Depart your home country for your flight to Delhi.
Most suited for
Couples, Solos
Ideal time to visit
March - April
Over two weeks, you will venture from the bustling, colourful cities and historical sights of India’s Rajasthan to the peaceful towns and scenic valleys of Bhutan.
You’ll really get a feel for the contrasting cultures, pace of life and varied landscapes as your local guides take you off the beaten track and reveal the stories and secrets of each location to you.
In India’s Golden Triangle, you will explore the must-see highlights, both cultural and architectural, before flying to Bhutan to immerse yourself in the well-preserved culture and pristine natural beauty across the country. Along the way, we have suggested some charming and comfortable hotels in great locations and you’ll have time each day to relax back at base.
Golden Triangle & Bhutan’s Natural Beauty
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
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 Valley (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 & Tiger’s Nest
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
Your 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.
India, exceeded all expectations
A trip taking in the Golden Triangle... rest and relaxation at Ramathra Fort and a beach resort in Kerala. Great planning... everything went perfectly and we felt we experienced all aspects of India.
Ian
28 February 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
Meet Our India Experts
Sara has a soft spot for India’s colour and energy. She knows how to balance its buzz with peaceful escapes, crafting trips that feel rich yet unhurried.
“This itinerary idea is all about contrasts – the vibrancy of Rajasthan alongside the serene landscapes of Bhutan. With private guides opening up both cultures to you, you’ll gain a deep and personal insight into two extraordinary countries, while enjoying time to relax in charming boutique hotels.”
Sara
Regional Expert
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Perched above the Blue City, Umaid Bhawan Palace fuses regal grandeur with Art Deco flair and first-class comfort. A landmark stay with real presence.
Highlights
Highlights
Landmark hotel,
Fabled history
Best for
Couples
Gallery
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India
Aman-i-Khas
Safari camp at its absolute finest: Sumptuous, spacious tents and wonderful wildlife spotting near Ranthambore.
Highlights
Highlights
Luxurious tents,
Spellbinding setting,
Safaris
Best for
Couples
Gallery
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Rajasthan, India
Mihir Garh
Mihir Garh rises out of the Thar Desert like a dream: a sandcastle of a fort blending seamlessly into its surroundings. Just 45 minutes from Jodhpur, it offers a captivating base from which to experience the rural beauty of Rajasthan. Built in the style of a traditional desert fortress, it combines heritage charm with understated luxury, making it one of the region’s most distinctive properties.
Highlights
Highlights
Desert fort design,
Private pools
Best for
Families,
Couples
Gallery
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Paro Valley, Bhutan
Six Senses Paro, Paro
Highlights
Highlights
Dzong-ruin setting,
Valley-view suites
Best for
Couples
Friends
Gallery
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Jaipur, India
Anopura
Anopura is a rural sanctuary just 90 minutes from Jaipur, where rustic opulence meets contemporary style. Surrounded by farmland and forest, this exclusive villa hotel offers a slower, more intimate take on Rajasthani luxury.
Highlights
Highlights
Private villas, Rural immersion
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Groups
Gallery
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Haa Valley, Bhutan
Lechuna Heritage Lodge
Lechuna Heritage Lodge is a restored traditional farmhouse in the village of Lechu, nestled among the rice fields and pine forests of Haa Valley.
Highlights
Highlights
Traditional farmhouse stay,
Rural hikes
Best for
Couples
Families
Gallery
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Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey), Bhutan
Gangtey Lodge
Gangtey Lodge is a beautiful Bhutanese farmhouse with sweeping views over the stunning Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley and its endlessly rolling hills.
Highlights
Highlights
Farmhouse suites,
Valley vistas,
Fireplace dining
Best for
Couples
Families
Friends
Gallery
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Punakha Valley, Bhutan
Dewachen
Perched on the edge of Black Mountain National Park, Dewachen is just outside Gangtey in Phobjikha: Bhutan’s largest alpine wetland valley. The surrounding scenery is spectacular, especially in winter when the endangered black-necked cranes arrive in the marshes just a short walk from the property.
Highlights
Highlights
Pine‑forest views,
Crane‑watching,
Best for
Couples
Families
Friends
Gallery
See More
Punakha Valley, Bhutan
Como Uma Punakha
Intimate and jewel-like, COMO Uma Punakha perches on a gentle hill above the Mo Chhu River at the western end of Punakha Valley.
Highlights
Highlights
Valley-view villas,
Hot-stone baths
Best for
Couples
Families
Friends
Gallery
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in India & Bhutan
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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Punakha, Bhutan
Exploring Punakha Dzong
Set on the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu and fringed by jacaranda trees, Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful of Bhutan’s many dzongs. It dates back to the 17th century when it was built by the 1st Rinpoche. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here, and in fact, the current King married here in 2011.
Join your guide to follow the procession of red-robed monks across the picturesque Bazam bridge towards the imposing structure itself. Your guide will lead you through and around the building to explore the 3 courtyards, respectively the administration, monastic quarters and the temple areas. A highlight is the evocatively named ‘hundred-pillar’ assembly hall (which only actually contains 54 pillars – but still, it is pretty impressive). There are also exceptional murals depicting the life of Buddha and massive gold statues of the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and the Zhabdrung.
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Gangtey, Bhutan
Butter Lamps and Monk Blessing
You’ll probably have been in Bhutan for a few days by the time you reach Gangtey, by which time you’ll have a sense of the extent to which spirituality is part of life here. This special experience is a great way to mark an occasion such as a honeymoon or simply get a deeper sense of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Travel with your guide to Gangtey Goempa to experience an early morning traditional Tshewang prayer ceremony in the company of crimson-clad monks, this culminates in the lighting of a traditional butter lamp and is followed by a personal blessing from a reincarnated master. After the blessing, there is time to enjoy a private breakfast within the monastery overlooking the vast valley below.
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Bhutan
Bhutan's National Sports
You won’t be in Bhutan long before you spot locals in traditional dress hurling what look like huge darts along seemingly any strip of spare land. Khuru is a hugely popular social activity played in groups throughout the country. Equally as popular is the national sport Dha (archery) which is played country-wide and taken very seriously. Competitions are held throughout the year and, if you’re in Paro at the weekend, the Archery Ground is a good place to watch. You’ll be welcome to join in spontaneously with either sport at any time, or your guide and most hotel staff will be happy to arrange it for you. Players will be eager to show you the ropes give you a run for your money!
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Bhutan
The Fertility Temple & The Divine Madman
When you go to Bhutan, prepare not to be embarrassed about the proliferation of phalluses painted around most doorways! It’s a bit peculiar at first but you’ll soon get used to it. This practice owes its origins to Chimi Lhakhang, the “fertility temple”, that you’ll visit in this excursion. After ambling through the paddy fields and artists’ village of Punakha, you’ll arrive at the temple, which is dedicated to the great 14th century Yogi Lama Drukpa Kuenley (more commonly known as the Divine Madman). We won’t spoil all the tales about this unconventional saint – we’ll leave it to your guide who will be able to bring his various eccentricities and fascinating ideas to life. The temple is small yet atmospheric and is believed to bless couples hoping for a child. This is a lovely walk through the countryside with a fascinating twist!
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Bhutan
Hot Stone Bath Experience
One of Bhutan’s distinctive experiences is the traditional hot stone bath. This is a great way to relax after a day’s walking or simply a good way to literally immerse yourself in a typical Bhutanese family tradition.
Traditionally, often on an auspicious occasion, the stones would be gathered from the river, then heated up in a fire for several hours until they are red hot. Next, they are placed in a section of a wooden tub bath tub which is then filled with water. The stones heat the water and it is believed that their precious minerals are released to heal all kinds of aches and pains.
A luxurious version of the bath can be enjoyed in hotel spas and a more traditional experience can be enjoyed in local farmhouses – always in a private setting. Reservations are made in advance as the ritual takes several hours to prepare.
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Rajasthan, India
Craft & Heritage Walk of Old Jaipur
Although most tourists visit Jaipur to view its incredible forts and palaces, there are many visitors who come to purchase some of the astonishing range of handicrafts for which the city is famous for producing.
On our exclusive and privately guided walking tour, explore the fascinating Old Quarter, where you will find most of the city’s master tradespeople. There is an incredible energy around this part of Jaipur as the locals and the incoming buyers take their shopping here extremely seriously. Walking around you will notice Indians who have been coming from far and wide to buy everything they need for their extravagant weddings.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to India
Discover astounding wildlife, immersive culture and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
