Uncover the delights of India's Golden Triangle, travelling from Delhi to Jaipur and onto Agra, home of the spectacular Taj Mahal. Then wing your way to the beautiful Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan to explore Paro, Thimphu and the picturesque Punakha Valley.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Delhi sightseeing
After breakfast, we enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Delhi. In the old part of the city we discover the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid, India’s largest and oldest mosque. Continue to Raj Ghat, where an eternal flame now burns at the site of Gandhi’s cremation. Later we explore New Delhi and see highlights including the ceremonial Rajpath and the India Gate war memorial. This evening we enjoy a Namaste dinner at our hotel.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast, Dinner
Jaipur
Delhi - Jaipur. Say goodbye to the capital today and travel to the iconic UNESCO-listed Pink City of Jaipur for a day of sightseeing. Visit the impressive City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory. This famous site is home to 19 separate astrological instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
Amber Fort
Rise early this morning if you wish to join our exciting Balloon Over Jaipur add-on. Climb aboard a hot air balloon and sail over palaces, temples and forts, with the Pink City as your stunning backdrop. Later we explore the striking Amber Fort, which we reach with a jeep ride. Set out over four levels and built on the shores of the shimmering Maota Lake, this impressive 16th century fortress is also fantastically preserved. On our way back to Jaipur we stop at a local cotton weaving house for a demonstration of fabric dyeing.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
Chand Baori & Keoladeo National Park
Jaipur - Abhaneri - Bharatpur. Say goodbye to Jaipur as we travel to the village of Abhaneri to see the Chand Baori step well, which features 3,500 steps. The remarkable site also starred in the blockbuster film ‘Batman: The Dark Knight Rises’.
We continue to a local school (if open) to meet the pupils and teachers. We operate our Change for Children programme here and you may wish to bring some educational gifts with you from home to give out (see trip notes). We then arrive in Bharatpur and enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride through Keoladeo Ghana National Park, an important wetland reserve and habitat for numerous bird species.
Overnight: Bharatpur | Breakfast, Dinner
The Taj Mahal
Bharatpur - Agra. Today we visit the well-preserved city of Fatehpur Sikri, which has laid abandoned for more than 400 years due to a lack of water. Arriving in Agra we enjoy a tour of Agra Fort and then continue to the iconic Taj Mahal - India’s most famous attraction. This legendary white mausoleum was built in the 17th century by 20,000 workers under the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife. It stands as the most extravagant symbol of love the world has seen and has no peers.
Overnight: Agra | Breakfast
Return to Delhi
Agra - Delhi. Today we return to Delhi where the rest of today is free to explore as you please.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast
Fly to Bhutan
Saturday. Delhi - Paro. Today we say goodbye to India and fly to Paro in Bhutan.
PLEASE NOTE: The flight from Delhi - Paro is not included in the cost of this tour. Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines fly direct. Please provide us with your flight details and you will be met at Paro airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: Paro | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paro & Thimphu market
Paro - Thimphu. Our first full day in beautiful Bhutan begins with a tour of the National Museum, home to more than 3,000 examples of Bhutanese art. The museum is situated in an old ta dzong (watchtower) and is perched on a hill-top with stunning surrounding views. Our tour continues with a visit to the impressive Rinphung Dzong Buddhist monastery before we drive to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. Visit the vibrant weekend market, where local vendors sell traditional cuisine including Bhutanese honey, dried fish and yak.
Overnight: Thimphu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thimphu sightseeing
Today we enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of Thimphu. Take in the Drubthob Nunnery and the striking Memorial Chorten. This famous stupa (Buddhist shrine) was constructed in memory of the Bhutanese ‘Dragon King’ Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who opened Bhutan up to the world. Continue to the Folk Heritage Museum and Takin Preserve. This wildlife reserve is home to a group of unusual-looking Takin - the national animal of Bhutan. We also visit several workshops and see an array of hand-crafted products at the Handicrafts Emporium.
Overnight: Thimphu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking, temples and camping by the Mo Chu River
Thimphu - Punakha. This morning we travel to the Dochula Pass, 3,100m above sea level. Admire stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas and continue to the spectacular Punakha Valley. Enjoy a leisurely hike in your beautiful surroundings to the temple of Chimi Lhakhang. The temple is known as the ‘mad monks temple’ in reference to the unusual Buddhist teachings of Lama Kunley, according to Bhutanese legend. Later we visit Punakha Dzong, the former seat of government power in Bhutan, located where two rivers meet.
This afternoon we head to our campsite on the banks of the Mo Chu River. Take time to relax and explore our picturesque surroundings before we enjoy an optional hot stone bath and local drinks this evening.
Overnight: Punakha | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Punakha Valley Sightseeing
Punakha - Paro. This morning we take another scenic hike through rice fields and along the banks of the river to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a striking hill-top temple. We continue to the traditional villages of Talo or Nobgang, perched on a mountain ridge.
After lunch we visit the scenic Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery for incredible views of the valley. The nunnery is also home to a large bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion in Buddhism. After our visit, we drive back to Paro.
Overnight: Paro | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Today we embark on an incredible four - six hour hike along a steep and winding path to the dazzling Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest Monastery) perhaps the most iconic site in Bhutan. The monastery hugs the jagged cliff edge and is only accessible on foot, though you may wish to ride a pony part of the way (book in advance). The walk is tough but incredibly rewarding and there is a cafeteria at the halfway mark which we will pause at to rest and enjoy the view. Pass a plunging waterfall before we finally reach the monastery to explore its shrines and temples.
After our visit we return to Paro and spend the evening at a local farm house. Relax and recover your energy with a delicious traditional Bhutanese dinner and meet a local family.
Overnight: Paro | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paro
Friday. Our adventure end today with an included transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Like this holiday but wish it included Nepal?
For the ultimate Himalayan experience you could combine this holiday with travel to Nepal by adding our Highlights of Nepal group tour directly after finishing your holiday in Bhutan. Our Best of India & Bhutan trip finishes on a Friday, then its a short hop to Kathmandu to start our Highlights of Nepal tour the same day. The total trip length is 22 days and we offer 10% off our Highlights of Nepal trip for travellers booking this combination.
ENHANCE YOUR STAY?
Enhance your stay in this vibrant country, view our selection of add-ons and short stays.
For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our dedicated travel guide.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Vivanta by Taj Dwarka, Delhi
Vivanta by Taj Dwarka is a modern, luxury hotel located in Dwarka, on the outskirts of New Delhi, just a 15-minute drive from the airport. Spread over 7 acres, this striking hotel has a unique angular design and offers 250 luxurious rooms and suites. All tastes are catered for at the hotel's multi-cuisine restaurant, while the Indus Express restaurant serves mouth-watering Punjabi cuisine. Head to the popular Tipple bar for a delicious array of heady cocktails or relax by the poolside with a refreshing smoothie from the Celsuis Pool Bar. The nearby Sector 21 Metro station provides direct access to the heart of the city and after a day of sightseeing you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the sauna and massage parlour.
Hotel Jivitesh, Delhi
The Jivitesh Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Karol Bagh, a popular neighbourhood of Delhi renowned for its excellent shops and vibrant street markets. The Jivitesh offers comfortable and spacious guest rooms, with modern amenities such as free WiFi, and you can be assured of a warm welcome and excellent customer service from the hotel staff. Enjoy authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine at the hotel's restaurant and take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool after a day of sightseeing in the capital. Please note: The swimming pool at the Jivitesh hotel is currently under renovation and is expected to be finished by September 2020.
Jaypee Siddharth Hotel, Delhi
The luxurious Jaypee Siddharth is a stunning property located just five kilometres from the New Delhi Railway Station. Guestrooms are exquisitely decorated with a blend of cream and brown tones and benefit from air conditioning and complimentary WiFi. If you have free time, guests can indulge in one of the rejuvenating treatments available at the spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool or work up an appetite in the gym. A range of cuisines are served in the various restaurants found within the hotel complex.
Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur
Made of pink and red sandstone, the beautiful heritage-style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthani architecture. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits, with modern amenities such as free WiFi and ensuite bathrooms. Spend an evening dining on continental, Indian or Rajasthani cuisine on the outdoor terrace or request a private, candlelit dinner on the rooftop under a star-studded sky. Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, this hotel is just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.
Udai Vilas Palace, Bharatpur
Set amongst 2 acres of landscaped gardens, the Udai Vilas Palace is a traditional hotel located right in the heart of Bharatpur city. Guest rooms are spacious and well equipped with comfortable beds and large windows. The hotel is famous for its barbecue nights and Rajasthani folklore evenings, where you will be enthralled by traditional music and dance performances. Keoladeo National Park, one of the most well-known bird sanctuaries in India, is also just a five-minute drive away.
Seven Hills Tower, Agra
The modern and stylish Seven Hills Tower hotel boasts a range of facilities and services designed to ensure the quality of each traveller's stay. The spacious guestrooms are elegantly decorated with neutral colours and fabrics covered with traditional patterns and all have excellent ensuite facilities. Guests can enjoy a dip in the rooftop pool or laze on the sun loungers before heading to the equally lofty restaurant for some mouth-watering Mughlai cuisine. The al fresco dining area offers beautiul views of the Taj Mahal, perfect for enjoying a sunset drink.
Nak-Sel Boutique Hotel & Spa, Paro
The eco friendly and community based Naksel Boutique Hotel and Spa tastefully combines traditional Bhutanese design with the comforts of modern living. Guest rooms include queen size beds, hard wood flooring and delightful en suite facilities with under floor heating. The hotel is home to Olive restaurant which serves up a mouth watering array of Bhutanese, Indian, Asian and Western cuisine. The onsite bar - Chabchu is great for relaxing at in the evenings. For the adventurous try a glass of the local favourite, Ara, Bhutanese rice wine.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu
Opened in 2010, Hotel Migmar is designed in classic Bhutanese style. Guest rooms are very colourful with wooden flooring and free wi-fi access. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant serving up a range of Asian cuisines, including Bhutanese and Indian. Those wishing to really relax whilst visiting should take advantage of the steam bath and meditation rooms that are available to guests. Located in the southern suburbs of Thimpu in a quiet neighbourhood.
Mo Chu River Camp, Punakha
A short drive from Punakha, the Mo Chu River Premium Camp sit on the banks of the River Mo Chu. Our accommodation tonight is set up 8 kilometres from the centre of Punakha on the banks of the Mo Chu River. We camp in two man walk in tents (twin/double sharing), which include thick mattresses, all bedding and towels. A toilet tent is built for the evenings stay, as is a shower tent (with hot water!) and there is also the option to try out a traditional hot stone bath. There is a central area with space to relax around a camp fire and the cook team will create traditional Bhutanese meals which will be served in the dining tent.
In Brief
Tour Add-ons
Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons
