Epic Bhutan and The Andaman Islands
Calcutta, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro & Andaman Islands
based on 13 nights inc. flights & selected experiences
Price Guide:
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JanMid-High
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FebMid-High
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MarHigh
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AprMid-High
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MayLow
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JunLow
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JulMid
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AugMid
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SepMid-High
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OctMid-High
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NovHigh
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DecMid-High
* Pricing is a guideline only and excludes special offers. Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
Price includes:
International economy flights and taxes from the UK
Internal flights
Accommodation
Private transfers
Selected experiences
Daily Breakfast
Half Board Basis included for Bhutan
At a Glance
- 14-night itinerary taking in Calcutta, Bhutan and ending by the beach in the Andaman Islands
Perfect for intrepid travellers wanting to get off-the-beaten track
- Great in winter months, travel from November to March
- Visit Tiger's Nest whilst visiting Paro, this is a once in a lifetime experience
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Calcutta has three main seasons- Summer, Monsoon, and Winter. Summer, during March-May, is hot and humid with temperature touching 38-40°C. Monsoon starts in June and lasts till September, October. Winter starts in November and stays till February and weather is very pleasant. Best time to visit Calcutta is October-March.
In the western, central and eastern Bhutan you will mostly experience cold European-like weather. Winter lasts here from November to March. The Monsoon occurs between June and August. October and November are arguably the best months, when the monsoon has passed and the skies are clear. The spring months of March, April and May are best for the flora, but it can be stormy as the monsoon builds up for July-September.
December to March is the best of year to visit the Andaman Islands. This is when diving is at its optimum and you can also enjoy turtle nesting season and game fishing. Expect dry and warm weather during the day and cooler evenings. April and May are sunny but humid. June through to September see long and heavy rains with short and unpredictable periods of sunshine. October and November can bring short rains, with a good chance of uninterrupted sunshine.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 3993 8476 to start planning your holiday.
Itinerary
Journey to Bhutan and the Andaman Islands on this luxury 14-night itinerary. The trip blends the mountains and mysteries of Bhutan and a visit to Tiger's Nest, with the golden beaches of the Andamans and a quick stop in Calcutta to top it all off.
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Days 1-2: Calcutta
You will begin in Calcutta for just one night. Calcutta is an incredible city dating back to over 350 years and is widely regarded as India’s culture capital, full of interesting artists and fascinating intellectuals. There is a wealth of colonial relics to explore alongside some fantastic restaurants to try making it the perfect stopover.
Accommodation: The Glenburn Penthouse (1 night)
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Days 2-4: Thimphu
From Calcutta you’ll take a direct to Paro, the gateway for Bhutan. No ordinary place, Bhutan is known as the land of the thunder dragon and features lofty peaks and spectacular monasteries. Tucked away from the rest of the world, learn about the rich culture during your six nights here. On arrival in Paro, you’ll be met by your private guide and driver and taken directly to Thimphu for your first two nights. Thimphu acts as a perfect starting point in Bhutan, where you can visit the National Museum, the Painting School and the Folk Heritage Museum.
Accommodation: Taj Tashi (2 nights)
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Days 4-6: Punakha
Next, onto Punakha, home to arguably one of the most beautiful dzong's in the country. Located on an island between where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet, Punakha Dzong is impressive and has a long history. With your expert guide explore this iconic landmark, crossing the Bazam bridge.
Accommodation: COMO Uma Punakha (2 nights)
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Days 6-8: Paro
From Punakha you will venture back to Paro for your two final nights in Bhutan. Paro is well-known for the Tiger's Nest known as Taktsang Goemba, which sits hugging the cliffside over the valley below. It was here that Buddhism came to Bhutan and is truly a wonder to behold. With your guide, on your full day in Paro, you’ll make the strenuous, yet rewarding climb up to the viewpoint, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Six Senses Paro (2 nights)
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Days 8-13: Andaman Islands
Flying back to India, your itinerary then takes a turn and you will head to the Andaman Islands. From Paro you’ll fly into Calcutta where you will take a connecting flight to Port Blair and from here it is a one-and-a-half-hour transfer by boat to Havelock Island. A stark contrast to the misty mountains and valleys of Bhutan, here you can relax, enjoy some sun, snorkelling or simply laze by the pool enjoying a good holiday read.
Accommodation: Jalakara (5 nights)
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Days 13-14: Calcutta
After five nights of exploring Havelock's golden shores, you will fly back to Calcutta and have one more night before connecting to your onward flight home.
Accommodation: The Glenburn Penthouse (1 night)
Experiences
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A visit to Chimmi Lhakhang
The Chimmi Lhakhang Temple is a temple of fertility dedicated to the Buddhist saint known as the Divine Madman. A short walk through paddy fields takes you to the temple and is popular with Bhutanese families wanting to start a family.
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Day in Thimphu
You can easily fill an afternoon or day exploring Thimphu. It is worth visiting the Tashiccho Dzong, where essentially Bhutan is governed from. Also of interest is the Simtokha Dzong, Memorial Chorten, Changagkka Temple & Folk Museum.
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Drukgyel Dzong
The Drukgyal Dzong is located further up the Paro Valley from the Tiger's Nest Monastery and was built in 1649 by Tenzin Drukdra to celebrate victory over an invading army from Tibet.
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Explore Calcutta with an Uber Guide
Explore Calcutta with an expert guide, getting under the skin of the destination. Explore colonial Calcutta on foot, before having tea with a local socialite in his home before seeing the Marble Palace, Park St Cemetery and a cruise up the Hoogly to end.
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Khansum Yulley & the Butterfly Trail
Take the short hike up to the Khansam Yulley Temple where you can sit back in awe at the wonderful views down the Mo Chhu Valley before heading off on the one-hour Butterfly Trail, stopping off for tea in the local home.
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Kyichu Lhakhang
The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating from the 7th century and constructed by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsan Gampo.
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Meet a Monk Your Own Age
Your children can have the opportunity to meet a monk their own age. 10% of Bhutan's population are monks and they can hear stories of getting up each day before first-light for prayers and their daily routines.
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Nalanda Buddhist College and Nobgang Walk
This fantastic experience combines the Sangchen Nunnery, the Nalanda Buddhist College and the Nobgang Village walk which takes you from the high hills above Punakha and winds gently down to the Punakha Dzong - you approach it almost vertically!
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Paro Dzong & National Museum
The Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong as it is otherwise called, looms above the town of Paro. On the hill above the Dzong in the former watchtower you can visit the National Museum.
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Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong, otherwise known as the Pungtang Dechen Photrang literally means the palace of great happiness or bliss, and is the finest of its kind in Bhutan, dating from the 17th century and located on the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu Rivers.
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Punakha Weekend Markets
Khuruthang Saturday Vegetable Market is located in the small town next to the Punakha Dzong. On Sundays, you can visit the Wangdue Market, about a 30-minute drive away. Wander around the stalls, selling local fruit and vegetables.
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Thimphu Weekend Market
You shouldn’t miss the weekend market in Thimphu. People from nearby valleys arrive on Thursday afternoon and stay to sell their goods – vegetables, other foodstuffs and handicrafts – until Sunday evening.
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Tiger's Nest Monastery
The Tiger's Nest Monastery is spectacular; legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Set off for the 2-hour walk to the viewpoint before continuing onto the Monastery.
Location
Calcutta, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro & Andaman Islands
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator
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