Bangladesh, Bhutan & India - Inside the Hidden Kingdoms (21 days)
Our trip covers some remote areas of the Indian sub-continent that remain off the main tourist trail and hence infrastructure and facilities can be basic at times. No particular level of fitness is required to enjoy the tour but you should be prepared for some long mountain journeys and occasionally, difficult road conditions.
Bangladesh & the Ganges Delta: Our journey begins in the vibrant and bustling city of Dhaka. After crossing the mighty River Pemba (Ganges), we discover ancient buildings and relics that define this remarkable country and its colourful past. We visit the Buddhist ruins at Paharpur, the wonderful terracotta Kantanagar Hindu temple and hope to gain an understanding of the daily lives of the people in this little-visited, friendly country.
Darjeeling & Sikkim: Crossing into India, our journey takes us towards the imposing mountain peaks, and on to the delightful hill station of Darjeeling (2430m). A drive over winding roads takes us to Sikkim, and the Pemayangtse Monastery, an important monastery for the Red Hat sect of Buddhism. We continue to Gangtok, the capital of this former kingdom. On the way we discover a land of hidden valleys and small villages: rice paddies are contrasted with thick forest, surrounded by high snow-capped peaks, which are synonymous with this region.
Land of the Dragon: Continuing overland we stay in Kalimpong, before continuing to Bhutan. Bhutan only opened up in the 1970s, and has tightly controlled the number of visitors, allowing a wonderful insight into a traditional way of life. After time in Thimphu, we journey east across the Dochu Pass (3050m), through rural Bhutan to Punakha. Here we see the impressive Punakha Dzong (fortress monastery), before driving to Paro, from where we wind through oak and pine forest up to the sacred remains of the Taktsang 'Tigers Lair' monastery. Finally, we fly to Calcutta where we've time for some sightseeing in this vibrant Bengali city.
- Day 1 & 2: Depart home and arrive Dhaka; boat trip
- Day 3: City tour
- Day 4: Drive Rajshahi via Puthia
- Day 5: Drive Rangpur, via Mahasthangargh and Paharpur
- Day 6: In Rangpur; visit Kantanagar Temple
- Day 7: Drive Darjeeling
- Day 8: In Darjeeling; ride 'toy train' to Ghoom monastery
- Day 9: In Darjeeling; optional walks.
- Day 10: Drive Pelling via Rabdentse
- Day 11: In Pelling; visit Pemayangste monastery and Kecheopelri lake
- Day 12: Drive Gangtok, city tour
- Day 13: Drive Kalimpong via Rumtek monastery
- Day 14: Drive Phuentsholing (Bhutan)
- Day 15: Drive Thimphu; sightseeing
- Day 16: Drive Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong
- Day 17: Drive Paro
- Day 18: In Paro; walk to Taktsang Monastery
- Day 19: Fly Kolkata (Calcutta)
- Day 20: City sightseeing
- Day 21: Fly home
Operated by Explore Worldwide (BH)
Departures: February to April & September to November
- Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this small group adventure