If you’ve been dreaming of a getaway that has both natural beauty and cultural richness, IRCTC’s latest offering might be just what you need. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) just announced a 14-day curated journey – the Bharat-Bhutan Mystic Mountain Tour. It’s a slow-travel dream through Northeast India and the Kingdom of Bhutan, with all the logistics taken care of. If this is on your travel wishlist, here’s everything you need to know about the Bharat-Bhutan Mystic Mountain Tour.
Bharat-Bhutan Mystic Mountain Tour: Journey and route
The adventure kicks off in Delhi at Safdarjung Railway Station, where travellers will board a special tourist train headed to Guwahati. After a restful journey, the first stop is the sacred Kamakhya Temple, perched atop Nilachal Hills. This ancient site is the perfect amalgamation of spirituality with panoramic views.
From there, you travel by road into the rolling hills of Shillong, with a peaceful halt at Umiam Lake, often referred to as the ‘Barapani’ of the Northeast. The lake, surrounded by pine-lined shores and close to the Bangladesh border, is a perfect photo-op spot. In Shillong, the itinerary includes everything from colonial charm at Ward’s Lake to the grandeur of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, and cultural deep-dives at the Don Bosco Museum.
Full-day outing in Cherrapunji
One of the highlights of the tour is a full-day outing to Cherrapunji, a place known for its record-breaking rainfall and stunning vistas. Think cascading views at Seven Sisters Falls, the dramatic plunge of Nohkalikai Falls, and the fascinating Mawsmai Caves, where nature’s sculpting skills are on full display. The journey circles back with a quick visit to Elephant Falls, before bidding adieu to Meghalaya.
Bhutan itinerary
Next stop: Bhutan. Travellers are brought to Hasimara Railway Station in West Bengal, the closest major stop to the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. After clearing immigration formalities (yes, you’ll need a valid passport or voter ID card, plus two passport photos), the tour enters the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
In Thimphu, Bhutan’s laid-back capital, you will be taken to the majestic Buddha Point, the serene Motithang Takin Preserve, the National Library, the Handicraft Market, and the striking Tashi Chho Dzong, a fortress-monastery that lights up beautifully at dusk.
The journey continues to Punakha, with a scenic drive through Dochula Pass, famous for its 108 memorial chortens and panoramic Himalayan views. At Punakha, guests explore the iconic Punakha Dzong, nestled between two rivers.
Finally, the group arrives in Paro, home to postcard-perfect valleys and Bhutan’s most celebrated landmark – the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (though this tour only reaches the base). Other highlights here include Paro Dzong, the National Museum, Lamperi Royal Botanical Park, and the photogenic Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge.
The tour will wrap up with a traditional hot stone bath and a vibrant Bhutanese cultural performance, adding an extra layer of local flavour.
Other details of Bharat-Bhutan Mystic Mountain Tour
Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
Start Date: June 28, 2025
Capacity: 150 guests
Travel Mode: Train + Road (Double occupancy)
Price (per person):
Superior AC First Class (Coupe): Rs 1,58,850
Superior AC First Class (Cabin): Rs 1,44,892
Deluxe AC 2-Tier: Rs 1,29,495
Comfort AC 3-Tier: Rs 1,18,965
The package is all-inclusive – train travel, 3-star hotel stays, vegetarian meals, transfers, sightseeing, travel insurance, and a tour guide.
Boarding points: Delhi Safdarjung, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Tundla Junction, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi
Return stations: Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Tundla Junction, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Delhi Safdarjung
Booking Info:
Seats are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You can reserve your spot directly through the IRCTC website. Remember, entry into Bhutan requires a valid passport (minimum six months validity) or original voter ID card with a hologram, along with two recent passport-sized photos.
So if you’re looking to unplug, explore, without the hassle of planning a trip, this thoughtfully designed tour might just be your next unforgettable experience.