India, Bhutan & Nepal: Journey through the Himalayas

Itinerary

Itinerary:
Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Varanasi - Lumbini - Chitwan - Pokhara - Kathmandu - Thimphu - Punakha - Chimi Lhakhang - Phobijkha Valley - Paro - Neydo Monastery
Duration:
23 days / 22 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £5,085 per person (excluding flights)

Discover a mixture of bustling cities, gleaming white Dzongs, devout monks, elephants and rhinos during this suggested itinerary through India, Nepal and Bhutan. You’ll begin your trip with a visit to the Taj and listening to pilgrims singing softly as you drift along the Ganges at sunrise. You’ll then cross overland into Nepal, crossing small villages and stupas. Wander between temples draped with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, before flying to Bhutan. Here you’ll cross high passes, be the guest of a Bhutanese family, visit Buddhist monastery fortresses and of course the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Days 1-4 – India: Authentic starter pack

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 one night in Central Delhi before driving on to the Pink City of Jaipur, crammed with fairy-tale palaces, historic splendour and heaving bazaars stuffed with beautiful textiles.

Days 4-7 – India: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal

Visit mystical monkey temples and ghost cities en route to sunrise at the Taj Mahal. A real wonder of the world, it’s a building that will take your breath away. India’s Golden Triangle is the stuff of legend, with the ethereal Taj Mahal at its pinnacle. This trip will take you from the Pink City of Jaipur to Agra, where you’ll watch dawn break over the Taj Mahal. Next up, you’ll be collected from your hotel in Agra and transferred to the train station where you’ll board the sleeper train to Varanasi. This is an overnight trip and will take about 12 hours.

Explore Varanasi, a spiritual city of constant chaos, colour and wandering cows. Watch kids play cricket next to funeral pyres, set flower candles afloat in twilight ceremonies and stumble upon a surprise at every turn. Varanasi is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. It’s an overwhelming yet beautiful jumble that can be a shock to the senses. Get ready to be knocked off your feet.

Days 9-10 – India: In the footsteps of Buddha

Take a spiritual overland trip from the holy city Varanasi to the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal. Pass small villages and stupas before crossing into peaceful Nepal. Drive across remote countryside, watch daily life unfold from your window and wave to goodbye to your stint in beautiful India. During this trip, you’ll journey from the ghats of the Ganges to the Nepalese border by private car. Along the way, you’ll see the landscape grow increasingly greener. After crossing the border, you’ll continue into Nepal, a country nestled in the Himalayas, spending a night in Lumbini before continuing onto Chitwan National Park.

Days 10-12 – Nepal: Chitwan jungle and rhinos

Set off on an adventure in search of the one-horned rhino. Glide along twisting rivers in a canoe at dawn, watching golden light flood the plains, and watch elephants gather at the shores in the early morning haze. The lush subtropical lowlands of Chitwan National Park are bursting with wildlife and adventure, so get your binoculars at the ready. Take a walking safari, sleep in a scenic bungalow and sail past crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbank. It’s a rustic outdoor experience that will bolt your eyes wide open. You’ll then hop on a bus to Pokhara, a journey of approx. 5 hours.

Relax in peaceful Pokhara, where snowy peaks reflect in the calm waters of the Phewa Lake, prayer flags flutter and Buddhist chants seep from every doorway. It’s a laid-back place with a fairytale feeling, dozens of ramshackle, arty cafes and an endless list of adventures in store. Take a white knuckle rafting trip, paraglide over the rippling lake or rent a boat and paddle through the tranquil waters, surrounded by the Himalayas on all sides. After a day spent exploring, stretch out in the sunshine on the shoreline and let it all sink in. Pokhara feels tinged with magic, making it very hard to leave. You’ll then get a bus to Kathmandu, a 7-hour trip.

Wander between temples draped with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, explore ancient cobbled backstreets and soak up the spiritual atmosphere of Kathmandu. Eye-opening and sometimes overwhelming, you’ll find something fascinating on every corner, with the snow-tipped Himalayas towering over all. You’ll spend two nights getting to know Kathmandu, where children play amidst the curling smoke of funeral pyres and monkeys run riot over hilltop temples. From sacred stupas to steaming momos and scenic rooftop bars, it’s a city full of surprises. It’s now time to say goodbye to Nepal and get an hour long flight to Paro, Bhutan.

Today you’ll travel to your comfortable hotel in Thimphu, reputedly the only capital city without traffic lights. Home to an impressive Trashi Chhoe Dzong which hosts one of the most memorable festivals (tsechus) in the country, Thimphu is a wonderful introduction to the country. With numerous temples, unusual museums and a busy weekend market this town will win you over and keep you busy. Don’t forget to check out the world’s largest sitting Buddha perched atop a hill overlooking the capital – you wouldn’t want to miss the views!

After your night in Thimphu you’ll be collected by your guide and driver to travel the roughly 3 hours to Punakha. It’s time for a glimpse of life in the countryside. After crossing the prayer-flag laden pass of Dochula you’ll arrive amongst the lush greenery of the Punakha Valley where you’ll stay in a small hotel just outside the town. The next day you’ll walk through rice fields and visit one of the most beautiful monasteries in Bhutan, the Punakha Dzong, before spending the night at a local homestay.

The colourful towers and white walls of this characteristic building form a striking contrast to the emerald green scenery and turquoise rivers. Next you’ll travel by car into Bhutan’s countryside, arriving at a local bed & breakfast late in the afternoon. This is where you’ll spend the night. The accommodation is simple and functional and you’ll have your own private room. This is a real opportunity to get a glimpse of Bhutanese village life. From your homestay, you’ll journey with your guide and driver to the Phobjikha Valley, which is roughly 3 hours drive.

Visit one of the most beautiful valleys in the whole of the Himalayas, home to the black-necked crane. These celestial birds settle here between November to February. You’ll stay in a charming mid-range hotel on the edge of the valley. As the morning mist slowly rolls away and the rising sun sparkles off the morning droplets of dew, you’ll get the feeling of being somewhere truly special.

You’ll travel with your guide and driver for about 6-7 hours today to Paro. On arrival in the charming town of Paro you’ll be taken to your typical Bhutanese hotel. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the town with your guide, visit the famous (and most impressive) Paro Dzong and try your hand at a spot of archery, Bhutanese national sport. After your first night, you’ll hike up to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on the side of a 3000m cliff overlooking Paro Valley. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a hot stone bath made with fresh herbs, an authentic Bhutanese spa experience you won’t try anywhere else on earth! Your driver will then transfer you to the airport where you’ll catch a flight to Kathmandu (approx. 1 hour).

This is a truly unique experience and opportunity to witness everyday life in a Tibetan monastery in Nepal. You’ll be staying in a guesthouse at the Neydo Monastery, nestled in the Kathmandu Valley. Watch the monks praying, chanting and offering sacrifices. You’ll have an early start as the bells ring to wake the monks at 5am and you’ll witness them having debates, praying for world peace and learning to write and read Tibetan.

Today marks the end of your journey through India, Nepal and Bhutan and it’s time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to Kathmandu airport for your international flight.