An Example Itinerary

Spiritual Bhutan and India’s Palaces

Bhutan, India

21 Day Itinerary

Best Time

October to March

Perfect for

Active Travellers, Culture Seekers

Guide Price

£17,500pp

$21,000pp

Connect with your spiritual side on an unforgettable trip across Bhutan and India. Absorb a serene atmosphere as you explore a plethora of monasteries, shrines and fortresses across the countries, culminating in a relaxing spa trip in the magical scenery of the Himalayas.

Highlights

Visit monasteries, shrines, fortresses and spiritual sites across Bhutan and India for a unique insight into their ancient cultures
Visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the iconic Taj Mahal
Get the chance to see wild tigers and young cubs in Ranthambore National Park
Meditate with monks in a traditional Bhutanese dzong
Retreat into the Himalayas for spa treatments and relaxation after a day of hiking

Day 2 - 3: Agra, India

Day 3 - 5: Ranthambore National Park, India

Day 5 - 7: Jaipur, India

Day 7 - 9: Delwara, India

Day 9 - 11: New Delhi, India

Day 11 - 12: Thimphu, Bhutan

Day 12 - 15: Punakha, Bhutan

Day 15 - 17: Gangtey, Bhutan

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Day 19 - 21: Paro, Bhutan

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 2 – 3: Agra, India

Day 3 – 5: Ranthambore National Park, India

Day 5 – 7: Jaipur, India

Day 7 – 9: Delwara, India

Day 9 – 11: New Delhi, India

Day 11 – 12: Thimphu, Bhutan

Day 12 – 15: Punakha, Bhutan

Day 15 – 17: Gangtey, Bhutan

Day 17 – 19: Bumthang, Bhutan

Day 19 – 21: Paro, Bhutan

Day 2 - 3: Agra, India

See one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the incredible Taj Mahal
Tour the fiery red Agra Fort, one of the last Indian strongholds before British rule

After a stopover in New Delhi, the trip begins in earnest travelling south to Agra where you’ll spend one night at Oberoi Amarvilas. The only hotel with unobstructed views of the Taj Mahal, request a room with a balcony for optimal views and from your bed watch the enchanting son et lumière as the sun sets over the Taj.

The Taj Mahal is truly a wonder of the world, for us it’s a must-see on any India itinerary.

At sunrise, explore the world’s most exquisite testimony to undying love with the palace (almost) to yourself. In advance, the staff will purchase your entry tickets, book you a hand-picked guide and drive you to the gates of the ivory-white marble mausoleum in a golf buggy.

Day 3 - 5: Ranthambore National Park, India

Spot a majestic but currently endangered Bengal tiger freely roaming in the park
Visit the neighbouring villages to gain a new perspective on Indian life

Stay in a wildlife reserve (which was previously the former royal hunting ground) that tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles call home.

Continue south to Ranthambore National Park where you’ll spend two nights at the legendary luxury tented Aman-i-Khas resort. Twice-daily jeep safaris guarantee great tiger sightings amongst an abundance of leopards, monkeys, jackals and sambar deer. You may even spot Arrow Head, a young tigress who’s recently given birth to two young cubs. Return to camp for a candle-lit, pool-side dinner before sharing stories around the glowing fire pit under the enchanting starlit sky. With over 300 bird species, bird lovers can also go trekking along the Banas riverbed. Upgrade to a hot air balloon trip for a bird’s eye view of leopards and ancient forts.

View Aman-I-Khas

Day 5 - 7: Jaipur, India

Stroll the streets of the Old Bazaar to discover traditional embroidered goods created with gold and silver thread
Learn to block print on textiles in the famous village of Bagru

The capital of Rajasthan for good reason, Jaipur’s picturesque pink hue evokes memories of the royal family who once ruled the state and the regal imprint left on the city.

Travel north to the Pink City for two nights at Samode Haveli, situated in the heart of the historic walled city. A true urban palace, the interior of Haveli drips in incredibly regal Indian architecture. Pull yourself away from the beautiful ceiling to wander around the equally stunning Jaipur. Visit the opulent City Palace before strolling the streets of the Old Bazaar to see where the palace’s intricate carvings, silver-work and textiles were originally made. With a guide, spend an evening in Mandawa attending prayers in their private temple before learning to cook Rajasthani dishes, or embark on a street tour of Jaipur.

View Samode Haveli

Day 7 - 9: Delwara, India

Enjoy a heritage walk around the town to both support a local NGO and learn about Delwara’s history
Spend some time at Palera Talab’s peaceful pavilions, looking out at the peaceful lake

Known as the Town of the Gods due to its high concentration of temples, Delwara showcases the physical and social changes undergone in Rajasthan throughout history.

Head to Delwara where you’ll spend two nights at the RAAS Devigarh, standing tall within the Aravalli Hills just outside Udaipur. The palace boasts incredible valley scenery whilst within visiting distance of the City of Lakes. Follow your guide around Delwara to learn about the town’s important place within Indian history whilst also exploring rural Rajasthan. Spend some time in an NGO’s workshop to understand how textile making brings women together in the town, before trying your hand at stitching yourself. With your guide, drive into Udaipur to discover the lavish royal residences of the old city.

Day 9 - 11: New Delhi, India

Fill your stomach on a street food tour with delicious chaat papdi and golgappas
Climb the Jama Masjid’s minaret for epic views over Delhi’s rooftops

A city filled with impressive buildings and brimming with culture, New Delhi might be India’s government capital, but it is also the capital of food and markets.

Loop back to New Delhi where you’ll spend two nights at Oberoi New Delhi, an oasis of calm amongst one of the world’s busiest cities, before flying to Bhutan. Outside the hotel walls, go on a street food tour or explore the stunning historical architecture of Delhi with a private driver, with stops at Jama Masjid mosque or the Akshardham Hindu temple.

View The Oberoi - New Delhi

Day 11 - 12: Thimphu, Bhutan

Land in Bhutan’s capital and explore the abundance of monasteries and shrines
Wander around the maze of the weekend market for Bhutanese souvenirs

Bhutan’s capital city is also the heart of the country and home to Thimphu Valley, the giant Buddha and an abundance of monasteries.

Begin the Bhutanese leg of your trip in Thimphu, where you’ll spend one night at Six Senses Thimphu, a luxury hotel framed by the lush mountainous forests of the Himalayas. Spend your days in the sunshine walking around the resort’s gardens to see the three Buddha statues that represent past, present and future, as well as panoramic views of Thimpu Valley. Sit down after dinner to learn from talks about Bhutanese culture, with topics ranging from Gross National Happiness to education.

View Six Senses Thimphu

Day 12 - 15: Punakha, Bhutan

Snap pictures of the Punakha Dzong, the most picturesque of all dzong fortresses in Bhutan
Try making your own rice alcohol with a local farmer

A town nestled amongst the Himalayas, Punakha is famous for its imposing temples and its ideal riverside location.

From Thimphu, travel to Punakha over the Dochula Pass, meandering through exceptional views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, spend three nights at Six Senses Punakha, where you only need to take a dip in the infinity pool to admire the view of the mountains. Take a trip to a local farm to learn how to make the much-loved Bhutanese rice alcohol, ara, in traditional wood fermentation containers. In the evening, wander leisurely across Khuruthang bridge to enjoy a pomegranate martini beside the river with the best view of Punakha Dzhong and the sunset.

View Six Senses Punakha

Day 15 - 17: Gangtey, Bhutan

Ask the gods for good luck by hoisting a prayer flag, like those found outside most houses
Be spiritually cleansed and blessed by monks in a monastery

The secluded nature of Gangtey offers endless adventurous hikes in beautiful mountainous scenery.

Continue to one of the most secluded spots in Bhutan, Gangtey, where you’ll spend two nights at Gangtey Lodge. The lodge is hidden up in the mountains, with incredible views over the peaceful valley and plantations below. Visit a traditional farmhouse to experience everyday life and learn about Bhutanese culture over a typical meal with the local community. Eat a private breakfast with the monks, before being cleansed of bad spirits and blessed by the local deity. For ultimate good luck, hoist your own prayer flag behind the lodge to ask for happiness, long life, prosperity, and merit.

View Gangtey Lodge

Day 17 - 19: Bumthang, Bhutan

In the summer, join the locals to pick wild strawberries and raspberries to then turn into jam
Join local monks in their evening prayers, rarely experienced by non-Buddhists

The most historic city in terms of ancient temple concentration, Bumthang occupies a prime position amongst the mountain valleys.

Take a scenic drive through dramatic landscapes of farmland and gorges to reach Bumthang, where you’ll spend two nights at Amankora. Framed by snowy Himalayan peaks, Bumthang is considered the spiritual heart of the country. Join the local monks for evening prayers and be hypnotised by Buddhist chanting; or visit the village’s monk, turned revered astrologer, to have your fortune told. Indulge in a zen massage, Bumthang Lodge’s signature treatment, to be transported to your peaceful place after a day of exploring the countryside.

View Amankora Bumthang

Day 19 - 21: Paro, Bhutan

Hike through Neyphug Valley alone to feel a connection with the landscape
Pick up some piping hot momos from a street vendor as you explore Paro

Set in Western Bhutan, the valley town of Paro is ideal for exploring its surroundings on foot as well as offering an immersive spiritual and wellness retreat.

Finish your once-in-a-lifetime trip in Paro with two nights at Six Senses Paro. Lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the area, dotted with dzongs and monasteries. Explore the valley on a hike to feel truly connected to rural Bhutan, stopping with a picnic to admire the valley views. Practice your skills by playing a game of kuru – Bhutanese darts – or the traditional sport of archery up in the mountains. Or hike the pilgrimage trail to the famous Tiger Nest Monastery, built precariously on the cliff face, to end your trip with Bhutan’s most spectacular spiritual site.

View Six Senses Paro

What is typically included

10 nights Bed & Breakfast in India
10 nights Full Board in Bhutan
Daily private guiding
All temple, fort, and cultural visits highlighted
Meditation session
Twice daily game drives on safari
All domestic flights and private transfers