This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of Nepal and Darjeeling while immersing yourself in the history, art, and traditions of the region. Begin in Kathmandu Valley, where visits to historic temples and religious shrines provide insight into the lives, beliefs, and culture of the local people. Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an open-air museum showcasing exquisite medieval Nepalese architecture, including multi-tiered pagoda-style temples and intricately carved stone shrines.
The journey continues to Bhadrapur, a gateway to Darjeeling, the charming hill station perched at 2,042 meters above sea level. Discover Darjeeling’s top attractions, including the Tibetan Refugee Camp, Tiger Hill, lush tea estates, and the serene Peace Pagoda. Don’t miss a ride on the iconic Darjeeling toy train, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains. This cultural and scenic journey allows travelers to experience the diverse traditions, landscapes, and lifestyles of Nepal and Darjeeling, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Outline Itinerary
Price Details.
For more information on price, please email us at ehtours@explorehimalayatravel.com
Detail Itinerary.
Upon arrival at the airport you will be welcomed by our office representatives who will then transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Rest of the day at leisure
0930 – 1230 hrs: Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur City, also known as Bhadgaon, one of the most charming architectural gems of the Kathmandu Valley.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a living museum of medieval Nepalese art and architecture, showcasing a harmonious blend of pagoda and Shikhara-style temples. At the heart of the square stands the Fifty-five Window Palace, adorned with intricate wood and brick carvings. Everywhere you look, the square displays a symphony of craftsmanship—from guardian deities perched in sanctuaries to exquisitely carved struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways, and windows.
Highlights include:
Lion Gate – The majestic entrance guarded by stone lions.
Golden Gate – Crafted by King Ranjit Malla, it serves as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Fifty-five Window Palace.
Statues of ancient kings displayed on stone monoliths.
Bhaktapur is not only rich in architecture but also in traditional arts and crafts, with centuries-old industries like painting, wood carving, bronze casting, jewelry-making, pottery, and weaving still thriving today. The city offers countless Hindu and Buddhist religious sites, historic palaces, and courtyards—making it easy for visitors to spend hours absorbing the Newar culture and traditions.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore or relax in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, take a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, a gateway to the eastern Himalayan regions. Upon arrival at Bhadrapur Airport, our representative will escort you to your onward journey.
From Bhadrapur, enjoy a scenic 6-hour drive of approximately 144 km to Darjeeling, with a stop at the Kakarvitta border for immigration formalities. The drive passes through lush landscapes and offers glimpses of the Himalayan foothills, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Darjeeling (2,042 m above sea level), famously known as “The Land of the Thunderbolt”, is a charming hill station renowned for its cool climate and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range. Darjeeling exemplifies harmony and religious tolerance, where Hindus and Buddhists pray side by side at the Observatory Hill Shrine. The town is home to diverse communities including Gorkhas, Tibetans, Lepchas, and migrants from the plains. Languages such as Gorkhali, Hindi, and Bengali are widely spoken, with many locals also understanding English.
Darjeeling offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historic charm, making it a must-visit destination in the eastern Himalayas.
AM: Toy Train Joyride – Darjeeling to Ghoom & Batasia Loop
Begin your day with a delightful toy train ride from Darjeeling Railway Station to Ghoom and back, covering a distance of 14 km in approximately 2 hours. The historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway offers four daily round trips—two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Along the route, the train stops for 10 minutes at the Batasia Loop, where it circles a beautifully manicured garden. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Darjeeling’s hill town, the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, and the majestic Kanchenjunga.
At Ghoom, the highest railway station on the Darjeeling Himalayan Rail track at 2,225 meters, the train halts for 30 minutes. Here, you can visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum, located within the station premises. The museum’s highlight is the oldest toy train engine, “The Baby Zivok”, which showcases the history and heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage railway.
PM: Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center & Local Market
In the afternoon, visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, established on 2nd October 1959. The center houses a home for the aged, a school, an orphanage, a clinic, and a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It also features craft workshops producing carpets, woodcarvings, leather goods, and woolen items.
The center includes a politically insightful photographic exhibition documenting the early years of Tibetan refugees in Darjeeling. Visitors are encouraged to explore the workshops and support the local artisans by purchasing handicrafts, with proceeds going directly to the Tibetan community.
Conclude your day with some leisure time to explore Darjeeling’s local market, where you can browse for souvenirs, local tea, and handicrafts at your own pace.
AM: Tiger Hill & Happy Valley Tea Estate
Start your day early with a trip to Tiger Hill (2,590 m), located approximately 11 km from Darjeeling town. Tiger Hill is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Eastern Himalayas. On clear mornings, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest along with the majestic peaks of Kanchenjunga and other snow-capped Himalayan summits.
After Tiger Hill, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate, situated about 3 km from Darjeeling Bazaar. Walking through the tea gardens on the gentle slopes offers a truly authentic Darjeeling experience. Observe the tea plants, visit the tea factory, and learn about the tea production process from knowledgeable local guides, who are usually employees of the estate.
PM: Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda
In the afternoon, explore the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, a beautiful Japanese-style temple built in 1972. This two-storied white structure houses images of Buddha and a portrait of its founder, Fujii Guruji, offering visitors insight into Buddhist traditions and architecture.
Just 100 yards from the temple is the Peace Pagoda, whose foundation stone was laid on November 3, 1972, and inaugurated on November 1, 1992. From the top of the pagoda, enjoy panoramic views of Darjeeling, the surrounding mountains, and the Japanese temple below. On clear days, the snow-covered Himalayan peaks are visible, creating a truly serene and picturesque setting.
Start your day with a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), established in 1954 following the historic ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, who were closely associated with the institute. HMI offers both basic and advanced mountaineering courses and is home to the Everest Museum, which displays fascinating artifacts and memorabilia from Everest expeditions, including items from early attempts to conquer the world’s highest peak.
Next, explore the Padma Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, the only specialized zoo in India dedicated to the conservation of high-altitude Himalayan species. Internationally recognized for its breeding programs of Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolves, and other endangered animals, the zoo was established on 14th August 1958 as a joint venture between the Government of India (Department of Science & Technology) and the Government of West Bengal (Department of Education). In 1972, it was converted into a registered society under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore Darjeeling at your own pace or enjoy the scenic beauty of the hill station.
Early in the morning, drive from Darjeeling to Bhadrapur, a journey of approximately 6–7 hours through scenic landscapes. Upon arrival at Bhadrapur Airport, take a connecting flight to Kathmandu.
On arrival, our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in and rest.
Breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu
Leisure till departure
Our representative will escort you to the International Airport for onward destination.
Early morning drive to Bhadrapur which might take around 6-7 hours. Take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative shall escort you to the hotel.
