- Licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- Thimphu, Bhutan
Combined tour · 9 days, 8 nights
9 Day Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan Tour: Tea Hills, Gangtok and Paro
A road trip through the eastern Himalaya: sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill, the Darjeeling toy train, Gangtok’s monasteries and Tsomgo Lake, then into Bhutan for Thimphu and the Tiger’s Nest.
- 9 days, 8 nights
- Start at Bagdogra or NJP
- Permits for Sikkim and Bhutan handled
1999
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway made a UNESCO site
3
Regions in one trip
8,586 m
Kanchenjunga, seen from Tiger Hill
Private
Car and guides throughout
Trip overview
The eastern Himalaya by road
Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan sit side by side in the eastern Himalaya, and together they make one of the best road trips in Asia. Each has its own character. Darjeeling is a hill town of tea estates, colonial buildings and the little blue toy train. Sikkim, India’s smallest state, is green, clean and Buddhist, with monasteries on every ridge and Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain, on the skyline. Bhutan is the quiet kingdom at the end of the road.
This trip starts at Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri station. You spend two nights in Darjeeling, with sunrise from Tiger Hill and a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Then three nights in Gangtok, with Rumtek Monastery and a day trip to Tsomgo Lake, high on the road to the Tibetan border. From Gangtok you drive down to Phuentsholing and into Bhutan, finishing with Thimphu, Paro and the Tiger’s Nest.
It is a trip with plenty of driving on mountain roads, so we keep the days varied and stop often for tea, views and photos. It suits Indian families, international travellers already in India, and anyone who wants to see how the three places connect.
- Tiger Hill sunrise and the Darjeeling toy train
- Gangtok, Rumtek and Tsomgo Lake
- Thimphu, Paro and the Tiger's Nest in Bhutan
Highlights
Highlights on the route
Tiger Hill
Sunrise on Kanchenjunga above Darjeeling.
Toy train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO site.
Tea estates
Darjeeling's famous tea gardens.
Rumtek Monastery
A great Kagyu monastery near Gangtok.
Tsomgo Lake
A high glacial lake on the road to Nathu La.
Tiger's Nest
Bhutan's cliff monastery above Paro.
Itinerary at a glance
Nine days across three regions
Mountain roads are slow; driving times are realistic estimates.
Day 1: To Darjeeling
Pick up at Bagdogra or NJP, drive to Darjeeling.
Day 2: Darjeeling
Tiger Hill sunrise, Batasia Loop, toy train, tea estate.
Day 3: To Gangtok
Drive along the Teesta river to Gangtok.
Day 4: Gangtok
Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
Day 5: Tsomgo Lake
Day trip to Tsomgo Lake; Nathu La for Indian citizens.
Day 6: To Phuentsholing
Drive down to the plains and into Bhutan.
Day 7: To Thimphu
Entry permit, drive up to Thimphu.
Day 8: Thimphu to Paro
Thimphu sights in the morning, drive to Paro.
Day 9: Tiger's Nest, depart
Hike to Paro Taktsang, then fly out or drive back.
Day 1
Up into the tea hills
Our driver collects you from Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri station for the climb to Darjeeling, about three to four hours through tea gardens and forest. In the evening, a walk along the Mall and Chowrasta, the town’s main square.
- Overnight: Darjeeling
- Drive: about 3 to 4 hours
- Meals: dinner
Day 2
Sunrise and the toy train
An early start takes you to Tiger Hill for sunrise on Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 metres the world’s third highest mountain. On the way back you visit Ghum Monastery and the Batasia Loop. Later you ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the toy train, and visit a tea estate to see how Darjeeling tea is picked and processed.
- Overnight: Darjeeling
- Start: about 4 am for sunrise
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 3
Into Sikkim
You drive down to the Teesta river and up into Sikkim, about four to five hours. Foreign visitors need permission to enter Sikkim, which is now applied for online; we handle it before you travel. In the evening you walk along MG Marg, Gangtok’s car-free main street.
- Overnight: Gangtok
- Drive: about 4 to 5 hours
- Permit: Sikkim entry for foreign visitors
Day 4
Monasteries of Gangtok
You visit Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important Kagyu monasteries outside Tibet, Enchey Monastery above the town, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, with its collection of rare Buddhist texts and art. In the afternoon, the Banjhakri Falls park or the ropeway over the town.
- Overnight: Gangtok
- Meals: breakfast and dinner
- Note: Rumtek has a security check
Day 5
A high lake on the border road
A day trip up the border road to Tsomgo Lake, also called Changu, at about 3,750 metres, a glacial lake that freezes in winter. Permits are needed and are arranged by a registered agent. Indian citizens can also visit Nathu La, the pass on the border with Tibet, on days when it is open; foreign visitors can go only as far as the lake.
- Overnight: Gangtok
- Altitude: about 3,750 metres
- Note: road can close in snow
Day 6
Down to the Bhutan border
A long day: you drive down from Gangtok through Siliguri and across the plains to Jaigaon, about six to seven hours, and cross into Phuentsholing through the Bhutan Gate. Our Bhutanese guide meets you here. In the evening, a visit to Kharbandi Goemba on the hill above town if time allows.
- Overnight: Phuentsholing
- Drive: about 6 to 7 hours
- Border: Jaigaon to Phuentsholing
Day 7
Up to Bhutan's capital
In the morning your guide completes your entry formalities at the Phuentsholing immigration office. Indian citizens need a passport or Voter ID; international visitors need the Bhutan visa we arrange in advance. Then you drive up to Thimphu, about six hours, with stops at waterfalls and viewpoints. In the evening, Buddha Dordenma lit up above the city.
- Overnight: Thimphu
- Drive: about 6 hours
- Documents: passport or Voter ID, visa if needed
Day 8
Thimphu and on to Paro
In the morning you visit the Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong and the craft bazaar. After lunch you drive an hour to Paro and visit Rinpung Dzong across the old covered bridge.
- Overnight: Paro
- Drive: about 1 hour
- Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9
The Tiger's Nest
An early start for the Tiger’s Nest hike, five to six hours return. Then you fly out of Paro to Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra or beyond. If you prefer to return by road, we add a night and drive back to the border the next day.
- Hike: 5 to 6 hours return
- Departure: flight from Paro, or add a night
- Altitude: about 3,120 metres
Where you stay
Where you stay
Comfortable hotels with views.
| Nights | Place | Where you stay | Why we chose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | Darjeeling | 3-star or 4-star hotel | Near the Mall |
| 3 to 5 | Gangtok | 3-star or 4-star hotel | Near MG Marg |
| 6 | Phuentsholing | 3-star hotel | Near immigration |
| 7 | Thimphu | 3-star or 4-star hotel | Central |
| 8 | Paro | 3-star or 4-star hotel | Near the trailhead |
Heritage hotels in Darjeeling and boutique hotels in Gangtok are available on request.
What the price covers
Included and not included
Included
- Bhutan visa for international guests, or entry permit for Indian citizens
- Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee for every night in Bhutan
- Sikkim permits and Tsomgo Lake permits
- Hotels as listed
- Breakfast and dinner in India; all meals in Bhutan
- Private car with driver from Bagdogra or NJP
- Licensed guide in Bhutan and local guides in Darjeeling and Sikkim
- Toy train ticket and entry fees to the sites listed
Not included
- Flights or trains to Bagdogra or NJP, and flights out of Paro
- Lunch in India
- Nathu La permit (Indian citizens only)
- Travel insurance, drinks, tips and personal costs
Price on request
Tell us your budget and we will send our best price
We don’t publish one fixed price, because hotels, season and group size change the total a lot. Tell us your dates, who is travelling and the budget you have in mind. We will reply within 24 hours with our best price for this Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan tour.
How we price
What decides the cost of this trip
Government fees
The SDF is USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, plus a USD 40 visa. These are fixed by the Government of Bhutan and paid through us.
Hotels you choose
Group size changes the total a lot on a road trip, because the car is shared. Tell us how many of you are travelling.
Season and dates
Spring and autumn are peak season. Winter and summer dates are often easier to price well.
Group size
Guide and car costs are shared, so the price per person drops for two, three or four travellers.
We send a written, itemised quote before you pay anything. No booking fees.
Good to know
Planning your Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan trip
Sikkim permits
Foreign visitors need permission to enter Sikkim. Since January 2026 the old paper permits have been replaced by online clearance, applied for after arrival in India and usually processed in one or two days; we apply on your behalf. Foreign visitors may visit Tsomgo Lake, and parts of North Sikkim such as Yumthang, with extra clearance. Indian citizens do not need a permit for Gangtok, but do need permits for Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La, which we arrange.
Bhutan entry
Indian citizens enter Bhutan with a passport or Voter ID card and pay a Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1,200 per adult per night. International visitors need a Bhutan visa, issued online before arrival, and pay USD 100 per night until 31 August 2027. All visitors travel with a licensed guide in Bhutan. Read our guide for travellers from India.
Best time to go
October and November are the best months, with clear views of Kanchenjunga. March to May brings rhododendrons and warm days, with more haze. December to February is cold but clear, and Tsomgo Lake freezes. The monsoon, June to September, brings landslides on mountain roads, so we don’t recommend it.
Roads and driving times
Mountain roads in Sikkim and Bhutan are narrow and winding, and landslides can close them for hours after heavy rain. Driving times on this page are realistic but can change. Our drivers know these roads well and keep a steady, safe pace. Bring motion sickness tablets if you need them.
Food
Indian food is easy to find everywhere on this route, including pure vegetarian and Jain meals. In Sikkim try momos and thukpa; in Darjeeling, a proper cup of first-flush tea; in Bhutan, ema datshi, chillies in cheese.
Temple etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees in dzongs and temples, take off hats, and walk clockwise around chortens and prayer wheels. Photography is not allowed inside shrine rooms. Your guide explains each place before you go in. Read more in our Bhutan travel rules guide.
What to pack
Layers, a warm jacket for mornings and evenings, good walking shoes, sunscreen and clothing that covers shoulders and knees for dzongs and temples. See our Bhutan packing list.
Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan tour: questions
It depends on your hotels, group size and dates. Tell us your budget and we will reply within 24 hours with our best price, including the SDF, visa, hotels, meals, guide and car.
Yes. Online clearance is needed since January 2026. We apply for you.
No. Nathu La is open only to Indian citizens. Foreign visitors can visit Tsomgo Lake.
By road, from Jaigaon to Phuentsholing, with permits at the immigration office.
No. A passport or Voter ID card is enough, plus the entry permit we arrange.
Yes, with two or three extra days.
Yes, though there is a lot of driving on mountain roads.
Two to four months ahead, more for October and Indian holidays.
Price on request
Ask for your best price
Tell us your dates, nationality, group size and budget. We will reply within 24 hours with our best price for this Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan tour.
- Share your budget, we shape the trip around it
- No booking fees, ever
- A reply within 24 hours
- Licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- +975 17533776
- +975 77495028
- info@deyabhutantours.com
- Thimphu, Bhutan
Let's plan your Bhutan journey
Tell us a little about your trip. Our team in Thimphu will reply with ideas, a day-by-day plan and a full price.
We’ll reply within 24 hours. No booking fees, and no obligation to book.