the story project (ESL, listening skills, writing), glossary of Dzongkha words and phrases, as well as vibrant full color photos of Druk Yul, Land of the Thunder Dragon, round out the 156 pages. Whether you are a tourist, teacher, or culture collector, Samu-Shamu: The Sonam Stories, captures the mist and earth of this magical kingdom in the sky.

The Dragon's Voice: How Modern Media Found Bhutan

Bunty Avieson

This is a fascinating account of ancient culture colliding with modern media. Tucked between Tibet and India in the Himalayas, the kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most isolated and beautiful countries in the world. In The Dragon’s Voice, Australian journalist Bunty Avieson provides a glimpse of life beyond the country’s exotic exterior. As a consultant to local newspaper Bhutan Observer, she admires the paper’s strong social conscience, but finds her expectations challenged in a country where spirituality and personal happiness are prioritized over work. Avieson also witnesses the tensions that arise as a Buddhist kingdom makes the transition to democracy. The courtship ritual of “night-hunting” and the nation’s first public demonstration become controversial news items, while journalists must overcome traditional social hierarchies to keep politicians accountable. With a unique blend of memoir and reportage, The Dragon’s Voice is both a deeply personal story and a vivid portrait of a nation on the cusp of revolutionary change.

Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon

Joanna Lumley

In 1931 Joanna Lumley's grandparents travelled to the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan to invest King Jigme Wangchuk as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire. They journeyed for three-and-a-half months through dense jungles and across mountain passes and uncharted plains, taking with them a film camera. In this book, their granddaughter records her thoughts and impressions of Bhutan as she follows in their footsteps, trekking across the country from west to east, on foot and on ponies. The book includes photographs from her trip, archive pictures from her grandparents' album, drawings by Lumley herself, and extracts from her own journal and her grandmother's diary. It is peppered with recipes, remedies, customs and, all through, a vein of personal family history and the author's own thoughts and observations.

Amazon

Darjeeling: A History of the World’s Greatest Tea

Jeff Koehler

Darjeeling's tea bushes stretch across a picturesque landscape steeped in religious, sacred and mythical history. Planted at high elevation in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, in an area of northern India bound by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east and Sikkim to the north, the rows of brilliant green, waist-high shrubs that coat the steep slopes and valleys around this Victorian 'hill town' produce only a fraction of the world's tea, and less than one per cent of India's total. Yet the tea from this limited crop, with its characteristic bright, amber-coloured brew and muscatel flavours – delicate and flowery, with hints of apricots and peaches – is generally considered the best on the globe.

This is the story of how Darjeeling developed its prodigious tea industry under Imperial British rule and eventually came to produce some of the highest-quality leaves in the world. It is a fascinating portrait of the region from the days of the Raj to that of the 'voodoo farmers' of the present day, who get world-record prices for their fine teas, all set against the backdrop of the looming Himalayas and drenching monsoons. It is a story rich in intrigue and empire, full of adventurers and unlikely successes in culture and religion, ecology and terroir, and one that began with one of the most audacious acts of corporate smuggling in history.

It is also the tale of how the industry had spiralled into decline by the end of the twentieth century, and how this paradisiacal spot in the high Himalayas seethes with union unrest and a violent struggle for independent statehood. It is on the front line against the devastating effects of climate change and decades of harmful farming practices, a war that is being fought in some tea gardens – and, astonishingly, won – using radical methods.

Amazon

Darjeeling Reconsidered: Histories, Politics, Environments

Middleton (Editor), Shneiderman (Editor)

Darjeeling occupies a special place in the South Asian imaginary. With its Himalayan vistas, lush tea gardens, and brisk mountain air, Darjeeling was the consummate colonial hill-station. The romance with the "queen of the hills" lives on, as thousands of tourists (domestic and international) annually flock to the hills to taste its world-renowned tea, soak up the colonial nostalgia, and glimpse mighty Mount Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling's fame has now gone global and its legacy continues to fuel Hollywood and Bollywood fantasies. But this is only part of Darjeeling's story. Darjeeling Reconsidered provocatively rethinks Darjeeling's legendary status in the postcolonial imagination. Mobilizing diverse disciplinary approaches from the social sciences and humanities, this definitive collection of essays sheds fresh light on the region's past and offers critical insight into the issues facing its people today. The historical analyses break with hackneyed colonial accounts to provide alternative readings of systems of governance, labour, and migration that shaped Darjeeling. The ethnographic chapters present cutting-edge accounts of dynamics that define life in 21st century Darjeeling: among them the realpolitik of subnationalism; Fair Trade tea; indigenous struggle; gendered inequality; ecological transformation; and resource scarcity. Through these eye-opening perspectives, Darjeeling Reconsidered figures Darjeeling as a vital site for South Asian and Postcolonial Studies-and calls for a timely re-examination of the legend and hard-realities of this oft-romanticized region and its people. The book seeks a place on the shelves of postcolonial theorists, on the syllabi of undergraduate and graduate courses on South Asia, and in the rucksacks of intellectually curious visitors from all over the world to Darjeeling.

Amazon

Sikkim: Requiem for a Himalayan Kingdom

Andrew Duff

A remarkable piece of detective work . . . In addition to fascinating human stories, the book is a very valuable addition to how the Cold War played out in South Asia, and to the history of the foreign policies of China, India and the US . . . exceptionally well-written and compelling to read.' - Michael Burleigh, author of Small Wars, Faraway Places 'The last days of a Himalayan kingdom presented in glorious Technicolor. This is a superbly researched work and packed full of extraordinary characters straight out of a James Bond novel, with appearances from Indira Gandhi, Henry Kissinger, Zhou Enlai and Chairman Mao . . . Has great relevance to today's Asia; anyone with an interest in India and China's complex relationship should read this enthralling book.' - Prajwal Parajuly, author of The Gurkha's Daughter and Land Where I Flee This is the true story of Sikkim, a tiny Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas that survived the end of the British Empire only to be annexed by India in 1975. It tells the remarkable tale of Thondup Namgyal, the last King of Sikkim, and his American wife, Hope Cooke, thrust unwittingly into the spotlight as they sought support for Sikkim's independence after their 'fairytale' wedding in 1963. As tensions between India and China spilled over into war in the Himalayas, Sikkim became a pawn in the Cold War in Asia during the 1960s and 1970s. Rumours circulated that Hope was a CIA spy. Meanwhile, a shadowy Scottish adventuress, the Kazini of Chakung, married to Sikkim's leading political figure, coordinated opposition to the Palace. As the world's major powers jostled for regional supremacy during the early 1970s Sikkim and its ruling family never stood a chance. On the eve of declaring an Emergency across India, Indira Gandhi outwitted everyone to bring down the curtain on the 300-year-old Namgyal dynasty. Based on interviews and archive research, as well as a retracing of a journey the author's grandfather made in 1922, this is a thrilling, romantic and informative glimpse of a real life Shangri-La.

Amazon

The World of Tibetan Buddhism: An Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice

Dalai Lama

With characteristic humility, His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins this landmark survey of the entire Buddhist path by saying, "I think an overview of Tibetan Buddhism for the purpose of providing a comprehensive framework of the path may prove helpful in deepening your understanding and practice." In this book, the Dalai Lama delivers a presentation that is both concise and profound, accessible and engaging. As readers explore Tibetan Buddhism more fully than ever before, they will find in His Holiness a great friend and authority.

Amazon

FAQs

Is travel to India safe?

Yes. However, heed the Australian government advice to reconsider your need to travel to some regions of India listed because of safety and security issues. Odyssey Traveller follows government travel advice and our tours in India do not venture into these areas.

What are the different modes of travel you can use to reach Bhutan?

Isolation is a dominant theme in the history of Bhutan. Perched among steep mountains and valleys in the Himalayas, Bhutan could only be reached on foot until it built its first roads in the 1960s. The last important statesman to visit Bhutan on foot was the first Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who trekked the 4500-metre-high Nathu-La in 1958.

Now travellers can fly to the Paro International Airport, situated at a height of 2,225 metres (7300 ft).

On this tour, we travel by land from India to the border town of Phuentsholing, one of the three land border areas to get into Bhutan.

Is there snowfall in Bhutan?

Snowfalls are common in the higher elevations, especially in the areas which borders Tibet. In the south, where Bhutan shares borders with India, the snowfalls come in the form of monsoonal rainfalls. Bhutan has a dry spring season typically in early March until mid-April. Autumn, from late September to late November, is characterised by sunny days and some snowfalls in the higher altitudes.

Should I be worried about altitude sickness on this tour?

Though we will be visiting places located in high altitudes on this tour–higher than many of us are used to–altitude sickness is rare in Bhutan as most of the valleys in the country are lower than 2,500 metres, while in India altitude sickness is usually associated with Leh, India, perched at over 3,500 metres. (Leh is not included on this tour itinerary.)

However, if it is your first time to visit a high location, we advise that you visit your GP and ask for advice regarding altitude sickness medicine.

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs because you have less oxygen in the surroundings due to lower air pressure the higher you go. It is not life-threatening, and the symptoms improve once you descend.

The symptoms can include dizziness or lightheadedness, weakness, and nausea. National Geographic also offers some tips here.

What should I know about border crossings on this tour?

After exploring Darjeeling and Sikkim, we will travel by land from India to cross the border to Bhutan through the border town of Phuentsholing. This is the primary border crossing from India into Bhutan, and one of the three possible points of entry.

We will be met by our Bhutanese guide at the border.

What visas are required to travel to Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan?

You will need a visa to enter both India and Bhutan.

Citizens of certain countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the US, UK, and Canada are eligible for the India eVisa. You can click here to see the full list of countries. Travellers should make sure that their passports have at least six months validity at the time of making the eVisa application, that they have a return ticket or onward journey ticket, and have sufficient funds to spend during their stay in India.

Only citizens of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives are exempt from the visa requirement to enter Bhutan. Odyssey’s partner licensed Bhutan tour operator will be processing your visa. The process will require the photo-page of your passport and a visa fee.

The visa clearance letter will need to be shown at your point of entry, and your passport will be stamped.

Related Tour Categories

Guaranteed departures

South Coast, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. View 15 tours

Last Minute Places

Lucerne town, Lake Lucerne and Rigi Mountain, Switzerland View 4 tours

Level 2 - Moderate

Myanmar places of interest View 134 tours

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

Special offers and promotions
A$350 AUD first trip travel voucher
The latest tours and articles