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 and take you to the nearby Aerocity complex to check in.

Time to recover: Once arrived and checked 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)

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. Head outside the mosque and into the surrounding bazaars (closed on Sundays), which can be explored on foot or by rickshaw. Here you can witness centuries-old arts and crafts, where present owners may be of the 6th or 7th generation to ply the family trade. There are many typical and fascinating businesses here, including a marvellous old-fashioned shop where you can test Indian perfume (attar) from cut-glass bottles. You may also saunter through the main bridal street of Old Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, with its dazzling display of embroidered silk wedding sarees, beautiful bangles and colourful turbans for the bridegroom. Move on to the Khari Baoli, which is all about spices, and where dealers of rice, dal, dry fruits, nuts, and saffron have traded for more than 150 years. The smell of the spices will remain with you even after you have left the market and at this point you may want to stop for lunch (payable locally).

In the afternoon you will explore New Delhi taking in Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and a drive through Lutyens’ New Delhi. Humayun's Tomb is yet another magnificent Mughal building built in 1565-66 and set in a square enclosed garden. This finely proportioned sandstone and marble structure served as a model for the Taj Mahal. Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark - the Qutab Minar. This imposing victory tower (73 m) has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars embellish the courtyard of the nearby mosque, at the centre of which is the amazing Iron Pillar (4th-5th century A.D). Round out the day with a drive or walk through Lutyens’ New Delhi, taking in the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House), and Parliament House. After the sightseeing you will return to the hotel for some time at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Metropolitan Hotel & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Train journey to Agra: Early this morning, you will be collected from the hotel by your driver and transferred to New Delhi station. Here you will board the 08.10am Gatiman Express train, which arrives into Agra Cantanoment station at 09.50am. You will be booked into a 1st Class AC seated carriage for this journey. A simple breakfast will be supplied on board. At the other end you will be met by a new driver who will take you straight to your hotel to check in.

Guided tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal: After checking in, you will be taken for a tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Many of the events which led to the construction of the Taj Mahal took place in the famous Agra Fort. Construction of the Fort was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, with embellishments continually added until the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. The magnificent palaces, towers, bastions, ramparts and gateways symbolise the power of the mighty Mughals, and with its red sandstone wash Agra Fort is a striking partner to the Red Fort in Delhi.

The Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) has been described as a 'tear on the face of eternity', and is an enduring monument of love. The unique beauty of Taj Mahal is its blend of grandeur: a massive overall design, matched with immaculately intricate execution. Built by Mughal Emperor Shan Jehan in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal complex took 22 years to be completed and is today counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. Coated in shimmering white marble, the Taj is a mirror of daylight conditions and in the late afternoon it is bathed in delicate hues of amber and cream, giving way to a rich golden red as the sun falls. After time to look around and take pictures you will return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Trident Agra (Deluxe Garden View Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Jaipur: After breakfast, you will set off on the drive to Jaipur. This will be a journey of approximately 4-5 hours, depending on local traffic. Optional sightseeing stops can be made at the majestic abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, or perhaps at the magnificent stepwells at Abhaneri. Please discuss these options locally with your driver.

Walking tour of the Pink City: End the day with a walking tour of old Jaipur. Your local guide will meet you at the hotel and together you will explore the bazaars between the Badi (Large) and Chhoti (Small) Chaupar (Square) in the old city of Jaipur, featuring some of the best sights that the city has to offer. You will be taken through the labyrinth of colourful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts. You will visit the jewellery market or Johari Bazaar, explore architecturally interesting havelis (mansions), and stop by bangle shops in Maniharonka Rasta and the flower sellers near Choti Chaupar.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Dera Mandawa (Suite Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of Jaipur: Start today with a visit to Jaipur’s intriguing milk market, where dairy farmers from across the region congregate to trade on a wholesale basis. Observe the intriguing ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk, and take a front row seat as negotiations unfold. Afterwards continue to Amber Fort – a stunning fort which holds a hilltop position above the city. ‘Amer’ was the former capital of Jaipur state; construction of this key fort began in 16th century, with embellishments continually added by successive rulers. A comprehensive look around the Fort should include the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful manicured gardens.

In the afternoon you will continue uncovering Jaipur’s highlights with visits to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (a medieval observatory) and a drive past Hawa Mahal (palace of winds). The City Palace is situated in the heart of the city. The whole complex is wonderfully laid out with large courtyards, balconies, cupolas, arched entrances and gardens, which are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The museum here displays the rich heritage of the Jaipur family in miniature paintings, textiles, garments, books & manuscripts, carpets, palanquins and weapons dating back to the 15th century. Moving on to Jantar Mantar, this medieval observatory has a curious collection of sculptures which were used to calculate astronomical and astrological events. Each of these structures were built following relentless study of books, manuscripts and discussions with scholars from all over the world. Finally, you will take a quick look at Hawa Mahal. Constructing in 1799, the Palace of Winds is a landmark of Jaipur city, although it is little more than a façade. The five-storey structure, built to enable the women of the harem to observe of the comings and goings of the outside world, without being seen themselves. After the sightseeing return to your hotel to relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Dera Mandawa (Suite Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Jaipur to Delhi: After a leisurely morning you will be picked up and transferred by road back to Delhi. You will spend the final night of your trip at a comfortable hotel close to Delhi's International Airport. This will be a journey of approximately 5 hours, depending on local traffic. On arrival check in and relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: 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.

Flight: KB205 Delhi - Paro 06.35 - 09.25

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.

Private transfer to Thimphu with sightseeing: On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be welcomed to Bhutan by your guide and then set off on the drive to Thimphu. 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. On arrival in Thimphu you will check into your hotel and lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Guided tour of Thimphu: This afternoon walk around the town and soak up the atmosphere of this magical capital with its busy shops and bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress. You can then visit some of the nearby sights such as the Radio Tower which offers splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags, the Takin Reserve which showcases the unique national animal, the Takin, or a visit to the Changangkha Temple which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the town and to which devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. The temple also contains beautiful wall paintings and hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold. Afterwards return to your hotel for dinner.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Hotel Tashi Yoedling (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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. This afternoon is also a good time to visit the local handicraft shops and purchase some souvenirs. Please let your guide if there is anything in particular that takes your interest.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Hotel Tashi Yoedling (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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.  Subject to season you will be greeted by a wonderful array of blooming flowers such as rhododendron, magnolia, primula and cotoneaster. The people of Thinleygang village mainly used this trail in the old days to move their cattle up to the pass in summer and back to the village in winter. You will stop for a picnic lunch along the way and if you are lucky you will see some beautiful birds as you continue on to the end of the walk. 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.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Hotel Lobesa (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Guided tour of Punakha: 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 to view 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.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Hotel Lobesa (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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 was 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.

Guided tour of Paro: After checking in you will have time to look around Paro. The town is situated in a beautiful valley at a height of 2,280 metres and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant and afterwards you will visit the ruined Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of victory), which was built to commemorate victory over the Tibetan invaders in 1644, but destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Nearby you can also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Tashi Namgay Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Guided tour of Paro and surrounds: 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)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Paro International Airport for your Druk Air flight to Kathmandu Airport.

Flight: KB204 Paro - Kathmandu 11.30 - 12.15

Guided sightseeing around Kathmandu: Welcome to Nepal! You will be met on arrival by a private guide and driver. They will take you for a quick tour of sights closest to the airport, including the majestic Boudanath Stupa, the revered cremation grounds around Pashupatinath, and (time-willing) the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Road journey from Kathmandu to Nagarkot: You will then drive up to your peaceful hill lodge in Nagarkot, a journey of around 1.5 hours.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Club Himalaya Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure: Today is free to explore the Nagarkot area independently and relax at your hotel. If you would like to pre-book either hiking or mountain biking please let us know in advance.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Club Himalaya Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast