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India, Nepal & Bhutan


The perfect introduction to the Indian sub-continent, with insights into the natural beauty, religion and cultural traditions of India, Nepal and Bhutan




India abounds with Mughal splendour, from the largest cities to the smallest rural retreats. The magnificent legacy of its palaces, forts and mausoleums pay homage to a dynasty of architectural brilliance. Amid all this grandeur, we discover the warm Rajput hospitality of Rajasthan with overnights at historic maharaja mansions. After India, the majestic mountains of Nepal await, and Pokhara is one of the finest, most relaxing places to view them. There, by the beautiful lake, we check out the stunning spires of the Annapurna Range, while the many stunning temples, monasteries and shrines offer a spiritual and cultural exploration to rival the natural splendours of the country. In Nepal’s tropical lowlands we explore Chitwan National Park, coming face-to-face with the country’s incredible wildlife including rhino and crocodile, while in enigmatic Bhutan we find a hidden Buddhist delight; snug in its high mountain home, the kingdom has long been isolated from the rest of the world and is a special place of strong mystique and tranquility.



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Tour Highlights

  • 600-year-old Karauli
  • Delhi
  • Mandawa's open-air art gallery
  • UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taj Mahal
  • Pokhara's lake and panoramic views
  • Kathmandu’s hidden old town
  • Paro's Dzong
  • Taktsang Monastery - The Tiger's Nest
  • Bodhnath Stupa of Kathmandu - one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world
  • Bhutan’s capital Thimphu

Inclusions

  • Local tour leaders, local guides, airport transfers, visa for Bhutan, meals as indicated, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.

  • Canoe
  • Elephant
  • On foot
  • Plane
  • Private aircon bus
  • Private vehicle
  • 20 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

India, Nepal & Bhutan

Day 1
Delhi
Meals Privided:
Upon arrival we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Our airport representative will be waiting for us in the arrival hall, located after passing out of the customs area and beyond the travel desks and exchange counters. Look out for the Peregrine signboard. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 45 minutes. Most flights arrive in Delhi in the late evening, so there is nothing arranged for this day. If you arrive early, you can avail yourself to many sightseeing options. Humayun's Tomb and Safdarjang's Tomb are other great examples of Mughal architecture and design. The narrow streets of Old Delhi are worth exploring, with the highlights being Red Fort and the impressive Jama Masjid (Great Mosque). Raj Ghat is a monument that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Hauz Khas Village is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown - a chic artistic enclave set right next to the remnants of a historical site.
Day 2
Agra
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Around breakfast time we have a briefing to outline our holiday itinerary and also cover many aspects of travelling in India. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting. After our briefing we drive down to the city of Agra to visit India's most famous sight - the majestic Taj Mahal. This amazing 17th century marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife, who died giving birth. Started in 1631 the project was completed in 1648 and employed a workforce of over 20,000 people. Construction materials were brought from all over India with the marble from Rajasthan transported by over 1000 elephants. The rest of our time in Agra is free, but we have the option to also visit the nearby Agra Fort - a huge complex built of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565 and partially converted into a palace during the time of Shah Jahan.
Day 3
Karauli
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 4 hours) From Agra we make our first stop at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This magnificent ghost town was capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbhar it was abandoned shortly after his death due to a lack of available water. Our final destination today is Karauli, a 600-year-old city founded by Yaduvanshi Rajput kings - descendents of Lord Krishna. The main temple of Karauli is dedicated to Lord Krishna. We stay for two nights at a sprawling palace belonging to the family that once ruled Karauli. Bhanwar Vilas Palace was built as a royal residence in 1938 by Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo Bahadur when he was the ruler of Karauli. The palace is designed in a colonial style and the interiors are furnished in Art Deco period furniture. Our stay here is sure to be a memorable one.
Day 4
Karauli
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Today we explore the City Palace, which dates back 500 years. The fort and the palace was the official residence of the royal family of Karauli till 1938. This amazing structure features impressive archways and interconnecting rooms, many of them colourfully painted with frescoes. Many of the buildings in Karauli feature distinctive pale red sandstone in their construction. We then enjoy a camel cart ride to the step well, the old city and surrounding countryside. Along the way we are sure to be greeted by hordes of local kids, waving at us as we ride by. We also explore an organic dairy, various farms and a campus school being run by the former royal family. It is a memorable experience being in a part of the country that sees very few tourists. Everything seems to have an air of authenticity about it as we join in with the local people as they go by with their everyday life.
Day 5
Jaipur
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 4 hours) After breakfast we travel by road to Jaipur - the colourful capital of the state of Rajasthan as well as being a vibrant and exciting town on its own right. Here, traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches make their way through crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. The City Palace is an amazing complex with various courtyards and connecting buildings as well as fascinating museums displaying royal costumes and weaponry. Part of the palace is closed to visitors as it is still the residence of the royal family. The most memorable features of our visit are sure to include the impressively colourful gates the courtyard known as Pitan Niwas Chowk and the incredible moustaches worn by the palace guards. Our guide will also take us to the Old Bazaar and Hawa Mahal, better known as the Palace of the Wind. This five-storey façade with its pink, honeycombed sandstone windows is one of Jaipur's best-known landmarks. In the evening we can dine at one of the many fine restaurants in the city (optional).
Day 6
Sawarda
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 1 hour) On our second day in Jaipur we travel 11 kilometres out to the stunning medieval Amber Fort. This fort was built in 1592 by Maharajah Man Singh and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Several hours are needed to explore this huge fortification. We then continue to our journey and drive for one hour to Sawarda, a small fort that is still residence to the nobles of Sawarda, who belong to the Khangarot clan - an offshoot of the Jaipur royal family. The fort houses two small temples, gardens and interesting frescoed rooms. In the evening we have the opportunity to participate in an 'aarti' (prayer session) in the family temple.
Day 7
Mandawa
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 4 hours) In the morning we take walk into the village and visit the homes of 'Gujjars' (traditionally a shepherd tribe), as well as an interesting old Sikh temple where one of the manuscripts of Gurbani, written by the founder of the Sikh religion, is still kept. We also stop at a beautiful Jain temple and a Hindu temple in the village, before visiting the families of village workers such as potters and ironsmiths. At a local home-based oil mill, we get to observe the way in which an ordinary Indian village can be economically self-sufficient. We also get to meet members of the 'village panchayat' (governing body) and understand the way they run things, as well as visit the local schools and health centre. After lunch we drive to Mandawa. Mandawa lies in the semi-arid region in the northern part of Rajasthan known as Shekhawati - a region known as an 'open-air art gallery' with forts, palaces and ornate traditional merchant houses known as 'havelis', which are often decorated with colourful frescoes. Here we stay in one of the 'havelis' built by the renowned business community of this region. Some of the frescoes on the walls and ceilings here date back 150 years.
Day 8
Mandawa
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Today our tour leader takes us today for a walk around the small town, where we get to observe more of the frescoed 'havelis' in Mandawa as well as wander around the markets. In the evening there is a chance to enjoy an optional ride on a camel or a camel cart out to the sand dunes to experience the sunset.
Day 9
Delhi
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 5 hours) After breakfast we are driven back to Delhi, where we arrive around lunch time. We enjoy an orientation drive around the city that takes us to India Gate and past the President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan), before heading off to do some last-minute shopping at colourful Janpath Bazaar. We then have the chance to enjoy pre-dinner drinks before heading out to one of Delhi's great restaurants for dinner (optional).
Day 10
Kathmandu
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Flight time: approx 1 hour and 45 minutes) Today we are transferred to New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport to catch a flight from New Delhi to Kathmandu (please note that you will be unescorted on this flight). On arrival, we are met by our Nepalese tour leader and transferred to our hotel located not far from the main shopping and cafe area of Thamel. You may also wish to take a walk down to Durbar Square, which is the historical and spiritual heart of the city. Kathmandu is located at 1360 metres above sea level. If you are interested in doing a Mt Everest scenic flight, please ask your leader. A briefing on your Nepal section of the trip will be held by your leader this afternoon.
Day 11
Kathmandu
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. We visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. We also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration. After a break for lunch, we head out to Bhaktapur. Traffic-free, this wonderful ancient Newar town is ripe for exploration. Cobblestone streets link a series of temples and squares, and you can see potters and various craftspeople at work. It is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and is a must-see for visitors to Nepal. We arrive back at the hotel late in the afternoon.
Day 12-13
Pokhara
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Flight time: approx 1 hour) An early departure from the hotel this morning as we are transferred to the domestic terminal at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport. From here we fly to Pokhara, with a flight time of about 30 minutes and often spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. On arrival we check in to our hotel, then take a boat ride across the lake to the Peace Pagoda, where we enjoy excellent views of the mountains and across Pokhara. The town of Pokhara is located at 850 metres above sea level. It is certainly worthwhile taking a boat for a row out on the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. In the afternoon, we visit the International Mountaineering Museum. A fascinating collection of equipment from many Himalayan expeditions, plus maps and displays on flora and fauna give you a great insight into mountaineering. The following day has been allocated for further exploration in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities and internet cafes. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery.
Day 14
Chitwan National Park
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
We drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, we are introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss our program at Royal Park Wildlife Resort. There is some flexibility and activities may vary with the time of the year and known wildlife movements and locations. We may visit the elephant camp to see how their handlers, known as phanits, care for these beautiful animals. A late afternoon safari riding on elephants takes us into the forest and grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. In the early evening the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. We then enjoy dinner and afterwards we are free to relax in the bar and discuss the day's sightings or listen to the exotic sounds of the jungle at night.
Day 15
Chitwan National Park
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
An early morning excursion could include either another elephant safari to different parts of the park in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic bird life or joining one of several other activities including a visit to the elephant breeding centre. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park. After breakfast we leave the lodge for a trip by dugout canoe on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program is organised for us for the rest of the day that may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.
Day 16
Kathmandu
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 5 hours) There is time for an early morning bird watching excursion this morning. After breakfast we drive on to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. The evening is free but usually our guide can help organise an evening meal (optional) at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.
Day 17
Paro - Thimphu
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Driving time: approx 2 hours) We leave the hotel mid-morning and transfer to the airport for the flight to Paro, in Bhutan. The plane flies parallel to the main Himalayan range and those on the left of the aircraft should be fortunate enough, in clear weather, to enjoy good views of some of the Himalayan giants, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, and then Chomolhari, Bhutan's highest peak. Flight time is approximately one hour. On landing at Paro (2280m) we are met by our local representatives who will help with formalities before we take the two-hour drive to the capital, Thimphu (2736m). After checking into our hotel the rest of the day is free to explore the town and the local villages.
Day 18
Thimphu
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we view Tashicho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), the administrative and religious centre of Bhutan located on the right bank of Thimphu Chu. The original building dates back to 1216, whilst the present dzong was built by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1641. We then drive to the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of King Jigmi Dorjee Wangchuk. Other sights in the capital include the Painting School, an institution where children receive formal education in the art of traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving. We may also visit Drubthob Gompa Nunnery, which houses about 40 nuns and also provides shelter for aging women and orphaned girls. Thimphu has an excellent range of handicrafts, most notably woven cloth, wooden masks, thangkas, silverware, jewellery and bamboo craft that come from all parts of Bhutan.
Day 19-20
Paro
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Driving time: approx 2 hours) We begin with an early morning drive from Thimphu for an excursion to the legendary Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) - a small monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. A few years ago the monastery was seriously damaged by fire but has since been rebuilt, although tourists are not permitted to enter the interior of the monastery. Legend has it that the great guru, Padmasambhawa, flew here from Tibet on the back of a tigress to subdue the demons of Paro Valley. During our stay in Paro we also visit Drukgyal Dzong, a famous 17th Century fortress that repelled many Tibetan invasions. Time permitting, we may also visit Ta Dzong, a circular fortress built in the mid 17th century and now converted into the National Museum that houses an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities. We spend our night in Paro and the following day, we enjoy further sightseeing options and there is also have free time to wander around the town on your own.
Day 21
Paro
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport for our flight out, bringing this exciting to an end.

IN A NUTSHELL

21 days
$4,885
14

TOUR INFORMATION

Start End Price
21/10/201110/11/2011 $4,885
14/12/201203/01/2013 $4,885
28/12/201217/01/2013 $4,885
11/01/201331/01/2013 $4,885
25/01/201314/02/2013 $4,885
08/02/201328/02/2013 $4,885
22/02/201314/03/2013 $4,885
08/03/201328/03/2013 $4,885
22/03/201311/04/2013 $4,885
29/03/201318/04/2013 $4,885
05/04/201325/04/2013 $4,885
12/04/201302/05/2013 $4,885
26/04/201316/05/2013 $4,885
30/11/201220/12/2012 $4,885
16/11/201206/12/2012 $4,885
18/11/201108/12/2011 $4,885
16/12/201105/01/2012 $4,885
13/01/201202/02/2012 $4,885
04/05/201224/05/2012 $4,885
18/05/201207/06/2012 $4,885
01/06/201221/06/2012 $4,885
14/09/201204/10/2012 $4,885
28/09/201218/10/2012 $4,885
05/10/201225/10/2012 $4,885
12/10/201201/11/2012 $4,885
19/10/201208/11/2012 $4,885
02/11/201222/11/2012 $4,885
10/05/201330/05/2013 $4,885
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