2025/26 savings: SAVE up to £150 per person
on India, Nepal & Bhutan tours departing from September 2025 to August 2026. Book by 15th September 2025.
Early Booking Offers: SAVE £200 per person
on India, Nepal & Bhutan tours departing from September 2026 Book by 30th November 2025.
India, Nepal, & Bhutan are lands of striking contrasts and timeless beauty. From India’s majestic forts and grand palaces to Nepal’s sacred temples nestled in the Himalayas and Bhutan’s serene monasteries set against pristine landscapes, this region offers an extraordinary tapestry of cultures, religions, and culinary traditions. A journey through these countries is a sensory experience like no other – an exhilarating carousel of colours, aromas, sights, and sounds that are deeply unique yet universally recognisable. For a truly unique experience, opt for one of our private tours of India.
Join an exclusively chartered river cruise for a tour of India by water – Meander the waterways of the Brahmaputra River on our exclusively chartered Indian river cruise tour aboard the ABN Sukapha. We discover plentiful wildlife at nearby national parks, immerse ourselves in riverside communities, get a fascinating glimpse into Assamese culture on Majuli Island and visit a tea estate in Jorhat.
Fascinating wildlife adventures –Embark on an unforgettable journey through the rich and diverse landscapes of India, Nepal, & Bhutan, where remarkable wildlife encounters await at every turn. In India, explore five of the country’s most acclaimed national parks on our Indian Wildlife Adventure tour, where you’ll learn about the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book and join expert naturalists in search of iconic species such as the majestic Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, Indian leopard, cobra, and the rare One-horned rhinoceros.
On our new A Journey Through the Himalayas tour, we delve into Nepal’s UNESCO-protected Chitwan National Park on a thrilling jeep safari and glide along the Rapti River to catch glimpses of the rare Gharial and Marsh Mugger crocodiles, all while gaining insights into the local ecosystem and conservation efforts from experienced guides. In Bhutan, we encounter the Takin, the Bhutanese national animal, said to have the nose of a moose, the body of a bison and the hooves of a goat!
Unforgettable cultural experiences –Watch the sun set over the majestic Taj Mahal, witness the energy of the Wagah-Attari border ceremony, and dine with a local family in Jaipur. Cruise the Keralan backwaters on a kettuvallam houseboat, explore tea plantations in Munnar, and attend the ‘Going to Bed Ceremony’ at Meenakshi Temple.
On our unforgettable Nepal and Bhutan tours you will discover Kathmandu’s UNESCO Durbar Squares and glimpse a living goddess at the House of Kumari. Experience a Tharu dance in Chitwan, an Aarti by Phewa Lake, and meet a Sherpa mountaineer. Marvel at Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Monastery, stunning Punakha Dzong, and the unique flag-down ceremony in Thimphu.
Peaks and Panoramas – Soak up breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas as we explore the former kingdom of Nepal and the enchanting landscapes of Bhutan. Nepal’s ancient capital, Kathmandu, sits in a wide valley framed by far-reaching mountain vistas, while lakeside Pokhara reveals the towering peaks of the Annapurna Range, most distinctively Machapuchre – the Fishtail, piercing the sky. At 3,100m above sea level, Bhutan’s Dochula Pass offers stunning panoramas of the Himalayas.
Rail journeys to remember, a tour of India by train – Travel in the most memorable way with an enchanting Indian rail tour on board the opulent Deccan Odyssey. Impeccable service and phenomenal views precede stops at some of the country’s most fascinating places. We also ride the famed Toy Trains of Shimla and Darjeeling, in the foothills of the Himalayas.
From start to finish, our escorted tours to India, Nepal & Bhutan are meticulously planned and offer exceptional value. We include return international flights from the UK, overseas transfers and transport in modern air-conditioned coaches, deluxe hotels in great locations, many meals including daily breakfast, and entrance fees to the many incredible places and monuments you will visit, all with an experienced Tour Manager or local guide, and access to our exclusive Distant Journey’s travel app.
Take advantage of our Special Offers or check out our late availability to India, Nepal & Bhutan. Prepare for your adventure of a lifetime with our India travel guide, find things to do in Agra and the essential places to visit in Mumbai.
Wonderful memories of the Red and Amber forts, the stepwell, mosques and minarets, the astronomical instruments of Jantar Mantar, the rickshaw rides in Delhi, Ranthambore National Park (where we saw tigers!) – oh yes and the Taj Mahal at sunset! We shall be talking about it for years to come. Our tour guide was terrific – great character, knowledgeable, very helpful and calm. I would love to have another guided tour in the future and thoroughly recommend this trip!
BROCHURE REQUEST
At Distant Journeys we are true escorted touring experts. From our knowledgeable Directors and Reservations consultants at Head Office to our Tour Managers on the ground, each person plays a unique role in ensuring you have the holiday of a lifetime.
We have extensive experience in the travel industry and in creating the best escorted tours of India from the UK. You can be confident that our escorted tours to India, Nepal & Bhutan are of the highest standard.
Our success is evident having now become 23-time winners at the prestigious British Travel Awards, and we have been awarded Feefo’s highest Platinum Trusted rating.
Your money is 100% safe when you book with Distant Journeys. All our touring packages are fully-bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL no. 10913).
We have won numerous awards at the British Travel Awards, most recently ‘Best Small Holiday Company to Australasia’, ‘Best Small Holiday to Sub-Saharan Africa’ and ‘Best Small Escorted Tours Holiday Company’.
Our customers are at the heart of what we do, and this is reflected across our company. We have received an incredible 4.8/5 customer experience rating with independent reviews provider Feefo, and were awarded its highest ‘Platinum Trusted’ rating, for consistently delivering an excellent level of customer service.
Our tours to India, Nepal & Bhutan are full of highlights. Here’s a selection of just some of them, depending on your choice of itinerary…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2025/26 savings: SAVE up to £150 per person on India, Nepal & Bhutan tours departing from September 2025 to August 2026. Book by 15th September 2025.
Early Booking Offers: SAVE £200 per person on India, Nepal & Bhutan tours departing from September 2026. Book by 30th November 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Distant Journeys has won 23 awards over the last seven years, at the British Travel Awards, and we have been awarded Feefo’s highest Platinum Trusted Rating for customer satisfaction.
Know you are paying the best price for your holiday with our Price Promise. We never offer last minute discounts and we guarantee the earlier you book the better the offer you’ll receive.
Book in the confidence your money is 100% safe. All Distant Journeys holidays are fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10913) or ABTOT (number 5427).
Planning your next holiday? Let Distant Journeys give you some travel inspiration.
There are three easy ways to request your brochures – just click on your preferred option below:
![]() online brochures |
![]() your brochures |
![]() brochures by post |