Every page

Places and experiences

• Chatakpur
  • Sunrise over Kangchenjunga at the watchtower
  • Forest walk in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Living with an eco-village family
  • Toy train to Sonada, then up to Chatakpur
• Darjeeling
  • Tenzing's institute and the red pandas
  • A morning at Happy Valley tea estate
  • Chowrasta, Observatory Hill and Mahakal
  • Glenary's, Keventers and a momo crawl
• Ghum
  • Batasia Loop at first light
  • Yiga Choeling, the old Ghum monastery
  • The railway museum at Ghum station
  • Steam joyride from Darjeeling to Ghum
• Kurseong
  • Walk the rows at Makaibari
  • Netaji's house at Giddapahar
  • Eagle's Crag and the Dow Hill forest
  • Ride the toy train through Kurseong bazaar
• Lepchajagat
  • Dawn walk to the Kangchenjunga viewpoint
  • Birding along the Lepchajagat ridge
  • Jorepokhri lake and Sukhiapokhri market
  • A homestay night in the forest
• Mirik
  • Round Sumendu Lake on foot and by boat
  • Bokar Monastery above the lake
  • Tea gardens and orange orchards around Mirik
  • Across to the Pashupatinagar market
• Mungpoo
  • Rabindra Bhavan, where Tagore stayed
  • Through the cinchona plantations
  • Tagore's birthday at Rabindra Bhavan
  • Mungpoo, Sittong and Kurseong in one day
• Sandakphu
  • Sunrise over Everest and Kangchenjunga
  • The Singalila trek from Manebhanjan
  • Land Rover ride up the Singalila Ridge
  • Red pandas and rhododendrons in Singalila
• Sittong
  • Orange orchard walk in winter
  • Hornbills and forest birds at Latpanchar
  • Sunrise at Ahaldara viewpoint
  • Village food in a Sittong homestay
• Tiger Hill
  • Kangchenjunga sunrise from Tiger Hill
  • A morning walk in Senchal forest
  • Walk down from Tiger Hill to Jorebungalow
  • Birding on the Senchal ridge

Journeys

• Darjeeling on a budget in 2 nights
• Darjeeling, Gangtok and the Dooars in 8 nights
• Darjeeling honeymoon in 4 nights
• Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok in 6 nights
• Darjeeling and Mirik family holiday in 5 nights
• Darjeeling toy train heritage trip in 3 nights
• Sittong, Chatakpur and Lepchajagat in 5 nights
• Kurseong and Darjeeling tea trail in 4 nights
• Sandakphu by Land Rover in 4 nights
• Sandakphu and Phalut Singalila trek in 7 nights

Stays

• Revolver
• Darjeeling Tourism Property (WBTDC)
• Kurseong Tourism Property (WBTDC)
• Dekeling Hotel
• The Bellevue Hotel
• Cochrane Place
• Windamere Hotel
• Mayfair Hill Resort
• Glenburn Tea Estate

Guides

• Best time to visit Darjeeling, month by month
• What to eat in Darjeeling: momos to kinema
• Shared jeeps from NJP and around the Darjeeling hills
• The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway story
• Darjeeling on a budget: a good trip for less
• Darjeeling tea: a history from 1835 to your cup
• How to book the Darjeeling toy train
• Planning the Sandakphu trek: routes, costs, permits

Festivals

• Losar
• Saga Dawa and Buddha Jayanti
• Dashain
• Tihar
• Ghum Festival of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Routes

• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Darjeeling
• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Kurseong
• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Mirik
• Kurseong to Darjeeling
• Darjeeling to Mirik
• Darjeeling to Kalimpong
• Darjeeling to Gangtok
• Darjeeling to Sandakphu

Months

• Darjeeling Hills in January
• Darjeeling Hills in February
• Darjeeling Hills in March
• Darjeeling Hills in April
• Darjeeling Hills in May
• Darjeeling Hills in June
• Darjeeling Hills in July
• Darjeeling Hills in August
• Darjeeling Hills in September
• Darjeeling Hills in October
• Darjeeling Hills in November
• Darjeeling Hills in December

Places and experiences

• Algarah
  • Walk to Damsang Fort, the Lepcha stronghold
  • Algarah to Pedong on the old wool road
  • Early birding on the Algarah–Lava road
  • Morning at the Algarah jeep stand and bazaar
• Icchey Gaon
  • Trek to Sillery Gaon and Ramitey Dara
  • Dawn birding walk at the forest edge
  • Damsang Fort and Pedong monastery half-day
  • A day on the farm and in the homestay kitchen
• Kalimpong
  • Durpin morning at Zang Dhok Palri
  • Deolo hilltop and Graham's Homes walk
  • Haat Bazaar food walk and Kalimpong cheese
  • Orchid and cactus nurseries of Kalimpong
• Kolakham
  • Walk down to Changey Falls
  • Guided walk on the Neora forest edge
  • Kanchenjunga dawn from Kolakham
  • Cardamom and ginger farm walk in Kolakham
• Lava
  • Morning prayers at Lava's Kagyu monastery
  • Forest trail from Lava to Rishyap
  • Dawn birding walk on the Lava forest roads
  • A winter night in Lava
• Lolegaon
  • Canopy walk in Lolegaon's heritage forest
  • Kanchenjunga sunrise at Jhandi Dara
  • Village and farm walk around Lolegaon
  • Homestay kitchen dinner in Lolegaon
• Neora Valley National Park
  • Jeep to Zero Point and a guided forest walk
  • A full birding day in Neora Valley
  • Dawn in red panda country
  • The lower Neora forest from Samsing and Mouchuki
• Pedong
  • Sangchen Dorjee Gompa, Pedong's 1706 monastery
  • Cross Hill and the French mission story
  • Down to the Reshi river on the old trade road
  • Pedong bazaar walk and morning tea
• Ramdhura
  • Sunrise over Kanchenjunga from the ridge
  • Pine, cinchona and farm walk with your host
  • Icchey Gaon, Sillery and Ramitey Dara day
  • Homestay dinner and valley lights at night
• Rishyap
  • Sunrise walk to Tiffin Dara
  • Rhododendron forest walk at Rishyap
  • Birding morning on the Rishyap ridge
  • Evening with a Rishyap homestay family
• Sillery Gaon
  • Ramitey Dara and the bends of the Teesta
  • Kanchenjunga sunrise from Sillery Gaon
  • Pedong, Cross Hill and Damsang loop
  • Forest walk from Sillery Gaon to Icchey Gaon
• Teesta Bazaar
  • White-water rafting on the Teesta
  • Triveni, where the Teesta meets the Rangeet
  • Lovers Meet viewpoint and the Peshok climb
  • A riverside dhaba stop on NH10

Journeys

• Darjeeling and Kalimpong family trip in 5 nights
• Kalimpong and Gangtok honeymoon in 6 nights
• Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon: 7 nights
• Kalimpong and Lava on a budget in 3 nights
• Kalimpong, Lava and Gorumara in 4 nights
• Kalimpong and Pedong weekend in 2 nights
• Kalimpong village homestays in 5 nights
• Neora Valley birding in 4 nights

Stays

• Lava Eco Tourism Centre (WBFDC)
• Lolegaon Eco Tourism Centre (WBFDC)
• Deolo Tourist Lodge (WBTDC)
• Morgan House (WBTDC)
• Holumba Haven
• Sinclairs Retreat Kalimpong
• Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort
• The Elgin Silver Oaks
• Sterling Park Kalimpong

Guides

• Kalimpong, Lava and the villages by shared jeep
• What to eat in Kalimpong, from cheese to churpi
• Kalimpong, Jelep La and the Tibet wool trade
• Kalimpong on a budget: a good trip for less
• Choosing a village homestay around Kalimpong
• Birding in Neora Valley: seasons, sites and costs

Festivals

• Maghe Sankranti
• Losar
• Dashain
• Tihar
• Christmas
• Gaeboo Achyok remembrance at Damsang

Routes

• Kalimpong to Lava
• Kalimpong to Lolegaon
• Kalimpong to Pedong
• Kalimpong to Sillery Gaon
• Lava to Rishyap
• Kalimpong to Gangtok

Months

• Kalimpong and Neora in January
• Kalimpong and Neora in February
• Kalimpong and Neora in March
• Kalimpong and Neora in April
• Kalimpong and Neora in May
• Kalimpong and Neora in June
• Kalimpong and Neora in July
• Kalimpong and Neora in August
• Kalimpong and Neora in September
• Kalimpong and Neora in October
• Kalimpong and Neora in November
• Kalimpong and Neora in December

Places and experiences

• Aritar
  • Rowing on Lampokhari Lake at first light
  • Walk to Ari Bangla, the 1895 dak bungalow
  • Hike to Mankhim and the Rai hilltop temple
  • A quiet hour at Aritar gompa
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
  • Visiting the shrine and Baba's room
  • Harbhajan Singh: the life and the legend
  • The old bunker shrine on the road to Nathang
  • Baba Mandir in the snow, December to March
• Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Guided hike towards Tinjure top
  • Early-morning birding at Fambong Lho
  • A night at the Golitar forest log house
  • Spring rhododendron walk in Fambong Lho
• Gangtok
  • MG Marg and Lal Bazaar evening walk
  • Tibetology institute and Do-drul Chorten
  • Tashi Viewpoint, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok
  • Momos, thukpa and Sikkimese home food
• Kupup
  • Elephant Lake from the road above
  • The Yak Golf Course, highest in the world
  • Looking towards Jelep La and the wool road
  • The high road from Kupup to Nathang and Zuluk
• Nathang Valley
  • Gnathang 1888: reading the old battle ground
  • Butter tea and the yak herders of Nathang
  • A night in a Nathang homestay, if acclimatised
  • Driving the old mule road from Zuluk to Kupup
• Nathu La
  • A short visit to the border at 4,310 m
  • Sherathang war memorial and the 1967 clashes
  • Sherathang trade mart and the wool road
  • The Tsomgo, Nathu La and Baba Mandir day
• Ranka
  • Morning prayers at Lingdum Monastery
  • Banjhakri Falls and the shaman story
  • Farm lanes and organic fields at Ranka
  • Ranka and Rumtek monastery loop
• Rhenock
  • A morning walk through Rhenock bazaar
  • Drive the old trade road from Kalimpong via Pedong
  • Day hop from Rhenock to Aritar and Lampokhari
  • A farm day at a Rhenock village homestay
• Rongli
  • Breakfast and a bazaar walk in Rongli
  • A riverside hour on the Rangpo at Rongli
  • Lingtam village stop on the Zuluk road
  • The forest climb from Rongli to Padamchen
• Rumtek
  • Rumtek Monastery and the golden stupa
  • Walk to old Rumtek monastery
  • Losar and masked dances at Rumtek
  • Rumtek and Lingdum monasteries in a day
• Tsomgo Lake
  • Early walk around the lake shore
  • A short yak ride by the lake
  • The Kyongnosla drive and its alpine forest
  • Guru Purnima and the jhakris at the lake
• Zuluk
  • Thambi viewpoint sunrise over the zigzag road
  • Lungthung and Nathang Valley morning drive
  • Birding in the Pangolakha forests around Zuluk
  • A homestay evening in Zuluk village

Journeys

• Gangtok on a budget in 3 nights
• Gangtok and Darjeeling family trip
• Gangtok and Darjeeling honeymoon
• Monsoon-friendly Gangtok and Kalimpong, 4 nights
• Gangtok with Lachen and Lachung
• Sikkim backpacker by shared jeep
• Gangtok, Pelling and Darjeeling
• Gangtok and the Rumtek monastery trail in 4 nights
• Gangtok weekend break in 2 nights
• Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La in 4 nights
• Gangtok over the passes to Zuluk and Aritar
• Darjeeling, Pelling, Gangtok and Lachung
• Silk Route short: Aritar and Zuluk in 3 nights
• Silk Route and Gangtok in 5 nights

Stays

• Hotel Sonam Delek
• Mintokling Guest House
• Hotel Tibet
• Netuk House
• The Royal Plaza
• Bamboo Retreat
• Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino, Gangtok
• The Elgin Nor-Khill
• Taj Guras Kutir Resort and Spa

Guides

• The Chogyals of Sikkim and the 1975 merger
• East Sikkim in monsoon: planning a June–September trip
• Sikkim's organic farming story and what it means for you
• East Sikkim permits explained: PAP, RAP and Nathu La
• Gangtok food guide: momos, phagshapa, gundruk and more
• MG Marg rules: Gangtok's car-free street, fines and manners
• Gangtok on a budget: a good trip for less
• Gangtok shared taxi stands: which one goes where
• The Silk Route story: mules, wool and Jelep La
• Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La day trip planner

Festivals

• Losar
• Saga Dawa
• Pang Lhabsol
• Kagyed Dance
• Losoong

Routes

• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Gangtok
• Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake
• Gangtok to Nathu La
• Gangtok to Zuluk
• Gangtok to Rumtek
• Gangtok to Darjeeling

Months

• Gangtok and East Sikkim in January
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in February
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in March
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in April
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in May
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in June
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in July
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in August
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in September
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in October
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in November
• Gangtok and East Sikkim in December

Places and experiences

• Chungthang
  • Guru Rinpoche's rock and paddy patch
  • The Teesta begins: the confluence view
  • Understanding the 2023 flood at Chungthang
  • Lunch at a Chungthang dhaba
• Dzongu
  • Cook and eat in a Lepcha kitchen
  • Village-to-village walk with a Lepcha guide
  • A riverside hot spring soak
  • Tholung Monastery and upper Dzongu
• Gurudongmar Lake
  • Twenty minutes on the Gurudongmar shore
  • The Guru Rinpoche legend, told on the shore
  • The plateau drive from Thangu
  • Seeing Gurudongmar frozen
• Kabi Lungchok
  • Standing at the blood brotherhood stones
  • Detour to Phensang Monastery
  • Birding in the Kabi forest
  • Half-day history circuit: Kabi, Phodong, Tumlong
• Lachen
  • Lachen Monastery and the valley view
  • A rest-and-walk acclimatisation day
  • The 4 am start for Gurudongmar
  • Yak herders of the upper Lachen valley
• Lachung
  • Morning walk to Lachung Monastery
  • A snow day around Lachung
  • Village walk with a Lachungpa host
  • Autumn colour on the Lachung valley road
• Mangan and Singhik
  • Kanchenjunga sunrise from Singhik
  • Cardamom and the Mangan bazaar
  • Naga waterfall on the North Sikkim Highway
  • A ridge walk from Singhik to Mangan
• Phodong
  • Inside Phodong Monastery
  • The Phodong chaam before Losoong
  • Seven Sisters Waterfall photo stop
  • Labrang Gompa and a look at Tumlong
• Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
  • Rhododendron photo stops on the Yumthang road
  • Early birding in the Shingba forest
  • Find Sikkim's state tree
  • The sanctuary in autumn gold
• Thangu and Chopta Valley
  • Dawn tea and a health check at Thangu
  • Chopta Valley's high meadows
  • Alpine flowers around Thangu
  • Thangu as a high point for foreign visitors
• Yumthang Valley
  • Rhododendron morning at Yumthang
  • Soak in the Yumthang hot spring
  • Snow play on the Yumthang road
  • Riverside walk on the Yumthang meadow
• Zero Point (Yume Samdong)
  • Forty minutes on the Zero Point snow
  • An altitude check that keeps you safe
  • Tea at the end of the road
  • Zero Point or Katao: what to expect

Journeys

• Dzongu Lepcha homestay in 4 nights
• Gangtok, Lachung and Yumthang
• Lachen, Gurudongmar and Lachung
• Lachung winter snow trip in 5 nights
• Darjeeling, Gangtok and Lachung family trip
• North Sikkim Group Tour, Lachen and Lachung
• North Sikkim honeymoon in 6 nights
• Yumthang rhododendron spring trip in 4 nights

Stays

• Yarlam Resort
• Le Coxy Resort
• Bichu Homestay
• The Apple Orchard Resort
• Mayal Lyang Homestay
• Lingthem Lyang Homestay
• Singhik Bungalow

Guides

• The Dzumsa: how Lachen and Lachung govern themselves
• Gurudongmar Lake: altitude sickness and safety
• North Sikkim group tour or private car: real costs
• North Sikkim on a budget: where the money goes
• North Sikkim permits explained for Indians and foreigners
• North Sikkim seasons: snow, flowers or clear skies

Festivals

• Losar
• Saga Dawa
• Tendong Lho Rumfaat
• Losoong and the Phodong chaam

Routes

• Gangtok to Lachung
• Gangtok to Lachen
• Lachung to Yumthang Valley
• Yumthang Valley to Zero Point (Yume Samdong)
• Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake
• Lachen to Thangu and Chopta Valley
• Mangan and Singhik to Dzongu
• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Mangan and Singhik

Months

• North Sikkim in January
• North Sikkim in February
• North Sikkim in March
• North Sikkim in April
• North Sikkim in May
• North Sikkim in June
• North Sikkim in July
• North Sikkim in August
• North Sikkim in September
• North Sikkim in October
• North Sikkim in November
• North Sikkim in December

Places and experiences

• Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
  • Hilley to Barsey rhododendron walk
  • Night at Guras Kunj and Kangchenjunga sunrise
  • Birding for pheasants in the high forest
  • Dentam and Soreng routes into Barsey
• Dzongri and Goecha La
  • Sunrise from Dzongri Top
  • Samiti Lake below Pandim
  • Summit morning to Viewpoint 1
  • Rhododendron forests between Sachen and Tshoka
• Jorethang
  • Maghe Sankranti Mela on the Rangeet
  • Morning bazaar, sel roti and chhurpi
  • Evening walk along the Rangeet
  • Day hop to Kirateshwar Mahadev at Legship
• Khecheopalri Lake
  • Dawn at the lake and the prayer-flag jetty
  • Monastery and Dupukney cave climb
  • A night in a Lepcha village homestay
  • Birding morning around the lake
• Namchi
  • Samdruptse and the 135-foot Guru Rinpoche
  • Char Dham pilgrimage on Solophok hill
  • Fossil stromatolites at Mamley
  • Tendong hill hike from Damthang
• Okhrey
  • Sherpa homestay evening and dinner
  • Okhrey village monastery at dusk
  • Day walk from Okhrey to Barsey via Hilley
  • Okhrey village and farm lanes walk
• Pelling
  • Rabdentse ruins walk
  • Pemayangtse Monastery visit
  • Sanga Choeling climb and the Skywalk
  • Kangchenjunga sunrise from Upper Pelling
• Ravangla
  • Buddha Park and Rabong Gompa at first light
  • Ralang's new and old monasteries
  • Maenam ridge hike with a local guide
  • Kunphenling settlement and Pang Lhabsol week
• Rinchenpong and Kaluk
  • Rinchenpong Monastery and the Ati Buddha
  • Kaluk ridge sunrise over Kangchenjunga
  • Poisoned pond and village walk
  • Yangsum organic farm walk and lunch
• Tashiding
  • Bumchu sacred-water festival
  • Mani stone and chorten circuit
  • Ridge walk above the Rathong Chu and Rangeet
  • Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple stop at Legship
• Temi Tea Garden
  • Morning walk through the Temi tea terraces
  • Factory visit and buying Temi tea at source
  • Himalayan cherry blossom in November
  • Slow walk on the estate road below Tendong
• Uttarey
  • Walk across Singshore Bridge
  • Singalila Ridge trail towards Chiwa Bhanjyang
  • Trout farm and Uttarey village walk
  • Homestay evening with a Limbu family
• Yuksom
  • Norbugang throne and Kathok Lake walk
  • Dubdi Monastery hike
  • Yuksom village and trekkers' bazaar evening
  • Tashiding day hop from Yuksom

Journeys

• Okhrey and the Barsey rhododendron walk
• Darjeeling and Pelling in 4 nights
• Goecha La trek from Yuksom
• Pelling weekend with a Kangchenjunga dawn
• Pelling and Yuksom monastery circuit
• Ravangla, Temi tea and Namchi
• Rinchenpong and Uttarey village trip, 4 nights
• Sikkim and Darjeeling grand circuit, 10 nights
• Sikkim family holiday: Gangtok, Ravangla, Pelling
• West Sikkim honeymoon: Pelling and Rinchenpong
• West Sikkim by shared jeep, 6 nights

Stays

• Hotel Garuda
• Hotel Yangrigang
• Sherpa Lodge
• Mt. Narsing Village Resort
• Cherry Resort
• Norbu Ghang Resort
• The Elgin Mount Pandim
• The Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa
• Yangsum Heritage Farm

Guides

• Goecha La trek: route, permits, costs and kit
• Namchi's Char Dham and Samdruptse: a visitor's guide
• Pelling and West Sikkim on a budget
• Pemayangtse and Sanga Choeling: Pelling's old monasteries
• Rabdentse, the ruined second capital of Sikkim
• Seeing Kangchenjunga from West Sikkim: when and where
• West Sikkim by shared jeep: routes, fares and timings
• Temi Tea: the story of Sikkim's own tea garden
• The West Sikkim monastic trail, site by site
• Yuksom and the 1642 crowning of Sikkim's first king

Festivals

• Pemayangtse Cham
• Bumchu
• Maghe Sankranti Mela
• Tendong Lho Rumfaat
• Pang Lhabsol

Routes

• Gangtok to Pelling
• Pelling to Yuksom
• Pelling to Ravangla
• Ravangla to Namchi
• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Pelling
• Darjeeling to Pelling
• Yuksom to Tashiding
• Namchi to Temi Tea Garden

Months

• West and South Sikkim in January
• West and South Sikkim in February
• West and South Sikkim in March
• West and South Sikkim in April
• West and South Sikkim in May
• West and South Sikkim in June
• West and South Sikkim in July
• West and South Sikkim in August
• West and South Sikkim in September
• West and South Sikkim in October
• West and South Sikkim in November
• West and South Sikkim in December

Places and experiences

• Bumthang
  • Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey in one morning
  • Membartsho, the Burning Lake of Pema Lingpa
  • Jakar Dzong and Tamzhing's chain mail
  • Buckwheat, cheese and Bumthang's own beer
• Chele La
  • Early morning views of Jomolhari
  • Hike down to Kila Goemba nunnery
  • Walk the ridge above Chele La
  • Raise prayer flags at the pass
• Dochula Pass
  • The 108 chortens and the morning mountain view
  • Druk Wangyal Lhakhang and its modern murals
  • Hike from Dochula to Lungchutse temple
  • Rhododendrons at the Royal Botanical Park
• Druk Path Trek
  • Day one: the climb to Jele Dzong
  • A night by Jimilang Tsho
  • Phajoding and the descent to Thimphu
  • Phajoding day hike from Thimphu
• Gasa
  • A soak in Gasa Tsachu
  • Gasa Dzong on the northern frontier
  • The Royal Highlander Festival at Laya
  • A forest walk in Jigme Dorji National Park
• Haa
  • Haa's White and Black temples
  • A farmhouse night with hoentoe
  • Haa Summer Festival in July
  • A slow walk through Haa town
• Paro
  • Hiking to the Tiger's Nest
  • Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong and the covered bridge
  • Kyichu Lhakhang and the valley road at dawn
  • Farmhouse dinner and a hot stone bath
• Phobjikha and Gangtey
  • Watching black-necked cranes at dawn
  • Gangtey Goenpa above the crane valley
  • The Gangtey nature trail across the valley
  • A farmhouse night with a wood stove
• Phuentsholing
  • Crossing the Bhutan Gate and getting your permit
  • Kharbandi Goenpa and the view over the plains
  • The crocodile breeding centre by the Amo Chhu
  • An evening food walk on Zhung Lam
• Punakha
  • Inside Punakha Dzong, the palace of great bliss
  • The field walk to Chimi Lhakhang
  • Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
  • The suspension bridge and a gentle raft
• Thimphu
  • Buddha Dordenma and the Kuensel Phodrang walk
  • Tashichho Dzong as the offices close
  • Watching archery, Bhutan's national sport
  • The takin preserve and Changangkha Lhakhang
• Trongsa
  • Walk through Trongsa Dzong
  • Ta Dzong, the watchtower museum
  • Chendebji Chorten on the Pele La road
  • Kuenga Rabten, the old winter palace
• Wangdue Phodrang
  • Wangdue Phodrang Dzong after the rebuild
  • Walk up to Rinchengang village
  • A local lunch in Bajothang
  • The Wangdue Tshechu and the ox dance

Journeys

• Bhutan by road from Siliguri in 6 nights
• Bhutan family trip in 6 nights
• Bhutan honeymoon in 7 nights
• Bumthang and central Bhutan in 9 nights
• Darjeeling and Bhutan by road in 8 nights
• Paro Tshechu festival trip in 6 nights
• Phobjikha and the black-necked cranes in 7 nights
• Thimphu and Paro classic in 4 nights
• Thimphu, Punakha and Paro in 6 nights
• Thimphu Tshechu festival trip in 6 nights

Stays

• Hotel Druk, Phuentsholing
• Hotel Olathang
• Hotel Lobesa
• Hotel Druk, Thimphu
• Dhensa Boutique Resort
• Dewachen Hotel
• Taj Tashi
• COMO Uma Paro
• Gangtey Lodge

Guides

• Bhutan for Indians: Permits, Documents and SDF
• Bhutan for International Visitors: SDF and Visa
• Bhutan on a Budget by Road from Siliguri
• Bhutan Trip Cost for Indians: A 6-Night Breakdown
• Bhutanese Food Guide: Ema Datshi to Puta
• Gross National Happiness Explained for Travellers
• Tshechu Etiquette: How to Watch a Bhutan Festival
• The Zhabdrung and Bhutan's Dzong System

Festivals

• Paro Tshechu
• Thimphu Tshechu
• Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu
• Jambay Lhakhang Drup
• Black-necked Crane Festival
• Haa Summer Festival

Routes

• Phuentsholing to Thimphu
• Thimphu to Paro
• Thimphu to Punakha
• Paro to Haa
• Punakha to Phobjikha and Gangtey
• Phobjikha and Gangtey to Bumthang

Months

• Bhutan in January
• Bhutan in February
• Bhutan in March
• Bhutan in April
• Bhutan in May
• Bhutan in June
• Bhutan in July
• Bhutan in August
• Bhutan in September
• Bhutan in October
• Bhutan in November
• Bhutan in December

Places and experiences

• Buxa Tiger Reserve and Buxa Fort
  • The walk up to Buxa Fort
  • Lepchakha and the view of the Dooars rivers
  • Rajabhatkhawa nature centre and jeep safari
  • Birding on the Buxa hill trails
• Chapramari and Chalsa
  • An afternoon slot at the Chapramari watchtower
  • A tea estate walk at Chalsa
  • Sunrise over the forests from the Chalsa hilltop
  • Birding along the Chapramari forest edge
• Chilapata Forest
  • Jeep safari through Chilapata from Kodalbasti
  • The forest ruins of Nalraja Garh
  • A night beside the Kodalbasti forest
  • A guided walk in a Rabha forest village
• Gorumara National Park
  • Jeep safari to Jatraprasad and Rhino Point
  • Medla watchtower by bullock cart
  • Birding from the Chukchuki watchtower
  • Afternoon at the Chandrachur watchtower
• Jaldapara National Park
  • Dawn jeep safari for rhinos
  • Elephant rides at Jaldapara: an honest view
  • South Khayerbari tiger and leopard rescue centre
  • Day trip to Phuentsholing in Bhutan
• Jayanti
  • Dawn walk across the Jayanti riverbed
  • Trek to the Mahakal cave
  • The forest trail from Buxa Duar to Jayanti
  • Watching the riverbed at dusk
• Jhalong, Paren and Bindu
  • An evening on the Jaldhaka at Jhalong
  • Drive to Bindu at the end of the road
  • A village walk at Paren
  • Forktails and redstarts on the Jaldhaka
• Lataguri
  • The Jalpesh temple near Maynaguri
  • Winter ducks at the Gajoldoba Teesta barrage
  • A Rajbanshi lunch: dried fish, greens and rice
  • Cycling the tea and forest lanes at dawn
• Mahananda Sanctuary and Sevoke
  • The Coronation Bridge and the Teesta gorge
  • Steps up to the Sevoke Kali temple
  • Forest drive from the Sukna gate
  • Hornbill season in upper Mahananda
• Murti
  • Evening on the Murti riverbank
  • Dhupjhora forest camp and elephants
  • Dawn birding along the Murti
  • Tea lanes and village roads around Murti
• Samsing, Rocky Island and Suntalekhola
  • A day on the boulders at Rocky Island
  • Suntalekhola and its hanging bridge
  • A morning walk on the Samsing tea slopes
  • Forest-edge walk towards Neora Valley
• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra)
  • Toy train from NJP into the hills
  • A first-night food walk on Hill Cart Road
  • Salugara Monastery and its 100-foot stupa
  • Hong Kong Market and Bidhan Market
• Totopara
  • A respectful half-day in Totopara
  • Learning about the Toto language and script
  • The riverbed road through Titi to Totopara
  • Totopara and South Khayerbari in one morning

Journeys

• Chilapata, Buxa Fort and Jayanti in 4 nights
• Jaldapara and Bhutan by road in 7 nights
• Dooars forests and Darjeeling hills in 6 nights
• Dooars on a budget by train in 3 nights
• Dooars family holiday from Kolkata in 5 nights
• Dooars family weekend from Siliguri in 2 nights
• Gorumara and Jaldapara safaris in 4 nights
• Jaldapara, Totopara and Chilapata in 3 nights

Stays

• Mainak Tourism Property (WBTDC)
• Murti Banani Eco-Tourism Centre (WBFDC)
• Malangi Lodge, Hasimara (WBFDC)
• Aranya Tourism Property, Jaldapara (WBTDC)
• The Reserve Gorumara
• Sinclairs Siliguri
• Mayfair Tea Resort
• Courtyard by Marriott Siliguri
• Sinclairs Retreat Dooars

Guides

• Buxa Fort and the Duar War of 1864–65
• Best time to visit the Dooars, month by month
• Dooars on a budget: safaris and forests for less
• Dooars safaris: which park, how to book, what you see
• Tea in the Dooars: gardens, workers and a long story
• Dooars trip cost from Kolkata, line by line

Festivals

• Durga Puja in Siliguri and Jalpaiguri
• Bhandani Puja
• Karam Puja in the tea gardens
• Jalpesh Mela at Shivaratri

Routes

• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Lataguri
• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Jaldapara National Park
• Lataguri to Jaldapara National Park
• Lataguri to Samsing, Rocky Island and Suntalekhola
• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Darjeeling
• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Gangtok
• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Kalimpong
• Siliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) to Phuentsholing

Months

• Dooars and the Terai in January
• Dooars and the Terai in February
• Dooars and the Terai in March
• Dooars and the Terai in April
• Dooars and the Terai in May
• Dooars and the Terai in June
• Dooars and the Terai in July
• Dooars and the Terai in August
• Dooars and the Terai in September
• Dooars and the Terai in October
• Dooars and the Terai in November
• Dooars and the Terai in December