You’ll start in India's Golden Triangle, exploring Jaipur’s palaces and forts before watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal. Wind through the tea hills of Darjeeling on a toy train, before crossing into Bhutan, where life slows and traditions run deep.
Here, you’ll journey through forested valleys and across mountain passes, visiting monasteries, markets and atmospheric towns. The highlight? Hiking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on a cliffside. You’ll round off your adventure back in India, soaking up Kolkata's rich history and lively streets.
Day 1 – Namaste! Welcome to India
Settle gently into colourful and chaotic India, a riot on the senses. Touching down amidst the commotion of Delhi can be something of a culture shock, so this trip is designed to give you a softer landing. You’ll spend just one night in a comfortable, well-located Delhi hotel before beginning your journey …
Day 2 – Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur
Delhi can be quite a shock to the system when you first arrive in India, so early this morning you’ll be driven to Jaipur (approximately 5 hours). Jaipur is also known as the ‘pink city’ because many of the buildings are painted in pink-orange tones. It’s a jumble of colours, camel carts, elephants, beggars, rickshaws, temples, forts and palaces. You’ll stay in a friendly, family-run hotel with lots of character and Rajasthani style. Enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings and cool off with a dip in the hotel pool.
Day 3 – Explore Jaipur
Today you’ll take a private guided tour of this remarkable city, visiting the City Palace, the Observatory and the fairy-tale Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal). You will also visit Amber Fort. This ancient citadel made of red sandstone and white marble is perched high on a hilltop overlooking the rocky hills around Jaipur. One of the fort’s highlights is the mirror palace, covered with an intricate mosaic made up of thousands of tiny mirrors.
If you’re feeling active, or want to spend another day in Jaipur, we can arrange a guided bike tour through the narrow streets, stopping for a traditional meal with a local family. Or if you love Indian food and want to try your hand at cooking a traditional meal, we can book an authentic, hands-on cooking class in the home of a local lady. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Tiger spotting opportunity
Would you like the opportunity to spot tigers in the wild? We can add a two night visit to India’s famous Ranthambore National Park here – between Jaipur and Agra. Ranthambore is one of the most scenic national parks in northern India and one of the best places in the world to spot tigers in the wild. You’ll stay in a small scale hotel just outside the park, and we’ll include two jeep safaris. Ask your Travel Specialist to include Ranthambore in your travel plan.
Day 4 – Travel to Agra
Time to leave Jaipur for Agra – home of the iconic Taj Mahal. It’s a 5-hour journey but along the way there are a few interesting sights to stop and visit. The monkey temple at Galta is a pilgrimage site that attracts flocks of brightly-robed devotees every day. People bathe and sing on the steps of the ghats that lead down into the pools. You can also make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri – a former Mughal capital, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrival in Agra you’ll be warmly welcomed into the cosy homestay which is your base for the next two nights. We’ve found a handful of wonderful, small, family owned homestays that are less than 10 minutes stroll from the Taj Mahal. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and the gardens are just the spot to relax.
Day 5 – Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
The iconic Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan out of love for his deceased wife. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most visited places in India, so we recommend to get up extra early so that you’re at the Taj Mahal before the tourist crowds. A real wonder of the world, it’s a building that will take your breath away.
After visiting the Taj Mahal by yourselves, you’ll spend time exploring some of Agra’s (other) historic monuments with a local guide. You’ll visit Agra Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Mughal forts in the country. You’ll also visit Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, a.k.a the Baby Taj, and the gardens of Mehtab Bagh. From here you’ll catch a picture-perfect view of the Taj Mahal across the river, especially at sunset when the marble glows softly in the fading light.
Day 6 – Take the train back to Delhi
A trip to India isn’t complete without a train journey! This morning you’ll board the train to Delhi, watching the scenery shift as you travel back towards the capital. On arrival, you’ll be met at the station and transferred to the hotel where you began your journey. The rest of the day is free. If you wish we can arrange a guided tour of Old Delhi, travelling by metro, auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw, just like a local. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Day 7 – Fly to Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling
Today your driver will collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport where you’ll catch the short flight to Bagdogra. A driver will be waiting for you here, to take you to Darjeeling in around three hours. Nestled between the Himalayan kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal, surrounded by dramatic peaks, Darjeeling is blessed with a cool climate. The scenic streets are narrow, steep and typically chaotic, lined with dozens of ramshackle stalls. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore Darjeeling on your own; simply relax, or, depending on the time of year, arrange a visit to a tea estate with your driver – it’s up to you.
Day 8 – Visit Tiger Hill, Ghoom & take the toy train
Today, you’ll set off for the top of Tiger Hill before sunrise. As the first beams of sunshine appear between the snow-capped Himalayas and the morning mist disappears from the valley, you’ll be stunned by the beauty that surrounds you. Next, you’ll drive to the oldest Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling before returning to your hotel.
After lunch you’ll be taking a scenic toy train ride past snow-capped peaks and emerald valleys to Ghoom. The journey takes an hour each way. You’ll have time to stretch your legs in Ghoom and take a walk around the railway museum, before heading back to Darjeeling. The rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish
Day 9 – Cross the border into Bhutan
Leave Darjeeling in the morning, descending from the cool, misty tea hills into the warmer plains below. The winding mountain roads gradually give way to flatter, busier stretches as you pass through Siliguri and Jaigaon. After around 5–6 hours on the road, you’ll reach Phuentsholing, where you cross into Bhutan. Once across the border, you’ll notice a calmer atmosphere and obvious signs of Bhutanese culture. Here you’ll be met by your English-speaking Bhutanese guide and driver. They will be with you for the duration of your stay in Bhutan. There’s actually very little to do in Phuentsholing, so you’ll only stay one night for logistical reasons.
Day 10 – Travel to Bhutan’s capital city: Thimphu
Leave Phuentsholing in the morning and journey deeper into Bhutan to Thimphu, the country’s laid back capital. The drive takes around 5–6 hours, climbing steadily into the forested hills. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, winding mountain roads and small villages.
On arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel before heading out to explore with your guide. Visit the impressive Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest seated Buddhas in the world, set high above the city with wide-reaching views. Continue to the Traditional Medicine Institute to learn about Bhutan’s centuries-old healing practices, then visit the peaceful Zilukha Nunnery, where the sound of chanting often fills the air. If time allows, end the day with a relaxed stroll through Thimphu’s market area for a glimpse into daily life in the capital.
Day 11 – Travel to Punakha
After breakfast, set off on the scenic three-hour drive to Punakha. You’ll make a stop at Dochula Pass (3,050m) where you’ll find 108 white chortens (Buddhist stupas) arranged in rows on the hillside. If the skies are clear, you can enjoy spectacular Himalayan views before descending into the Punakha Valley. This afternoon you can begin your exploration of the local area, or simply relax
Day 12 – Explore the Punakha Valley
Today you’ll explore the Punakha Valley with your guide. A highlight is the impressive Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful in the country, with colourful towers and whitewashed walls set between green rice fields and two rivers. Depending on your interests, you could visit the Temple of the Divine Madman, built in honour of a Tibetan monk known for his unconventional way of teaching Buddhism – expect a rather unusual blessing involving a wooden phallus. Another option is the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, built to bring peace and harmony, with wide views across the valley.
If you would like to experience rural Bhutanese life, we can arrange an overnight stay in a local homestay in Punakha. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Day 13 – To Haa: a hidden Shangri-La
After breakfast, depart the lush Punakha Valley, heading towards the Tibetan border. Your destination is the untouched Haa Valley. It’s a long, but scenic 6-7 hour drive. You’ll retrace your route over the Dochula Pass, driving through winding valleys and forested hillsides. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Haa: a region of untouched nature, traditional villages and scenic valleys. Farmers tend rice paddies and herd yaks beneath towering Himalayan peaks, and in summer, rare blue poppies bloom across the valley. Most tourists only visit here as a day trip. However, we’ll arrange for you to stay overnight in a locally-owned guest house so that you can really immerse yourself in rural life.
Day 14 – Travel to Paro
Start the day with visits to Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nakpo (Black Temple), two of Haa’s most important monasteries. Then take the dramatic drive over the Chele La Pass (3,899m), Bhutan’s highest motorable pass, where on a clear day you’ll enjoy views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Continue your journey into the charming town of Paro and check in to your accommodation. After lunch, it’s time to stretch your legs on a short but rewarding hike offering views of Paro Dzong and the valley.
Day 15 – Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest
No trip to Bhutan is complete without a visit to Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest. This iconic monastery perches dramatically on a cliff edge high above Paro Valley. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave at this site. Today you’ll trek up to the monastery. The trail takes around two hours, with colourful prayer flags lining the path and misty views at every turn. There’s a halfway café where you can enjoy a cuppa and amazing views. Once at the monastery, take your time to explore its ornate shrines and meditation caves, and soak up the sense of serenity before making your way back down.
Day 16 – Fly to Kolkata
Your Bhutan trip must draw to a close. Say goodbye to your Bhutanese guide and driver and catch the Druk Air flight over the Himalayas to Kolkata. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to a charming hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Kolkata at your own leisure, enjoying the warm temperatures and delicious food of West Bengal.
Day 17 – Kolkata city tour
This morning you’ll be picked up by your guide in an air-conditioned car. You’ll drive via the historic St John’s Church to the famous Dalhousie Square, the commercial centre of the city (now called BBD Bagh). From here you’ll continue to the bank of the Hoogly river, where you’ll see the famous Howrah Bridge, which more than 5 million people cross every day. The next stop is the colourful flower market.
Then it’s time to visit the Karmatuly area, where they make the huge effigies used in Kolkata’s most famous festival, Durga Puja. To the North of the centre you’ll visit the exquisite, richly decorated, Jain Temple, before continuing to the College Street book market, with its many hundreds of bookstalls. After all this sightseeing it’s about time you relax and enjoy a coffee at the famous Indian Coffee House – a popular meeting place for locals.
Day 18 – Departure from India
Your epic trip has come to an end and today you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your homebound flight.
Accommodation
