| Date | March, 29, 2025, May, 10, 2026 |
|---|
€4,800
Great Opportunity to discover the magic of Bhutan and India—a blend of spirituality, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Explore Bhutan’s serene monasteries, then dive into India’s iconic landmarks and rich traditions. Join us for a journey of unique experiences and unforgettable moments.
6 in stock
Bhutan is a small landlocked country in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and commitment to preserving its environment and traditional way of life. Bhutan is also famous for its Gross National Happiness Index, which measures the well-being of its citizens.
There are several reasons why one should visit Bhutan. Firstly, it offers a unique cultural experience that is unlike any other in the world. Bhutanese traditions and customs are deeply rooted in Buddhism. Visitors can witness colourful festivals, visit ancient monasteries and temples, and explore traditional villages.
India is Bhutan’s closest partner in terms of geography, trade, investment, and politics. The two countries are intertwined in many ways, but as travel experiences, they couldn’t be more different! India offers hustle, bustle, and iconic sightseeing, while Bhutan provides serenity, tradition, and insight into a fascinating and fiercely protected national culture. This tour covers the main highlights of both countries, exploring three distinctly different locations in each, and includes an end-of-tour stop in Delhi. The itinerary is designed to showcase the best of both countries compactly and comprehensively.
Tour Highlights
BHUTAN – Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and many important sites in Bhutan, including some walking.
INDIA – Part of The Indian Golden Triangle, including New Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), and Mathura (Ancient Hindu city) Sikkim.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Meet & greet, transfer to hotel: Welcome to India! You will be met on arrival in Delhi by a local representative and introduced to your private driver. Together they will take you to the nearby Aerocity complex to check in. Time to recover: Once arrive and check-in, you have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax after your long flight.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa (Deluxe Room)
Day 2: Sightseeing and Briefing
Guided tour of Old & New Delhi: This morning meet up with your guide and set out to explore Old Delhi. Start at Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. Its construction started in 1644 and it ended up the final act of architectural extravagance of legendary ruler Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Evening At the hotel.
Day 3: Fly to BHUTAN
At the appropriate time today, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Delhi Airport for your Druk Air Flight to Paro International Airport. Meet & Greet: On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be welcomed to Bhutan by your guide and you will then transfer to your hotel. Paro is situated in a beautiful valley at a height of 2,280 metres and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. The short 1 hour drive will take you along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu which is Bhutan’s capital. On the way you can make a stop to take in the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at Hotel Tashi Yoedling (Deluxe Room)
Day 4: Capital Of Bhutan Thimpu
Guided sightseeing in and around Thimphu: This morning visit the weekly market, the revered Memorial Chorten, the National Library and the School of Traditional Arts. You may also like to visit the newly opened postal museum, detailing the history of Bhutan’s postal system and showcasing Bhutan’s rich assortment of interesting stamps. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. In the afternoon you will visit Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 1629 AD) just outside the town and afterwards Tashicho (Trashi Chhoe) Dzong, built in 1641, which housed the original National Assembly and is now home to Government offices, the throne room & offices of the King.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at Hotel Tashi Yoedling (Deluxe Room)
Day 5: Punakha
Private road journey to Punakha with trek en route: This morning, drive to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La Pass at 3,050 metres, where you will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges weather permitting. About 15 minutes from Dochu La Pass (just below the tourist cafeteria) you will set out on an easy 5-hour hike downhill towards Thinleygang Village passing through a forest of oak, maple, alder, hemlock and fir. Having reached the village of Thinleygang you will meet up with your driver who will then transfer you the rest of the way to Punakha. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
Day 6: Punakha Tour
This morning visit the imposing Punakha Dzong also known as “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers: the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. You may be interested in viewing an exhibition of traditional Bhutanese cantilever bridges (known as bazams) in the tower of the Puna Mo Chu Bazam. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant. Afterwards, take a pleasant walk for an hour or so across terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Afterwards you can visit a local farmhouse for tea, allowing you to experience traditional Bhutanese village life, and then return to your hotel in time for dinner.
Day 7: Punakha to Paro
Morning hike in Punakha: In the morning, hike an hour or so up to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, which sits high on the hill across the other side of the valley. Here you will get some good views of Punakha and the surrounding countryside. After the walk, you will have an early lunch.
Private road journey to Paro: After the sightseeing, you will set off on the 4-hour drive to Paro which will take you over the Dochu La Pass again and if the weather is not clear on the way out, hopefully, you will get to see the amazing views on the way back. After checking into your hotel there will be time for a quick orientation tour around this small town.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at Tashi Namgay Resort (Deluxe Room)
Day 08: Hike to Tiger Nest Monastery
Today take a day walk to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor and is one of the most famous images of Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery. This afternoon, on the way back to Paro, you will visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. Arrive back at your hotel for your last night of the tour.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at Tashi Namgay Resort (Deluxe Room)
Day 9: Paro To Phuentsholing
Today we will slowly wake up and have breakfast, early morning walk to the monastery, and then in the afternoon we will take the journey to the Phuentsholing Border with India, after clearing immigration we will cross the border and spend the night in the Indian side of Town.
Day 10: Visit Sikkim
Today we will travel by Jeep to Sikkim, once it was the kingdom and now part of India, Sikkim is in between Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet and the south of India. Sikkim is part of India but its unique culture is still alive, our main aim is to visit Sikkim villages and do village hiking. Today we will take the Journey to Namchi.
Day 11: Namchi To pelling.
Today we will travel from Namchi to Pelling via Ravangla, along the way we will stop for a Monastery visit and you may get lucky to see third third-highest mountain in the world today from Ravangla and Pelling. Peeling is a hill station that attracts many domestic tourists to see Mt Kanchanjunga ( third highest peak in the world)
Day 12: Pelling, Gayzing, Lower Tikjeck
Today we will do proper village hiking to experience Sikkim’s rural life and culture(for those who can’t hike we have options for them, with different activities) walking in the village will be a great experience of how people live. Spend the Night in Pelling
Day 13: Travel to Gangtok
Today we will take another Jeep drive to the modern city and the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok and spend the night in Gangtok, evening we will explore the town and experience the local cuisine.
Day 14: Today Buddhist monastery and walking.
Today we will explore the Gangtok with the foot, connecting with all the main places including the old Sikkim palace and the oldest important Buddhist monastery in Sikkim. This is our last night in Sikkim.
Day 15: Depart Sikkim and travel to Agra
We will take the early flight possible from Pakhim airport to Delhi, the only airport in Sikkim. From Delhi, we will travel to Agra to experience the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world.
Day 16: Agra to Mathura
Early morning with the sunrise we will experience the beauty of the Taj Mahal, and after visiting the Tajmahal we will return to the hotel for Breakfast, then we will travel to the Hindu city of Mathura for the night.
Day 17: Back to Delhi
Today we will return to Delhi and in the afternoon we will explore markets and people can do last bit of colourful fabrics and spices to take home. Night in Delhi with Last Indian Dinner.
Day 18: Return to Home
Today we will finally return home with an amazing experience of three different regions and 2 countries and 4 religions in the 18-day tour, it a once in a lifetime trip.
For this trip a 1000 Euro deposit is essential.
Price includes
- Sikkim visit
Price excludes
- Indian Multiple Entry Visa Fees( we will advise how to apply for an Indian visa in Dublin)
- Personal clothing and shoes or any personal items.
- Drinking water/any alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
- Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, telephone calls, laundry, extra mileage, and any additional costs incurred due to natural calamities, flight delays, etc.
- Personal insurance and medical expenses.
- Expenses arising due to cancellation of flights, strikes, landslides, snowfall, or unforeseen uncertainties beyond the control of Namaste Nomad.
- Liability for or against theft, loss of goods, injury, accidents, etc.
- Personal medications.
- Personal travel/medical/cancellation/rescue insurance (Please obtain comprehensive medical insurance/accidental insurance, including evacuation by helicopter due to any emergencies that may arise)
- Any rescue costs (helicopter evacuation/using horse, etc.)
- Costs associated (transportation, accommodation, and meals) with the trek finishing early for any reason OR with you leaving an expedition early for any reason OR extending a trip due to bad weather or other circumstances.
- Extra baggage weight during international flights; any extra is payable directly
- Tips to staff and guide.
- Any item not mentioned in the above “The cost includes”.
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