Compare India’s Golden Triangle & Bhutan by Bushtracks Expeditions vs North India Highlights by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 7,930 | $ 1,449 |
| Price Per Day | $ 610 | $ 181 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner |
| Description |
Northern India’s Golden Triangle includes the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur where you can experience the bustle of a populated city, the wonder of the Taj Mahal and the beautiful architecture of Amber Fort and the Maharaja’s City Palace. Contrast this to the quiet, peaceful Bhuddhist kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas where you will see pastoral hamlets, rolling green hills, deep valleys and towering snowy peaks. |
For centuries, northern India has been a melting pot of religions and cultures—and nowhere is this legacy more apparent than in the region’s incredible architecture. From the gleaming white dome of the Taj Mahal to the ancient steps of the Chand Baori water tank, get a taste of India’s allure on this compact journey. Explore the bustling streets of Old Delhi, marvel at magnificent Mughal monuments in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, and wander the pink-toned palaces of Jaipur, capping off your trip with a stay in a timeless desert village. |
Day 1 – 2: Delhi, India
Accommodation: The Oberoi Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Full day touring Old Delhi and New Delhi including the Red Fort and Humanyun’s Tomb.
Day 3: Agra, India
Accommodation: Oberoi Amar Vilas
Drive to Agra, home to the famous Taj Mahal monument. Visit Agra Fort and experience the Taj Mahal at sunset
Days 4 – 5: Jaipur, India
Accommodation: Samode Palace
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise before driving to Jaipur. En route visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Full day touring Jaipur including Amber Fort and the Jantar Mantar observatory.
Day 6: Delhi, India
Accommodation: Trident
Drive to Delhi.
Days 7 – 8: Thimphu, Bhutan
Accommodation: Taj Tashi
Take a morning commercial flight from Delhi to Paro, Bhutan then drive to Thimphu. Full-day excursion around Thimphu including museums, arts school and weaving center.
Day 9: Punakha, Bhutan
Accommodation: Zangtogpelri Hotel or YT Hotel
Drive to Punakha over the Dochu La Pass at 10,000 feet. Visit the dzong and a traditional village farmhouse.
Days 10 – 12: Paro, Bhutan
Accommodation: Uma Paro
Drive to Paro, stopping for lunch in Thimphu. Full day sightseeing around Paro including the National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang. Hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery for spectacular views from about 3,000 feet above the valley floor.
Day 13: Depart Bhutan
International flight to Delhi then connect with flight home.
Day 1 Delhi
Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included through Women With Wheels, a G Adventures–supported project.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, so check into to the hotel and enjoy the city. We highly recommend booking a pre-night in Delhi to get over your jetlag and be ready for this very busy trip.
Day 2 DELHI/AGRA
Set out to discover Delhi, the capital of India, which consists of two cities: historic Delhi and New Delhi, built by the British in the early 20th century. Explore New Delhi’s lively Paharganj district with a youth guide from the G Adventures–supported City Walk project, and hear about how the program provides opportunities to disadvantaged street youth. Then delve into the narrow, winding lanes of Old Delhi, visiting the 17th-century Jama Masjid—the largest mosque in India—and the Sikh temple Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, located close to a busy shopping area. Drive to Agra this afternoon.
Day 3 AGRA
Spend the day in historic Agra, which served as the capital of the Delhi sultanate and later of the Mughal Empire. Discover the Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; widely considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, this breathtaking mausoleum was built by the emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Afterward, visit the exquisite tomb of Mumtaz Mahal’s grandfather, often referred to as the “baby Taj,” and explore Agra Fort, an impressive red sandstone citadel which conceals palaces of white marble within.
Day 4 AGRA/JAIPUR
Travel to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan. On the way, stop at the magnificent Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of red sandstone, and hear about its fascinating history. The emperor Akbar built a short-lived capital here in the 16th century to honour a Muslim saint from the village of Sikri who had predicted the birth of his son, Jehangir. Then visit the Rajasthani village of Abhaneri for a walk around the Chand Baori—an ornately decorated stepwell or water tank constructed over a thousand years ago—learning about ancient Indian methods of water conservation.
Day 5 Jaipur
Explore Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” for its rose-coloured buildings. Take a tour of the sprawling Amber Fort, the former residence of Jaipur’s Rajput rulers; and visit Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, a stunning five-story sandstone building with distinctive honeycombed windows. We’ll also meet with a local historian to discuss India’s complex social fabric, customs, and architecture. Tonight, consider going to the cinema to watch a Bollywood movie—a truly unique experience.
Going to see a Bollywood film in India is much more than what we are accustomed to in the west. The atmosphere, energy, and pure fun (not to mention volume!) has to be experienced to be believed.
Day 6 Jaipur/Pachewar
Drive to the rural village of Pachewar, where we stay in a beautiful heritage home. Exploring this traditional community is like stepping back in time: walk and meet with local residents, observing potters, silversmiths, and cobblers at work; wander amid old temples and mud homes, perhaps witnessing a cooking demonstration; and note how urbanization and modernization have altered village life.
The village is about 85km (53 mi) from Jaipur and has beautiful temples dedicated to different religions. The residents of the village are still involved in traditional commercial activities. You'll see pottery wheels, silversmiths, cobblers, traditional huts, old temples, and a mud house where you can witness a cooking demonstration with local family.
Day 7 Pachewar/Delhi
Drive back to bustling Delhi. This evening, opt to join the group for a farewell dinner.
Day 8 Delhi
Depart at any time.
