18 Days Scenic India Nepal Bhutan Tour

Highlight: Meet your warm guide and get prepared for the wonderful journey.

Welcome to India!

When you arrive at the Airport in New Delhi you will be met by your Indian guide and transferred to your hotel to rest from your flight. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the area around the hotel.

Stay overnight in Delhi.

New Delhi City

Highlight: Explore Old and New Delhi by visiting Jama Mosque, Raj Ghat, India Gate and Qutub Minar.

In the morning, you will leave your hotel to take a tour of New and Old Delhi, with your first stop being at the famous Jama Mosque, renowned as one of the largest mosques of its kind in India. With some of the most spectacular architecture in India, you can join the crowds of locals and tourists praying inside the mosque, before heading out to enjoy a rickshaw ride. The rickshaw will take you through the old Chandni Chowk Bazaar, one of the largest spice markets in Asia, as you head off to visit Old Delhi.

After the tour of the bazaar in Old Delhi, you will head next for Raj Ghat, the memorial of the Indian sage, Mahatma Gandhi, known as the “Father of the Nation”. The monument is set in enchanting and peaceful gardens, which you can explore in tranquility.

Later, you will move on to New Delhi, the area of the city that was built during the British colonial era. Entering New Delhi, you will pass by the official offices and residence of India’s President, before heading to visit the India Gate, the iconic memorial to the patriotic Indian soldiers that died during World War I. In the late afternoon, you will visit the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar.

Stay overnight in Delhi.

Visit Taj Mahal

Highlight: Take a 5-6 hours’ drive from Delhi to Jaipur, and visit the Hindu Temple of Galta Ji.

In the morning, you will move north to the famous Pink City of Jaipur, in the State of Rajasthan in Northern India. The drive to the Pink City takes around 5-6 hours, and you will pass through small local villages and idyllic landscapes as you cross over the beautiful area of the Aravalli Hills.

When you arrive in the Pink City, you will head straight for the hotel, where you can settle in and the rest of the day is yours. Alternatively, you can opt to take a tour of the local Hindu temple of Galta Ji. Famous for having some of the most unique architecture in Jaipur, the temple is now overrun by monkeys.

Stay overnight in Jaipur.

Visit the Hindu Temple of Galta Ji

Highlight: Visit Amber Fort, Jaipur City Palace, and Jantar Mantar.

After a decent breakfast and a good night’s sleep, you will leave your hotel to travel to the famous Amber Fort, one of the most popular UNESCO sites in Jaipur. The steep stairs to enter the fort are open to the public, and you can climb up to enjoy the view from the top. You can also enjoy an elephant ride tour around the site. The fort was once the home of the Belgian glassworks, which was responsible for making the glass for the windows of the Taj Mahal. Known as the Sheesh Mahal, the site is filled with exquisite artworks carved into the stones by the local masons.

After lunch, you will head for the Jaipur City Palace, an exquisite palace that was built in the 18th century by the Maharaja of Amber, Jai Singh II, who ruled the Kingdom of Amber (Jaipur State) from the age of 11. The palace has some of the most sublime architecture in Northern India, and contains one of the largest collections of textiles, weapons, costumes, and jewels in the world.

Your final stop for the day is at Jantar Mantar, the scientific center of the Kingdom of Amber. There, you can see the amazing scientific instruments that were built by Jai Singh II himself.

Stay overnight in Jaipur.

Visit Amber Fort

Highlight: Drive from Jaipur to Agra and visit the 9th Century step-well of Abhaneri.

Today you will make the long drive from Jaipur to Agra, the third point in the famous Golden Triangle of India and one of the most popular tourist cities in northern India. The route to Agra takes you via the 9yh century step-well of Abhaneri, where more than 3,000 crisscrossing steps are arranged in a unique geometrical architectural design. After Abhaneri, you will also stop along the way to Agra at Fatehpur Sikri, the Ghost City of the Mughal Empire. A vast imperial complex of palaces and pavilions, this ancient city was abandoned for unknown reasons.

Stay overnight in Agra.

Visit Agra

Highlight: Visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and drive back to Delhi.

Today will begin with an early start to enjoy the stunning sight of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the site is an ancient mausoleum for the late wife of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. The unique Mughal architecture is spectacular, and the site is like walking through India’s ancient history.

After the visit, you will head back to the hotel for breakfast, before checking out to travel to the Agra Fort. An historical fort in the center of the city, it was once the main residence of the Mughal Emperors until the 17th century. In the afternoon, you will head back to Delhi, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or enjoying the local shopping on your last night in India.

Stay overnight in Delhi.

Explore Agra fort

Highlight: Take the international flight from Delhi to Kathmandu.

In the morning, your guide will transfer you to the Delhi airport for your flight to Kathmandu in Nepal.

When you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, your guide will collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing, or take in the local sights.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Highlight: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square.

In the morning, you will start your tour of the spiritual and historic sites of the Kathmandu Valley, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The morning tour includes the sites of the ancient Durbar Royal Square, in the city itself, which is the site of the Royal Palace and is surrounded by a number of ancient buildings that date back to around the 16th century.

In the afternoon, you will travel outside the city proper to visit the stunning Swayambhunath Pagoda, known as the Monkey Temple. One of the oldest Buddhist sites in Nepal, this gilded stupa is festooned with prayer flags and sits on a hill that overlooks the city. You will also travel to the beautiful Patan City, the second largest city in the Kathmandu Valley. The location of one of the most ancient Buddhist temples in Nepal, the Patan Durbar Square allures visitors with its cultural and historical sets carved with beautiful art and architecture.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Visit Swayambhunath Stupa

Highlight: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur's Durbar Square.

Today you will travel a little further afield, and head out to the ancient Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. One of the most famous UNESCO Sites in Nepal, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on the shores of the Bagmati River, where river burials regularly take place. You will also stop off to visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest of its kind in Asia. The ancient stupa is one of the major focal points for Buddhism in Nepal, and is a beautiful example of ancient Tibetan architecture. Located on an ancient trade route from Tibet to Nepal, the stupa was originally one of the main centers for trade in ancient times, and a place for Tibetan traders to worship away from home.

Later in the day, after a local lunch, you will take a trip to visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The Royal Square of the city, the pagodas and shikhara temples are strewn randomly around the square, with the focus being on the famous Royal Palace. As one of the oldest Durbar Squares in Nepal, this square highlights the ancient construction skills of the Newari people of the Kathmandu Valley in its unique architecture.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Visiting Bhaktapur's Durbar Square

Highlight: Enjoy relaxing boating on Phewa Lake.

In the morning, you will take the long 6-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, to the east of the capital. Sitting in the shadow of the mighty Annapurna Range, this beautiful city is one of the centers for trekking in Nepal.

In the afternoon, you will drive out to Phewa Lake, and take paddle boats out to the small island that houses the Barahi Temple. There you can explore the unique temple on the lake and enjoy the view of the mountains in the distance, before heading back to shore.

Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Phewa Lake

Highlight: Sightseeing besides Phewa Lake and visit Seti River gorge.

After breakfast, you will spend the morning enjoying the sightseeing around the city itself, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. You will take a trip along the banks of the lake, to where you can view the beauty of the Fish Tail’s Peak, as it reflects in the silvery surface of the lake. The view is backed by the panoramic landscape of the Annapurna Range.

After the lake, you will move to visit the Seti River Gorge, where you can explore the inside of the Mahendra Gufa caves, which were once renowned for their giant stalactites. The evening will see us wandering around the famous late-night market in the city center.

Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Pokhara city

Highlight: Appreciate beautiful landscape along the drive back to Kathmandu.

In the morning, you will take the 6-hour drive back to Kathmandu, and you can enjoy the stunning vista of the mighty Himalayas along the way. Back in the capital, the rest of the day is yours to rest or explore further.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Highlight: Arrive in Paro and visit Tschogang Lhakhang, Tashichho Dzong and King's Memorial Chorten in Thimphu.

In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in a private car, take you to the airport, and help you with your luggage and checking in for your flight to Bhutan from Nepal.

On your arrival in Bhutan, you will be met at the airport by your tour guide and driver, who will then take you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, around 54 kilometers away from Paro. En route to Thimphu you will stop at the beautiful Tschogang Lhakhang, known as the “Temple of the Excellent Horse”, as well as the confluence of the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu rivers, where stupas in the styles of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan can be seen.

After checking into your hotel in Thimphu, you will take the afternoon for a visit to the famous Tashichho Dzong, one of the most eminent fortresses in Bhutan, which houses the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, two of the three governing sectors of Bhutan. The Dzong is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Head Abbot of Buddhism in Bhutan. After visiting the Dzong, you will head out a little way to visit the famed National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The Chorten was commissioned by the mother of the king, Ashi Phuntsho Choden, in 1974.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlights: Cross the Dochula Pass to Punakha and visit the famous Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.

Today you will take the long drive along the Lateral Highway to Punakha, which takes around three hours. The route takes you along the main highway that traverses central Bhutan, and gives you some of the most amazing views of the mighty Himalayas to the north.

En route, the road passes over the Dochu La Pass, at 3,140 meters, which is the site of the renowned 108 chortens. Known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens, or Chortens of Victory, they were built in memory of the soldiers who died during the Assamese insurgency into Bhutan in 2003.

On our arrival in Punakha, you will first head for the outstanding Punakha Dzong, standing at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. One of the most impressive and important Dzongs in Bhutan, this ancient fortress is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the kingdom, and is a treasury that holds many of the numerous Buddhist relics and historic artifacts.

After stopping to visit the Dzong, you will then continue on to visit the Chimi Lhakhang, a stunningly beautiful monastery located on a small round hillock near the village of Lobesa, just outside Punakha town. An ancient monastery, it was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa, Ngawang Choegyel.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Standing at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers visit Punakha Dzong

Highlight: Cross Lawala Pass to get to Phobjikha Valley and visit ancient Gangtey Monastery and the Black-Necked Crane Information Centerin Gangtey.

After breakfast, you will drive to Phobjikha valley (3,000m). The distance between Punakha and Phobjikha is about 80 kilometers and will take you nearly 3 hours to finish this driving journey. On the way to Phobjikha, you will get amazed by the beauty and serenity of the rich flora and fauna. And you may see some Yaks grazing in high altitude bamboo shrub along the road when you arrive at Lawala Pass (3,300m).

After crossing the pass, you will head to visit Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. It is a very important monastery of Nyingmapa School. Thereafter, you will pay a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Information Center. The center is situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley. It has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. If you travel to Phobjikha in November to January, you can have a chance to view many black-necked cranes here.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Gangtey Monastery

Highlight: Drive back to Paro and visit Simtokha Dzong, Ta Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong in Paro.

After breakfast, you will drive back to Paro. It will take you about 4 hours 20 minutes for the 125 kilometers. On the way, you will encounter the Simtokha Dzong en route. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha Dzong is often said to be the first dzong in Bhutan.

After arriving at Paro, you will visit Bhutan National Museum - Ta Dzong. The museum houses a large number of valuable collections. A visit to the National Museum will deepen your understanding of this country in a whole and broaden your eyes with numerous pieces of Bhutan treasures.

Next, you will head to explore Paro Rinpung Dzong (also named as Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. However, it now serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Later, driving to the north of Paro valley, it will bring you to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. It was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father, and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories. Nowadays, Drukgyel Dzong becomes a popular attraction in Paro, Bhutan.

In the evening, you can freely explore Paro to experience its unique lifestyle here.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong

Highlight: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang.

In the morning after breakfast, you will start your hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery). You will spend 5 to 6 hours for the hike.

Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro. In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Enjoy the wonderful trekking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour service end.