The Best of India & Bhutan

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer 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. Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

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. Your G for Good Moment: City Walk3-5km 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. Please note that City Walk is closed on Sundays and holidays and this activity will not run on those days. Old Delhi Guided WalkDelhi1h 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 VehicleDelhi – Āgra3h-4h200km Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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. Taj Mahal VisitTāj Mahal – Āgra 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 VisitĀgra 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 VisitĀgra1h-3h Enjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.

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. Private VehicleĀgra – Dhula Village4h Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Fatehpur Sikri VisitFatehpur Sīkri 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 VisitAbhaneri30m-1h Walk around the amazing Chand Baori, a tenth century water tank that's an impressive 6.1m (20 ft) deep. Learn about ancient Indian environmentalism—a "baori" is a unique Indian invention for harvesting rainwater. Dhula Village ExperienceDhula 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.

Continue to the pink city of Jaipur. Built according to Hindu architectural principles, the city utilizes a unique organization unlike anywhere else in India. Later, visit the Palace of the Winds and wander the bustling streets. Private VehicleDhula Village – Jaipur2h50km Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Jaipur Cycle-Rickshaw TourJaipur1h3km Enjoy an orientation of the Pink City by cycle-rickshaw. Enjoy the ride!

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. Or choose to visit Kitchen With A Cause and have a delicious meal that allows you to give back to the community. Amber Fort VisitJaipur Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. City Palace VisitJaipur1h 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.

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. Private VehicleJaipur – Delhi6h260km Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Free TimeDelhiAfternoon Enjoy free time to see more of Delhi.

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. PlaneDelhi – Paro Airport2h Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight from Delhi to Paro. Private VehicleParo – Thimphu1h15m-1h30m On arrival, take a private transfer to Thimphu. Free TimeThimphuEvening Enjoy a free evening in Thimphu. Maybe opt to gather for a group dinner.

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. Thimphu Orientation ExperienceThimphu 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. Memorial Chorten VisitThimphu 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. Buddha Point VisitThimphu 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! Motithang Takin Preserve VisitThimphu 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 VisitThimphu 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.

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. Private VehicleThimphu – Punākha3h-4h Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Chime Lhakhang VisitPunākha30m-1h Take a short hike to Chime 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. Punakha Dzong VisitPunākha 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.

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. Private VehiclePunākha – Paro3h-4h Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Paro Orientation WalkParo 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 (fortress) VisitParo Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), meaning ‘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 VisitParo 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 TimeParo 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.

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. Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery HikeParo6h7km 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 TimeParoEvening 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.

Depart at any time. Airport transfer included. Your CEO will help arrange your transfer to the airport and all exit formalities before your journey home. Private VehicleParo – Paro Airport30m Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.