The Best Of India & Bhutan

Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.

Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Women With Wheels Transfer

Indira Gandhi International Airport - Delhi

Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.

Meet Your CEO and Group

1h

Welcome: Welcome-Moment - Lerne CEO und Gruppe kennen.

Accommodations:  Hotel Jeyan Inn
1
Optional Activities for Day 1
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Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi
Delhi
On this half-day adventure that will leave you in food heaven, visit age-old markets and landmark food joints around the city and indulge your tastebuds. Walk with an experienced foodie-guide who will teach you about the intricacies of cuisine from various parts of the country. Highlights on the tour can include; Chandni Chowk, filled with bustling markets and shops, enjoy a steaming cup of Chai tea in an authentic terracotta cup, Kebabs with a recipe that stretches throughout generations, and indulge in local sweets and flatbreads. Perhaps also visit a chaat street chef and stop by Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Sikh House of Worship which hosts the world's largest community kitchen.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Delhi/Agra

Enjoy a youth-led walk through the backstreets of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. Observe a different perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth in the community. Later, explore Old Delhi and travel onward to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

Exclusive Inclusions:

City Walk

Delhi 1h - 2h 2km

Explore the streets of Delhi with a youth-led tour guide from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project. As a former at-risk youth, your local guide will have a unique perspective on the city and can provide more information on the life of a child in India. The guided tour helps support the guide's college or university tuition.

Old Delhi Guided Walk

Delhi 1h

Visit historic Old Delhi. Explore Jama Masjid, the "Great Mosque," and enjoy its massive courtyard, which can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. Also, visit the ancient Sikh temple of Gurdwara SisGanj, which was established in 1783.

Private Vehicle

Delhi - Agra 4h - 5h 200km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodations:  Hotel Sahibs LightHouse

Agra

Set eyes on the sparkling Taj Mahal at sunrise before exploring more of this famous landmark. In the afternoon, visit the I'timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and the Agra Fort.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Taj Mahal Visit

Taj Mahal 2h - 3h

Cross one off your bucket list as you visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the gorgeous white marble mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Baby Taj Visit

Agra

Visit this mausoleum that looks like a jewel box, built before the Taj Mahal by Queen Nur Jahan for her father. Enjoy the intricate details of the structure; it was the first Mughal building faced with white marble and where "pietra dura" (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used.

Agra Fort Visit

Agra 1h - 3h

Enjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.

Accommodations:  Hotel Sahibs LightHouse

Agra/Dhula Village

Stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the now-deserted former capital of the Mughals, and a stunningly preserved UNESCO site. Visit the Abhaneri Stepwell and marvel at this uniquely Indian water harvesting system. In the afternoon, travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent then opt to relax by the fire and take in the starry night sky.

At Dhula Village you will have the opportunity to learn about local life, play a fun game of cricket, relax in the peaceful atmosphere, or take a cycle to explore the surroundings. Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Agra - Dhula Village 5h - 6h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Fatehpur Sikri Visit

Fatehpur Sikri

Explore the magnificent red sandstone fort city that was once the capital of India's Mughal Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Keep an eye out for elements of different religions, as King Akbar built three palaces for each of his favourite wives-a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Christian-in the city.

Abhaneri Stepwell Visit

Abhaneri 0.5h - 1h

Walk around the amazing Chand Baori, a tenth century water tank that's an impressive 30m (100 ft) deep. Learn about ancient Indian environmentalism-a "baori" is a unique Indian invention for harvesting rainwater.

Dhula Village Experience

Dhula Village

Get a closer look at village life with a stay in rural Dhula. Enjoy opportunities to interact and explore that may include meeting shepherds and their flocks, cycling through hamlets, tea with villagers at the local temple, trekking in the hillocks.

Accommodations:  Camp Dhula Bagh

Dhula Village/Jaipur

Continue to the pink city of Jaipur. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project before arriving at your hotel. Built according to Hindu architectural principles, Jaipur utilizes a unique organization unlike anywhere else in India.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Dhula Village - Jaipur 2h 50km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Jaipur Orientation Tour

Jaipur 1h - 2h 3km

Enjoy an orientation of the Pink City by foot, with a short e-rickshaw ride in the walled city.

Anoothi Block Printing Experience

Jaipur

Women from marginalised communities outside Jaipur came together to create the Anoothi Project. In Hindi, Anoothi means 'unique and extraordinary' and by teaching these women to master the traditionally male handicraft of block printing, the collective shines a light on the unique and extraordinary within each individual. At this G for Good visit, engage in a hands-on block printing activity with the local women as you indulge in some local snacks prepared by your hosts.

Accommodations:  Utsav Niwas

Jaipur

Enjoy a visit to the Amber Fort, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. After, visit the City Palace and have a photo opportunity at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).

Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Amber Fort Visit

Jaipur

Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. Wander through the halls and courtyards and admire the intricate details.

City Palace Visit

Jaipur 1h

Explore the courtyards, gardens, and buildings that make up the City Palace. Located in the heart of the Old City, it is a striking blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Visit the palace's museum to look at ancient carriages and the former maharaja's gold-embroidered wedding outfit.

Accommodations:  Utsav Niwas
5
Optional Activities for Day 6
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Movie at Raj Mandir
200INR Per Person
Jaipur
Visit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film.
Jantar Mantar Visit
202INR Per Person
Jaipur
Visit the Jantar Mantar observatory for a guided tour and explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)
202INR Per Person
Jaipur
Enjoy a visit to the intricately-carved Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds," which is named for the cool breeze that comes through the structure and keeps it comfortable, even in the hot Jaipur summers. Admire this architectural wonder and snap some photos.
Jaipur Cooking Class with A Local Family
Jaipur
Join a local family in Jaipur as they welcome you into their home and share their recipes and best-loved dishes with you. Get hands-on with the ingredients and learn how to prepare Pakoda (Pakora), vegetable dishes and Indian breads such as chapatis and puris. Once the hard work is done, get to know your hosts over lunch. Savor the flavours of your creations with the additions of other vegtable dishes, daal and raita, and finish the meal with a sweet treat.
Jaipur Cycle Tour
35 Per Person
Jaipur
With its many lanes and organized layout, Jaipur is the perfect location to explore by bicycle. Choosing to cycle through the city on this morning tour will introduce you to sights, sounds and smells that a vehicle just can't match, so grab a helmet and jump on your bike! Navigate the streets of the 'Pink City' with the help of your experienced guide, starting the day with a traditional Indian yoghurt drink of Lassi. Marvel at the architectural wonders as you enter the walled part of the city and stop at the City Palace to visit the Govind Dev temple. Wander through the historical spices and sweets market, stopping for tea and a tasty snack of pakoras before heading towards the majestic Albert Hall Museum where the tour ends. Taxi transfers from the hotel to the starting point and from the finishing point back to the hotel are included in the price of this cycle tour.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Jaipur/Delhi

If you aren't afraid of heights, opt for a morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur. Return to Delhi in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore more of the bustling city.

Admire the Pink City from above by pre-booking the morning Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Jaipur - Delhi 6h 260km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time

Delhi Afternoon

Enjoy free time to see more of Delhi.

Accommodations:  Hotel Jeyan Inn
1
Optional Activities for Day 7
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Jaipur Balloon Ride
Jaipur
Begin your day at dawn, just as the sun starts to rise. As you drift into the sky, enjoy the silence and serenity of the morning, watching as the day starts for the colourfully dressed inhabitants below. From high in the sky, you may float over rolling hills, villages teeming with life, and a small monastery. You may even spot elephants-if luck is on your side. Available September 1 - April 30.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Delhi to Thimphu

Today the group will travel from Delhi to Paro. After arriving at Paro Airport we will transfer to our accommodation in Thimphu a little over an hour away. This evening you will have free time to become acquainted with the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Delhi - Paro Airport 2h

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight from Delhi to Paro.

Private Vehicle

Paro - Thimphu 1.25h - 1.5h

On arrival, take a private transfer to Thimphu.

Free Time

Thimphu Evening

Enjoy a free evening in Thimphu. Maybe opt to gather for a group dinner.

Accommodations:  Hotel Damisa Bhutan

Thimphu

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Point, and Motithang Takin Preserve. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong.

In the evening, visit the Tashi Chhoedzong, known as the "Fortress of Glorious Religion", initially built in 1702. Today, it houses the main secretariat building, the central monk body, and the office of the king.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Memorial Chorten Visit

Thimphu

The chorten is one of the most prominent religious structures in Thimphu, and for local Bhutanese it is a popular part of their daily prayers. Watch locals walk around the Chorten, spinning the prayer wheels and meditating in this lovely and peaceful spot.

Motithang Takin Preserve Visit

Thimphu

Enjoy a visit to the Motithang Takin Preserve, which was once a mini zoo. The area was converted into a preserve for Bhutan's national animal, the takin, which is a cross between a goat and an antelope.

Tashichho Dzong Visit

Thimphu

Enjoy a visit to Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress. Its main building is typical of Bhutanese architecture, with whitewashed walls and a golden roof. The original structure was built in 1216 and now houses the civil government.

Buddha Point Visit

Thimphu

Buddha Point is home to Thimphu's most recognized landmark, the Buddha Dordenma. Guarding the entry to the Thimphu valley, this 51-meter (167ft) gilded bronze statue is filled with 125,000 miniature statues and sits atop a three-storey base housing a chapel and thousands of donated statuettes. The statue was commissioned to mark His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck's 60th birthday and was originally made in China before being transported to Thimphu in pieces. The massive Buddha statue in Thimphu made of bronze and gold. Take lots of pictures - it's beautiful!

Thimphu Orientation Experience

Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. It is also Bhutan's largest city and displays loads of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, and culture. It's a modern city with unique character. You'll see the old and the new blend together here as you walk the streets lines with restaurants and cafes that sit alongside old fortresses and monasteries. Did you know that Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights? Get to know the area on an orientation experience visiting sites like the textile museum and old clock tower.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Hotel Damisa Bhutan

Thimphu/Punakha

Travel to Punakha in the morning crossing Dochula Pass. After a pleasant stop for views enjoy a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple learning about its historical significance. In the afternoon explore the stunning Punakha Dzong.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Chimi Lhakhang Visit

Punakha 0.5h - 1h

Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the "Divine Madman." Built in 1499, it is mainly visited today by women as it is known as the temple of fertility.

Private Vehicle

Thimphu - Punakha 3h - 4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Punakha Dzong Visit

Punakha

Visit Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (male) Chu. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures, housing many sacred relics. It is also the winter capital of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot). Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in around 1637. Arguably, it is the most beautiful Dzong in the country. The Dzong guards Bhutan's most treasured relic, the Rangjung Kharsapani, an image of Chenresig kept away from the public in the utse (tower). It has survived Tibetan invasions, numerous fires, floods and a glacial lake burst. The Dzong served as the capital and seat of the Bhutanese Government until the early 1950s; and the coronation of the His Majesty the First Druk, Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, took place here.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Bhutanic Resort

Punakha/Paro

Take a scenic drive back to Paro this morning with a few stops en route. Upon arrival the group will visit the Paro Dzong as well as the local archery grounds. This evening you'll have free time to wander and indulge as you please.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Punakha - Paro 3h - 4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Paro Orientation Walk

Paro

Paro lies at the centre of a valley that is full of ancient sites and buildings. The area is covered with terraced paddy fields, quaint farmhouses scattered throughout the valley and green forests overlooking the Paro Chhu River snaking below. Enjoy an orientation walk of this beautiful place and learn about Bhutanese ancient artefacts and art work.

Paro Rinpung Dzong Visit

Paro

Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, which means 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels". The original construction of this dzong is believed to have been completed in 1458 and it was restored to its present glory by His Majesty the Third of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, to mark his royal wedding in 1951.

Local Archery Grounds Visit

Paro

As Bhutan's national sport, a visit to a local archery ground is a must. Watch locals practice or compete with unbelievable accuracy and precision as they hit distant targets.

Free Time

Paro

Take advantage of free time and visit some of the best sites in Paro like, the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong or Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the two oldest monasteries in Bhutan. Maybe head for a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan. There are statues, paintings, sacred masks and costumes all located in a seven-story watchtower.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Rema Resort
1
Optional Activities for Day 11
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Ta Dzong National Museum
Paro
The National Museum of Bhutan houses an extensive collection of Bhutanese art, with pieces dating back for centuries.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Paro

Enjoy a morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). The hike is about 7km and offers a chance to visit 13 holy relics, at a place considered to be one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. After finishing the hike you'll have the rest of the evening free to explore more of Paro on your own before one last dinner with the group.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) & Monastery Hike

Paro 6h 7km

Hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest); containing 13 holy relics, it's considered one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. It is also where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Take in the stunning views en route and the incredible vista from this monastery, which clings to the rock towering 2,953m above the valley. The group will hike from 2400m elevation and reach 3100m at the Taktsang Monastery before returning back to 2400m in the same day. The climb should take around 6 hours for a total distance of 7 km.

Free Time

Paro Evening

Take advantage of free time and visit some of the best sites in Paro like, the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong or Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the two oldest monasteries in Bhutan. Maybe head for a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan. There are statues, paintings, sacred masks and costumes all located in a seven-story watchtower.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Rema Resort
1
Optional Activities for Day 12
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Kyichu Lhakhang Temple Visit
Paro
Enjoy a visit to one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. Built in the 7th century, Kyichu Lhakhang Temple boasts stunning art work inside and throughout the courtyards.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Paro

Depart at any time. Airport transfer included. While at the airport, opt to experience a cultural art class at the social enterprise, VAST, a G Adventures-supported studio.

Your CEO will help arrange your transfer to the airport and all exit formalities before your journey home.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Paro - Paro Airport 0.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
1
Optional Activities for Day 13
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VAST Airport Experience
Paro Airport
Turn waiting at the airport into an art class! Visit the hands-on art experience at VAST (Voluntary Artists' Studio Thimphu) Happy Brush Activity Corner in the Paro Airport. The initiative works to nurture the artistic potential of Bhutanese youth by involving youth in community service, while empowering them to explore art as a viable and fulfilling career path. Through different hands-on activities, like painting a traditional mask featured in the festivals and folklore of Bhutan.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.