Ultimate Train and Road Trip: Kolkata to Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Meghalaya

Day 1: Arrival and Start

Kolkata, India on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Flurys

Enjoy a delicious and iconic breakfast at Flurys, famous for its continental pastries and coffee, located on Park Street. Open from 8:00 AM.
INR500, 1h0m

10:00am

Travel to New Jalpaiguri (train)

Catch a train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri, the gateway to Northeast India and Sikkim. The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours. Book an overnight train if preferable.
INR800, 12h0m

Day 2: Nepal Exploration

Kathmandu, Nepal on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Travel from New Jalpaiguri to Kathmandu by road

Take an early morning shared jeep or hire a private cab to Kathmandu, Nepal, via Siliguri and the border at Panitanki (India) and Kakarbhitta (Nepal). The journey will take about 10-12 hours including border formalities.
INR1500, 12h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Bhojan Griha

Experience traditional Nepali cuisine in a cozy heritage home with cultural performances. Open until 10 PM.
NPR800, 1h30m

Day 3: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu, Nepal on June 21, 2025

9:00am

Visit Pashupatinath Temple

One of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, open from early morning till late evening. Witness sacred rituals by the Bagmati river.
NPR100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Thamel House Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of Nepali and Tibetan dishes in the heart of Thamel. Opens from 11 AM to 10 PM.
NPR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Durbar Square

Historic royal palace complex with temples and courtyards. Open 9 AM to 5 PM.
NPR1000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Early dinner at Fire and Ice Pizzeria

Popular pizza place offering western and Nepali fusion options. Open till 11 PM.
NPR700, 1h0m

Day 4: Journey to Bhutan

Thimphu, Bhutan on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Kathmandu to Phuentsholing (border town Bhutan)

Travel by road crossing Nepal-India border and onward to Bhutan border at Phuentsholing. Journey takes about 10-12 hours with visa and customs checks.
NPR2000, 12h0m

8:00pm

Check-in and dinner at hotel in Phuentsholing

Rest and dine at your hotel or local Bhutanese restaurant serving Ema Datshi and red rice.
BTN500, 1h30m

Day 5: Explore Bhutan Capitals

Thimphu and Paro, Bhutan on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Thimphu

15 km drive to Bhutan's capital, visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue and the Tashichho Dzong. Places open 9 AM to 5 PM.
BTN300, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at ambient cafe

Enjoy local Bhutanese and Tibetan fusion food in a cozy Thimphu cafe. Open 10 AM to 8 PM.
BTN400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Paro

A 1.5 hour scenic drive to Paro, visit Paro Dzong and local market. Open 9 AM to 5 PM.
BTN300, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Traditional Bhutanese restaurant known for momos and ema datshi. Open till 9 PM.
BTN500, 1h0m

Day 6: Travel to Sikkim

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Paro to Gangtok

Travel by road through Phuentsholing and border crossing back to India at Jaigaon, then onward to Gangtok which can take around 8-10 hours including border formalities.
INR2500, 10h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Popular place for authentic Tibetan and Sikkimese dishes open till 10 PM.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 7: Gangtok Sightseeing

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on June 25, 2025

9:00am

Visit Rumtek Monastery and Enchey Monastery

Experience peaceful Buddhist monasteries with spiritual ambiance open 8 AM to 5 PM.
INR150, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Baker's Cafe

Casual cafe offering continental and Indian dishes, open 8 AM to 9 PM.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit MG Road for shopping and local interactions

A bustling street lined with shops and eateries, perfect for souvenir shopping and sampling street food.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Square

Upscale restaurant featuring multi-cuisine options, open till 10 PM.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 8: Travel to Meghalaya

Shillong, Meghalaya, India on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Gangtok to Shillong

A long scenic road trip via Siliguri and Guwahati, approximately 12-14 hours drive. Depart early to maximize time in Meghalaya.
INR3500, 14h0m

9:00pm

Dinner at City Hut Family Dhaba

Authentic Khasi and North-East Indian dishes to unwind after a long journey.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 9: Meghalaya Exploration

Shillong, Meghalaya, India on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Visit Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak

Natural waterfalls and panoramic views of Shillong, open mornings to early evening.
INR100, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dylan's Cafe

Great spot for continental and local North-East cuisine, open 10 AM to 11 PM.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore local markets and Ward's Lake

Handicraft shopping and relaxing stroll around the scenic lake with boating facilities.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria

Cozy restaurant offering Italian and North-Eastern fusion dishes. Open till 10 PM.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 10: Return to Kolkata

Kolkata, India on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Shillong to Guwahati and train to Kolkata

Travel by road from Shillong to Guwahati (3h) then board train back to Kolkata (about 13-14 hours).
INR1200, 15h0m

9:00pm

Relax at hotel in Kolkata

Rest after the journey; order room service dinner if preferred.
Varies, 2h0m