India's Golden Triangle & Bhutan’s Natural Beauty

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Delhi.

DAYS 2 & 3 DELHI

 On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of New Delhi. In the afternoon, set out on a short journey around the city to ease into your holiday, stopping to admire some of the key sights as well as a beautiful stepwell which is rarely visited.

The following morning, you’ll visit Nizamuddin, a 14th-century village with 20,000 people residing in the narrow lanes. You’ll walk around with your local guide from the Hope Project and afterwards visit the Khan market for some lunch. Take some time to relax at your hotel in the afternoon before being picked up to enjoy a fascinating street food tour of Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw. At times it feels as though you’ve entered a different world - one that is captivating and fun!

DAY 4 DELHI TO AGRA

Today your driver-guide will transfer you along the highway to the city of Agra for an overnight stay. After checking into your hotel and having some lunch, you will visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, India’s most iconic sight and most deservedly so. 

DAYS 5 & 6 JAIPUR

You’ll be driven to Jaipur today, stopping along the way at the incredible ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri. Still in pristine condition, despite being completely abandoned hundreds of years ago, it feels like a fairytale city set in the desert. Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’ and is the third point of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’, where you will stay for two nights.

The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a riot of colour with bustling spice markets and streets filled with rickshaw drivers and multicoloured saris. Spend your second day here with your local guide exploring the city’s Hindu and Mughal heritage as well as the many palaces and forts. Here you can admire the intricate and exquisite Indian architecture and art, particularly at the beautiful Palace of the Winds.

DAYS 7 & 8  THIMPHU

A five hour or so drive will transfer you back to Delhi to board the short flight to Paro in Bhutan. The flightpath runs parallel with the spectacular Himalayas and, on a clear day, you might get to see Everest up close if you’re sitting on the left-hand side of the plane.

Your local guide will meet you on arrival at Paro Airport and you’ll head to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, for a two-night stay. Relax around your hotel before setting out in the afternoon as your guide introduces you to the city. Along the way, get a flavour for the sights and sounds of the city and stop to visit Thimphu’s most iconic monument, the National Memorial Chorten, with its impressive valley views. On the weekends it’s market day, and you can join the hustle and bustle as farmers from around the country sell their goods. If you’re here on a Saturday, you may even come across an archery tournament in full flow.

On your second day, get a feel for the old and new side of Bhutan through visits to two organisations that are seeking to preserve traditional arts and crafts, while promoting contemporary talent. You can watch the artists at work and get inspired to have a go at creating your own Thanka (a traditional Buddhist fabric painting).

DAY 9 THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA VIA THE DOCHULA PASS   

Today, in the company of your guide and driver, you make the scenic drive to Punakha. Pass through pine and cedar forests before stopping at the Dochula Pass where, on a clear day, the panoramic views out to the Himalayan mountain range are simply breathtaking. Here you can also stop to explore the 108 stupas built in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers. Continuing to Punakha, where you will be for a two-night stay, descend into the fertile Punakha valley. End your day with a lovely short walk through paddy fields to visit the Chimi Lhakhang, best known as the Temple of Fertility. 

DAY 10 PUNAKHA DZONG

Quite possibly the most beautiful fortress in all of Bhutan, Punakha Dzong sits at the confluence of the Mo Chuu and Pho Chu rivers. You’ll spend today exploring this spectacular complex packed with history; all of Bhutan’s kings were crowned here. 

DAYS 11 & 12 PHOBJIKHA (GANGTEY)

The drive to Gangtey is beautiful and scenic, as you pass through fertile valleys and gradually climb up to the Lawa Pass. Here you can take in the spectacular mountain views over Mount Jomolhari that sits on the border of Bhutan and Tibet. After checking in to your hotel in Phobjikha valley, you’ll take on a half-day hike through rhododendron forests and up to Shasi La Pass. You’ll pass through villages and chortens before descending back into the valley. 

Visit the Gangtey Goenpa or Monastery on your second day, which can be timed with the Tshewang prayer ceremony. Here, alongside crimson-robed monks, you’ll hear chants and blessings for personal fulfilment and long life. Later, enjoy a walk along the Gangtey nature trail as you pass by grassy plains, farmhouses and pine forests before reaching a vast open space to admire the expansive Phobjikha valley.

*It is worth noting that a lovely time to visit the area is during the Black Neck Crane Festival, which takes place annually in early November. However, hotel reservations to coincide with the festival need to be made well in advance (up to a year).

DAYS 13 & 14 PARO

Today you’ll drive back to Paro for your last two nights. On arrival, you will be introduced to the city by your guide, stopping to take in the highlights like the Paro Rinpung Dzong that towers over the town, as well as the National Museum. End your day at a traditional farmhouse with some tea or local wine and a spot of archery. 

Your last full day in Bhutan will see you hiking up to the iconic Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang monastery that clings to a sheer cliff face at 900m high. The terrain can be quite steep in parts and overall, the ascent will take between two and four hours, which is all worth it when you reach the top!

DAY 15 ONWARD FLIGHT

You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport for your onward flight. You can fly home via India, Nepal or even Thailand.