Private journey · India and Bhutan
India and Bhutan: Palaces and Himalayan Monasteries
The Taj Mahal and the palaces of Jaipur, then a short flight to Bhutan for its fortress-monasteries, quiet valleys and the walk to the Tiger’s Nest.
- Duration
- 11 nights · 12 days
- Route
- Delhi · Agra · Jaipur · Thimphu · Punakha · Paro
- Best months
- October to April
- Hotels
- Palace hotels and Bhutanese lodges
- Pricing
- Tailored to your choices
Why this journey
Why this India and Bhutan tour
This India and Bhutan tour joins the Golden Triangle to the Himalayan kingdom in twelve days. After Delhi, Agra and Jaipur you fly to Bhutan for its dzongs, valleys and monasteries in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. Like every India and Bhutan tour we plan, it can be shaped around your dates, pace and interests. For background, see our guide to travelling in Bhutan.
01
Two kingdoms of craft
Mughal marble in Agra and painted timber in Bhutan’s dzongs, two very different ways of building for faith and power.
02
The Punakha valley
Rice terraces, a river confluence and Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses.
03
The Tiger’s Nest
A guided walk up to Paro Taktsang, the monastery that clings to a cliff above the Paro valley.
The route
Your route
You travel by road between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, return to Delhi, then fly to Paro. In Bhutan a private driver and guide take you over the Dochula pass to Punakha and back to Paro.
Day by day
Your India and Bhutan tour, day by day
Day 1 Arrive in Delhi
You are met at the airport and driven to your hotel to rest.
Overnight: Taj Palace, New Delhi
Day 2 Delhi to Agra
A morning in Delhi at Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, then the drive to Agra. The Taj Mahal at sunset from Mehtab Bagh across the river.
Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Day 3 Agra to Jaipur
The Taj Mahal at sunrise, then Fatehpur Sikri on the way to Jaipur.
Overnight: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Day 4 Jaipur
Amber Fort in the morning, then the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the bazaars of the old city.
Overnight: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Day 5 Jaipur to Delhi
A free morning, then the return to Delhi for an early flight the next day.
Overnight: Taj Palace, New Delhi
Day 6 Delhi to Paro and Thimphu
Fly to Paro. Weather permitting, the approach gives views of the high Himalaya. Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.
Overnight: Taj Tashi, Thimphu
Day 7 Thimphu
The Memorial Chorten, the great Buddha Dordenma above the valley, the folk heritage museum and Tashichho Dzong at dusk.
Overnight: Taj Tashi, Thimphu
Day 8 Thimphu to Punakha
Over the Dochula pass, with its 108 chortens, and down into the warm Punakha valley.
Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha, Punakha
Day 9 Punakha
Punakha Dzong, a walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, and a suspension bridge over the Po Chhu.
Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha, Punakha
Day 10 Punakha to Paro
Back over the pass to Paro. Visit Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in the afternoon.
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro, Paro
Day 11 The Tiger’s Nest
A guided walk up to Paro Taktsang. In the evening, a hot stone bath in a farmhouse, if you wish.
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro, Paro
Day 12 Depart Paro
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Where you’ll stay
Hotels on this India and Bhutan tour
These are the hotels we usually suggest for this route. We confirm each one with you, and can suggest alternatives at a similar level if you prefer.
Taj Palace
New Delhi · 2 nights
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Agra · 1 night
Rambagh Palace
Jaipur · 2 nights
COMO Uma Punakha
Punakha · 2 nights
COMO Uma Paro
Paro · 2 nights
Make it yours
Shape it around you
This India and Bhutan tour is a starting point. These are some of the changes our travellers most often ask for.
Questions
Questions about this India and Bhutan tour
Do we need a visa for Bhutan?
Most foreign visitors need a visa, arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator before you travel. Bhutan also charges a daily Sustainable Development Fee. We arrange both and show them in your quote.
How hard is the walk to the Tiger’s Nest?
It is a steady uphill walk on a well-used path. Most people take four to six hours for the round trip, with a break at the cafeteria halfway. Ponies can be arranged for part of the way up.
When is the best time to travel?
October to April suits both countries. October and November bring the clearest mountain views in Bhutan; December to February is cold in the mountains but often bright and quiet.
Is the flight to Paro included?
The flights between Delhi and Paro are part of the journey. We confirm the schedule and baggage allowance in your quote.
India and Bhutan
Enquire about this India and Bhutan tour
Tell us when you would like to travel and who is coming. We will reply personally to arrange a call at a time that suits you.
Prefer to write directly? contact@alluring.travel · WhatsApp +91 92119 13735
