Heart of India & Bhutan

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi: Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Take some time to relax and unwind after your journey.

Meal: Non
Accommodation: The Royal Plaza

Day 2: Sightseeing in Delhi: Delhi is renowned for its rich tapestry of cultures, deep-rooted history, and magnificent heritage. After breakfast, set out on a guided city tour to discover the historical and cultural treasures of both Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, admire the grandeur of the Red Fort and visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world. Enjoy an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk and explore Asia’s largest spice market. Continue to New Delhi to explore iconic landmarks such as Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, with a brief photo stop at the majestic India Gate. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant during the sightseeing tour.

Meal: Breakfast & lunch
Accommodation: The Royal Plaza

Day 3: Drive to Agra – City of the Taj (approx. 3 ½ hours’ drive): After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive of approximately four hours to the historic city of Agra. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. After freshening up and enjoying lunch, visit the magnificent Agra Fort – a grand red sandstone fortress that stands as a splendid example of Mughal architecture, showcasing a fusion of Islamic, Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles. Its imposing walls stretch over 1.5 miles and enclose numerous impressive structures within. If time permits, proceed to visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, often referred to as the 'Baby Taj' for its striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal. This exquisite monument is considered a masterpiece of Mughal design and a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner 
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Mercure

Day 4: Drive to Jaipur (approx. 4 ½ hours’ drive): Begin your day with an early morning sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal – the epitome of love and one of the most iconic monuments in the world. Built over a span of approximately 20 years, from 1632 to 1653, the Taj Mahal is renowned for its exquisite beauty and architectural brilliance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it proudly stands as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterward, drive to Jaipur – the vibrant 'City of Palaces.' En route, explore Fatehpur Sikri, the historic, abandoned city built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, this remarkable walled city is a showcase of grand Indo-Islamic architecture, crafted entirely from red sandstone. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast & dinner
Accommodation: Shahpura House

Day 5: Sightseeing in Jaipur: Begin today’s sightseeing with a visit to the magnificent Amer Fort, majestically perched on a hilltop and offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Explore its ornate palace, expansive courtyards, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Continue with a photo stop at Jal Mahal (Water Palace), set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Then visit the iconic Hawa Mahal, famed for its intricately carved façade featuring hundreds of small windows, followed by Jantar Mantar, where you can witness remarkable ancient astronomical instruments. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, visit the City Palace, an elegant fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that houses museums showcasing royal artifacts and historical treasures. If time permits, stroll at local market at Pink City of Jaipur.

Meal: Breakfast & lunch
Accommodation: Shahpura House

Day 6: Drive to Delhi: Begin the day with an optional morning yoga session at your hotel. After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, whether relaxing in the comfort of your hotel or strolling through a nearby local market.

Meal: Breakfast 
Accommodation: The Royal Plaza

Day 7: Fly to Paro (7200ft) – Drive to Thimpu (7600ft), approx. 1 hour drive: Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a scenic one-hour drive to Thimphu, the world’s smallest capital city. After checking in at your hotel, you may relax or, time permitting, step out to explore the nearby area. Depending on your arrival time, your guide may also arrange a short sightseeing tour.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Accommodation: The Capital Hotel, Thimphu

Day 8: Sightseeing in Thimphu: Spend the day exploring various sites that offer insight into Bhutanese art, architecture, and culture. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Simply Bhutan Museum, and Textile Museum, followed by the National Library and Tashichhodzong – the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion” and the seat of Bhutan’s royal government. If time permits, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the city.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: The Capital Hotel, Thimphu

Day 9: Drive to Gangtey (9,500 ft), approx. 3 hours’ drive: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive along the mountain road, ascending via Dochu La Pass (10,200 ft) to reach the glacial valley of Gangtey, also known as Phobjikha Valley (9,500 ft). Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the valley, a harmonious blend of mountains, forests, wildlife, and open meadows. This tranquil and remote valley is the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet to spend the colder months in Bhutan’s milder climate. After checking in at the hotel and enjoying lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding villages.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Gangtey Tent Resort

Day 10: In Gangtey: Visit the ancient Gangtey Monastery and the surrounding village, located on a hill ridge overlooking the vast and beautiful Phobjikha Valley. Then, enjoy a pleasant hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which offers a chance to experience Phobjikha valley’s rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. The afternoon is free for leisure, allowing you to enjoy an archery demonstration, experience a traditional hot stone bath, or simply relax at the resort.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Gangtey Tent Resort

Day 11: Drive to Punakha (4070ft) approx. 3 hours’ drive: Make your way to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. En route, take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman, a uniquely adorned 15th-century temple believed to bless visiting couples with fertility. After checking in at your hotel in Punakha, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. It also serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. If time permits, visit Ritsa Village, renowned for its rice cultivation, where both red and white rice are grown. Enjoy a stroll through this traditional village.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Spirit Village Lodge

Day 12: Drive to Paro (7200ft), approx. 4 hours’ drive: Retrace your drive across Dochu La Pass, through Thimphu, and onward to Paro. On the way, stop at the 15th-century iron bridge built by Thangtong Gyalpo (1385–1464) – a great yogi, physician, blacksmith, and architect. After lunch in Paro, visit Ta Dzong – the National Museum of Bhutan, which showcases the country’s rich culture, art, and natural history. Then, visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro Valley with a long and storied history. Built in 1644 by Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong served as a stronghold against repeated Tibetan invasion attempts.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Rema Resort

Day 13: Hike to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger's Nest (10240ft): Rise early for the unforgettable hike to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The trail is approximately two miles long and takes about three hours uphill hike to reach the iconic Taktsang Monastery, which clings dramatically to a cliffside 3,000 feet above the valley floor. A sacred pilgrimage site, Tiger’s Nest is believed to be where the great tantric master Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) arrived on the back of a flying tigress. It is here that he meditated and spread the teachings of tantric Buddhism in Bhutan. After exploring the monastery, hike back down, an easy descent that takes around two hours. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Rema Resort

Day 14: Fly to Delhi, connect to US flight: Transfer to airport for onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast