Country(ies): Bhutan , Nepal , India
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 12
Accommodation: 3-4 star hotels, village homestay
Meals:
Transport: A/C minibus/people-carrier
Highlights: Kathmandu's temples & stupas, Paro Dzong & National Museum, Thimphu market, Dochu La Pass, Punakha Dzong, Phobjika Valley, Taktshang monastery, Local food & culture, Himalayan scenery, easy hikes, Delhi, Agra & Taj Mahal
This 15-day tour offers an immersive cultural journey through Nepal, Bhutan, and India, combining historic landmarks, scenic landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences. You’ll begin with your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal, where you can unwind and explore the vibrant district of Thamel. The next days include guided tours to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath, rich in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. You’ll also have the option to take a breathtaking Everest-viewing flight, setting the tone for an incredible adventure.
The journey continues in Bhutan with a scenic flight over the Himalayas to Paro, where you’ll visit Ta Dzong and Paro Dzong, delving into Bhutan’s rich history and cultural heritage. Highlights include the stunning views from Dochu La Pass, the dramatic Punakha Dzong, and a special stay in a traditional village homestay in the tranquil Phobjikha Valley. During your homestay in Gangtey, you’ll be welcomed by a local family, sharing meals and learning about Bhutanese daily life. A nature walk and a visit to the Gangtey Monastery give you the chance to fully experience the valley’s natural beauty and cultural traditions.
In India, you’ll explore the vibrant capital, Delhi, visiting landmarks like India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and the bustling markets of Old Delhi. Your journey to Agra includes a visit to Sheroes Hangout, a cafe run by survivors of acid attacks, and a community-led Mughal Heritage Walk through local villages. Sunrise at the Taj Mahal promises an unforgettable moment, followed by a visit to the historic Agra Fort. On your last day, you can explore more of Delhi independently or enjoy optional excursions before returning home. This tour provides an enriching blend of cultural immersion, historic exploration, and breathtaking scenery, with the homestay in Gangtey as a memorable highlight in your Bhutanese experience.
We also offer the option to book the India and Bhutan sections of this tour separately:
Bhutan Encounters & India Express
If you would like to experience only Nepal, you may consider our Nepal Express tour.
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Several of our departures on this tour take place during festivals in Bhutan. These festivals, or Tsechus, are a fantastic time to visit the country, with parades and masked dances taking place in and around the Dzongs. On these dates we may adjust the itinerary slightly to make the most of being there during the festival. We also encourage you to book early on these dates as flights in and out of Bhutan can sell out well in advance at these times.
If you are looking for a tour and not finding what you are looking for, have a look at our best other related tours to check out for your travel plans. At Encounters Travel, we offer a variety of tours to suit your needs. So sit back, relax, and let us help you plan the perfect getaway.
Small-group departure dates & prices are given below. Departures on festival dates may have slightly adjusted itineraries. The tour is also available privately on any other date for a small supplement. Please contact us for info.
The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination youre visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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