The wonders of Nepal, Bhutan and India

Day 3-5: Pokhara, Nepal

Choose from a private drive (the scenic drive will take around 8 hours) or a short flight to Pokhara. Soak up magnificent lake views in this charming relaxed city, a total contrast to Kathmandu. Stay for three nights in our favourite lodge set on a hilltop with incredible valley views, homely service and delicious food.

Your time in Pokhara is spent hiking nearby trails: from easy scenic ambles to more challenging routes. Take a boat trip across Lake Phewa, explore markets, visit museums and try some fantastic local restaurants.

Would you like to include a longer point-to-point hike during your time in the Nepal? Ask our experts about adding on a 4-6 night private trek from Pokhara, staying in simple mountain lodges accompanied by an expert trekking guide and sherpas.

Day 7-8: Thimphu, Bhutan

Catch your international flight from Kathmandu to Paro. On arrival meet your private guide and driver and begin your adventure in this mystical Kingdom.

Drive to Thimpu (around one hour) and visit the National Memorial Chorten and the striking Buddha Dordenma statue, before donning your walking boots and heading out for an easy hike to Changankha lhakhang. Relax in the afternoon, trying out some local cuisine, ambling around the Thimphu Farmers’ market and soaking up the cultures of this fascinating country.

The next day explore the Royal Textile Academy and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Be fascinated by a trip to the Takin Preserve and stop by the post office to create your own personalised stamp.

Day 11-12: Gangtey, Bhutan

Depart Punakha for Phobjikha for a three hour drive through beautiful Himalayan scenery. The Gangtey Valley is renowned for wonderful walking trails and picturesque views. Rest and relax on your first afternoon, taking some relaxed strolls to view points. In the evening participate in evening prayers at Shedra, a uniquely memorable experience.

Visit Gangtey Goemba followed by a wonderful hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail for some memorable Himalayan scenes. Visit the Black-necked Crane Centre, witnessing these incredible creatures up close while learning more about the ongoing efforts to protect them.

Day 15-16: Delhi, India

Say goodbye to The Land of The Thunder Dragon and transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi and begin the Rajasthan leg of you incredible adventure. Meet your private guide and driver, transfer to your hotel to relax and settle into India. Take a guided evening tour of the Lodhi Garden complex, to get a feel for the city.

The next day visit the medieval Jama Mosque followed by a walking/rickshaw tour of traditional business of Old Delhi, exploring centuries old arts and crafts. Amble through the old streets taking in the sights, colours and sensory wonders of this fascinating city.

See the famed Lutyens Delhi, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House) and the old Parliament House. Stop over at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a fascinating Sikh temple and Humayun’s Tomb – a magnificent Mughal building.

Day 19-20: Ramathra, India

Transfer to Ramathra, a scenic five hour drive away deep into rural Rajasthan. The next two nights will be spent in a stunning fort-hotel with incredible views of the countryside and lake, delicious Indian cuisine and warm hospitality.

Choose from one of many excursions offered at the fort, from a boat trip across the lake to spot rich birdlife, or a jeep safari to discover forts, caves and wildlife. Enjoy the walking tour of Ramathra Village, through a small hamlet of farmers and herders. Away from tourists, this top Travel Differently experience offers a peaceful opportunity to appreciate rural life in India.

Day 23-24: Jaipur, India

Moving from the jungle to the Pink City, drive around three hours to Jaipur. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is known as the ‘pink city’ due to the colour of the buildings in its old walled city. Steeped in history and culture, a visit to Jaipur is a real cultural treat as the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, where maharajas once lived.

Visit the incredible Amber Fort, stopping at the miraculous Palace of Mirrors adorned with millions of tiny glistening mirrors. Continue to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and drive past Hawa Mahal.

Finish this fascinating day with a walking tour of Old Jaipur, witnessing bazaars, colourful alleyways where artisans set up their handicrafts and of course, sample some traditional Indian street food.

Day 27-28: Jawai, India

Time for a Travel differently highlight, as you journey around three hours deeper into rural Rajasthan, through Rabari villages and past cattle-herders, into Jawai.

This is THE place to spot leopards, which you should be lucky enough to experience both on a jeep safari and roaming freely in the rocky wilderness.

Stay in one of our favourite luxury tented camps, surrounded by nature, peace and the distance sound of wildlife.  Your time here is spend on jeep safari at sunrise and in the afternoon looking out for these magical creatures. Enjoy your down time relaxing in camp, sit by the pool with a cocktail or treat yourself to a massage.

Day 31: Delhi, India

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi, where you will have a final day to soak up the city, go shopping, try some more delicious north-Indian cuisine, or simply sit, relax and watch the busy world go by outside your hotel.