Depart London Heathrow on Jet Airways flight via Delhi (8 hours 45 minutes) to Kathmandu (1 hour 25 minutes).

Arriving in Nepal’s fascinating and vibrant capital city Kathmandu this afternoon, transfer to the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

A morning tour of the city takes in some of Kathmandu’s myriad charms, as well as the impressive hilltop temple of Swayambhunath. This afternoon there will be a visit to the ancient Buddhist city of Patan and the Tibetan handicraft centre.

With a free day in Kathmandu make the most of this spectacular region with an optional visit to the medieval city of Bhadgaon or a scenic mountain flight

Transfer to the airport and fly to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal this morning. Crossing the border into India, pause for lunch in Bagdogra, in West Bengal, before continuing to Darjeeling for your stay at the Elgin Hotel

A morning’s tour of Darjeeling introduces you to the refreshing delights of this popular hill station, a mix of Hindu culture and hill tribes that lies in the shadow of the Himalayan ranges. After a scenic ride on the ‘Toy Train’ to Ghoom, the afternoon includes a visit to a local market and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre a positive community project now home to some 650 Tibetans

Early this morning there will be an excursion to nearby Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise over the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas, followed by a visit to the Ghoom Monastery en route back to the hotel. The rest of the morning is spent visiting the tea estates of Happy Valley, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute with its interesting museum and the Zoo. The afternoon is free for further exploration.

After breakfast you will continue through the Sikkimese countryside to Pemayangste and a stay at the Norbu Gang Resort.

Morning visit to the 17th century Pemayangste Monastery, before proceeding to Gangtok via Rabong La and a stay at the Hotel Norkhill

Full day sightseeing of Ganesh Tok Viewpoint, the spectacular Rumtek and Enchay Monasteries, the traditional Sikkimese handicrafts centre and the colourful flower show (availability depends on the time of year however the orchids for which Gangtok is so famous are normally displayed from late March until May).

Drive to the hill station of Kalimpong this morning, to stay at the Hotel Silver Oaks. This afternoon there will be a visit to the Durpin Dara Monastery and viewpoint, as well as the local market and the Thongsa Monastery

Transfer back to Bagdogra for the flight to Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and once the capital of the British Raj. On arrival transfer to The Oberoi Grand

Sightseeing in Kolkata, to include the Victoria Memorial and museum, St Paul’s Cathedral and the South Park Street Cemetery

Morning flight on Jet Airways to Delhi (2 hours 15 minutes) to connect with the onward flight to London Heathrow, arriving later this evening.