From Darjeeling to Bhutan
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Delhi. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE Land Only 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 the Bhutanese capital of Thimpu. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 12: Sightseeing day in Thimpu including the spectacular Tachidzong. This is also an opportunity to buy craftwork from all over Bhutan which is sold in the stores of the capital. Overnight at our hotel in Thimpu.
Day 13: We start the day with a scenic drive of around 1.5 hours to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong a little way beyond Paro. From here we follow a jeep road beside the Paro river in 4X4 vehicles for around 2 hours to the road-head at Shana. Beginning the trek to Chomolhari base camp, we walk for 3 hours to our first campsite at Thongo Samba (3200m).
Day 14: We follow the river through lovely mixed forest on an undulating trail. At a junction of 2 valleys, we turn north towards Chomolhari which is now visible and in a further 30 minutes, we reach our camp at Soi Thangka. (3610m) 3 - 4 hours.
Day 15: We complete our trek to Chomolhari, passing a small herding camp and entering more open country with grazing yaks. We camp at the meadow of Jangothang (4040m) which is the base camp area for Chomolhari. 5 - 6 hours.
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 longish day, continuing the return trek down-valley to Shana where we meet our vehicles for the return drive to Paro. 5 - 6 hours walking and 2 hours driving. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 18: A day of sightseeing in the Paro Valley including the option to hike (4 hours) to the incredible 'Tigers Nest' Taktsang monastery. Overnight in our hotel in Paro.
Day 19: Drive to Paro Airport and fly to Delhi. Free time for exploration or last-minute souvenir hunting. Ovenight hotel.
Day 20: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Airport transfers are provided on this day.
Altitude
This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude.
