Tour Duration: 13 Nights/ 14 Days
Tour Destinations: Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Paro – Thimphu - Punakha
India and Bhutan Tour takes you three main highlights of North India - Delhi the capital city of India where history has simmered effortlessly in modernity still keeping its identity conspicuous in the form of monuments. Visit the capital of the colourful Rajasthan land of Rajas and Maharajas, explore its extravagant forts and palaces, and ride an elephant. End your India journey with a visit to one of the seven wonders of the world, the fabled Taj Mahal. Then enter the forbidden land of Thunder Dragon ‘Bhutan’, where time stands still. If nature has taken the time to create something then that has to be Bhutan. Explore the awesome Dzongs (fortress monasteries) and imposing palaces – indulge in the beauty of this little paradise on earth.
Day 01 – Arrive Delhi
Day 02 – Full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting Jama Masjid and taking a cycle rickshaw ride in the alleyways of Chandni Chowk seeing colorful markets in Old Delhi. Drive pass the Luyten’s Delhi seeing the colonial presence in the capital. Visit Qutab Minar and Humayun Tomb.
Day 03 – Morning drive to Jaipur. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city visiting City Palace and Jantar Mantar (astronomical observatory)
Day 04 – Morning excursion to Amber Fort stopping by en route at Hawa Mahal en route. An option of taking an elephant ride is there in this excursion.
Day 05 – Morning drive to Agra visiting deserted Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri en route. Evening visit Mehtab Bagh to view the Taj Mahal by sunset from across the Yamuna River.
Day 06 – Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal to see the monument changing it’s mood with changing lights of the rising sun.
Later in the morning visit Agra Fort from where four of the mighty Mughal rulers controlled their vast Later visit Agra Fort. Afternoon drive to Delhi.
Day 07 – Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan.
Day 08 – Full-day sightseeing tour of Thimphu visiting Tashichho Dzong, The Memorial Chorten, The National Library, and National Institute of Traditional Medicine.
Day 09 – Morning drive to Punakha stopping 10,218 feet high Dochu-la (Pass). Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
Day 10 – Morning drive to Paro visiting Wangdi Phodrang Valley and Simtokha Dzong en route.
Day 11 – Full-day sightseeing tour of Paro visiting Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, and Kichu Lhakhang.
Day 12 – Day return hike to Taktsang “Tiger Nest” Monastery.
Day 13 – Fly to Delhi
Day 14 - Depart Delhi
Day 01 – Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 – Delhi
Proceed on a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi. The capital of India where history has seamlessly given space to modernity without losing its presence. One of the largest cities in the world, it is dotted with imposing monuments of the Hindu, Mughal and Colonial era.
Visit Jama Masjid the largest mosque of India which can accommodate 25000 people at a time for offering prayer. Qutab Minar one of the tallest break minarets in the world, Humayun Tomb considered to be one of the forerunners of the Taj Mahal. Drive pass India Gate and other government buildings stopping by President House to witness Indo-Saracenic architectures. A visit to Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial) will be a part of the sightseeing.
Apart from visiting historic buildings one gets to take cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk is an experience by itself. Once was a flamboyant bazaar (market place) for the novels of the Mughal era, it today is the largest wholesale market of Asia.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 – Delhi to Jaipur
Morning, depart Delhi by surface for Jaipur (264 Km/ 06 Hrs. approx.). Arrive Jaipur and check in at hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city visiting City Palace – a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, The City Palace official residence of the present royal family covers a series of courtyards, gardens, and residential buildings, etc. A part of this Palace has now been converted to a museum housing an elaborate collection of Armoury, Textiles, and Artifacts. Jantar Mantar - this 17th-century astronomical observatory is an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes, and calculating eclipses, etc. and some of them still work quite accurately.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 – Jaipur
Morning, proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort stopping by en route at Hawa Mahal. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap a five-story façade in red sandstone with 953 small windows, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is part of the City Palace. It was built with the intention to allow ladies in the palace to observe everyday life on the street below without being seen. However, today Hawa Mahal has become the emblem of Jaipur.
Amber Fort lies in the outskirts of Jaipur city. Erstwhile capital of Kachhawaha Rajput rulers of Jaipur, the Amber Fort guarded one of the important defiles against invading enemies. Wander around the fort exploring extravagant palaces that once witnessed the opulence and magnificence of Royal Rajasthani lifestyle. The mirror palace, winter palace, and summer palace, etc. are some of the highlights of the visit to this fort. You will climb atop the fort’s ramparts on an elephant’s back.
Afternoon at leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 – Jaipur to Agra
Depart Jaipur by surface for Agra (232 Km/ 06 Hrs. approx.) stopping by en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - just 44 km away from Agra lies Fatehpur Sikri, which briefly served as the capital Mughal empire during the reign of emperor Akbar. It is believed that city was quickly abandoned due to the scarcity of potable water. Palaces, meeting halls, and courtyards inside the complex are in a remarkable state of preservation. There is an important pilgrimage for Muslims in the complex “Holy shrine of Saint Salim Chisti”. Also, Emperor Akbar built a very imposing gate “Buland Darwaza” here to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.
Arrive, Agra and drive straight to the Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River to view the Taj Mahal changing its colour with the fading light of the setting sun.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 – Agra to Delhi
Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal to see the monument changing it’s mood with changing lights of the rising sun. This ultimate tribute of love built by a grieving emperor for his wife is actually flawless to its conception and execution. It is aptly said that the beauty of the Taj Mahal has to be experienced, it cannot be described in words.
Later in the morning visit Agra Fort from where four of the mighty Mughal rulers controlled their vast empire. Built by successive emperors, the fort consists of residential palaces, courts, social areas, and private mosques representing the excellence of Mughal architecture. Fort also is a vantage point to view the Taj Mahal from a distance.
Afternoon depart Agra by surface for Delhi (200 Km/ 04 Hrs. approx.). Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 – Delhi to Paro and Thimphu
In time transfer to the airport to board the flight to Paro (Bhutan). Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu (55 Km/ 2 Hrs. approx.) after completing customs and immigration formalities.
Arrive Thimphu and check in at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
Thimphu the capital city (rather a town) of Bhutan is probably the smallest capital city in the world. Situated on the lap of the mountains Thimphu showcases a very rich cultural heritage and one can certainly feel it by observing its monuments. Though Thimphu has gracefully embraced the influence of modern times it has successfully retained its ethnic and pure traditions.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 – Thimphu
Morning, proceed on a full-day sightseeing tour of Thimphu visiting Tashichho Dzong. Translating as the ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ in the local language, Tashichho Dzong is the most conspicuous structure in Thimphu town. Originally built during the mid-17th century, the whole structure was however rebuilt during 1961 – 62. The present building houses the Royal Throne, the National Assembly, the Headquarters of the Central Monastic Body (Zhung Dratshang), and the living quarter of the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo). The Memorial Chorten – This tall impressive Tibetan stupa-style architecture with shining spires was built in 1974 as the memorial for the Late Bhutanese King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who died at the young age of 44 in 1972 in Nairobi, Kenya. One can always see Bhutanese people flocking here to pay homage to their loving belated king who was very popular amongst the people. The National Library – It was built for the purpose of "preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and religious heritage" of Bhutan in 1967. Built-in traditional temple-style architecture National Library is important not just for its architecture but for housing rare religious books and manuscripts Dzongkha or Bhutanese scripts and classical Tibetan religious books etc. A part of the library is dedicated to printing books and prayer flags. National Institute of Traditional Medicine - established in 1988 this institute was started to encourage locals to avail rich heritage of traditional healing. Dungso the traditional doctor examines patients here and one can really see how traditional medicines are produced from local plants and herbs and how they are used in curing various illnesses.
Later explore the local markets.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 – Thimphu to Punakha
Morning depart Thimphu for Punakha (70 Km/ 03 Hrs. approx.) by surface. Winding hill road ascending and descending through lush green forests takes one from Thimphu to Punakha. However, 10,218 feet high Dochu-la (Pass) is the highlight of this drive. Dochu-la pass is characterized by clusters of prayer flags, a very typical feature of Tibetan Buddhist culture. The place commands a panoramic view of Thimphu and Punakha valley. On a clear day, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains of the Eastern Himalayas. Telescopes installed in the cafeteria area facilitate view of the mountains at a close quarter. Gangkar Phuensum is the highest mountain peak in Bhutan which is visible from here.
Arrive, Punakha, and check in at the hotel. Punakha is a subtropical valley situated in the floodplain of Phu Chu and Mo Chu (rivers) in a low-lying area. With the temperate climate and a picture-perfect topography, it remained the capital of Bhutan till 1955 and is still the winter seat of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot).
Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong which is one of the most picturesque Dzongs of Bhutan. Located in triangular land between the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu which is also known as the male and the female rivers, it was first built in 1637 AD. However, it had to go through restorations many times due to suffering damages in different accidents. Though it went through the process of restoration a number of times, it has still managed to retain its original character. Mchin Lhakhang in Dzong premises houses embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal the monk who put the foundation of the Dzong. Ugyen Wangchuck, the founder of the Wangchuck dynasty (which rules Bhutan even today) was coronated here. Also, visit Chimi Lhakhang – built by Lama Drukpa Kunlay a revered monk, this 14th-century temple dedicated to the “Divine Madam of Fertility” is located on a hillock in the middle of rice fields. As per local belief, this temple blesses infertile women with children, therefore women from all over flock here to seek blessings of the Divine Madam of Fertility.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 – Punakha to Wangdi Phodrang and Paro
Morning drive to visit Wangdi Phodrang. Picture perfect Wangdi Phodrang valley located on the junction where Dang Chu meets the Puna Tshang chhu of Tang Chu (rivers) boasts of a Dzong on a spur that commands an impressive view over both the east-west and north-south. Apart from its landscape and Dzong Wangdi Phorang area is very famous for its bamboo work, slate & stone carving.
Continue to drive to Paro (122 Km/ 5 ½ Hrs. approx.) stopping by en route at Simtokha Dzong - located on the outskirts of Thimphu Simtokha Dzong built in 1629 AD it is the only fortress monastery in Bhutan that has maintained its original structure. Locals believe that the monastery site was identified to guard the kingdom from a demon that took shelter disappearing in the nearby rock. Besides being a school for religious learning Simtokha Dzong is a premier Dzongkha (Bhutanese National Language) institute.
Arrive Paro and check in at hotel.
Paro one of the most charming places in Bhutan is one of the most important point in old Tibetan trade routes. Because of its location it has also been strategically important valley in Bhutan, thus it has withheld some of the fierce battles fought for the control over Bhutan. Being the only entry and exit point for air travel in Bhutan Paro still holds a very important place in modern Bhutan.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Paro
Morning, proceed to visit Rinpung Dzong – “A Heap of Jewels” as it is translated into English, this imposing fortress monastery lies on the bank of Paro Chu or Paro River. Build in 1654 AD, which is accessed by a cantilever wooden bridge it has resisted successive Tibetan invasions successfully. The Dzong houses fourteen shrines with their walls covered with impressive colourful paintings depicting visual interpretations of Buddhist folk and religious tales and mandalas. The most unique feature of Bhutanese Dzong architecture is that metal nails are not used to join wooden beams. The Dzong today has around 200 resident monks and apart from being the head of monk body of the area, Rinpung Dzong also is the administrative office of Paro district. Ta Dzong – This castle-shaped building was built in 1651 AD to keep a vigil at the invading enemies. Today Ta Dzong has been converted into a National Museum which houses an elaborate collection of arts, relics, and Thangka paintings (scroll religious paintings) reflecting rich Bhutanese cultural heritage.
Afternoon visit the Kichu Lhakhang. One of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, Kishu Lakhang is located on the outskirts of the town. According to local legend, King Gampo miraculously constructed 108 monasteries over the night and Kichu Lhakhang is one of them.
Later walk around the local market.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 – Paro
Early morning, drive a short distance to Drukgyel Dzong. This 1644 AD fortress is testimony to the glorious Bhutanese past where its force won a decisive battle with invading Tibetan army. Thus, it is called Drukgyel Dzong or the ‘Victory of Bhutan’. In 1950 the fortress got destroyed in a fire accident hence today it is in ruins.
After exploring the Dzong start ascending towards Taktsang. Two/ Three hours of steep ascend will take one to Taktsang or the “Tiger Nest” Monastery which clings to a 3000foot cliff in the middle of a forest. According to the local belief that Guru Padmasambhava (referred to as Guru Rinpoche in Tibetan) the founder of Tibetan Buddhism first landed here on a flying tiger.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 – Paro to Delhi
In time transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 - Depart Delhi
Depart Delhi onboard international flight.
Note: an extension to Darjeeling and Sikkim or towards Northeast of India is possible with this tour.
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