India, Nepal & Bhutan Escorted Tours & Holidays

Choose the escorted touring style that’s right for you

Although our love of travel unites us, we all have our own individual requirements when it comes to how we travel. It’s your holiday, and at Distant Journeys you can choose the style of holiday that suits you best.

Classic India, Nepal & Bhutan Tours

Our Classic escorted tours are a great way to travel and experience India, Nepal & Bhutan’s scenery, culture and sights with a group of like-minded people, guided by a friendly and knowledgeable Tour Manager who will bring the destination to life. In India, Nepal & Bhutan, we have several classic tours to choose from –  a characteristic Golden Triangle, ideal for first time visitors with limited time, a Splendours of Kerala which covers the very best of this well-loved region, to our 23-day A Journey Through the Himalayas which incorporates the highlights of India, Nepal and Bhutan. All our classic tours these destinations travel with no more than 24 people.

• 11-day Golden Triangle & Ranthambore
• 14-day Golden Triangle & Goa
• 14-day Splendours of Kerala
• 17-day Indian Wildlife Adventure
• 19-day Very Best of Southern India
• 25-day Grand Tour of India
• 24-day Wonders of India & Nepal
• 23-day A Journey Through the Himalayas

India, Nepal & Bhutan Solo Tours

Our Exclusively Solo itineraries are crafted to include activities and sightseeing to create friendships forged through shared experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. You will be accompanied by a Tour Manager, dedicated to ensuring you get the best from every moment of your holiday and at the end of a busy day, you can retreat to the privacy of your own hotel room. Travelling with no more than 19 people, these tours represent great value for solo travellers.

• 13-day Temples & Tigers
• 16-day Highlights of Southern India
• 17-day Temples, Tigers & Goa
• 23-day A Journey Through India
• 18-day Treasures of Nepal & Bhutan

India Rail Tours

Be transported to an age of romance and royalty, with an enchanting stay on India’s most opulent train, The Deccan Odyssey. Once reserved only for Indian royalty and British aristocrats, travelling by train is now one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to journey across India.

• 14-day Deccan Odyssey’s Grand Heritage
• 16-day Deccan Odyssey’s Cultural Discovery

India River Cruises

For the first time, Distant Journeys are offering the chance to explore India by river and has exclusively chartered the Assam Bengal Navigation Sukapha riverboat. With just 12 cabins, exclusively accommodating Distant Journeys’ guests, the ABN Sukapha is home for seven nights on the 17-day ‘The Brahmaputra River & Darjeeling’ itinerary.

• 17-day Brahmaputra River & Darjeeling

Private Tours of India, Nepal & Bhutan

For those who like to travel as a couple or with a group of friends, our Private Tours offer an intimate, exclusive holiday experience that is surprisingly affordable. Enjoy the same expertly-crafted itinerary and hand-picked hotels, but with the exclusivity and convenience of your own friendly and knowledgeable guides, your own private vehicle and a departure date to suit you.

All our India tours are offered as a Private Tour. A Journey Through the Himalayas and Wonders of India & Nepal are also available as a Private Tour.

So much included

From start to finish, each Distant Journeys India, Nepal & Bhutan tour is meticulously planned. As you would expect from a touring holiday, we include return international flights from the UK on award-winning scheduled airlines, with all your on-board meals and drinks included. Breakfast and dinner are included each day, in addition to several lunches and unique dining experiences.

All your touring holiday essentials are included, such as overseas transport in modern air-conditioned coaches, hotel porterage for your luggage, all pre-payable airport and resort taxes, and all the entrance fees to the many incredible places and monuments you will visit. What’s more, to help you make the most of your time, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable Tour Manager throughout your journey.

Our escorted tours of India, Nepal & Bhutan include:

• Return economy class flights with either Virgin Atlantic or Qatar Airways (dependent on your tour) from London Heathrow
• Flights from Manchester Airport may be possible
• Airport transfers overseas
• Superior hotels, with great locations
• Daily breakfast and dinner, plus several lunches, included
• Experienced local tour managers and drivers
• Incredible excursions
• All pre-payable airport taxes
• All hotel porterage
• ATOL protection for your holiday
• Our Price Promise

Freedom & Flexibility

Here at Distant Journeys, we think we’ve found the perfect balance of freedom and flexibility that your escorted tour of India, Nepal & Bhutan needs.

What would you like to do?

On an escorted tour of India, we think it’s important to enjoy all the iconic sights and lesser-known gems, but to also have the flexibility to enjoy experiences that really interest you. We build in Freedom Days on our itineraries, allowing you to do just that. Whether you would like to take a guided tour through Jaipur’s bustling markets or meet the women of Sadna to learn about how they have transformed the well-being of their society, it’s all about what you’d like to do.

Would you like to explore further?

Who wouldn’t? If you would like to extend your holiday in India after your The Golden Triangle & Ranthambore tour, we have holiday extensions available to Amritsar, Shimla or Varanasi. Alternatively, if you are travelling on tour Splendours of Kerala tour, or our Grand Tour of India tour, complete your Indian adventure with a relaxing Keralan Beach stay. Or why not extend your stay in Mahabalipuram if you are travelling on our Highlights of Southern India or our Very Best of Southern India tour?

Simply let us know, and we will be happy to make the arrangements – it’s all part of our service.

Special Offer

Early Booking Offers: SAVE £200 per person on India, Nepal & Bhutan tours departing from September 2026. Book by 30th November 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What will the weather be like?

  Weather patterns around the world are becoming less predictable. However, as a general guide, during the main travel season to India, between October and March, the days tend to be mild and sunny with comfortable cool evenings. We recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you travel.

• What clothing should I take to India?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof. Any included evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm. We would also recommend taking good insect repellent, a high factor sun-screen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

  It is always worth being aware of local customs when visiting sacred places. As a general rule, when visiting such places, it is recommended that arms and legs are covered. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their shoulders and all visitors should wear long trousers, skirts or shorts that reach below the knee. Taking off your shoes is also a prerequisite before entering many sacred places. Indians adopt a very conservative standard of dress and we suggest dressing modestly. For our safaris in Ranthambore National Park, we recommend layered clothing including something warm as it can be cold on early morning drives. If you have them, binoculars will provide a great opportunity for closer wildlife viewing.

• What's the best way to pay for things in India?

  Across all major hotels, Visa and Mastercard credit cards will be accepted and we recommend advising your bank of your travel plans so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to use your cards.

  In India, cash withdrawals are typically limited to R10,000 (approx. £110) per day and you cannot obtain Indian currency before arrival in the country. There are occasional problems withdrawing cash from ATMs, so it is worth taking some sterling or US dollars that can be changed locally at money exchanges. Don’t forget your tour manager will be on hand to help you find the best places to exchange your money. When you change money, ask for some small bills (Rs 10s and Rs 20s) and keep these separate from the larger ones, so that they’re readily accessible.

  You may also wish to consider a currency card to buy currency and lock in a great exchange rate before you travel. Distant Journeys recommends Revolut, a digital banking app which offers a pre-paid physical or virtual currency card. It is also simple to apply for, set up and use.

• How much should I tip in India?

  Unlike the UK, tipping is very much a way of life in India. We have included a number of gratuities into your tour, although for your Tour Guide, Drivers and assistants, suggested tipping amounts are as follows

  Escorted Tours
  Tour Managers: INR200 – INR300 per person per day
  Coach Drivers: INR100 – INR150 per person per day
  Assistant: INR50 – INR100 per person per day

  Private Tours
  Guide: INR1,200 per day
  Driver: INR600 per day

  Holiday Extensions
  Guide: INR500 per day
  Drivers: INR300 – INR500 per day
  Bell Boy: INR100 per hotel
  Restaurants: INR300

  Note: As many our tours visit several areas across India, you may have more than one tour manager, coach driver and coach helper on your tour.

• Do I need to renew my passport?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all holidays, valid for a minimum of 6 months after your return date to the UK. When travelling to India you must also allow two blank pages for your visa. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document. Our recommendation is that you should apply at least three months before your holiday.

• Will I need a visa to enter India?

  You are required to obtain an e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) before travelling. You can apply online for your visa within 30 days of travel on the government of India’s e-Tourist Visa website.

  The costs for the e-TV is currently $25 USD.

  Alternatively, if you would prefer to have the visa process managed by an expert visa company, we recommend The Travel Visa Company.

  For more information on passport information and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website and the Foreign Office website.

  Please note entry requirements may change and it is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of all necessary travel, passport, visa and other entry requirements before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to obtain and carry all required documentation.

  The information provided is for British citizens only. Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

• Do I need to have any vaccinations?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel. For more information on health and vaccinations please visit the Foreign Office website and the NHS Travel Vaccinations website.

  Advice may change and you should check the most up to date position with your GP or local health / travel clinic in good time before departure.

• I’ve heard that Gujarat is a dry state. Will I be able to purchase alcohol?

  When travelling on our Indian Wildlife Adventure, you will travel through the Indian state of Gujarat, spending a total of 5 nights in the state. Gujarat is a dry state, however the government of Gujarat will issue online liquor permits to foreign tourists during their visit to the state. These permits are valid for 7 days and during this period, customers may purchase up to:

  1. One 750ml bottle of hard liquor – whiskey/gin/rum/vodka etc
  2. Three bottles of wine
  3. Ten 650ml bottles of beer

  For your convenience, Distant Journeys has included the cost of these permits and your local guide will assist you in applying for the permit once in India.

• Is there a time difference?

  Delhi GMT +5½ hrs.

• What is the currency?

  Indian Rupee

• What is the best way to pay for things in India?

  Across all major hotels, Visa and Mastercard credit cards will be accepted and we recommend advising your bank of your travel plans so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to use your cards.

  In India, cash withdrawals are limited to R10,000 (approx. £110) per day and you cannot obtain Indian currency before arrival in the country. There are occasional problems withdrawing cash from ATMs, so it is worth taking some sterling or US dollars that can be changed locally at money exchanges. Don’t forget your tour manger will be on hand to help you find the best places to exchange your money. When you change money, ask for some small bills (Rs 10s and Rs 20s) and keep these separate from the larger ones, so that they’re readily accessible.
  You may also wish to consider a currency card to buy currency and lock in a great exchange rate before you travel. Distant Journeys recommends Revolut, a digital banking app which offers a pre-paid physical or virtual currency card. It is also simple to apply for, set up and use.

  For more information on the Revolut Currency Card, please click here

• I’ve heard that Gurjarat is a dry state. Will I be able to purchase alcohol?

  When travelling on our Indian Wildlife Adventure, you will travel through the Indian state of Gujarat, spending a total of 5-nights in the state. Gujarat, is a dry state however, the government of Gujarat, will issue online liquor permits to foreign tourists during their visit to the state. These permits are valid for 7-days and during this period, customers may purchase up to:

  1) One 750ml bottle of hard liquor – whiskey/gin/rum/vodka etc
  2) Three bottles of wine
  3) Ten 650ml bottles of beer

  For your convenience, Distant Journeys has included the cost of these permits and your local guide will assist you in applying for the permit once in India.