Journeys: Discover India, Nepal & Bhutan

Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.

Many women in India are often marginalized, undeserved, and underprivileged. They have a more challenging time accessing resources such as education, and will be the first in their families to be pulled out of educational institutions when families resources' become limited. Many girls grow to be women that are dependent on their partners to provide income to their households, keeping them in the cycle of vulnerability to be dependent on others and not themselves. WoW provide them with independence.

Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Explore the streets of Delhi with a youth-led tour guide from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project. As a former at-risk youth, your local guide will have a unique perspective on the city and can provide more information on the life of a child in India. The guided tour helps support the guide's college or university tuition.

Visit historic Old Delhi. Explore Jama Masjid, the "Great Mosque," and enjoy its massive courtyard, which can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. Also, visit the ancient Sikh temple of Gurdwara SisGanj, which was established in 1783.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Cross one off your bucket list as you visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the gorgeous white marble mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Visit this mausoleum that looks like a jewel box, built before the Taj Mahal by Queen Nur Jahan for her father. Enjoy the intricate details of the structure; it was the first Mughal building faced with white marble and where "pietra dura" (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used.

Enjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore the magnificent red sandstone fort city that was once the capital of India's Mughal Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Keep an eye out for elements of different religions, as King Akbar built three palaces for each of his favourite wives—a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Christian—in the city.

Walk around the amazing Chand Baori, a tenth century water tank that's an impressive 30m (100 ft) deep. Learn about ancient Indian environmentalism—a "baori" is a unique Indian invention for harvesting rainwater.

Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. Wander through the halls and courtyards and admire the intricate details.

Explore the courtyards, gardens, and buildings that make up the City Palace. Located in the heart of the Old City, it is a striking blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Visit the palace's museum to look at ancient carriages and the former maharaja's gold-embroidered wedding outfit.

Women from marginalised communities outside Jaipur came together to create the Anoothi Project. In Hindi, Anoothi means 'unique and extraordinary' and by teaching these women to master the traditionally male handicraft of block printing, the collective shines a light on the unique and extraordinary within each individual. At this G for Good visit, engage in a hands-on block printing activity with the local women as you indulge in some local snacks prepared by your hosts.

In Jaipur, known as the “Pink City,” meet with a local historian and sociology scholar to learn about India’s complex social fabric and traditions, and discuss a range of topics from the country’s belief systems to its architecture.

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Step back in time and explore the traditional village of Alsisar to get a glimpse of life in rural India. Topics of discussion along the way can include how urbanization affect village life, information technology, and modernization in its benefits and disadvantages, as well as simple village customs and traditions.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

Enjoy an immersive and meditative full body and mind wellness experience during a sound bath demonstration at Avata Wellness in Kathmandu. Since ancient times, people have been using sound to heal and wash away mental distress. It may even help with the jet lag from a long flight to Nepal so you can begin your adventure feeling refreshed. Brass singing bowls will be used during the session to create a comforting and meditative atmosphere. Afterwards, a six-course vegetarian meal will be served at Nourish by Avata. All dishes are prepared using traditional Nepali herbs and spices, a perfect blend of delicacies that will introduce you to the many different flavours of Nepal.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a visit to the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Built in the 5th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site still attracts many pilgrims, particularly Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa.

Visit this unique old town known as the City of Devotees. Explore Hindu temples, pagodas, palaces, and monuments, including the beautiful wood-carved palace in Durbar Square. You can pick up clay pots and other souvenirs in the colourful open markets and taste home made yogurt, known as khopa dhau, which Bhaktapur is famous for.

Visit Swayambhunath Buddhist temple and Unesco World Heritage Site, the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu. Explore the structure and be sure to check out the Buddha's eyes painted on each side of the Stupa. The site is also known as the monkey temple, for the vast amount of creatures who call the complex home.

In Kathmandu, National Geographic grantee Chhing Lhomi works to preserve the ancient traditions of the Lowa community of the Upper Mustang region. We'll take the unique opportunity to visit a local home of a family from this region and enjoy a lecture from Chhing or one of her colleagues on traditional weaving methods, and hear about ongoing efforts with the Himalyan Indigenous Society.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Experience the serenity of a Buddhist monastery. The monastery guest house offers comfortable accommodations in a peaceful setting with balconies and private western-style bathrooms. Opt to participate in the life of the monks: take tea alongside them and enjoy the early morning chanting before experiencing the sunrise from the roof of this stunning monastery. There are approximately 200 young monks in residence, training in the Nyingmapa tradition. This is a new monastery (2006), and income from the guesthouse directly supports it.

Enjoy a cooking demonstration at a local establishment and learn how to make momos (traditional dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during a Nepali lunch.

Rise before sunrise and enter the main hall of the Monastery to listen to the monks practicing their chanting. After, we enjoy the sunrise over the Valley from the Monastery roof.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Lace up your shoes and get to the next stop under your own power.

Lace up your shoes and get to the next stop under your own power.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Embark in traditional patela boats on a silent trip down the Rapti River, which boarders the National Park to view aquatic birds, crocodiles, gharials, and the animals along the river banks.

Enjoy a jeep safari that begins in open grassland and moves into the dense Sal Forest, crossing the Reu River to see different wildlife. Continue down to the banks of Narayani River and spot gharials (freshwater alligators) basking in the sun. Also, view wildlife from Bhimle Machan (a wooden platform).

Enjoy a visit to the farming Village bordering the National Park. Learn about the social and cultural aspects of the village people, what they farm, and see how they live day-to-day.

Nepal Tiger Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of tigers in Nepal and is run by researchers and local community volunteers. Their Tiger Corridors Project has been monitoring these amazing cats in Chitwan National Park and adjacent areas for over five years. On this experience, meet with a local tiger “technician” who will give a presentation about the work here and its importance to conservation, tourism, and the community at large. He or she will then join us on a jeep safari to teach us how tigers are tracked and monitored. If we’re lucky, we’ll catch a glimpse of an elusive tiger.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Breathe in the fresh air and take in the views of the Himalayas and Phewa Lake while getting your bearings around this scenic city.

Rise early and experience a spectacular sunrise with a panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayas. The highest altitude on this trek is at 1600 meters.

Rise early and experience a spectacular sunrise view of the surrounding the Annapurna Himalayas.

Walk up to the World Peace Pagoda, which was constructed by Buddhist monks. Enjoy the structure and the beautiful view around it.

Visit the Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Camp, established by the United Nations in 1964 as a temporary settlement for the large number of refugees fleeing Tibet. Walk through this friendly quarter, now home to over 500 people. Visit the celebrated photo gallery here and then enjoy a traditional momo lunch at the local restaurant to support this incredible community.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Take some time to explore on your own or do some last minute shopping.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman." Built in 1499, it is mainly visited today by women as it is known as the temple of fertility.

Meet with a Buddhist monk and scholar in the scenic capital city of Thimphu. Hear him talk about his daily life and Buddhism in general, and gain insight into this tiny kingdom where happiness is the common goal.

Enjoy the scenery of you private vehicle towards Pelela, where you will rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail to hike the rest of the way to Chendebi.

Visit Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (male) Chu. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures, housing many sacred relics. It is also the winter capital of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot). Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in around 1637. Arguably, it is the most beautiful Dzong in the country. The Dzong guards Bhutan’s most treasured relic, the Rangjung Kharsapani, an image of Chenresig kept away from the public in the utse (tower). It has survived Tibetan invasions, numerous fires, floods and a glacial lake burst. The Dzong served as the capital and seat of the Bhutanese Government until the early 1950s; and the coronation of the His Majesty the First Druk, Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, took place here.

Enjoy a drive and visit to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and Temple complex. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking the 3 Valleys of Toebesa, Punakha and Wangdi Phodrang, the complex is a meditation and traditional arts training center for nuns. Enjoy the peace and quiet and learn about the nunnery which was established by the Royal Grandfather.

Visit Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan. We make a short stop here and visit the Wangdue Phodrang dzong.

Cross the suspension bridge and then hike to Khamsum Yueley Chorten. Enjoy hike through rice terraces, farms, and deep pine forest until we reach the stupa, which was consecrated in December 1999. Take a moment to breathe and admire the view, it's superb.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit the Royal So­ciety for Protection of Nature’s (RSPN) Black-Necked Crane Centre. Learn more about these birds and their environment. Please note that birds are in abundance only during the migration season, between October and February.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a visit to the monastery of Gangtey Goempa, built in the 16th century and renovated and consecrated in 2008. Be sure to check out the amazing relics inside -- they're said to be the most sacred in all of Bhutan. The architectural design is impressive, too.

Enjoy a walk across Phobjikha Valley and into the Khewa Valley, where we visit an old temple and offer a (compulsory) donation – a necessity to keep the monastery running.

Enjoy a short visit to the rural village of Khewa, where their main production is potato farming and dairy products. Get a taste of Bhutanese village life.

Visit a family farmhouse in Gangtey Valley for a cooking demonstration and traditional meal. As Bhutanese food is usually hot and spicy, we learn how to make ama datshi (chili cheese), one of the most popular dishes in Bhutanese cooking. Enjoy this simple but tasty meal and conversation with local people, who are always happy to welcome visitors.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Buddha Point is home to Thimphu’s most recognized landmark, the Buddha Dordenma. Guarding the entry to the Thimphu valley, this 51-meter (167ft) gilded bronze statue is filled with 125,000 miniature statues and sits atop a three-storey base housing a chapel and thousands of donated statuettes. The statue was commissioned to mark His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 60th birthday and was originally made in China before being transported to Thimphu in pieces. The massive Buddha statue in Thimphu made of bronze and gold. Take lots of pictures - it's beautiful!

Enjoy a visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts and craft school that's a highlight for those interested in Asian art. The institute was established in 1971 to ensure the continuity of Bhutanese traditional arts. Students study here for 4-6 yrs in various mediums. Explore the institute opt to purchase arts and crafts from the shop.

Listen to one of the division heads or senior researchers at the government organization, Center for Bhutan Studies and GNH Research, give a lecture about the measurement that seeks a balanced approach to development, harmonizing material and non-material values.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Duration includes hike, lunch stop and temple visits.

Explore beautiful Bhutanese temples and shrines in Haa town including, the Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple) and Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple).

The chorten is one of the most prominent religious structures in Thimphu, and for local Bhutanese it is a popular part of their daily prayers. Watch locals walk around the Chorten, spinning the prayer wheels and meditating in this lovely and peaceful spot.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hike through the deep forest of pine trees and rhododendrons to Kila Goempa nunnery (approx 2.5 hrs). It seems to cling to a rocky cliff and houses around 50 nuns. This is a moderate level hike through stunningly beautiful scenery.

As Bhutan's national sport, a visit to a local archery ground is a must. Watch locals practice or compete with unbelievable accuracy and precision as they hit distant targets.

Enjoy a visit to one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. Built in the 7th century, Kyichu Lhakhang Temple boasts stunning art work inside and throughout the courtyards.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest); containing 13 holy relics, it's considered one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. It is also where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Take in the stunning views en route and the incredible vista from this monastery, which clings to the rock towering 2,953m above the valley. The group will hike from 2400m elevation and reach 3100m at the Taktsang Monastery before returning back to 2400m in the same day. The climb should take around 6 hours for a total distance of 7 km.

Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, which means ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”. The original construction of this dzong is believed to have been completed in 1458 and it was restored to its present glory by His Majesty the Third of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, to mark his royal wedding in 1951.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.