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12-Nights The Best of India & Bhutan - Classic

India/Bhutan
12-Nights The Best of India & Bhutan - Classic
India/Bhutan
G Adventures
Vacation Offer ID 1523479
Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.
Overview

G Adventures

The Best of India & Bhutan
From India’s vibrant cities to the happiest country on Earth, this 13-day trip through India and Bhutan knows how to pack in the best of the best. In India, you’ll become acquainted with three very different northern cities and the colourful rural life of Rajasthan, before witnessing the mesmerizing beauty of the Taj Mahal - truly one of the wonders of the world. Next, you’re off to Bhutan to meet smiling monks, walk stunning mountain paths, and explore iconic dzongs that dot the ancient and storied Trans Bhutan Trail.

Highlights
Explore the modern and ancient sides of Delhi, Bask in the magnificent of the Taj Mahal, Visit various dzongs and Buddhist gompas in Bhutan, Experience the Dragon Kingdom with cultural interactions at a local farm, Take in the views of the stunning Himalayans.

Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), comfortable tented camp (1 nt).

Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Group Size Notes
Max 18, avg 14.

Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Sustainable Development Fees. Agra Fort visit. Taj Mahal visit. I'timad-ud-daulah (Baby Taj) entrance. Fatephur Sikri visit. Jaipur City Palace entrance and guided tours. Abhaneri stepwell visit. Memorial Chorten & Motithang Takin Preserve visit. Chimi Lakhang Hike. Explore Paro Dzong and Archery grounds. Free time in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Hike to Taktsang Monastery Tiger's Nest. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Featured Destinations

Abhaneri (Abaneri)
Dhula Village
Fatehpur Sikri
Paro

Paro

The scenic, terraced town of Paro sits in the shadow of 24,000-ft/7,320-m Mount Chomolhari (divine mountain). Paro has Bhutan's only airport, so most travelers arrive there. Though it's really only a large village, three nights are recommended to get used to the altitude, as well as to see the many sights related to Paro's days as capital of the western region.

Among those sights are the 350-year-old Ta Dzong (now the National Museum), the Rinchen Pung or Paro Dzong (sacred scrolls, icons, and the like), where scenes from Bertolucci's Little Buddha were shot, the restored seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang (holy temple) and the Dungtse Lhakhang (temple). Also worth seeing is the Drugyel Dzong, named after a famous victory of the Bhutanese over Tibetan invaders (about 9 mi/14 km northwest of town).

If you're in Paro on a Sunday morning, be sure to visit the colorful market, where grains, chilies, oranges, bananas and a host of other items are sold. The Paro Tsechu festival is held late March-April.

On a full-day trip, it's possible to visit the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), built on a rock ledge overlooking a sheer 2,600 ft/800 m drop to the Paro Valley. It is accessible only on foot or by pony as far as the viewpoint. According to legend, the monastery was founded by Guru Rimpoche, who landed there on the back of a flying tiger.

Destination Guide
Punakha

Punakha

Bhutan's former capital, Punakha is often seen on a long day trip from Thimphu. It offers superlative views of the Himalayas and can be used as a base to visit the nearby Wangdiphodrang Dzong and Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is the winter home of the largest group of monks in the country (some 500) and the Je Khempo (Buddhist religious leader). It is considered to be the most elaborate temple in the country and is still used today as government offices for the district.

The drive over the Dochula Pass to Punakha is breathtaking. The Punakha Suspension Bridge, said to be one of the longest in the region, is a fun place to stop since it is close to the Punakha Dzong.

The Punakha Domche festival is in late February-March.

Don't be surprised by the numerous phallic symbols that are painted on many buildings in the region because of the Chimi Lhakhang Temple (known as the fertility temple); these represent new life and fertility. Phallic statues are also widely sold in markets and stores, and it may come as a surprise to many Western visitors. They are visible across the country, but there are noticeably more near the fertility temple. Many people come to this temple in hopes of getting pregnant. Many of these symbols are painted on building doors as a matter of protection.

Destination Guide
Thimphu

Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, is located in the west of the country and testifies to the nation's struggle to modernize while maintaining its venerated traditions. New buildings are still based on traditional designs, with elaborately painted, trefoil-shaped windows and wooden frames built without nails. Regulations restrict new buildings to fewer than six stories, and there are no traffic lights in town; still, satellite dishes are everywhere, and internet cafes are easily found.
Destination Guide
Jaipur

Jaipur

Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. The pink color was used at the time of making to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal cities - and repainted in 1876, during the visit of the Prince of Wales. The city is best explored on foot and the adventurous visitor willing to go into the inner lanes can discover a whole new world not visible to the tourist-in-a-hurry.
Destination Guide
Agra

Agra

In the mid 16th century and early 17th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is still reflected in what ever monuments remain in Agra. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy creating masterpieces with their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had once experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as a major tourist destination of India. Main shopping areas include Taj Mahal complex, Kinari Bazaar, Raja Mandi, Sadar Bazaar. the Gangotri at Taj Mahal Complex and the Up Handlooms, UPICA at the Sanjay place are two UP Government emporiums.
Destination Guide
Delhi (New Delhi)

Delhi (New Delhi)

Delhi is the third largest city and consists of Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of India Between 17th and 19th centuries and now contains many mosques, monuments and forts relating to India's muslim history. The other Delhi is the imperial city created as the capital of India by the British. In addition to its historic interest and role as government center, Delhi is a major travel gateway. The architectural designs and sophistication that buildings in Delhi like Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Connaught Place and various administrative buildings like the South and North blocks along the breathtaking view available from Raj Path, show British influence. Modern Delhi has a cosmopolitan culture that nurtures festivals of all faiths and religions. Theatre, drama and entertainment of all sorts including discotheques are there.
Destination Guide

View Full Itinerary

Valid Date Ranges

December 2024
12/08/2024 12/20/2024 $2,554 per person
January 2025
01/12/2025 01/24/2025 $2,554 per person
01/26/2025 02/07/2025 $2,554 per person
February 2025
02/02/2025 02/14/2025 $2,554 per person
02/09/2025 02/21/2025 $2,554 per person
02/16/2025 02/28/2025 $2,554 per person
02/23/2025 03/07/2025 $2,554 per person
March 2025
03/23/2025 04/04/2025 $2,799 per person
April 2025
04/06/2025 04/18/2025 $2,799 per person
04/13/2025 04/25/2025 $2,799 per person
04/20/2025 05/02/2025 $2,799 per person
04/27/2025 05/09/2025 $2,799 per person
May 2025
05/04/2025 05/16/2025 $3,284 per person
05/11/2025 05/23/2025 $3,284 per person
05/18/2025 05/30/2025 $3,284 per person
05/25/2025 06/06/2025 $3,284 per person
July 2025
07/06/2025 07/18/2025 $3,649 per person
August 2025
08/03/2025 08/15/2025 $3,284 per person
08/31/2025 09/12/2025 $3,284 per person
September 2025
09/14/2025 09/26/2025 $3,999 per person
09/26/2025 10/08/2025 $3,999 per person
09/28/2025 10/10/2025 $3,999 per person
October 2025
10/03/2025 10/15/2025 $3,999 per person
10/05/2025 10/17/2025 $3,999 per person
10/10/2025 10/22/2025 $3,999 per person
10/12/2025 10/24/2025 $3,999 per person
10/17/2025 10/29/2025 $3,999 per person
10/19/2025 10/31/2025 $3,999 per person
10/24/2025 11/05/2025 $3,999 per person
10/26/2025 11/07/2025 $3,649 per person
November 2025
11/02/2025 11/14/2025 $3,649 per person
11/07/2025 11/19/2025 $3,649 per person
11/09/2025 11/21/2025 $3,649 per person
11/14/2025 11/26/2025 $3,649 per person
11/16/2025 11/28/2025 $3,649 per person
11/21/2025 12/03/2025 $3,649 per person
11/23/2025 12/05/2025 $3,649 per person
11/30/2025 12/12/2025 $3,649 per person
December 2025
12/07/2025 12/19/2025 $3,649 per person
12/28/2025 01/09/2026 $3,649 per person
January 2026
01/04/2026 01/16/2026 $3,649 per person
01/11/2026 01/23/2026 $3,649 per person
01/18/2026 01/30/2026 $3,649 per person
01/25/2026 02/06/2026 $3,649 per person
01/30/2026 02/11/2026 $3,649 per person
February 2026
02/01/2026 02/13/2026 $3,649 per person
02/06/2026 02/18/2026 $3,649 per person
02/08/2026 02/20/2026 $3,649 per person
02/13/2026 02/25/2026 $3,649 per person
02/15/2026 02/27/2026 $3,649 per person
02/20/2026 03/04/2026 $3,649 per person
02/22/2026 03/06/2026 $3,649 per person
02/27/2026 03/11/2026 $3,649 per person
March 2026
03/01/2026 03/13/2026 $3,649 per person
03/06/2026 03/18/2026 $3,649 per person
03/08/2026 03/20/2026 $3,649 per person
03/13/2026 03/25/2026 $3,649 per person
03/15/2026 03/27/2026 $3,649 per person
03/20/2026 04/01/2026 $3,999 per person
03/22/2026 04/03/2026 $3,999 per person
03/27/2026 04/08/2026 $3,999 per person
03/29/2026 04/10/2026 $3,999 per person
April 2026
04/03/2026 04/15/2026 $3,999 per person
04/05/2026 04/17/2026 $3,999 per person
04/10/2026 04/22/2026 $3,999 per person
04/12/2026 04/24/2026 $3,999 per person
04/17/2026 04/29/2026 $3,999 per person
04/19/2026 05/01/2026 $3,999 per person
04/26/2026 05/08/2026 $3,999 per person
May 2026
05/03/2026 05/15/2026 $3,649 per person
05/10/2026 05/22/2026 $3,649 per person
05/17/2026 05/29/2026 $3,649 per person
05/24/2026 06/05/2026 $3,649 per person
05/31/2026 06/12/2026 $3,649 per person
June 2026
06/28/2026 07/10/2026 $3,649 per person
July 2026
07/05/2026 07/17/2026 $3,649 per person
07/19/2026 07/31/2026 $3,649 per person
07/26/2026 08/07/2026 $3,649 per person
August 2026
08/02/2026 08/14/2026 $3,649 per person
08/09/2026 08/21/2026 $3,649 per person
08/16/2026 08/28/2026 $3,649 per person
08/23/2026 09/04/2026 $3,649 per person
08/30/2026 09/11/2026 $3,649 per person
September 2026
09/06/2026 09/18/2026 $3,999 per person
09/13/2026 09/25/2026 $3,999 per person
09/20/2026 10/02/2026 $3,999 per person
09/25/2026 10/07/2026 $3,999 per person
09/27/2026 10/09/2026 $3,999 per person
October 2026
10/02/2026 10/14/2026 $3,999 per person
10/04/2026 10/16/2026 $3,999 per person
10/09/2026 10/21/2026 $3,999 per person
10/11/2026 10/23/2026 $3,999 per person
10/16/2026 10/28/2026 $3,999 per person
10/18/2026 10/30/2026 $3,999 per person
10/23/2026 11/04/2026 $3,999 per person
10/25/2026 11/06/2026 $3,999 per person
10/30/2026 11/11/2026 $3,649 per person
November 2026
11/01/2026 11/13/2026 $3,649 per person
11/06/2026 11/18/2026 $3,649 per person
11/08/2026 11/20/2026 $3,649 per person
11/13/2026 11/25/2026 $3,649 per person
11/15/2026 11/27/2026 $3,649 per person
11/20/2026 12/02/2026 $3,649 per person
11/22/2026 12/04/2026 $3,649 per person
11/29/2026 12/11/2026 $3,649 per person
December 2026
12/06/2026 12/18/2026 $3,649 per person
12/13/2026 12/25/2026 $3,649 per person
12/20/2026 01/01/2027 $3,649 per person
12/27/2026 01/08/2027 $3,649 per person
Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change.  Please click here for a description of the travel style options provided by G Adventures. .

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
 

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.