North India & Bhutan Holiday: From Rajasthan to the Himalayas
23 days from £8,143 pp
Our North India & Bhutan Holiday is a private, 23-day tailor-made tour pairing Rajasthan’s forts, palaces and wildlife with Bhutan’s Himalayan valleys. Experience the Taj Mahal, look for tigers in Ranthambore and leopards in Jawai, and stay at Ramathra Fort in rural Rajasthan. Then fly to Bhutan for Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and hike to Tiger’s Nest. Prices start from £8,143 per person and include private guides and drivers throughout, your Bhutan visa and the daily Sustainable Development Fee. This trip suits travellers with three weeks who want culture, wildlife and mountains at an unhurried pace.
Trip Highlights
- Experience extraordinary wildlife in two very different landscapes
- Explore India’s great cultural icons
- Travel beyond the classic route into rural Rajasthan
- Contrast India with Bhutan’s peaceful Himalayan valleys
Our Expert Tip
”This trip makes sure to capture the slower, quieter moments in India, in beautiful countryside forts and charming safari lodges”
Holly, India and Bhutan Expert
Rajasthan & Bhutan Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1-2: Delhi, India
Arrive in Delhi to begin the North India part of your incredible adventure. Meet your private guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel to relax and settle in.
The next day, visit the medieval Jama Masjid before exploring Old Delhi by rickshaw and on foot. Afterwards, wander through centuries-old lanes, discovering traditional crafts, colourful markets, rich aromas and the sensory energy of this fascinating city. Finally, drive past Lutyens’ Delhi and Rashtrapati Bhavan before stopping at Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent Mughal masterpiece.
Day 3: Agra – The Taj Mahal, India
Take an early train to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal.
With your guide, explore Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal, timing your visit around sunset. Built largely from red sandstone, meanwhile, mighty Agra Fort shares a striking resemblance with Delhi’s Red Fort.
The Taj Mahal, closed on Fridays, has been described as a “tear on the face of eternity” and remains one of the world’s great monuments to love. Moreover, its unique beauty combines grand design with intricate detail, creating a truly memorable travel moment. Overnight in Agra.
Day 4-5: Ramathra Fort, India
Travel deep into rural Rajasthan for two nights in a beautiful fort hotel, with sweeping views over the countryside and lake. Enjoy warm hospitality and delicious Indian cuisine.
Choose from a range of excursions from Ramathra Fort, from a boat trip across the lake to spot rich birdlife to a jeep safari in search of forts, caves and wildlife. Meanwhile far from the tourist trail, this Travel Differently experience offers a peaceful glimpse of rural life in India.
Day 6-7: Ranthambore National Park, India
An incredible tiger experience awaits next, just two hours away at Ranthambore National Park. Stay at Khem Villas, charming cottages in the heart of the park, with fantastic access to the lake, palaces, cenotaphs and the majestic thousand-year-old fort overlooking the landscape.
Experience the thrill of an early-morning open-top jeep safari in search of elusive tigers and other remarkable wildlife. Safari permits in Ranthambore are limited and sell out early, so we book yours well in advance. Then later between safaris, soak up the sights and sounds of the jungle, relax in your cottage and enjoy delicious North Indian food.
Day 8-9: Jaipur, India
Next, add contrast to your North India and Bhutan holiday, journeying from the jungle to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s vibrant Pink City. Known for the rose-coloured buildings of its old walled centre, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture, with magnificent forts and palaces that bring its royal past to life.
Afterwards visit Amber Fort, the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, then drive past the iconic Hawa Mahal.
Later, end the day with a walking tour of Old Jaipur, exploring lively bazaars, colourful alleyways and artisan workshops, with the chance to sample traditional Indian street food.
Day 10-11: Jodhpur, India
Continue to Jodhpur, where your guide will take you to Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s largest and most impressive forts, renowned for its grandeur and beauty.
Nearby, visit Jaswant Thada, a 19th-century royal cenotaph built in white marble and home to rare portraits of Jodhpur’s rulers.
Then discover Jodhpur’s famed Blue City on a guided walking tour through meandering alleyways and crowded bazaars, exploring its hidden corners at an easy pace.
Day 12-13: Jawai, India
A true Travel Differently highlight, Jawai takes you deeper into rural Rajasthan, through villages and past cattle herders into a remote rocky wilderness known for leopard sightings.
Here, stay at one of our favourite luxury tented camps, Jawai Leopard Camp. Surrounded by nature, peace and the distant sounds of wildlife, spend your time on sunrise and afternoon safaris. Look out for these remarkable big cats, then later unwind in camp by the pool or with a massage.
Day 14: Udaipur, India
This morning, drive around an hour to the remarkable Jain temples of Ranakpur, among the largest and most important Jain temples in India.
Next continue towards Udaipur and head out with your guide to explore the city, visiting the City Palace, Sahelion-ki-Bari and Jagdish Temple.
The vast City Palace towers over the lake and is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Afterwards at Sahelion-ki-Bari, admire elegant gardens with manicured lawns, lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains.
Day 15: Delhi, India
Next catch a flight back to Delhi where you can enjoy more time exploring with your guide, or have a relaxed day in one of the city’s wonderful hotels. Finally, prepare for your flight to Bhutan, the next day. Flights to Paro are limited, so we secure yours as part of your booking.
Day 16-17: Thimphu, Bhutan
Fly from Delhi to Paro, where your private guide and driver will meet you on arrival and take you onward to Thimphu to begin your Bhutan adventure. Bhutan requires every visitor to travel with a licensed guide; yours, from our ground partner, is with you throughout. First, visit the National Memorial Chorten and the striking Buddha Dordenma statue before an easy hike to Changangkha Lhakhang.
In the afternoon, relax over local cuisine, wander through Thimphu Farmers’ Market and soak up the culture of this fascinating Himalayan kingdom afterwards.
The next day, explore the Royal Textile Academy and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum.
Day 18-19: Punakha, Bhutan
Drive around two hours to the Punakha Valley, where the landscape becomes more varied and dramatic. Along the way stop at Dochu La Pass for breathtaking views and photo opportunities, then settle into a peaceful, comfortable hotel in the heart of the valley.
Next, visit Chimi Lhakhang and the famous Punakha Dzong, then cross the impressive Punakha suspension bridge. Afterwards, if conditions allow, choose a rafting trip with an expert team along the Punakha River.
Later, lace up your walking boots for a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, where you can take in sweeping views and fresh mountain air.
Day 20-21: Gangtey, Bhutan
Depart Punakha for Phobjikha, a three-hour drive through beautiful Himalayan scenery. The Gangtey Valley is known for its walking trails and wonderful views, so spend your first afternoon relaxing with gentle strolls to nearby viewpoints.
In the evening, join prayers at the Shedra (monastic school).
Begin with a visit to Gangtey Goemba before hiking the Gangtey Nature Trail, with memorable Himalayan views along the way. Afterwards, continue to the Black-necked Crane Centre to see these remarkable birds up close and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
Day 22-23: Paro, Bhutan
A longer drive day takes you back to Paro for the final two nights of your North India and Bhutan holiday.
Stay in a comfortable hotel, perfectly placed for exploring on foot. Next visit the intriguing Ta Dzong, then stop at a local farmhouse to learn more about the Bhutanese way of life.
Saving the best until last, your final day in Bhutan takes you to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. With your guide, hike the famous the 4–5 hour route and take in the unique spiritual setting that awaits. Altogether this is a truly memorable travel moment.
Got a month? Add Kathmandu and Pokhara on our 31-day Rajasthan, Bhutan & Nepal Tour.
When to Go
Best time to visit Rajasthan and Bhutan
The best time to start this trip is October or November, when Rajasthan is warm and dry, its parks are open, and Bhutan’s autumn skies are clearest. Starting in late February or March is also excellent. December and January bring crisp colder Bhutan days with the chance of snow blocking roads. Avoid June to September, when the monsoon arrives and Ranthambore’s main safari zones close. Ask us which dates suit you best.
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
- Bhutan visa cost and daily SDF
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost aside from Bhutan
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
