India to Bhutan Cultural Explorer

New Delhi

Arrive at New Delhi's international airport, the city that never sleeps. You’ll be taken to a luxury hotel to freshen up after your journey. Later, visit some of the city’s top modern art galleries like Vadehra, Gallery Espace, Anant Art and Delhi Art Gallery. You’ll get to see the creative side of India. Then, shop in a local market where colourful stalls and street life is the real Delhi. Back to the hotel in the evening for a peaceful night.

New Delhi

Today is all about New Delhi’s many religions. Meet a local expert on Eastern religions to learn about Hinduism, Jainism, Parsism, Sikhism, Islam and Buddhism. Lunch at Chandni Chowk, one of Old Delhi’s most famous areas for thick and spicy curry. In the afternoon, visit historic landmarks like the mighty Red Fort, the peaceful Jama Masjid mosque and Qutub Minar, the soaring stone tower. These monuments are a reflection of the city’s layered history. After a day of insight and discovery, back to the hotel to unwind and have a relaxing evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

New Delhi

Calcutta

Fly to Calcutta, the city of the British East India Company. On arrival, you’ll be taken to The Oberoi Grand, a beautiful and historic hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Tollygunge Club, a sports institution for over a hundred years. Later, walk through the city’s colonial district passing landmarks like the grand General Post Office and the National Library. The mix of British era buildings and Indian life is unique. End the day with a quiet evening at the hotel, enjoying the calm and comfort after exploring this old world city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Calcutta

Your second day in Calcutta starts at the historic Calcutta Polo Club, one of the oldest in the world. You might even have lunch with the Maharaja of Burdwan, a rare opportunity to see royal traditions up close. In the afternoon, visit Mother Teresa’s Mother House where her work continues and where she is laid to rest. This peaceful place shares her life’s story and legacy. Back to the hotel for a fine dinner and a comfortable evening. Today is a mix of old traditions, colonial stories and human connections at the heart of the city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Darjeeling

Travel to Darjeeling, a peaceful town in West Bengal in the Himalayas, famous for its tea. Darjeeling is uniquely located near the borders of neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, giving it a rich colonial history and easy accessibility from other regions. Stay at Glenburn Tea Estate, set amidst green hills with stunning views of the tea plantations. Take a short ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the charming toy train that winds through the mountains. Cross a suspension bridge to reach Manjitar Village and experience life in this remote area. In the afternoon, visit Hayden Hall, a local project that supports women and children in need. Today is a combination of scenic beauty, heritage and community spirit and ends with a peaceful evening at the estate among the tea gardens.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Darjeeling

Darjeeling

Start the day with a visit to Ghoom Monastery, a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist site with a large Buddha statue and rare old texts. It’s a calm place that gives you a sense of Darjeeling’s spiritual life. Later, back to Glenburn Estate for a guided tour of the tea gardens. The estate manager will explain how tea is grown and made, from leaf to cup. You’ll also get to taste freshly brewed Darjeeling tea. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, perhaps taking in the mountain views or a quiet walk around the estate.

Meals Included: Breakfast

GANGTOK

Drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Check into the charming Hotel Nor Khill, known for its royal history and beautiful views. In the afternoon, visit a local flower farm filled with orchids and other colourful blooms. This peaceful place is a nice break from city life. In the evening, you’ll be hosted to a special dinner by members of the Sikkim royal family. A rare opportunity to learn about local traditions and history while enjoying good food in elegant surroundings.

Meals Included: Breakfast

GANGTOK

Start the day with a helicopter ride over the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of the highest mountain in the world. On clear days, you can even see Mount Everest during the helicopter ride. This is a thrilling way to see the beauty of Sikkim from above. After landing, back to the hotel for some rest. In the evening, enjoy a Sikkimese dinner made with fresh local ingredients. A perfect way to end the day—full of flavour, comfort and warm hospitality in the peaceful hill town of Gangtok.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KALIMPONG

Travel to Kalimpong, the peaceful hill station in the Himalayas. This town has a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture and lovely views of the mountains. Check into Elgin Silver Oaks, a heritage hotel with colonial charm. Spend the day exploring Kalimpong’s quiet streets and spiritual atmosphere. Visit local sights and take time to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Whether walking through quiet lanes or relaxing with a view, today is a slower pace and a chance to absorb the unique character of this Himalayan retreat.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KALIMPONG

Start the day at Kalimpong’s flower market, famous for its orchids and other flowers. Then walk through the town to see its old colonial buildings and peaceful temples. Visit Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, a Buddhist monastery with beautiful views and sacred texts. In the afternoon, if you’re feeling energetic, take an optional hike through the hills. The trail offers fresh air and lovely views. Back to the hotel for a quiet evening, reflecting on the day’s gentle discoveries in this hilltop town.

Meals Included: Breakfast

PHUENTSHOLING

Say goodbye to Kalimpong and drive for 3.5 hours to the Bhutan border. Arrive in Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s second largest town and the gateway to the kingdom. It’s a busy and lively town that blends Indian and Bhutanese culture. Check into Hotel Druk, a clean and comfortable hotel, and relax and recharge. Use the evening to prepare for the days ahead in Bhutan as you cross from one fascinating world into another—full of new traditions, sights and stories waiting to be explored.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paro

Drive for 4 hours to Paro, a peaceful village in the heart of Paro Valley. Check into one of Bhutan’s best resorts, Zhiwa Ling, Amankora or Uma by COMO. Spend the day exploring Bhutan’s ancient heritage with visits to Rimpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong, two grand fortress-monasteries. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples. These sites will give you a sense of the spiritual and architectural beauty of the region. After your cultural tour, return to your hotel and relax in the peaceful Himalayan landscape.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paro

Paro

Wake up to fresh Himalayan air in Paro. Start the day with a visit to a local cliffside nunnery, where the views of the valley are breathtaking. Next, visit the National Museum to learn about Bhutan’s history, art and traditional life. A personal visit to a local family farm will give you a glimpse into everyday Bhutanese life, from food to lifestyle. This will connect you with the people of Bhutan in a meaningful way. Spend the evening at the hotel, reflecting on the day and enjoying the peaceful surroundings and great service.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s unique capital city. Small but full of character and culture. Start the day with a visit to the Royal Textile Academy to see Bhutanese weaving traditions and patterns. Then visit the National Library to see ancient texts and religious manuscripts that reflect Bhutan’s spiritual history. Each stop will give you insight into Bhutan’s cultural treasures and values. Bhutan’s focus on gross national happiness shapes its cultural and spiritual values, emphasizing well-being and a unique approach to development beyond material wealth. Enjoy the city’s quiet charm and mountain backdrop. After your visits, return to the hotel for a comfortable evening in this laid back capital.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

More of Bhutan’s traditions in Thimphu. Start the day at the Folk Heritage Museum where old tools, household items and farm equipment will give you a glimpse into rural life. Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch on-site made with fresh ingredients and old recipes. In the afternoon visit a paper mill that uses recycled materials to make handcrafted paper and notebooks and cards. Learn about Bhutan’s focus on sustainability. End the day at the Buddha Dordenma, a towering statue overlooking the city. From the base enjoy the views of Thimphu as the sun sets over the valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

Punakha

Drive for 3 hours through mountain roads to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital. Check into your hotel and then head out to explore the region’s cultural treasures. Visit Punakha Dzong, a grand fortress between two rivers and see its beautiful woodwork and sacred relics. Then walk through the peaceful rice fields to Chime Lhakhang, a small temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman,” a much loved Buddhist figure. After a day of beauty and tradition, return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening in nature and tranquility.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Punakha

Start the day with a hike through rice terraces and hills to Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Chorten, a lovely hilltop temple with stunning views. After the hike, enjoy rafting on the calm waters of the Mo Chu river – safe but fun with great views along the way. In the afternoon you may choose to visit a local farmhouse to experience Bhutanese village life, food and hospitality. This optional visit will add a personal and authentic touch. Return to the hotel and unwind after a day of outdoor and cultural activities.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Gangtey

Leave Punakha and drive for 3 hours to Gangtey, a quiet town in the stunning Phobjikha Valley. Stay at Amankora or Gangtey Goenpa Lodge, both with breathtaking views of the valley. Today visit the famous Gangtey Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking the valley. Walk through the nearby wetlands, a rare flat valley in the mountains. These marshlands are home to the black-necked crane during winter. Return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening in this remote valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Gangtey

Gangtey

Another full day in the Phobjikha Valley. This high-altitude area is rich in wildlife and open landscapes. Explore the wetlands again, looking out for black-necked cranes, wild boars or barking deer. If you visit in winter you will see the cranes that make this valley famous. Take a walk through nearby villages or enjoy the mountain air with a cup of tea on the lodge’s veranda. The day moves at a slower pace here, perfect for resting, reflecting and reconnecting with nature. Return to the hotel for another quiet evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bumthang

Drive to Bumthang, considered Bhutan’s cultural heartland. The drive takes 3 hours through winding hills and forested valleys. Check into your hotel and then start exploring this area full of ancient temples and spiritual sites. Visit the Yathra Weaving Centre in Chume to see traditional wool weaving and stop by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country’s oldest temples. Later visit the Swiss Farm where local cheese and dairy products are made sustainably. A day of culture and craftsmanship. End the day with a quiet evening at the hotel, soaking in the mountain peace.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bumthang

Bumthang

Spend your last full day in the Bumthang valleys. Start in the Tang Valley, where green hills and clear rivers create a peaceful retreat. Visit the sacred Mebartso, or “Burning Lake,” where local legend meets natural beauty. Then stop by Pemacholing Nunnery to meet the nuns and learn about their lives. Continue to Ura, Bhutan’s highest village, known for its charming houses and farming traditions. A full day of exploring a more rural Bhutan. Return to the hotel for your last evening in the mountains, to reflect on your journey in this incredible country.

Meals Included: Breakfast

PARO - DEPARTURE

Fly back to Paro and connect with your international flight to New Delhi. A team member will assist you with airport check-in. Your journey ends here, but the memories, moments and friendships made along the way will stay with you long after you get back home.

Meals Included: Breakfast