Cox and Kings Assam, Darjeeling & Bhutan Odyssey

– International flights (and domestic flights if applicable
– UK departures and overseas airport taxes
– Local transfers in a private chauffeur-driven vehicle
– The support (if required) of an English speaking local representative
– Local guides and entrance fees where applicable
– Selected meals:

– Explore Kaziranga National Park
– Ride the historic toy train
– See Bhutan’s most impressive dzongs
– Walk to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Day 1: Fly to Kolkata
Take an overnight flight to Kolkata
(No meals)

Day 2: Kolkata
On arrival, transfer to the LaLiT Great Eastern for a night.
(No meals)

Day 3: Kaziranga National Park
Fly to Guwahati where you’ll stay at the Diphlu River Lodge for 2 nights.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Kaziranga National Park
Explore the park by on a 4×4 Jeep Safari
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Darjeeling
Fly to Badogra and travel to Darjeeling for 3 nights at the Elgin.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 6: Darjeeling
Watch the sunrise over the peaks of Mount Everest. Take a historic toy train ride to Ghoom and enjoy a tour of this hill resort.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 7: Darjeeling
Spend the day learning about tea production with an afternoon at leisure.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 8: Phuntsholing
After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Phuntsholing. Spend the night at Hotel Druk.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 9: Thimphu
Travel to Thimphu, visiting Simtokha dzong on the way, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. Spend 2 nights at the Hotel Kisa.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Thimphu
Explore Thimphu, including the Tashichho dzong, the School of Arts and Crafts, Simply Bhutan project and a local bazaar.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Punakha
Drive across the Dochula Pass to Punakha. On the way, enjoy a picnic lunch at Khamsum Yueling Temple. Spend 2 nights at Zhingkham Resort. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Punakha
Visit the Punakha dzong, the largest in the country. Later take an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Paro
Drive to Paro where you’ll stay for 2 nights at The Village Lodge. Experience a local hot stone bath.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Paro
Enjoy a walk to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Later is at leisure but there is the option to take part in a number of activities including cycling, archery or a cooking lesson.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Fly to Delhi
Fly to Delhi and stay overnight at the Claridges New Delhi.
(Breakfast)

Day 16: Fly home
(Breakfast)

This Tour is based in 3- and 4-star accommodation

The Village Lodge, Paro
Inspired by the typical lifestyle and rich Bhutanese culture, The Village Lodge presents true Bhutanese essence. Located only a few minutes’ drive from Paro airport and set on the fertile farmland in the middle of vibrant Paro valley and encircled by richly forested hills, the lodge offers traditional experience and good accommodation in a peaceful Himalayan environment.

The LaLiT Great Eastern, Kolkata
This early 19th-century hotel, which has played host to Queen Elizabeth II, Kipling and was regarded by Mark Twain as the “best hotel east of the Suez”, was originally called the Auckland Hotel. Today, after extensive refurbishment, the LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata is a distinctive blend of Victorian, Edwardian and contemporary architecture.

The Elgin, Darjeeling
The Elgin Darjeeling is known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. The phrase ‘old world charm’ is a palpable feeling of being snug and cosy in this quaint and charming 120 year old residence reminiscent of the heydays of the Raj. It is justified, considering that royalty and distinguished Heads of States have spent many moments here, appreciating the lithographs by Daniell and etchings by G.Douglas that adorn its walls. Dominique Lapierre and Mark Tully have found inspiration to write in its relaxed interiors.

Hotel Kisa, Thimphu
Conveniently located with easy access to interesting sights, shops and markets, Hotel Kisa blends traditional Bhutanese architecture with contemporary style.

Hotel Druk, Phuntsholing
The Druk hotel is a modern property with Bhutanese decor and themes. Built in 1974 it has 29 rooms with private bath, balcony, mini-bar, shower, bath-tub, telephone and air-conditioning.

Diphlu River Lodge
The Diphlu River Lodge is an eco-resort built on stilts in the middle of green paddy fields. The lodge is set on the edge of River Diphlu, which forms the boundary to Kaziranga National Park. Managed by Assam Bengal Navigation, the lodge operates to the high standards of their well-established cruises on the Brahmaputra and Hooghly.

For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call on 0808 258 4739 or enquire