Best of Bhutan & India

(16 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur

This comprehensive, ultra-luxury tour visits two of the world's most fascinating cultural destinations: India and Bhutan.

Begin in Delhi, the bustling capital of India. During private touring, experience highlights such as the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Qutb Minar, the Lodi Gardens, and a rickshaw ride through the colorful bazaars of Old Delhi, as well as upscale shopping districts.

Next, fly to Bhutan and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan's charming capital. Enjoy comprehensive touring of Thimphu’s many cultural attractions and important Buddhist highlights. Meet local people, learn about local traditions, explore a bustling market, and visit various small museums specializing in textiles, folk heritage, and traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. Other activities can be incorporated based on your interests, such as a private day hike to rural villages and monasteries, a private Bhutanese cooking lesson at a local home, a meeting with a Bhutanese astrologer, or a private meditation session with monks.

Continue your drive through the mountains, passing the 108 stupas, to Punakha, the ancient winter capital located in a sub-tropical valley where rhododendron and magnolia bloom and orange and banana trees flourish. Relax at your luxurious farmhouse-style lodge, set among rice terraces, chili and cabbage fields and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses. Enjoy a peaceful walk through rural farming villages, receive a blessing from a monk, opt to hike up a mountain for beautiful panoramic views of the valley, and visit the stunning Punakha Dzong.

The Bhutan portion of the tour concludes in Paro, a resort town nestled between the Himalayas. Visit the National Museum, explore the surrounding valleys, and visit Tiger's Nest, a breathtaking monastery clinging to a cliff that is one of the most important icons of Bhutan. Other options include shopping for crafts and Himalayan and Buddhist items, a private archery lesson, a biking excursion, or simply relaxing and enjoying traditional Bhutanese spa treatments.

Upon request, we can incorporate activities in Bhutan such as overnight treks, meetings with local specialists, farm visits, monastery visits, soft-adventure activities (hiking, biking, archery rafting, fly-fishing or golf), shopping, cooking classes, blessings and meditations led by monks, and more.

Return to India for an overnight stay in Delhi before transferring to Agra for a spellbinding sunset or sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. Also visit Agra Fort and local markets. Stay in the lavish Oberoi Amarvilas in a room with an uninterrupted view of the Taj.

Continue to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s great “Pink City,” visiting the centuries-old ruins at Fatehpur Sikri en route. See the rich architectural legacy of Jaipur’s merchants and maharajas—hill forts, palaces, the observatory, gardens, temples and havelis (courtyard mansions)—surrounded by stark desert. If desired, ride an elephant to Amber Fort. Marvel at the luminous saris of indigenous tribal women and the bright turbans of Rajasthani men. Explore medieval backstreets and browse bazaars selling textiles, leatherwork, woodblock prints, perfume, jewelry and Jaipur’s traditional blue pottery.  

Spend three nights in Udaipur, India's most romantic city, at the beautiful Oberoi Udaivilas. Cruise Lake Pichola and walk through picturesque backstreets, shop for local folk art, tour the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, the Saheliyon Ki Bari Garden, and browse the local bazaars. On a day excursion outside the city, perhaps tour the spectacular Jain temples of Ranakpur, where relief carvings cover every surface, including over 1,400 pillars.

Conclude in Delhi with time for last-minute shopping and sightseeing before your flight.