Zen Oriental Journeys | Sikkim/Bhutan: Journey to the Lands of Thunder Dragon

Sikkim/Bhutan: Journey to the Lands of Thunder Dragon

14 September to 6 October 2025

Fascinating civilizations with long and glorious histories have sprung up amongst the dizzying snow-capped heights and the dry windswept plains beyond them. Sandwiched between China and India, Sikkim and Bhutan have developed their own unique place in human history and continue to flourish today. Hidden away amongst the mighty Himalayan range, these kingdoms are destinations that even the most seasoned traveller considers a privilege to visit. Visitors remark how everything here is tinged with the divine, where mountains, people and gods meet, and where eternal dramas are played out; dramas in which the seasons bring rain, the earth yields produce, and the people celebrate nature’s bounty: dramas in which good and evil clash; dramas of birth, death, reincarnation, enlightenment and spiritual release.

Bhutan is now one of the last strongholds of Tantric Buddhism, with sacred monasteries sitting precariously on sheer cliffs, fluttering prayer flags lining high mountain ridges, red-robed monks chanting in distant temples, and colourful masked dancers performing ancient rituals on sacred grounds during Buddhist festivals.
Lands of the Thunder Dragon is a tour for everyone wanting to see India and Bhutan on roads less travelled and explore new horizons rarely encountered. With our innovative itinerary, our top-notch experts, and a thriving network of resources throughout these destinations, we have the privilege of offering you exceptional travel experiences. There is nothing quite like seeing places through the eyes of someone who knows them intimately and cares about them passionately. We take care of the details, so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the wonder of the places you are visiting and exploring.

For a detailed itinerary please contact Zen Oriental Journeys by emailing Lee Grafton or ring 0401 123 347

ON THIS JOURNEY YOU WILL:

• Kolkata’s rich heritage, from ancient Hinduism, through the British Raj, to contemporary life, all in a great bustling city not often included in tours to India. (Did you know Kolkata’s University has a Chair in Australian Literature?)
• the famous Toy Train as it spirals up the Batasia Loop
• destinations well off the beaten track to engage with remote tribal peoples and their way of life, all in the company of our outstanding local experts
• the awesome snow-clad Himalayan peaks, the abode of the gods
• opportunities to take easy walks on mountain tracks to meet Bhutanese families and see the magnificent Tiger’s Nest monastery perched on the cliff face
• traditional crafts of textiles, mask making, tangka painting and much more
• the great Thimpu tsechu; the whirling dance, chant and magnificent masks and vestments of the sacred ceremonies
• superb Buddhist monastic complexes and monuments
• stay in heritage properties and explore. There is so much variety packed into this trip to show you as many facets of this part of India and Bhutan as we can

DURATION:

Departure date: 14 September 2025
Duration: 22 days

PRICING:

Indicative price per person twin share (Land only): AUD 9,453.00
Single Supplement: AUD 2,190.00

Additional night in Kolkata TBA

Airfare: From Australia and flight from Paro to Kolkata TBA when available for booking

FINAL PAYMENT & CLOSE OF BOOKING: 14 JUL 2025

Prices may fluctuate due to changes in charges, taxes and currency. Prices and flights are correct at time of preparing this program and are subject to availability at time of booking. Special conditions and seasonal surcharges to airfares and package prices may apply depending on date of travel. Flight times are subject to change by the airline. Please visit: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au or ring 1300 139 281 for information on current Government travel advice.

Bookings will be processed in order of receipt. Any bookings after this date will be accepted subject to visa processing, flight availability, land content and room availability. Such booking must be paid in full after confirmation of your acceptance in the tour. Special conditions and additional charges to airfares and package prices may apply depending on date of booking.