This Private Departure takes us—well, you, really, but in some important sense we’re always along for the ride—to northern India, whose magnificent forts and opulent palaces time-machine us back to the era of the Mughals, the Maharajas, and the only slightly less colorful satraps of the Raj. As always, India lures, pacifically assaults, and ultimately enchants with its vital, ceaselessly colorful culture and its human charms. In addition to visiting the fascinating capital of Delhi, we’ll bask in the beauty of the Taj Mahal and wander in Jaipur, the “Pink City” of Rajasthan.

And then, momentously, on to five memorable days in Bhutan, touring the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. The culmination and probable highlight of our visit to this Himalayan gem is a visit to the mystical Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom (which we spent several pages extolling back in the Bhutan section, print territory we now gently recommend you explore, if you haven’t).

Day 1: arrive Delhi • Day 2: explore Delhi • Day 3: train to Agra, Taj Mahal • Day 4: drive to Jaipur • Day 5: explore Jaipur • Day 6: fly to Delhi • Day 7: fly to Paro, Bhutan, drive to Thimphu • Day 8: explore Thimphu • Day 9: drive to Punakha • Day 10: explore Punakha • Day 11: return to Paro • Day 12: explore Paro, hike to Taktsang • Day 13: depart Bhutan.

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