Spectacular India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives holiday

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Kathmandu
• 2 nights Chitwan National Park
• 2 nights Pokhara
• 1 night Kathmandu
• 2 nights Thimphu
• 1 night Gangtey
• 2 nights Punakha
• 2 nights Paro
• 2 nights Delhi
• 2 nights Agra
• 3 nights Jaipur
• 2 nights Kandy
• 2 nights Ella
• 2 nights Yala National Park
• 2 nights Galle
• 7 nights Maldives

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu 

On arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel, checking in for two nights. Kathmandu is a beguiling city, with twisting alleys and bustling markets, as many idols as men and as many temples as houses. The concentration of art, culture and tradition that is found in the Kathmandu Valley, is hard to come across anywhere else in the world.  

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, 4* hotel  

Day 3: Kathmandu    

Start your trip with an incredible experience - a scenic helicopter flight to see Mount Everest. You’ll soar over the Himalayas, looking down upon the tallest peak in the world, as well as the majestic ranges around the famous mountain. It’s a wonderful way to experience the Himalayas and start your trip in style!

In the afternoon, you’ll head out to explore Kathmandu with your guide. First you’ll visit Durbar Square, full of temples, monuments and ancient palaces in the heart of the city. You’ll see the Taleju Temple, towering over you at over 40m high, Kumari, the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh and the giant pagoda, Kasthamandap, said to have been build from a single tree. Next, you’ll head to the famous monkey temple, Swayambhunath, which sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. The oldest reference to this stupa is from the 5^th Century but it could date back even further. Finally you’ll visit Patan Durbar Square, around 5km from Kathmandu, where you can admire the Newari architecture and various temples, filled with stone carvings, metal statues and dozens of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel     

Day 4: Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park         

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport for the short flight to Chitwan National Park. On arrival you’ll be driven to your accommodation, Bahari Jungle Lodge, where you’ll check in for two nights. This afternoon you’ll head out on a jeep drive to look for wildlife. Set in the foothills of the Churia Ranges, Chitwan is a wilderness of jungle and forest where elephants and rhino wander amongst the lush undergrowth. Tigers are rare but can be spotted if you are lucky!

Included: Breakfast, internal flights, transfers, guiding, dinner, Bahari Jungle Lodge       

Day 5: Chitwan National Park      

You’ll spend the day searching for wildlife and exploring the lush forests of Chitwan. Birdlife is thriving here and bird watchers will have over 450 species to look for in the early mornings and magical twilight times. You’ll be able to enjoy a jungle walk, exploring different areas from the flood plain grasslands to the dense Sal forests. Walking around disturbs the animals less, as well as giving you the opportunity to learn about the plants and herbs in the forest. You’ll also get to go on a dugout canoe along the river, looking for gharials, a type of crocodile, as they float with their babies on their noses.  

Chitwan is famous for its one-horned rhinos, as well as being a protected area for the Bengal tiger. Look out for elephants in the undergrowth, pulling down vines with their trunks while they eat, and hornbills soaring through the air in a rush of flight. 

Included: All meals, guiding, Bahari Jungle Lodge            

Day 6: Fly to Pokhara

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for the short flight to Pokhara. Known as the ‘jewel of the Himalayas’, Pokhara is nestled amongst a backdrop of snowy peaks, serene lakes and lush greenery, with something for every visitor, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. It’s the start point of many of Nepal’s most famous treks and has been luring mountain climbers for decades. 

After checking into your hotel, you’ll head out to visit Tibetan Refugee Camp, to learn about the history of Tibet and their home in Nepal since the 1960s. It’s a wonderful way to interact with the community and learn about their plight. You’ll also take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda, with spectacular views over Phewa Lake. 

In the evening, you’ll take a boat ride on the lake – sit back and soak up the views of colourful boats along the shoreline, clear fresh water and the surrounding mountains. You’ll also have the chance to explore the lakeside souvenir shops and restaurants. 

Included: Breakfast, internal flights, transfers, guiding, 4* hotel                

Day 7: Pokhara

Today you’ll be up early to visit Sarangkot village, a small hill station near Pokhara. With panoramic views of the Himalayas you can enjoy the best sunrise views over the mountains, Pokhara City and Phewa Lake before returning to the hotel for breakfast. 

After a delicious meal, you’ll head off to explore Pokhara, starting at the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Here, you’ll learn about the history of mountain climbing in this area before exploring the Bindabasini Temple with its colourful views over the city below. You’ll be able to explore the traditional bazaar, haggle over pretty bangles and scarves and enjoy friendly interactions with the locals. 

In the afternoon you’ll leave the city and explore Seti River Gorge, where you can stand on the bridge and watch the turbulent river rush through the gap before visit Devi’s Falls, a beautiful waterfall nearby. Across the road, you’ll also see Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, with a huge stalagmite that is worshipped as a Shiva lingam. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel           

Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu     

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, you’ll be driven to Bhaktapur, to explore the city. Named as the City of Devotees, this place is a hub oof medieval art and architecture. Around 9 miles away from Kathmandu, it is shaped like a conch shell, with the Durbar Square in the heart of the streets. You’ll visit the Nyatapola Temple, with five terraces making up the pagoda, as well as the 55 window palace that overlooks the square. 

In the evening you’ll head back to Kathmandu for your final night in the city – why not head out for a delicious dinner to celebrate your final night in Nepal and begin to get excited to arrive in Bhutan tomorrow.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel                  

Day 9: Fly to Bhutan

After breakfast, you'll head to the airport for the short flight to Paro in Bhutan. The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas and soon you'll touch down, where you'll take your first breath of fresh mountain air. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and welcomed, before being driven along the Paro Valley to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. 

After checking into your hotel, you'll head out to explore the town with your guide - starting with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu's most iconic monuments. You'll interact with locals who come to visit the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray at a small shrine inside the gate. Next you'll explore the market area, of Ka Ja Thorm, where the modern and traditional elements of Bhutanese life merge. You can browse the handicrafts and taste local street snacks while soaking up the atmosphere - Ka Ja Throm is a quintessential Thimphu experience.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Thimphu

After breakfast, you'll head out to visit the Buddha Dordenma, atop a hill within the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. It is believed that this statue emits an aura of tranquillity and joy, extending its influence on the entire world. Crafted from bronze and adorned with a layer of golden gilding, this colossal Shakyamuni statue is one of Bhutan's largest monuments. From here, you'll embark on a two hour hike to Changangkha Lhakhang temple, walking past prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and through the pine forest filled with rhododendrons. At the end of the trail you'll arrive at the temple to admire the building, learning about it's history all the way back to the 12th Century. You'll also visit the Zilkha Nunnery with it's spectacular views and the Folk Heritage Museum, to learn about the documentation of local life. 

Finish your day at the Trashichhoedzong, often referred to as the 'fortress of the glorious religion.' This remarkable building serves as the heart of both government and religion in Bhutan and houses the monarch's throne room.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 11: Thimphu to Gangtey

This morning you'll begin your journey to Gangtey, around 6 hours drive from Thimphu. The journey is so scenic, taking you through the breathtaking Dochu-la Pass, soaking up the panormaic views and gazing over the Himalayas that peep out above the clouds on clear days. You'll also come across the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 chortens are arranged in three circles, symbolising spiritual reverence. Continuing on, you'll pass through the dense forests of oak and rhododendrons, eventually arriving in the valley of Gantey. 

In the afternoon, you'll visit Gangtey Goenpa, a magnificent monastery perched atop a small hill in the heart of the valley. Notably, it's the sole Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and also the largest of its kind in Bhutan. After exploring the monastery, you'll visit the Black Neck Crane Information Centre, strategically located on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha Valley. Equipped with high-powered telescopes and spotting scopes, the centre provides an ideal vantage point for observing the majestic cranes in their natural habitat. 

Finish your day with by dropping in for evening prayers at Kuenzang Chholing Shedra, a Nyingmapa school with over 300 student monks. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 12: Gangtey to Punakha

Today you'll be heading over to Punakha, straight after breakfast. Enroute you'll stop to visit the Chimi Lhakhang, found on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the Temple of Fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and want one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. You'll enjoy a pleasant walk along a trail throug the rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. 

Stop in to explore the Wangduephodrang Dzong before arriving in town and checking into your hotel for two nights. In the afternoon you'll visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness’, built at the junction of the Pho chhu and Mo chhu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. Cross the Punakha Suspension Bridge, gracefully suspended over the rushing waters of the Mo Chhu River. A marvel of engineering, you'll see the prayer flags fluttering in the wind and hear the river's roar below - crossing this bridge provides an exhilarating blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 13: Punakha

Spend the day exploring Punakha, embarking on a scenic hike leading up to the majestic Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten. The chorten stands as a commanding presence in the upper Punakha Valley, offering breath-taking panoramas that sweep over the Mo Chhu River and extend towards the towering peaks of Gasa and the surrounding landscape. 

After lunch you'll visit Talo Village, where residences are scattered along the hillside of the valley. The beautiful farmhouses of the village have their own flower gardens and are surrounded by wildflower meadows where corns and sweet peas are grown in abundance. You'll spend the afternoon in Nobgang and Talo villages visiting farmhouses and meeting families, experiencing Bhutanese rural life. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 14: Punakha to Paro 

After breakfast, you'll be driven to Paro along the scenic highway. On the way you'll visit the handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong built in 1629, often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan. On arrival in Paro, you'll check into the hotel before heading out to explore the valley. The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries - after a local style lunch, you'll visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. 

The rest of the day is yours to explore the local area at your leisure. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 15: Tiger's Nest hike 

Spend your final day in Bhutan visiting the most iconic monastery in the country. Head off early on the five hour round trip hike up to Taktshang Monastery, known as Tiger's Nest. Clinging to the side of a cliff above the Paro valley floor, legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived at this sacred site on the back of a tigress and engaged in meditation, hence earning it the name 'Tiger's Nest.' It is now a pilgrimage site frequented by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. After this incredible experience you'll be brough back to Paro town, stopping in at Kyichu Lhakhang before spending your final evening in Paro, toasting an incredible trip exploring India and Bhutan. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 16: Fly to Delhi

After breakfast, you'll be taken back to the airport for your flight to the airport. On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for two nights. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, 4* hotel  

Day 17: Delhi

You’ll spend your first morning in India exploring Old Delhi, a maze of crowded markets and tiny shops, crammed with some of the oldest businesses in the city. You’ll explore with a renowned chef, visiting around 8 different food spots, tasting some of the city’s best street food and learning about the different cultures and traditions that have created such delicious cuisine. 

Spend the afternoon in the contrasting New Delhi, an area designed by the British in the 1920s - it’s home to government buildings set along wide boulevards and green parks and gardens. Visit monuments including the Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, and drive past the impressive India Gate, a popular hangout for locals.

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel     

Day 18: Delhi to Agra 

After breakfast in Delhi, you’ll be driven to Agra where the Taj Mahal awaits. After the four hour drive, you can relax at your hotel in the afternoon. In the evening you’ll head off on a Mughal Heritage walk, followed by a visit to Mehtab Bagh. You’ll walk though the village and meet the locals who live in the shadow of the Taj Mahal. You’ll chat to one of the village boys, enjoying chai and a pakora on the rooftop of a nearby house overlooking in the monument and learn about how tourism has benefited the local community. The money from this tour all goes to the village, providing education for women, initiatives for children and sanitation for the whole community.

Included: Breakfast, guiding, transfers, 4* hotel                

Day 19: Agra Fort & the Taj Mahal 

An early start this morning will get you to the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Spend the morning exploring this mighty building. As you learnt a lot about the history of the mausoleum last night, today you’ll be free to wander through the complex alone and really soak up this awe-inspiring wonder of the world. Built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen, it took 18 years to complete, with craftsmen working around the clock on the intricate and romantic design. 

With perfect proportions and distinct femininity, legend says that once the construction was completed, Shan Jehan ordered the architect’s hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. 

In the afternoon you’ll visit Agra Fort, where you’ll wander through the chambers of this ancient royal residence. The country was once governed from here, as well as containing the largest treasury and mint. Dignitaries and ambassadors from far off lands would be brought here, each one participating in the history of India. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, transfers, 4* hotel                

Day 20: Drive to Jaipur

Leaving Agra behind, you’ll be driven towards Jaipur, stopping to visit Fatehpur Sikri, an incredible imperial city built during the Mughal dynasty. The majestic building is made of red sandstone and is completely abandoned, but in amazing condition considering its age. After exploring, you’ll arrive in the Pink City, checking in for three nights. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, transfers, 4* hotel                

Days 21 & 22: Jaipur 

You’ll have two days to enjoy and explore beautiful Jaipur. On your first morning, you’ll head out to visit the Amber Fort -this marvellous example of Rajput architecture is made up of terraces and ramparts, all a rich terracotta colour that is reflected beautifully in the lake below. Each room within the royal halls is decorated with intricate ivory artwork and exquisite murals, really showing off the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom that was never conquered.

In the afternoon you’ll take a tour of the city – starting at the City Palace Complex, you’ll learn about the local styles of paintings as well as the royal family that still lives in parts of the palace. In the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, you’ll find the Mubarak Mahal. Built in the nineteenth century, you’ll be able to view a huge range of textiles and costumes, including rare pashmina shawls, Benaras silk saris and folk embroidery. Across the road, you’ll look around the famous Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories in India. Built to indulge the passionate hobby of astronomy by the king, they created complex astronomical instruments made of stone, which still provide accurate information on the heavens above, to this day. It’s a fascinating place to explore and learn about the twinkling skies above.

In the evening you’ll head to the spice market, exploring the narrow lanes and tiny shops, with colourful heaps of spices found round every corner. Stock up on spice mixes to make sure your curries at home are the best around. 

On your second day you’ll explore Jaipur at dawn on an early morning tour, meeting locals as they start their day in the flower and vegetable markets. You’ll taste chai by the roadside, feast on tasty street food and visit a temple to enjoy a morning prayer ceremony, with hundreds of devotees from all walks of life. The rest of your day is yours to explore the city at leisure, or we can book in some extra experiences - you could enjoy dinner with a local family or head to a block printing class.

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel     

Day 23: Fly to Sri Lanka

Today you’ll head back to Delhi, arriving back at the airport in your afternoon, ready for your flight to Colombo. On arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be met at the airport and driven straight to Kandy, in the heart of the island checking into your hotel for 2 nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, 4* hotel   

Day 24: Kandy

After breakfast, you’ll head out to explore Kandy. Starting with a drive up the hill for a spectacular view over the town. Next, you’ll go back to the city centre, taking a walk around the famous shopping streets and visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. They have a rare orchid house, - founded in 1824, the gardens still hold one of the world largest collections of plants and trees, including palms, mahogany and tamarind.

In the evening you’ll discover the sacred Temple of the Tooth – this is the prime edifice of Buddhists all over the world. The relic is housed in the magnificent temple and is a joy to explore in the dusk light.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel    

Day 25: Train to Ella

This morning you’ll leave Kandy behind as you hop on the train that rattles its way to Ella. With a cool breeze through the window and people selling local snacks on the train it’s a delightful journey through the mountains. Keep an eye out for birds along your journey – you might spot woolly necked storks, buzzards and peacocks. Ella is a little village surrounded by high mountains and breath-taking vistas in the central hills of Sri Lanka – on arrival you’ll check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, train, 4* hotel     

Day 26: Ella

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short tour of Ella. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge, feel the spray from Ravana Falls and explore the green tea plantations. The rest of your time in Ella is yours to enjoy how you wish – whether you hike the gentle trail to the summit of Little Adam’s peak for endless views of lush countryside, wander through the local tea fields or simply relax at your hotel, high in the tea hills of Ella.

Included: Breakfast, touring, transfers, 4* hotel               

Day 27: Travel to Yala National Park

After breakfast, you’ll be driven south towards Yala National Park. During the journey, you’ll descend from the mountains to the coast, passing chilli fields and pepper plantations where kingfishers and bee-eaters flit through the warm air. You’ll arrive in Yala in the early afternoon and check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, 4* hotel                 

Day 28: Yala National Park

In the early morning you’ll set off on a game drive. The guides will help you track elephants, sloth bears and the famous leopards of Yala National Park. At the same time, they’ll keep an eye out for some of the smaller residents, such as mongooses, cobras and bright blue bee-eaters. It’s magical place to explore, with wildlife round every corner.

If you want to book more game drives, just ask.

Included: Breakfast, 1 x game drive, 4* hotel     

Day 29: Travel to Galle

Today you will be driven along the south coast to Galle. Stop in at Dondra Head to see the famous lighthouse on the way, or to play in the waves on the golden sands of Tangalle. When you arrive in Galle, you can check into your hotel and begin to unwind.

Included: Breakfast, transfers   

Day 30: Galle

This morning you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the Galle Fort. Explore the striking bastions and grass-covered ramparts while wander along small cobbled streets. This remarkable fort sits right next to the Indian Ocean – with 150 acres to explore, this tour will give you the chance to learn all about Sri Lanka’s religious and architectural history.

The afternoon is yours to explore the city a little more or relax at your hotel.       

Included: Breakfast, touring, 3* hotel    

Day 31: Fly to the Maldives

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport for your flight to the Maldives. On arrival in the Maldives you will be met by our representative who will direct you to your speed boat transfer which will take you to your island hotel, where you’ll check in for 7 nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, speedboat, 5* hotel    

Day 32 - 37: Maldives 

Welcome to the Maldives, a lush nation made up of many tiny islands, with a big heart! We’ve booked you an overwater bungalow, so you can jump into the turquoise water for a quick snorkel before breakfast, or catch a magnificent sunset from your deck. Spend your days kayaking through the crystal clear ocean or learning to dive on the colourful reef. In the evening, settle down for a sumptuous dinner, whether you fancy sushi by the sea or a private candlelit dinner on the beach. This is a week in paradise – just lie back and soak it all up.

Included: All inclusive, 5* hotel     

Day 38: Maldives 

Today is your last day of your incredible holiday through the Indian Sub-Continent. You will be taken to the airport by speedboat in time to catch your flight home.

Day 39: Arrive UK