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Signature: India, Nepal & Bhutan, Taj Mahal, Himalayas & Tiger's Nest

23 days, From Jaipur to Paro, From $19,999 USD
National Geographic Signature Journeys Logo
Banner image of Signature: India, Nepal & Bhutan, Taj Mahal, Himalayas & Tiger's Nest
Signature: India, Nepal & Bhutan, Taj Mahal, Himalayas & Tiger's Nest
From$19,999 USD/ person for 2 travellers
Valid on

Sep 10, 2027

Duration

23 days


Tour Overview

THE EXPERIENCE REVEALED
Trip CodeAHJPNS
Days23
FromJaipur
ToParo
Countries VisitedBhutan, India, Nepal
Countries VisitedBhutan, India, Nepal
Discover the spiritual spine of South Asia across three contrasting nations. From the pink palaces of Jaipur and the sacred waters of the Ganges to Kathmandu's ancient stupas and Bhutan’s cliffside monasteries, immerse yourself in a world of deep devotion. Alongside local specialists, witness timeless rituals and explore the majestic kingdom of the Himalayas.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Exceptional exploration led by renowned experts, offering rare, private access to the world’s most storied sites — all defined by an unparalleled level of service and comfort.
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
3 - Average
Trip Type
Small Group
Age Requirement
12+
Under age 18 must be with an adult
23Trees for Days
From$19,999 USD/ person for 2 travellers
Valid on

Sep 10, 2027

Duration

23 days

Tour Highlights

WHERE STORIES COME TO LIFE

What’s included

  • AccommodationHotels (22 nts)
  • Meals Included22 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 21 dinners
  • TransportPrivate Vehicle, Walking, Safari Vehicle, Plane, Boat, E-Rickshaw, Jeep.

The Extras

  • Your flightCall us, we can help.
  • Meal BudgetAllow USD40-55 for meals not included.

23 days, Jaipur to Paro

YOUR EXPEDITION, DAY BY DAY
Map of Signature: India, Nepal & Bhutan, Taj Mahal, Himalayas & Tiger's Nest

Travel time

When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: 14:00 on Day 1

Week 1/2
Week 1/2
Start DateSep 10End DateOct 2
Double Occupancy
7+ available
$19,999 USD/personBook Now
Single Occupancy
Sold Out
Start DateSep 24End DateOct 16
Double Occupancy
7+ available
$19,999 USD/personBook Now
Single Occupancy
Sold Out

Frequently asked questions

Expedition essentials
Your G for Good Moment: Women-led Rickshaw Tour, Jaipur
Your G for Good Moment: Sheroes Cafe Visit, Āgra
Your G for Good Moment: Old Delhi Walking Tour with Salaam Balak Trust, Delhi
Your G for Good Moment: Aarti Temple Ceremony & Local Dinner, Kirtipur
Your G for Good Moment: Contemporary Art Visit at VAST, Thimphu
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Jaipur
Signature Moment: Delhi Heritage High Tea, Delhi
Signature Moment: Everest Summiteer Talk, Kathmandu
Your Foodie Moment: Tharu Community Cultural Dance Show & Dining Experience, Royal Chitwan National Park
Signature Moment: Expert Talk, Panauti
Your Foodie Moment: Newar Community Feast, Panauti
Signature Moment: Mindfulness City Discussion, Thimphu. Arrival transfer. Amber Fort exploration by jeep. City Palace “Royale Grandeur” tour with private dinner. Abhaneri stepwell visit. Sunrise guided Taj Mahal visit. Guided Agra Fort exploration. Sheroes Café lunch. Private boat experience featuring Banaras Gharana classical music on the Ganges. Ganga Aarti ceremony. Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and guided walk through Old Varanasi. Sarnath Buddhist site visit with expert guide. Flight from Varanasi to Delhi. Chandni Chowk rickshaw ride. Sightseeing tour in Swyambhu Stupa. Sightseeing tour of Boudhanath Stupa. Kathmandu Lunch and Expert Talk with an Everest Summiteer. Taragaon Next Museum visit. Local activities at Tharu Village. Rapti River Boat Safari. Bhaktapur Expert Talk by Rabindra Puri. Breakfast in local community. Jeep Safari at Chitwan National Park. Cultural Dance program by the locals. Tharu dining experience. Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur. Walking around Dhulikhel town. Hike to Namo Buddha Monastery. Orientation walk to Centenary Farmers Market. Visit Buddha Statue. Hike & visit the Wangditse Monastery. Visit to Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center. Discussion on Geluphu Mindfulness City (GMC). Visit to Dochula Pass. Chimi Lhakhang hike & visit the temple. Wander around Punakha town & local market. Punakha Dzong visit. Farm lunch with local family. Visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery. Gangtey Valley Excursion. Taphu Monastery visit. Jangsa Electrical Museum visit. Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Departure transfer. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. All internal flights. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles.
Explore City Palace after hours, gaining access to private chambers before dinner, Witness the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, followed by a guided tour of Agra Fort, Drift past crocodiles and rhinos before a long table discussion on wildlife at a scenic sundowner, Participate in a butter-lamp ceremony at a 16th-century temple as the sun begins to set, Join a mountain summiteer to discuss life on the peak and vital waste management efforts, Climb the mist-shrouded trails to the iconic cliffside monastery where history meets myth, Share lunch with resident monks before a private prayer and longevity ceremony
This compiled itinerary represents our thoughtfully designed plan, provided in good faith and correct at the time of publication. However, to ensure we deliver the most rewarding experience possible, our itineraries remain dynamic; we continuously refine our routes based on research, field insights, and guest feedback, meaning details may evolve between the release of our annual directory and your departure. Flexibility is a cornerstone of our travel philosophy, and while we intend to follow the path described, the nature of exploring unpredictable environments means alterations may occur, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed. We invite you to view these travel times and details as an approximate guide rather than a strict contract, and we kindly ask that you review a final copy of your Trip Details a few days prior to departure to ensure you have the most current information for your upcoming expedition.
NEPAL:
WEATHER
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and our Expedition Leader may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly. Travellers need to be prepared for all weather conditions. For more information please read the "what to take" section of this trip notes.

FITNESS
While there are no treks on this trip this will be a fair amount of walking, so you should have an average level of fitness.

DRONES IN NEPAL
Please note that drones and the flying of drones are prohibited in Nepal.

BHUTAN:
CAMERAS
Please note there may be times during your visit to Bhutan when the use of video and/or still cameras may be inappropriate. Local people may consider that filming is too intrusive and in these circumstances we will request that you do not film. At all times be aware and sensitive to the impact of photography and seek permission before taking photographs of people and respect their wishes if they refuse.

HIKING AND WALKING
Please note that there is a lot of walking and light hiking on this trip and some of it at higher altitudes. Please ensure you are in decent physical condition and able to walk for extended periods of time.

EARPLUGS
Bhutan, being a Buddhist country believes in ahimsa so the barking of dogs (and there are a lot of them) at night can be annoying. It's advisable to bring earplugs. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a good sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by what Bhutan has to offer.

CLOTHING
The prime requirement for clothes you bring on Bhutan trip is that they are comfortable and appropriate to the weather conditions that you are likely to meet. For protection against cold, particularly at night, a number of relatively thin layers is better than a few thick ones. Thermal underclothes, being small and light, can be very useful. Bhutan is very conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. A water and windproof jacket, a hat and sunscreen are essential.
Every National Geographic Signature departure is accompanied throughout by a dedicated National Geographic Expedition Leader, whose purpose is to ensure a seamless experience so you can fully immerse yourself in the destination. Your Expedition Leader offers deep insight into the landscapes you traverse, suggests enriching independent activities, recommends exceptional local dining venues, and connects you with our community friends along the way. Rather than acting as conventional guides, they possess a broad, sophisticated understanding of the historical, cultural, religious, and social tapestry of the region. To offer the ultimate perspective, we complement their expertise with specialist local guides whose deep regional knowledge adds profound depth to specific sites—delivering a masterfully balanced exploration.
Max 22
22 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 21 dinners
Private Vehicle, Walking, Safari Vehicle, Plane, Boat, E-Rickshaw, Jeep.
Please be aware that flight delays can occur. Your Expedition Leader may need to make adjustments to your itinerary in case of flight schedule changes.

Please be advised that any flights noted on the G Adventures Itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by G Adventures during the tour. The date for this service will match the day of the itinerary, for which Day 1 is equal to the start date noted on the Invoice under Land Services: Tour. If flight information is required in advance for visa purposes, please contact G Adventures.
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.
Hotels (22 nts)
To review the specific details of your starting property, please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

A seamless arrival transfer is included for guests landing on the first day of the itinerary, or up to three days prior if your pre-trip accommodations were arranged directly through G Adventures at our starting property. To maintain the exceptional quality and continuity of your experience, all scheduled services must run consecutively.

Upon arriving at the starting property, where check-in begins typically by 3:00PM, please look for a dedicated notice from your National Geographic Expedition Leader at the reception desk. This message will outline the specific details for our evening welcome reception and meeting—typically held between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.—where you will gather with your Expedition Leader, Expedition Expert, and fellow travellers to look ahead at the days to come. Should you arrive later in the evening and miss this initial gathering, your Expedition Leader will leave a comprehensive briefing note for you at reception detailing the next morning's schedule.

Please note that the joining day of the itinerary can vary, please refer to your specific itinerary for further details.
While we anticipate a seamless arrival, your peace of mind is our utmost priority. Should any unforeseen circumstances prevent you from beginning your expedition as scheduled, please refer to the essential emergency contact details provided in your documentation and contact us as soon as possible.

Upon landing, if you do not connect with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend making your own way to the starting point property by following the Joining Instructions. Rest assured, you may submit a request to your travel professional upon your return to secure a refund for any transport costs incurred during this time.
You will be met at your hotel property and transferred to the airport for your onward travels at the end of your expedition. Please refer to your individual itinerary for more details.
When deciding what to pack, considerations will vary based on your specific itinerary, the regions you are visiting, and the season in which you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend packing thoughtfully and keeping your luggage to one checked bag at a manageable weight to facilitate seamless transitions throughout your expedition.

In addition to your primary luggage, you will also require a small day pack or shoulder bag. This smaller bag is essential for keeping your camera, water, and personal items close at hand during day walks, excursions, and daily explorations.
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Securing the necessary visas and travel documentation is an essential step in preparing for your upcoming expedition, and remains the responsibility of each individual traveller. Entry requirements fluctuate depending on your nationality and destination; while we strive to provide the most current information, immigration regulations change frequently. We strongly advise verifying all entry protocols directly with the relevant embassy or consulate well in advance of your departure. Please also ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled departure date from the country.

For tailored details specific to your nationality and destination, please consult our dedicated pre-departure resource page at

here

For Nepal, Nepal is now offering e-Visas for some nationalities. please visit this link for further information, and to check if your nationality is eligible for an e-Visa. You can apply for the visa here .

We strongly suggest travellers eligible for an e-Visa complete the form online and print their receipt before arrival to Nepal to ease your entry and avoid queuing. Visas are available upon arrival at the airport and land crossings for those who are unable to receive their e-Visa beforehand.

For Bhutan, G Adventures will arrange the visa for you. The cost of the visa is included in the tour price. The Bhutanese visa is issued to your passport on arrival. No passport photos are currently required for this, but it's always good to travel with a couple current photos.

In order to arrange the Bhutan visa, please click on the following link for information and application form

These details need to be submitted to us 35-60 days before your entry into Bhutan.

We will then arrange the Bhutanese visa for you. The visa letter will be forwarded to you 2-5 business days before departure. We cannot get the visa letter issued any sooner, as it is issued by the Bhutanese government. Please print out the visa letter, you will be required to show this before boarding your flight to Paro.

Important: If you are planning to extend your stay in Bhutan, post-tour accommodation must be booked through G Adventures in order for us to issue a valid visa for the duration of your stay.
While personal spending habits naturally vary, we recommend factoring in your individual preferences for shopping, tipping, and beverages to ensure a seamless experience. In addition to these day-to-day comforts, we kindly ask that you maintain access to a minimum of USD $200 (or its equivalent) as a dedicated emergency fund; though exceptionally rare, unpredictable circumstances such as changing weather patterns or natural events may occasionally necessitate a shift from our planned route, and this reserve ensures we can navigate any path ahead with peace of mind.
While personal spending habits naturally vary, we recommend factoring in your individual preferences for shopping, tipping, and beverages to ensure a seamless experience. In addition to these day-to-day comforts, we kindly ask that you maintain access to a minimum of USD $200 (or its equivalent) as a dedicated emergency fund; though exceptionally rare, unpredictable circumstances such as changing weather patterns or natural events may occasionally necessitate a shift from our planned route, and this reserve ensures we can navigate any path ahead with peace of mind.
To ensure a seamless and elevated experience throughout your National Geographic Signature departure, gratuities have been fully taken care of for all included meals, activities, and luggage porterage.

On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day. Tipping is neither required nor expected for your National Geographic Expedition Expert.

For the independent moments on your itinerary, it is appropriate in Asia to tip 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels and shows an expression of satisfaction.
Mount Everest
- Everest Flight (290 per person)
Please note that health requirements and recommended inoculations vary by destination. To ensure your well-being, it is your responsibility to consult with a specialized travel physician for up-to-date medical guidance well before departure.

We highly recommend carrying a personal first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and any essential prescription medications. Because our itineraries frequently trace paths through remote regions far from advanced medical facilities, legal regulations prohibit our National Geographic Expedition Leaders from administering any medication, including standard over-the-counter pain relievers. While local pharmacies along our route may stock familiar remedies, they are often produced under regional names, so we advise bringing the generic chemical name of any critical prescription. Before finalising your plans, please carefully review the itinerary and physical requirements to ensure your personal fitness aligns with our style of exploration. To safeguard the well-being of the group, we reserve the right to excuse any traveller from all or part of an itinerary if, in the professional judgment of our Expedition Leader, continuing would pose an undue risk to themselves or their fellow travellers.
To ensure your well-being and security throughout our explorations, we recommend consulting your home government's regularly updated international travel advisories prior to departure. For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended.

When travelling on a departure, your National Geographic Expedition Leader maintains the authority to modify or adapt any portion of the itinerary should environmental conditions or safety considerations require it. Your Expedition Leader accompanies the group on all scheduled activities, but you will also enjoy unstructured time to pursue personal interests, relax, or discover locales at your leisure. While your leader is delighted to suggest local options for these independent periods, please note that these optional choices do not form part of our curated itinerary, and we make no representations regarding their operating standards; we encourage you to exercise your own discerning judgment.

While the destinations we visit are welcoming during the daytime, navigating urban environments at night requires mindfulness. We recommend exploring in small groups and utilizing local taxis when dining out or moving about after dark. Furthermore, should you encounter public demonstrations or political gatherings, please prioritize your safety by leaving the vicinity immediately rather than remaining for photographs, as these situations can evolve rapidly.

Water-based experiences carry inherent risks. To ensure your protection, we recommend participating in aquatic activities only when accompanied by professional guides. Our commitment to safety means that our Expedition Leaders are strictly prohibited from facilitating unguided water activities on your behalf. Please note that swimming and snorkelling are always undertaken at your own risk. For further insights on enhancing your personal safety during your voyage, please visit www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/
For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended.
Our philosophy of travel is rooted in deep respect for the people, cultures, and lands we encounter. To ensure the safety of our travellers, staff, and the communities that welcome us, the possession or use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on all departures. While certain substances may be woven into local traditions in some regions, they are not permitted within our groups. Furthermore, any form of exploitation, including the solicitation of sex workers, directly contradicts our values. To protect the integrity of the experience and the well-being of the group, our National Geographic Expedition Leader retains the right to remove any traveller who violates these standards.
Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.

When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.

Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.

Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Upon your return, we invite you to share your insights with us. Your valued feedback shapes the future of our itineraries and ensures we continue to deliver meaningful experiences. As a token of our appreciation for your time, we are pleased to offer a 5% savings (up to a maximum of $100 USD) toward your next expedition with us. Simply submit your evaluation within four weeks of completing your travels to unlock this benefit and join our global community of returning travellers.

*This offer is valid for new bookings only, limited to one per person, and cannot be combined with other promotions or applied to independent itineraries. Maximum value of $100 USD (or local currency equivalent). This program may be amended or withdrawn at any time.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at G Adventures and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.