Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Delhi. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE group package services begin with a tour of the city. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: Transfer to the domestic terminal for the onward flight to Bagdogra. We then drive to Darjeeling (2134m / 7000ft) and check in to our hotel. Afternoon sightseeing.
Day 3: We have a full day to explore Darjeeling. Options include visits to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and a tea plantation or a ride on the narrow gauge railway.
Day 4: We drive to Dhodray and begin our trek through rhododendron forest towards the crest of the Singalila Ridge. Our camp at Tonglu (3070m / 10,072ft) offers good views of Kangchenjunga.
Day 5: Now on the ridge, our day's walk involves less ascent. Today we trek, via a tea stop at the Nepalese village of Jaubari, to our second night's camp at Kalpokhari (3100m / 10,170ft).
Day 6: A short morning's walk takes us to the ridge-top settlement of Sandakphu (3663m / 12,018ft), where we set up camp and have the afternoon free to relax and enjoy the 360 degree panorama.
Day 7: After watching the sun rise over Kangchenjunga and the distant Everest group, today we have a full day's walking on the broad ridge-top to our next camp at Phalut (3600m / 11,811ft).
Day 8: Above Phalut we can enjoy another sunrise over the mountains, before descending from the ridge into increasingly pastoral countryside, to camp just beyond Ramman (2560m / 8400ft).
Day 9: Our final short day of walking leads to the village of Rhimbic, from where we make the fascinating drive across country to the major bazaar town of Kalimpong where we check in at a hotel.
Day 10: Morning free, then continue our drive eastwards, reaching the Bhutanese border at Phuntsholling after 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at a hotel in Phuntsholling.
Day 11: Today, we follow a spectacular section of road to Paro. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 12: Sightseeing day in the Paro Valley. Optional hike up to the Taktsang Monastery and visit to Paro Dzong. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 13: After a short transfer to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, we begin our trek northwards, beside the Paro River, through delightful farmland and forest to reach our camp at Shana (2810m / 9220ft).
Day 14: A longer trek, as we follow the river through mixed forest. At a junction of 2 valleys, we turn north towards Chomolhari, now visible. Camp at Soi Thangthanka (3614m / 11,857ft).
Day 15: We continue our trek towards Chomolhari, passing a herding camp and entering more open country with grazing yaks. Camp at the meadow site of Jangothang (3985m / 13,074ft).
Day 16: Morning hike to the viewpoint for Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake at Tsophu Lakes (4200m / 13,780ft). Back to Jangothang for lunch, then trek to camp above Soi Thangthanka. (3614m / 11,857ft).
Day 17: A long day, continuing the return trek downvalley to a camp beyond Shana.
Day 18: A short morning's trek takes us to the roadhead, from where we drive to the Bhutanese capital. Most of the afternoon free for sightseeing and overnight in Thimpu.
Day 19: Drive to Paro Airport and fly to Delhi. Day rooms at the group hotel, then late evening transfer to Delhi Airport where KE group package services end.
