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From India's vibrant cities to the happiest country on Earth, this 13-day trip through India and Bhutan knows how to pack in the best of the best. In India, you'll become acquainted with three very different northern cities and the colourful rural life of Rajasthan, before witnessing the mesmerizing beauty of the Taj Mahal - truly one of the wonders of the world. Next, you're off to Bhutan to meet smiling monks, walk stunning mountain paths, and explore iconic dzongs that dot the ancient and storied Trans Bhutan Trail.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), comfortable tented camp (1 nt).
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport
Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi
Your G for Good Moment: Anoothi Block Printing Experience, Jaipur
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Sustainable Development Fees. Agra Fort visit. Taj Mahal visit. I'timad-ud-daulah (Baby Taj) entrance. Fatephur Sikri visit. Jaipur City Palace entrance and guided tours. Abhaneri stepwell visit. Memorial Chorten & Motithang Takin Preserve visit. Chimi Lakhang Hike. Explore Paro Dzong and Archery grounds. Free time in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Hike to Taktsang Monastery Tiger's Nest. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Explore the modern and ancient sides of Delhi, Bask in the magnificent of the Taj Mahal, Visit various dzongs and Buddhist gompas in Bhutan, Experience the Dragon Kingdom with cultural interactions at a local farm, Take in the views of the stunning Himalayans.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you're in India on March 14, 2025 or March 4, 2026 for the nation's most colourful festival.
Private vehicle, taxis, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, 4x4, walking.
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket
Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Max 18, avg 14.
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Please be advised that any flights noted on the G Adventures Itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by G Adventures during the tour. The date for this service will match the day of the itinerary, for which Day 1 is equal to the start date noted on the Invoice under Land Services: Tour. If flight information is required in advance for visa purposes, please contact G Adventures.
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
As of May 2023 the exchange rate for INDIA was 1 USD = 81.76 INR (Indian Rupees). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.
Jaipur
- Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie (200-400INR per person)
- Jantar Mantar Visit (200INR per person, 1000INR per group)
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person)
- Jaipur Cooking Class with a local family
- Jaipur Cycle Tour
- Jaipur Balloon Ride
Paro
- Ta Dzong National Museum
- Rimpung Dzong Visit
- Drukgyal Dzong Visit
- Kyichu Lhakhang Temple Visit
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
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For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
Your included arrival transfer will be provided by our G Adventures-supported project Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for a local woman from a resource poor community. You will be greeted by a trained driver from the project with a G Adventures sign with your name on it. The drivers mostly wait outside between exit Gate number 4 and 5.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call our transfer representatives in Delhi. Our airport representatives can be reached at the Sakha Call Centre at +91 92787-08888.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
Enjoy a youth-led walk through the backstreets of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. Observe a different perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth in the community. Later, explore Old Delhi and travel onward to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
Set eyes on the sparkling Taj Mahal at sunrise before exploring more of this famous landmark. In the afternoon, visit the I'timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and the Agra Fort.
Stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the now-deserted former capital of the Mughals, and a stunningly preserved UNESCO site. Visit the Abhaneri Stepwell and marvel at this uniquely Indian water harvesting system. In the afternoon, travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent then opt to relax by the fire and take in the starry night sky.
At Dhula Village you will have the opportunity to learn about local life, play a fun game of cricket, relax in the peaceful atmosphere, or take a cycle to explore the surroundings.
Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.
Continue to the pink city of Jaipur. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project before arriving at your hotel. Built according to Hindu architectural principles, Jaipur utilizes a unique organization unlike anywhere else in India.
Enjoy a visit to the Amber Fort, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. After, visit the City Palace and have a photo opportunity at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).
Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family.
If you aren't afraid of heights, opt for a morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur. Return to Delhi in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore more of the bustling city.
Admire the Pink City from above by pre-booking the morning Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.
Today the group will travel from Delhi to Paro. After arriving at Paro Airport we will transfer to our accommodation in Thimphu a little over an hour away. This evening you will have free time to become acquainted with the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.
Visit the National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Point, and Motithang Takin Preserve. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong.
In the evening, visit the Tashi Chhoedzong, known as the "Fortress of Glorious Religion", initially built in 1702. Today, it houses the main secretariat building, the central monk body, and the office of the king.
Travel to Punakha in the morning crossing Dochula Pass. After a pleasant stop for views enjoy a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple learning about its historical significance. In the afternoon explore the stunning Punakha Dzong.
Take a scenic drive back to Paro this morning with a few stops en route. Upon arrival the group will visit the Paro Dzong as well as the local archery grounds. This evening you'll have free time to wander and indulge as you please.
Enjoy a morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). The hike is about 7km and offers a chance to visit 13 holy relics, at a place considered to be one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. After finishing the hike you'll have the rest of the evening free to explore more of Paro on your own before one last dinner with the group.
Depart at any time. Airport transfer included.
Your CEO will help arrange your transfer to the airport and all exit formalities before your journey home.
Details
Prices from: €3349.00
Duration: 13 Days
Trip Type: Small Group
Travel Style: Classic
Merchandising: New Trips
Merchandising: Planeterra Project
Service Level: Standard
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Prices from: €3349.00
13 day Classic tour
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