North India Nepal and Bhutan (12 Days / 11 Nights)
This special itinerary has been tailor made for those who would like to have the best of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Be it the magnificent Taj Mahal, or the ancient living city of Varanasi in India or the temples and Stupas of Nepal or the enchanting nature of Bhutan; this tour takes you to the must see destinations of all the three countries.
Day 1: Delhi
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Thursday, May 23, 2024
Arrive at Delhi.Our representative will receive and transfer to the hotel.Check-in and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
Thursday, May 23, 2024 - Friday, May 24, 2024
Morning half-day city tour of Old Delhi visiting
Raj Ghat the Mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi. Jama Masjid and drive past
Red Fort. You may take a tricycle tour of Chandini Chowk. Afternoon half day city tour of New Delhi visiting drive past President House,
Parliament House (House of Representatives) and
India Gate - War Memorial (stop for photography). Visit the
Qutub Minar , 72.55 meters, high Victory Tower and proceed onto
Bahai Temple (lotus temple). Also visit the
Humayun's Tomb built of red sandstone, the first substantial example of the Mughal architecture and Laxmi Narayan Temple - a modern Hindu temple built by the Birlas, leading Indian industrialists. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Delhi - Agra
Friday, May 24, 2024 - Saturday, May 25, 2024
After breakfast proceed to Agra. Enroute visit Fatehpur - Sikri (40 kms. from Agra) - once the capital of Mughal Empire and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Its fortifications and Palaces are in a wonderful state of preservation. Upon arrival at Agra check-in at Hotel.Afternoon half day city tour visiting the World famous
Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the year 1652 as a memorial for his beloved wife MumtazMahal. The grandeur called the Taj is perhaps the most photographed, filmed, described and sketched building of the world.
Taj Mahal is where fantasy coincides with reality in perfect harmony. An inspiration for innumerous artists over the centuries, the Taj is an ode to love. It took 22 years to create this jewel. Agra Fort built and renovated over the centuries, this massive fort gained recognition only during the Mughal reign. Tomb of Itmad-ud-daullah- built by Empress Noorjehan in the memory of her father.Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Agra - Varanasi
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Sunday, May 26, 2024
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport to leave by air for Varanasi. Arrive and transfer to Hotel. Afternoon visit to Sarnath - the holy shrine of the Buddhist where LORD BUDHA preached his first sermon after his Enlightenment.
Day 5: Varanasi - Kathmandu
Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Monday, May 27, 2024
Early morning boat ride on the River Ganges- the most fascinating aspect of Varanasi. Watch thousands of Worshippers in obeisance before Sun God. Afternoon transfer to airport to leave by air for Kathmandu. Arrive and transfer to Hotel.
Day 6: Kathmandu
Monday, May 27, 2024 - Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Morning OPTIONAL MOUNTAIN FLIGHT (Approx. One Hour Duration) to have an aerial view of the mighty Himalayan Peaks including Mt. Everest. This is the closest one can go to the peaks without having to trek. OR browse through bazaars.Afternoon visit Kathmandu city - known as Kantipur. The capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Visit the temple of the Living Goddess who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, the Durbar Square, with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the Nepalese Royalty and onto Swayambhunath - Buddhist stupa is said to be 2000 years old.Evening try your luck at Casino. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 7: Kathmandu
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Morning half day visit Patan also known as Lalitpur, the city of fine arts. Enclosed within four stupas it is said to be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. Also visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft centre, where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and moulding of metal statues.Afternoon visit Boudhnath - this stupa is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairsof eyes in the four cardinal directions keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. Proceed onto Bhadgaon - also known as Bhaktapur meaning the city of devotes, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. This place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. Onto PASHUPATINATH - Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred Bagmati River; the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture (Entrance into the temple premesis is permitted to the Hindus only). Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 8: Kathmandu - Paro
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - Thursday, May 30, 2024
Transfer to airport to leave by Druk air for Paro. ( FLT. OPERATES ON FEW DAYS ONLY ).The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see the Mount Everest, the Kanchandzonga, Makalu and many other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Arrive and transfer to Hotel DRUK or similar. Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint clusters of hamlets amidst terraced paddy fields. The town still maintains traditions by way of its architecture and the simple way of life. Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and a traditional Bhutanese Farm House Evening at leisure to visit local shops. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 9: Paro - Thimphu
Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Friday, May 31, 2024
Morning after breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom. Arrive and stay at Hotel DRUK or similar. Afternoon, visit to King's Memorial Chorten, majestic Tashichhodzong, interesting Handicrafts Emporium and market.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 10: Thimphu - Punakha
Friday, May 31, 2024 - Saturday, June 1, 2024
Morning visit National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop en route for TeaCoffee at Dochula pass(3,100 m) and enjoy mountain scenery.
Day 11: Punakha - Paro
Saturday, June 1, 2024 - Sunday, June 2, 2024
Morning proceed to Paro. Enroute lunch halt at Thimphu. Arrive and stay at Hotel DRUK or similar Late afternoon visit Ta Dzong ( National Museum ) and then walk down the trail to see Rinpung Dzong.
Day 12: Paro - Delhi
Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Monday, June 3, 2024
Transfer to airport to leave by morning flight of Druk air for Delhi (Flight operates on few days only).Arrive and transfer to Hotel. Day at leisure to visit National Museum or to buy souveniers. Evening transfer to airport to fly back home onward destination.
