4 Nights / 5 Days
Gangtok, Changu Lake & Darjeeling
Gangtok · Changu Lake · Baba Mandir · Darjeeling · Tiger Hill
Ideal for: First-time visitors who want both Sikkim and Darjeeling
Kalimpong, Dooars & Bhutan
Kalimpong, Dooars Jungles & Phuentsholing (Bhutan) Tour
- 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Starts & ends: Bagdogra / NJP / Siliguri
- Private tour
Tour overview
Hills, forests and a border crossing in one easy loop: Kalimpong's monasteries and nurseries, jungle safaris in the Dooars, and a day in Phuentsholing, Bhutan.
This tour stays close to Siliguri, with short drives and plenty of variety. Kalimpong (about 1,250 m) is a calm hill town above the Teesta valley. Below it, the Dooars forests are home to Indian one-horned rhinos, elephants and gaur.
From the Jaldapara side it is a short drive to Jaigaon, the Indian border town opposite Phuentsholing in Bhutan.
Ideal for: Families, wildlife lovers and a first taste of Bhutan. Places covered: Kalimpong, Teesta Valley, Gorumara, Jaldapara, Phuentsholing, Jaigaon.
Highlights
- Deolo Hill, Durpin Monastery and Kalimpong's flower nurseries
- Teesta–Rangeet confluence viewpoint
- Jungle safari in Gorumara or Jaldapara National Park (forest department booking; parks close in monsoon)
- Phuentsholing: the Bhutan Gate, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang and Kharbandi Gompa
- Tea gardens and river views of the Dooars
Day-by-day itinerary
Distances, drive times and altitudes are approximate and vary with road and weather conditions. Points marked optional are extra.
Day1
Arrive at Bagdogra / NJP and drive to Kalimpong
≈ 70 km · 2.5–3 hrs · Kalimpong ≈ 1,250 m
Drive along the Teesta river and up to Kalimpong. Afternoon visit to Deolo Hill or Durpin Monastery.
Day2
Kalimpong to the Dooars (Lataguri / Gorumara)
≈ 75–85 km · 3 hrs
Morning sightseeing in Kalimpong (nurseries, the Teesta–Rangeet viewpoint), then descend to the Dooars. Evening safari or watchtower visit if available.
Day3
Gorumara to Jaldapara
≈ 70–80 km · 2.5 hrs
Drive through tea country to Jaldapara. Afternoon jeep safari or elephant safari, depending on forest department availability.
Day4
Day trip to Phuentsholing, Bhutan
≈ 25–45 km each way (depending on where you stay)
Cross at Jaigaon into Phuentsholing. Visit the Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang, the crocodile breeding centre and Kharbandi Gompa. Return to the Dooars.
Day5
Dooars to Bagdogra / NJP
≈ 140–160 km · 3.5–4.5 hrs
Drive back to Siliguri, timed for your flight or train.
What's included
- Private vehicle with an experienced hill driver for the full itinerary
- Pickup and drop at Bagdogra Airport (IXB), NJP Railway Station or your Siliguri hotel
- Fuel, driver allowance, tolls and parking on the planned route
- Arranging protected-area permits through registered channels (where the route needs them)
- Hotel booking assistance in your preferred category (budget, standard or premium)
- Trip support on call and WhatsApp before and during your tour
Not included
- Hotel tariff and meals (quoted separately according to the hotels you choose)
- Government permit fees, entry tickets, ropeway, camera and activity charges
- Flights, train tickets and travel insurance
- Extra sightseeing or detours outside the agreed itinerary
- Costs caused by landslides, road closures, weather or permit cancellations (extra nights, re-routing)
- Personal expenses: tips, laundry, porterage, shopping
Inclusions are our standard format. Your final quote lists exactly what is and isn't included.
Permits & important notes
- Bhutan's entry rules, permit process and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indian and other regional travellers change from time to time. We check the current rules for your nationality before you book.
- Indian nationals should carry a valid passport or voter ID card (original) for Bhutan. Other nationalities need a Bhutan visa arranged in advance.
- National park safaris need forest department bookings. The parks are usually closed from mid-June to mid-September.
Best time for this tour
October–April is ideal. Parks close for the monsoon (usually mid-June to mid-September); winter mornings in the Dooars can be foggy.
Read before you go
Request a quote for this tour
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Kalimpong, Dooars & Phuentsholing: FAQs
Do Indians need a permit for Phuentsholing?
Rules for regional tourists entering Bhutan have changed several times in recent years, including the Sustainable Development Fee. We confirm the current entry and permit requirements for your dates and nationality before booking.
When are the Dooars national parks open?
Gorumara and Jaldapara are usually closed to tourists from mid-June to mid-September for the monsoon and breeding season. Safari slots are limited and booked through the forest department.
Can this be combined with Darjeeling or Sikkim?
Yes. Kalimpong links easily with Gangtok (via the Teesta valley) or Darjeeling. Ask us for a combined route.
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Tell us your dates. We'll plan the rest.
Share your travel dates, group size and where you are arriving. We'll suggest a route, the right vehicle and a clear quote — no obligation.