Our lovely clients John and Irene from Twickenham recently embarked on a captivating journey through North India and Bhutan, exploring the fascinating history, rich culture, and immense natural beauty these regions have to offer.

Their journey included stops in Amritsar, Shimla, and several iconic locations across Bhutan, including Thimphu, Gangtey, and Paro. Here's a look back at their unforgettable adventure...

Expert Guides and Seamless Organisation

When it comes to creating a memorable holiday, attention to detail and local expertise are invaluable. As John noted: "The organisation of the programme and itinerary (Amritsar, Shimla, Bhutan) was excellent. Hotels and guides were first class, pleasant, knowledgeable, and flexible."

Our guides' precision planning allowed John and Irene to fully immerse themselves in the experience, with the convenience of local experts guiding them every step of the way throughout their journey through North India and Bhutan.

Luxury and Comfort at Every Stop

There's no better feeling than arriving at a plush hotel after a busy day of exploring - and John and Irene's trip was chock-full of them. The couple stayed in a range of sumptuous and stylish lodgings in both India and Bhutan, from the luxurious Oberoi Cecil in Shimla to the charming boutique Six Senses Gangtey in Bhutan.

As John reflected, "The Bhutan hotels were all good choices, the itinerary was good, and the 'meet and greet' in Delhi was excellent."

The seamless transport arrangements, from private drivers to flights with Druk Air, added another layer of luxury to the couple's time in India and Bhutan.

Unique Experiences in Bhutan

One of the highlights of John and Irene's trip was their time spent in Bhutan. From the serene beauty of Gangtey Valley to the awe-inspiring Taktshang Monastery (also known as Tiger's Nest), Bhutan offered a perfect blend of nature, spirituality and culture.

John noted, "Druk Air was first class, as good as any airline we have travelled and the seats worked perfectly for the Himalayan views."

In Thimphu, the couple relished the opportunity to hike to the Cheri Monastery and visit some of the most iconic religious and cultural sites in the country. With the flexibility of their tour, they also enjoyed a unique experience of golf in Thimphu—one of their special requests that we were happy to accommodate.

Spontaneous Adventures

While the couple's North India and Bhutan trip was meticulously planned, it was also full of unexpected moments that added to the charm of their travels. During their brief stopover in Delhi, John and Irene decided to take the Aero Express into the city and experience the underground metro system.

As John shared, "On our way back with our half day in Delhi we took the aero express into the city and then experienced the underground (Yellow Line)—quite an experience on a Sunday afternoon!!"

A Smooth and Enjoyable Journey

Reflecting on their trip to North India and Bhutan, John concluded: "The whole experience was seamless and trouble-free. AIT highly recommended."

Full Itinerary

Here's a glimpse of the itinerary that made this extraordinary adventure possible:

Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Delhi and onwards to Amritsar
Day 2: Arrive in Amritsar, visit the Golden Temple and Palki Ceremony
Day 3: Explore Amritsar, visit Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border
Day 4: Travel from Amritsar to Shimla
Day 5: Shimla sightseeing: Gaiety Theatre, Vice Regal Lodge, and Mall Road
Day 6: Leisure day in Shimla (optional activities)
Day 7: Travel from Shimla to Chandigarh, fly to Delhi
Day 8: Fly to Paro, transfer to Thimphu
Day 9: Visit Cheri Monastery, Buddha Dordenma, and Trashichhoedzong
Day 10: Journey to Gangtey, visit Gangtey Monastery and Phobjikha Valley
Day 11: Gangtey nature walk and visit to Black Neck Crane Centre
Day 12: Travel from Gangtey to Punakha, visit Wangduephodrang Dzong
Day 13: Explore Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, visit Talo Village
Day 14: Travel from Punakha to Paro
Day 15: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
Day 16: Visit Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong
Day 17: Fly from Paro to Delhi, then return to London Heathrow

If you've been inspired to book a similar trip to North India and Bhutan, contact us today to start planning the perfect tailored tour. Every detail will be taken care of—from the flights to the local guides and everything in between.