India Bhutan Nepal Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi, India

Welcome to India! Your India Bhutan Nepal Tour starts today. A representative/guide will meet and welcome you with a marigold garland at the Airport in the bustling capital of Delhi. Then, we take you to your hotel for check-in and rest. You can stroll through the neighborhood to get your first glimpse of Delhi. You will stay overnight in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

Your full-day guided tour will begin today after breakfast in the historic charm of Old Delhi and the grand architecture of New Delhi.

Your India Bhutan Nepal Tour starts in Old Delhi through the bustling 17th-century city built by Emperor Shah Jahan of Chandni Chowk. You might take a rickshaw or walk on foot to experience the colorful bazaar of spices, sweets, textiles, and jewelry. You will see the magnificent exterior of the Red Fort, a grand Mughal fortress of red sandstone. Then, you continue the trip to a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Raj Ghat, where an eternal flame burns in tribute to the Father of the Nation.

Then, you will head to New Delhi and visit the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple or Birla Mandir. Then you drive along Rajpath to see the tribute gate for Indian soldiers lost in World War I, India Gate. You will also drive by the British colonial-era architecture of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) and Parliament House.

Then, you will visit Agrasen ki Baoli, a hidden stepwell that offers an escape from the modern city. Then, the trip will take you to the Lotus Temple, a Bahá’í House of Worship, situated in a lotus-shaped building made of pristine white marble. It is open to people of all faiths and offers a quiet spot for reflection.

The day concludes with the 12th-century Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a minaret. Qutub Minar is 73 m tall and has the ruins of India’s first mosque surrounding it. You will see the famous Iron Pillar, which remains rust-free even after 1,500 years, a mystery to scientists.

You will return to your hotel after a day of touring and learning. Rest overnight in your hotel in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra (approx. 225 km/4 hours)

Today, you will leave Delhi and head towards Agra after breakfast. You will travel through a modern expressway along rural villages and the Indian countryside. After about 4 hours, you will arrive at the beautiful city of Agra.

In the afternoon, you will explore Agra’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal). You will visit the Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. The fort is a grand red sandstone structure that Mughal rulers used as a military stronghold and an opulent palace. You walk through its marriage gates, marble pavilions, mosques, and audience halls.

Then, you will visit the crown jewel of Agra, the Taj Mahal. It was built in memory of Empress Mumtaz Ali, after her passing, by Emperor Shah Jahan. This iconic monument is built with a white marble mausoleum and symbolizes eternal love. You will walk through the formal gardens and admire the symmetrical architecture. If you visit it during late afternoon or sunset, you will see the marble changing color with the fading light.

You will stop by a local marble workshop on your way back to your hotel. The artisans employ traditional techniques to craft intricate pieces, such as those found in the Taj Mahal. You can also browse handicraft stores known for leatherwork, carpets, and embroidered fabrics.

You will stay overnight in Agra.

Day 4: Agra to Jaipur (via Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri: approx. 250km/5 hours)

You will depart from Agra in the morning and head west towards the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. You will stop by Fatehpur and Abhaneri, two remarkable heritage sites.

Fatehpur Sikri is about 40km away from Agra. This grand town served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for 14 years in the late 16th century, during Emperor Akbar’s reign. People abandoned it later due to water scarcity. This red sandstone city is an architectural gem today. You will visit its well-preserved palaces, audience halls, and courtyards.

Then you will see the Panch Mahal and the white marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, where Akbar prayed for blessings on an heir. You will also see the 54-meter-high Gate of Victory, Buland Darwaja.

Then, you will continue towards Jaipur and stop at the rural village of Abhaneri. Abhaneri is about 160 km from Agra, where you will visit the incredible Chand Baori stepwell. This cast structure is approximately 20m underground, featuring 3,500 narrow steps that date back to the 8th or 9th century. If it is open, you can go down a few levels to feel the temperature drop. The structure is an ancient method for keeping the water cool. You can take pictures and appreciate the architecture of the stepwell’s striking geometry.

You will arrive at the Pink City of Jaipur by late afternoon. You can explore the bustling streets and relax for the evening. You will stay overnight in Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur Sightseeing, then return to Delhi

Today, you will explore the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. You will begin the tour in the 16th-century fortress, Amber Fort. You can reach it by jeep or elephant ride and walk through its courtyards, palaces, and intricate halls. Sheesh Mahal is one of the highlights of the fort, where, in the past, just one small candlelight could make the whole room sparkle. You can also see a wide view of Maota Lake from the fort below.

You will stop at Panna Meena ka Kund while returning to the city. This beautiful 16th-century stepwell is known for its geometric staircases. You will then visit a handicraft cooperative to see the local artisans practicing traditional block printing, carpet weaving, jewelry making, and shop for authentic souvenirs.

Before heading to the City Palace Complex, you will visit the graceful water palace, Jal Mahal, floating in Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. This royal residence blends Mughal and Rajput architectural styles and features museums, courtyards, and gardens. You will visit the Mubarak Mahal to see royal costumes, textiles, and the giant silver urns used by the Maharaja. Then, you will go to the nearby 18th-century astronomical observatory, Jantar Mantar, where the huge stone instruments are still accurate.

You can stop by the iconic Hawa Mahal, Palace of Wind, for a photo before departing. This palace is renowned for its honeycomb-like façade, featuring 953 windows. Royal women used it to observe the street festivities in ancient times.

After a full day of touring, you will return to Delhi early in the evening. You will arrive in Delhi late at night after about 5 or 6 hours.  Check back at your hotel and rest for the night in Delhi.

Day 6: Fly to Bhutan (Delhi-Paro-Thimphu)

You will fly to Bhutan today. After breakfast, if the weather is clear, you will board a flight over the eastern Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. You will land at Paro International Airport, complete the visa process, and meet your Bhutanese guide. Fill your stomach with a welcome lunch at a local restaurant and try traditional Bhutanese cuisine, typically featuring red rice, chilies, and cheese.

Your sightseeing will begin in the afternoon with a visit to one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century. The temple marks the arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan and is therefore essential to the country’s spiritual heritage.

Then you will visit the Rimpung Dzong, a large fortress and monastery built in 1646. Monks and local officials use the monastery, which features thick white walls and beautiful wooden roofs. You can walk across a traditional wooden bridge while enjoying the view of the river and valley below the Dzong.

You will drive about 1.5 hours to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. You will enjoy a scenic ride and reach the hotel later. Rest overnight in Thimphu.

Day 7: Thimphu to Punakha (via Dochula Pass)

You will leave Thimphu east towards Punakha after breakfast today. Punakha is a scenic valley and the former capital of Bhutan. The drive takes you through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests towards the Dochula Pass at 3,050m altitude. The top of the pass has 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, white memorial stupas built to honor Bhutanese soldiers. You can even see the mountains on a clear day from this peaceful spot, set against the green hills.

You will then descend to the warm and green Punakha Valley. Your first stop is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong. The fortress has white walls and golden roofs, situated at the confluence of the two rivers, Pho Chu and Mo Chu.

It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Rinpoche and was the seat of Bhutan’s government until 1955. You can explore the courtyards and temples within the fortress, where monks carry out their daily rituals. This historic place is also where Bhutan crowned its first king in 1907.

Next, you will reach the nearby village with a short drive and walk through rice fields and mustard gardens to reach Chimi Lhakhang. It is a small temple known for blessing couples who wish to have children. It was built in the 15th century by Drukpa Kunley,  Bhutan’s Divine Madman. You will return to your hotel in Punakha or the nearby town of Wangdue Phodrang for the night.

Day 8: Punakha to Paro (via Thimphu)

You will drive back to western Bhutan, cross the Dochula Pass, and descend into the Thimphu valley today. You will explore further highlights in Thimphu before heading to Paro.

Your first stop for the day is Tashichho Dzong, a grand fortress housing Bhutan’s government office and the summer residence of the monastic body. You will walk through its beautiful courtyards and gardens, noticing the intricate and elegant Bhutanese architecture.

Then, you will visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, a quiet wildlife reserve area on the city’s edge. You will see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, here. Takins are native to Bhutan, with locals believing the Divine Madman magically created them.

Then, you will continue to the National Memorial Chorten, a white stupa that honors Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Locals come here daily to walk around the stupa, spin prayer wheels, and offer prayers.

You can stop by the National Post Office to have your photo printed on real Bhutanese stamps. It will cost you around $ 33 and is a fun and personal souvenir. Kuensel Phodrang, or the Buddha Point, a massive 51-meter golden Buddha statue on a hilltop, is your final stop in Thimphu. Enjoy the views from the top, and drive to Paro in the afternoon and rest overnight there.

Day 9: Paro – Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

Today is the highlight of the Bhutan trip. You will hike to the infamous Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. You will take a short drive from Paro to the base of the trail and begin your scenic and steep uphill hike through pine forests. The monastery sits 800m above the valley on a cliff.

The hike is about a two-hour steep climb. You can also ride a pony halfway for an additional cost. The hike offers incredible views of the slinging monastery and the valley below.

According to legend, Guru Rinpoche, also known as Guru Padmasambhava, flew to this cave on the back of a tigress to meditate in the 8th century. People then built a monastery around the site as a sacred place.

You can explore the monastery’s serene temples and immerse yourself in the peaceful spiritual atmosphere. You can take a picture from the opposite ridge, but it is forbidden to do so inside. Descend back to the valley after spending some time in the monastery. The round trip, including time spent at the monastery, takes approximately 4 hours.

You will return to Paro for lunch, then visit one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, Kyichu Lhakhang. Built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, the temple is part of a series of 108 temples constructed to defeat the mythical demoness. Prayer flags, orange trees, and the peaceful atmosphere make this place an unforgettable part of the journey.

You can also experience an optional traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath for an extra cost in the evening. The bath includes soaking in a wooden tub of mineral-rich water heated by fire-roasted stones. You will rest overnight in Paro.

Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal

It is your final morning in Bhutan. After breakfast, a driver will take you to the Paro Airport for your flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. You will fly over the beautiful Himalayas on clear days with a clear aerial view.

Finish your visa process at the Airport after landing at the Kathmandu Airport. A local Nepali representative or your guide will meet you at the Airport after you complete the formalities. They will drive you to your hotel for check-in.

You have the rest of the day to rest. You can explore the city, drink tea, or relax in the hotel. You will stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 11: Mountain Flight and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing

Your day begins with an optional morning flight to the Himalayas. Each passenger gets a window seat to enjoy the incredible aerial views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other high peaks. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy the flight and return to the hotel for breakfast.

Then, you will go sightseeing with your guide around Kathmandu Valley. The tour starts with a drive to Bhaktapur, popular for its medieval art and architecture. You will walk on its brick alleys and explore the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Here, you will see the 55-window palace, the golden gate, and Nyatapola Temple, the tallest temple in the valley. You will also watch traditional potters working in the pottery square and taste the famous sweet yogurt, juju dhau.

Then, you will drive to Kathmandu to visit the sacred Hindu temple, Pashupatinath, that sits at the banks of the Bagmati River. Unfortunately, non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but visitors can observe the rituals and ceremonies along the river ghats. You will get an insight into Nepal’s Hindu beliefs and funeral traditions on the river banks.

Next, visit the world’s largest Buddhist stupa and a vibrant Tibetan culture hub, Bouddhanath Stupa. You can walk around the white dome, spinning the prayer wheels and absorbing the peaceful spirituality. You may hear chanting from nearby monasteries, and the smell of incense fills the air. Enjoy a warm Tibetan butter tea cup or browse shops in the area.

The day’s final stop is the Swayambhunath Stupa/the Monkey Temple, sitting on the hilltop offering views of the entire Kathmandu city. You can drive to the top or climb the stone stairs to explore the golden stupa surrounded by smaller shrines, prayer glass, and monkeys. This temple blends Hindu and Buddhist elements, offering a perfect insight into Nepal’s spiritual beliefs. You will stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 12: Fly to Pokhara- Lakeside Leisure

You can spend the morning in Kathmandu before flying to Pokhara. Pokhara is Nepal’s adventure hub with scenic views. The flight is just 25 minutes short with beautiful views of the Himalayas across the sky.

A driver will meet you at the Pokhara airport and transfer you to your hotel in the Lakeside area. The lakeside area is a tourist hub around Phewa Lake.

Check in and enjoy the day in Pokhara. Take a walk along the lake and watch the boats. You can go boating, take a short hike, or relax. The day is yours to enjoy with no schedules. There are plenty of cute cafés, chops, and restaurants if you want to try local food or fresh lake fish.

Enjoy the stunning sunset over the Annapurna Range and rest overnight in Pokhara.

Day 13: Pokhara Sunrise and Sightseeing

The day starts with an early morning drive to Sarangkot Hill at 1,600m altitude for a sunrise view of the Annapurna range. This 30-minute drive will reward you with the iconic sunrise views with golden and pink hues hitting the Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri.

You will return to your hotel for breakfast and begin the tour. The first on your list is boating on Phewa Lake. You will boat across the lake and visit the temple in the middle of the lake, Tal Barahi Temple.

Then, you will visit the Devi’s Falls. With locals believing the eater from the fall is going to the underworld, it is one of Pokhara’s most famous tourist attractions. The force of water and its disappearance on the ground make it fascinating. Then, across the road, you will visit the sacred Gupteshwor Cave. The cave has dripping limestone walls with a Shiva lingam in the middle.

You will visit local settlements like Tashiling or Tashi Palkhel, where you can see artisans weaving carpets, making jewelry, and selling handmade goods. You can learn about the Tibetan culture in Nepal and support the local community here.

In the afternoon, you will visit World Peace Pagoda and Pumdikot Viewpoint, two famous viewpoints of the city. The World Peace Pagoda is a white stupa with views of Pokhara, Phewa Lake, and the Himalayas. Pumdikot Hill has a towering Shiba statue with great views of the valley and the mountains. It is a popular spiritual and scenic site.

After enjoying the sunset views in Pumdikot, you will return to your hotel in Pokhara and rest the night there.

Day 14: Fly to Chitwan- Village Walk and Sunset

You will board a flight to Bharatpur after breakfast in Pokhara. The short 20-minute flight will take you to the gateway to Chitwan in Nepal’s southern plains. A representative will greet you and transfer you to your jungle lodge in Sauraha near Chitwan National Park. You can enjoy your welcome drink and learn about your itinerary for the upcoming days.

You will go on a nature walk in the evening and visit the indigenous Tharu village to learn about the locals’ way of living. You will see traditional homes of mud and thatch and understand their culture. Then, you walk to the banks of the Rapti River, where you can relax and watch the sunset. You might get occasional bird sightings, like egrets and kingfishers.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an evening cultural show. Enjoy the traditional Tharu dances, their colorful clothes, and rhythmic choreography. You can even join the group dance in the end. Stay overnight in Chitwan.

Day 15: Chitwan Jungle Safari and River Adventure

Today, you will head out for a half-day jeep safari in Chitwan National Park. This park is Nepal’s first national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A trained naturalist guide will be with you on the safari. You ride in an open-top jeep through the park’s jungle trails and grassland. Look out for one-horned rhinos in open areas or through tall grass. Wildlife like spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boars, langur monkeys, and over 500 species of birds live here. You may spot a Bengal tiger or a sloth bear in a dense forest if you’re lucky. The guide will help identify the wildlife, share facts, and explain animal behavior on the tour. You will rest and observe from a few safe lookout points.

You will return to your lodge by lunchtime and relax. In the afternoon, you will take a canoe along the Rapti River in a traditional dugout canoe. Look for crocodiles, marsh mugger, and endangered gharials on the river banks. It is also an excellent time for bird watching. You might spot kingfishers, herons, and even hornbills.

Visit the Elephant Breeding Center after the canoe ride, learn about conservation efforts, and see baby elephants with their mothers. You can observe them closely and even interact with one under the care of a mahout/elephant caretaker.

Return to your lodge for dinner and the night.

Day 16: Fly Back to Kathmandu

You will leave Chitwan after breakfast, drive to Bharatpur Airport, and fly back to Kathmandu. This 25-minute-long flight will take you back to the capital. A driver will drive you to your hotel, where you can rest. You have the day to yourself. You can go souvenir shopping or visit more tourist spots like Patan Durbar Square and the Garden of Dreams. You can ask for a guide for a more extended tour. Enjoy the final day of the trip and rest overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu

Your trip through the three majestic South Asian countries, India, Bhutan, and Nepal, ends today. Check out your hotel after breakfast and drive to the Airport for your flight home.

We hope you leave with lasting memories of beautiful landscapes, understanding different cultures and religions, and meaningful experiences. Safer travels.