Hiking and Wellness Tour of Bhutan & India

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Himalayas & Rishikesh

This private luxury tour combines active and cultural touring and hiking through the beautiful landscapes of Bhutan with ample time to relax and rejuvenate during a wellness program at an Ayurvedic resort in the Himalayas.

Begin in Delhi, the vibrant capital of India. During private touring with your expert local guide, experience the best of Old and New Delhi: ride a rickshaw through bustling markets and bazaars overflowing with spices, bangles and saris; browse fashionable districts filled with galleries and boutiques selling beautiful Indian crafts and decorative items; tour historic attractions and UNESCO sites such as the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar and Jama Masjid; and visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, Crafts Museum or other specialty museums. Other options include culinary touring, personalized shopping tours, visiting the Lodhi Gardens and more.

Next, fly to Bhutan and transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. During comprehensive private touring, experience cultural highlights such as important Buddhist sites, local markets, and various museums specializing in textiles, folk heritage, and traditional arts and crafts. Artisans of Leisure will also arrange a meeting with a local astrologer, an important figure in Bhutanese daily life, as well as a visit to Tashichho Dzong, an impressive traditional fortress that houses the Bhutanese civil government. If desired, enjoy a private hike to rural villages and monasteries tucked into the foothills of the Himalayas. Upon request, we can also arrange for special experiences such as a private Bhutanese cooking lesson at a local home or a private meditation session with monks.

Next, enjoy a scenic transfer through the mountains to Punakha, the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop en route at Dochula Pass to see its 108 chortens and take in views of the Himalayas. Descend into Punakha, a subtropical valley filled with rhododendrons, citrus trees and banana plants. During private touring, enjoy peaceful walks through rural farming villages, light a butter lamp at a local temple, opt to hike up a mountain for beautiful panoramic views of the valley, tour the stunning Punakha Dzong, and visit a Buddhist nunnery overlooking the valley. Accommodation will be at a luxurious hotel overlooking the Mo Chhu river set among rice terraces, chili and cabbage fields, and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses.

The Bhutan portion of the tour concludes in Paro, a picturesque town in a verdant river valley with a charming main street brimming with shops and cafes. During private touring, visit the National Museum, browse for locally made crafts and Buddhist items, and take an excursion to breathtaking Tiger's Nest, a cliffside Buddhist monastery that's a highlight of Bhutan. Also enjoy a private lesson in archery, Bhutan's national sport. Other activities can be incorporated based on your interests, such as yoga, a biking excursion, or traditional Bhutanese spa treatments.

Continue to the foothills of the Himalayas for a stay at Ananda in the Himalayas, a luxury spa retreat on a former royal estate. During your stay, consult with an in-house Ayurvedic expert, and partake of Ananda's wonderful spa treatments and spa cuisine aimed at reducing stress and increasing well-being. Also enjoy the many facilities and activities such as yoga, nature walks and temple visits.

Next, explore the holy town of Rishikesh, which is famous for yoga and ashrams, before returning to Delhi for a night.