Himalayan Reset & Royal India Tour
A wellness-led journey that moves from Delhi's imperial layers into the Ganges valley, before slowing fully into a structured retreat at Ananda in the Himalayas. From there, the route shifts into Rajasthan's palace heritage at Rambagh, then closes with Mumbai's coastal energy. Ananda is the centrepiece: set above the Ganges valley near Rishikesh, it is one of India's most celebrated wellness retreats, known for integrated programmes combining consultations, therapies, and daily movement practices. The pacing is designed so that the wellness days are genuinely restorative rather than another thing to do. Your senior Farbound trip lead adjusts everything in real time and stays invisible during the Ananda chapter so the retreat flow is uninterrupted. All meals are included from arrival. Domestic flights are included. July to April is the most comfortable operating window.
Trip highlights.
The journey, day by day.
Old and New Delhi with private transport, arriving with enough time to settle before the journey proper begins.
Flight to Dehradun, private road transfer into the Ganges valley, and the Ganga aarti at dusk.
Private road transfer to Ananda in the Himalayas. Arrival, orientation, and a gentle first wellness day.
A full day at Ananda built around calm rhythm, choice, and recovery.
A final full Ananda day built around leaving with steadier energy rather than a packed checklist.
Flight from Dehradun to Jaipur, palace check-in at Rambagh, and a soft first Jaipur layer.
A second Jaipur day for deeper sightseeing, craft, and a properly paced afternoon.
Flight to Mumbai, waterfront check-in at The Taj Mahal Palace, and a high-signal city introduction.
Elephanta Caves by speedboat, a light city finale, and a farewell dinner.
Private transfer to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for departure.
What's included.
Questions about this trip.
Can I start from a listed trip and keep it exactly as shown?
Yes. Listed trips can be run exactly as published or customized based on your preferences.
Do you take bookings and payments directly on the website?
Bookings are confirmed after proposal approval. Payments are collected via payment links rather than instant checkout.
What is typically not included?
International flights, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, and anything not explicitly listed.
Are domestic flights included?
Domestic flights are included only when explicitly stated in the itinerary.
What is a Farbound tour director?
A tour director is a Farbound-appointed lead who are local experts, licensed by the ministry of tourism India, & responsible for coordination and issue resolution, either end-to-end or city-by-city.
Is 24/7 support available?
Yes. On-trip support is available for coordination and issue escalation.
Can I request a guide in a specific language?
Language-specific guides can be requested, subject to availability and routing.
Can I upgrade or downgrade hotels?
Yes, subject to availability and repricing.
Are there mountain road constraints on this route?
Mountain roads can be affected by weather and local conditions. Farbound plans with buffers and may adjust routing if conditions require.
Is this trip suitable for travelers who want more downtime?
Yes. Downtime can be increased by adding nights or trimming activity density.
Can we adjust for colder nights and weather variability?
Yes. Seasonal guidance and packing notes are provided and routing can be adjusted where feasible.
Is altitude sickness a concern in Bhutan?
Most of Bhutan's main tourist areas sit between 2,200m and 2,800m. Mild symptoms (headache, fatigue) are possible, especially on arrival. We build in acclimatisation days and advise arriving well-rested and hydrated. Consult your GP if you have a history of altitude sensitivity.
Do I need an e-Visa for India?
Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in - it is typically approved within 72 hours and valid for 30 or 365 days depending on the type. We advise applying at least 2 weeks before travel. Some nationalities require a sticker visa from an Indian consulate.
What is the best time to visit India?
India is vast and each region has its own season. The Himalayan north (Ladakh, Himachal) is best May-September. Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle are ideal October-March. Kerala and the south are good November-February. The northeast is spectacular March-May. We'll advise based on your chosen region.
Is India safe to travel to?
India is safe for the vast majority of travellers when you take sensible precautions. Solo female travellers should exercise extra caution in certain areas, and we always advise on destination-specific safety. Our partners and guides are vetted, and we brief guests on local customs and areas to avoid.
What vaccinations do I need for India?
Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Depending on your itinerary, your GP may suggest Hepatitis B, Rabies, or Japanese Encephalitis. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for some rural and jungle regions. Consult a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.
Is the food safe in India?
Indian food is wonderful but your stomach needs time to adjust. Stick to cooked food, avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources, and opt for bottled or filtered water throughout. High-end restaurants and hotels are generally very safe. We include a food safety briefing in every pre-departure pack.
Is India good for vegetarians?
India is arguably the most vegetarian-friendly country in the world. Virtually every restaurant offers extensive vegetarian menus, and many are entirely meat-free. Vegan options are increasingly available in cities and tourist areas. Please let us know your dietary requirements and we'll ensure every meal is taken care of.
What is NOT included in the price?
International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal spending, tips for guides and drivers, and meals not listed in the itinerary. A clear inclusions and exclusions list is in every quote we send.
What should I pack for Bhutan or a mountain trip?
Warm layers are essential - temperatures drop sharply at altitude and after dark even in summer. A good fleece, windproof jacket, thermal base layers, sturdy walking boots, and sunscreen for high-altitude UV. Modest clothing is required at dzongs. We send a detailed altitude-specific packing list.
Should I bring local currency or can I use cards?
A mix of both is ideal. Cards are accepted at most hotels and large restaurants, but local markets, tuk-tuks, tips, and smaller guesthouses are cash-only. We recommend having USD as an emergency backup - it's accepted or exchangeable almost everywhere we operate.
Do you arrange flights?
We can arrange flights as part of a full package or advise on the best routing and airlines for your trip. Many clients prefer to book flights independently for flexibility with points and upgrades - we're happy to work either way and will give you the ideal arrival and departure airport for your itinerary.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 3-6 months ahead for peak season travel (October-March for South Asia). Bhutan during festival season can need 6-12 months lead time. That said we've pulled together excellent last-minute trips - if your dates are flexible get in touch and we'll see what's possible.
Can I customise my itinerary?
Absolutely - customisation is what we do. Every Farbound itinerary is built around your interests, pace, travel style, and budget. Whether you want to add a cooking class in Kerala, a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, or an extra night at a tea estate, just tell us and we'll design it for you.
What is included in the price?
Our packages typically include accommodation, all meals as specified, private transfers, a local guide, entrance fees, and internal transport. International flights are usually separate unless stated. The exact inclusions are listed on every itinerary and quoted in writing before you confirm.
How do I pay and what are the payment terms?
We typically require a deposit of 20-30% at booking to secure your itinerary and accommodation, with the balance due 60 days before departure. For last-minute bookings full payment is taken upfront. We accept bank transfer and major credit cards. Full payment terms are in your booking confirmation.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus the deposit. Between 30-60 days we retain 50% of the total cost. Within 30 days the full amount is non-refundable. We always recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations. Full terms are in your booking agreement.
Is there a single room supplement?
Yes, single travellers occupy a private room and a supplement applies as hotels charge on a per-room basis. The exact supplement varies by property and destination. We always quote this clearly upfront and work to minimise it where possible - some boutique properties have more affordable single rates.
Do you run group tours or private only?
Farbound specialises in private, bespoke journeys. You won't be sharing a vehicle or guide with strangers. For travellers who prefer a social group setting, we can occasionally match solo travellers or small groups - get in touch to discuss.
What happens if something goes wrong on my trip?
We have a 24/7 emergency contact for all guests travelling with Farbound. Our local partners are experienced in handling medical issues, itinerary changes, and unexpected situations. We also ensure all guests have comprehensive travel insurance before they travel.
Is India suitable for families with children?
Yes - India is endlessly engaging for children. Rajasthan (forts, camel rides, folk performances), wildlife safaris in national parks, and the backwaters of Kerala are all family favourites. We pace the itinerary carefully, choose child-friendly accommodation, and adjust activities to suit ages and energy levels.
Is there a minimum age for your trips?
There's no hard minimum age - it depends on the destination and itinerary. Most of our trips work well for children aged 6 and above. Bhutan's high altitude and trekking-heavy itineraries are better suited to children 10+. We'll always give honest advice based on your specific children and planned activities.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and severe allergy requirements are all manageable with advance notice. South Asia is exceptionally accommodating for vegetarian and vegan diets in particular. Please tell us at the time of enquiry so we can brief every restaurant and property on your itinerary.
Can I drink the water?
Tap water is not safe to drink in Sri Lanka, India, or Bhutan. All reputable hotels provide filtered or bottled water. We advise carrying a reusable bottle with a built-in filter (e.g. LifeStraw or GRAYL) to reduce plastic waste - Bhutan in particular encourages this as part of its sustainability ethos.
Should I take out travel insurance before booking?
Yes - and we ask that you do so before final payment. A good policy covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage. Adventure activities (trekking, rafting, safaris) must be explicitly covered. We're happy to recommend providers if you need a starting point.