Crossing into Nepal, the pace shifts as epic Himalayan landscapes take over. Spot wildlife in the jungle of Chitwan National Park, stroll between temples and stupas in Kathmandu and mingle with monks. In Bhutan, the pace slows further still as you travel through high mountain passes and forested valleys dotted with whitewashed dzongs. The journey ends with the unforgettable hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Day 1 – Welcome to India!
When you arrive in Delhi our local representative will be waiting for you at the airport. In the hustle and bustle of India’s largest airport, a sign with your name on it is a welcome sight. You’ll be transferred directly to a comfortable hotel, that’s well located on a quiet street in New Delhi. Touching down amidst the commotion of Delhi can be something of a culture shock, so we’ve left the rest of the day free for you to settle in and get used to the assault on the senses!
Day 2 – 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.
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.
Days 6 & 7 – Overnight train to Varanasi
A trip to India isn’t complete without a train journey! Late this afternoon – after a day of pottering around Agra – you will be transferred to the train station where you’ll board the sleeper train to Varanasi, departing just after 6pm. This is an overnight trip and will take about 12 hours. You should arrive around 7am and you’ll be met at the station and transferred straight to your hotel.
Varanasi is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. It’s an overwhelming yet beautiful jumble. A city of constant chaos, colour and wandering cows that can be a shock to the senses. We haven’t planned anything for your arrival day. In the evening – if you wish – you can join the prayer ceremony on the main Ghat. As the priests chant and wave lamps of fire, hundreds of flower candles drift onto the river, creating a magical and unforgettable sight.
Day 8 – Sacred city on the Ganges
At dawn, you’ll set off on an atmospheric boat trip down the Ganges. You’ll see ritual bathing in the sacred waters, hear the soft chants of pilgrims and watch the sun rising over the riverside temples. The Ganges is flanked by a series of Ghats – broad stone staircases leading down to the water – that stretch for miles and provide a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Varanasi.
Following your boat ride, you’ll head off on a short guided walk through the narrow lanes of the old town, with shrines, markets and chai stalls. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Next to the cremation Ghats, you’ll find kids playing cricket, holy men smoking, cows nosing through piles of rubbish and women beating laundry on the rocks. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.
Day 9 – Over the border into Nepal
Today is a long day of travel – around 10 hours – as you journey overland from India into Nepal. Leaving Varanasi, you’ll pass through rural landscapes dotted with small villages, where life unfolds in the fields as farmers tend to their crops. You’ll also pass Sarnath, the sacred site where Buddha first gave his teachings. Continuing towards the border town of Sunauli, around 100 miles away, the scenery gradually becomes greener and more lush, with colourfully decorated trucks sharing the road.
After crossing into Nepal, you’ll continue on to the historic holy centre of Lumbini, a further short drive of around 30 minutes. You’ll spend the night here in a comfortable, rustic-style hotel surrounded by mango and palm trees.
Day 10 – Explore Lumbini and continue to Chitwan National Park
The next morning, you’ll explore Lumbini. This peaceful UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to ancient ruins and the revered Maya Devi Temple, believed to mark the exact birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. While the site is understated in appearance, its spiritual significance is profound, drawing pilgrims from around the world. Since the late 1970s, different Buddhist communities from across the world have built their own temples here. As you wander through the monastery zone, it’s incredibly interesting to see how each nation interprets the Buddhist teachings. After an hour or two, you’ll leave Lumbini behind and continue by private car to Chitwan National Park.
Located in the Terai – the subtropical lowlands of Nepal – Chitwan is home to several deer species, mugger crocodiles, wild elephants and over 500 species of bird. It is also one of the best places to spot the elusive Asian rhino in the wild. You’ll stay in a lodge on the edge of the park, run in collaboration with the local Tharu population. When you arrive, we’ll arrange an orientation walk through Tharu farmland and tall elephant grass. Meet a local family for tea, enjoy sunset views over the jungle, and return to the lodge for dinner. In the evening, there’s a Tharu cultural performance of traditional music and dance.
Day 11 – Wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is incredible at dawn when the early morning light sweeps across the plains and shimmers on the rivers. At sunrise, you’ll set off on a canoe trip and guided walk through the jungle, gliding down the Rapti river in a wooden canoe. With any luck, you’ll see crocodiles sunning themselves on the shore as the sun rises. Back on dry land you’ll begin a jungle walk, hiking along narrow paths through the forest and crossing plains carpeted in tall grass. Be sure to listen for rustling in the leaves – you never know when a rhino might appear!
Day 12 – Travel to peaceful Pokhara
After breakfast, you’ll be collected by your driver and driven to Pokhara. As you approach Pokhara, you’ll see the Annapurna Mountains appear on the horizon, including the most striking landmark, Machapucchre, and Fishtail Mountain. You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel near the centre, within walking distance of Phewa Lake. Here, you’ll find everything from small bistros to colourful restaurants, serving local cuisine and some of the best Western food in Nepal.
In the early evening, your driver will collect you from your hotel and take you up to Sarangkot viewpoint (1,600m), about a 30-minute drive above Pokhara. Sarangkot offers some of the best panoramic views in the region, and as the sun begins to set, the views open up to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with the distinctive peak of Machhapuchhre rising sharply between them.
Day 13 – Free time in Pokhara
Today is free for you to explore Pokhara at your own pace. Take a walk down the main street, lined with a colourful jumble of shops and stalls selling everything from prayer flags to trekking gear. Rent a boat and paddle across the lake or if you prefer to stay on dry land you can cycle around the lake. If you’re looking for more of a thrill try paragliding from the Sarangkot viewpoint, with glorious views over the Himalayan peaks.
Day 14 – Travel to bustling Kathmandu
After breakfast, you’ll travel with your driver to Kathmandu – Nepal’s lively capital (a drive of approx 5 hours). We’ve selected a small scale property with a warm welcome and an authentic local vibe for the next two nights. Once you’ve settled in, head out for a stroll to get your first feel for the city and find somewhere to eat. We would recommend one of the many rooftop restaurants in Thamel.
Day 15 – Guided city tour of Kathmandu
Today you’ll explore Kathmandu with a local guide. Begin at Kathmandu Durbar Square, where medieval temples and palaces create a lively focal point of the old city. From here you’ll visit Swayambhunath, the valley’s oldest temple, known for its resident monkeys and sweeping views. Continue to Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu sites, before ending at the impressive Boudhanath Stupa, the spiritual heart of the Tibetan community in the city. Find a spot to sit and watch pilgrims and locals circle the stupa, and soak up the spiritual atmosphere.
Day 16 – Fly to Bhutan and travel to Thimphu
This morning you’ll depart Nepal for the final country on your epic trip – Bhutan. You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight with Druk Air to the Land of the Thunder Dragon. The flight takes around an hour, with Himalayan views on clear days.
On arrival in Paro, you’ll meet your driver and guide, who will accompany you throughout your time in Bhutan. From here, it’s a scenic 45-minute drive to the laid-back capital, Thimphu. After checking into your hotel, head up to the impressive Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest seated Buddhas in the world. From its hilltop setting, you’ll have sweeping views across the valley and surrounding forested hills. Continue to the Traditional Medicine Institute, where age-old remedies are still prepared using local herbs, before visiting the peaceful Zilukha Nunnery, where the sound of chanting often drifts through the air. If time allows, end the day with a relaxed stroll through Thimphu’s market area for a glimpse into everyday life.
Day 17 – Travel to Punakha via the Dochula Pass
After breakfast, set off on the scenic three-hour drive to Punakha. You might not immediately associate Bhutan with rice paddies and fruit trees, but that’s exactly what makes the Punakha Valley so special, thanks to its milder climate. You’ll travel there via the prayer-flag-lined Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres, known for its 108 chortens set against sweeping Himalayan views. After a photo stop, continue down into the lush Punakha Valley, where you’ll spend two nights in a traditional hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you could take a stroll along the river before dinner.
Day 18 – 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.
Day 19 – Travel to the Phobjikha Valley
Time to head further east into central Bhutan. It’s a three-hour drive today to the Phobjikha Valley. This wide glacial valley is famously the winter home of the rare, black-necked cranes (November–March). After checking into your characterful hotel, visit the atmospheric Gangtey Goemba Monastery, that overlooks the whole valley. Then explore the valley on foot on a gentle hike passing farmhouses and meadows. If you wish, in the evening, you can visit a local farmhouse where you can try churning butter, making puffed rice, or helping with dinner preparations. It’s a fun way to spend an evening with a local family.
Day 20 – Travel to Paro
After breakfast you’ll retrace your journey through the valleys of Bhutan and over the Dochula Pass to the peaceful town of Paro, where you’ll spend the next two nights. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the impressive Paro Dzong. Once built to defend the valley from invading forces, this monastery fortress is now one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture, with its whitewashed walls, intricate woodwork and commanding position above the river.
Archery is Bhutan’s national sport and an important part of local culture. Across the country, you’ll often see people gathering at village archery ranges, especially during festivals and weekends. This afternoon we will arrange a quick detour to the archery grounds for an archery lesson. Using a traditional handcrafted bow and arrow, you’ll learn the basics from a local instructor before trying your luck yourself. The Bhutanese make it look so easy!
Day 21 – Trek to the iconic Tiger’s Nest
After an early morning breakfast, you’ll begin your hike to the most famous monastery in Bhutan, the Tiger’s Nest. Built on a 3000-metre high cliff above the Paro Valley, it’s a must-see. You’ll reach the monastery on foot as you follow the winding path between pine trees and past the spinning prayer wheels. Around halfway you’ll find a small cafe with the views of the monastery. It’s a good place to stop for a tea break before your final climb.
Finally, you’ll reach the waterfall and hundreds of steep steps leading up to the monastery. If you’d like to go inside, you’ll have to leave all your belongings in a deposit box at the entrance and take your shoes off. Your guide will share the legends about Guru Rinpoche and the tigress and tell you how this fascinating place was built. It’ll take about one hour to trek back to the starting point where your driver will be waiting to drive you back to your Paro hotel.
Day 22 – Return to Nepal and overnight with the monks of Neydo Monastery
Time to bid farewell to Bhutan. This morning your driver will transfer you to the airport in time for the flight back to Kathmandu (Nepal)
On arrival you’ll be met and transferred the short distance to Neydo, an impressive monastery nestled in the Kathmandu Valley. This monastery is visited by pilgrims of all faiths who come here to pray, including Newari, Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists. Below the monastery you’ll find the prayer room where readings and ceremonies (pujas) are held by monks. You’ll be able to watch the monks chanting mantras and offering sacrifices. This is a truly unique opportunity to observe and learn about life inside a monastery.
You will spend the night in the guesthouse of the Neydo Monastery. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with single beds and private bathrooms. There is also a dining room. The income from the guesthouse goes towards educating young monks.
Day 23 – Time to go home!
After a good night’s sleep it’s time for an early start this morning. At 5am the bells ring to wake the monks, and they make their way to the main hall. Every morning they spend 1.5 hours praying for world peace and longevity. Afterwards you can have breakfast with the monks or return to the guesthouse to eat. After breakfast, the Tibetan language classes for the young monks start. You’re free to take a walk around the local area and enjoy the surroundings before heading to Kathmandu in time for your homebound flight.
Accommodation
