Duration : 17 Nights / 18
Days
Destination : India : Delhi,
Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra and Varanasi;
Nepal : Bhairahwah, Chitwan
and Kathmandu; Bhutan : Paro
and Thimphu
Day 01 : Arrive New Delhi (India)
Arrive Delhi, our company executive will meet/assist
and transfer you to the hotel for overnight
stay
Day 02 : Delhi sightseeing :
Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing
of Old Delhi including Red Fort:
The red stone walls of the fort extend from
2kms and vary in height from 18m on the riverside
to 33m on the city side. The hall of public
audiences, the hall of private audiences,
the royal baths and Moti Masjid built by Aurangzeb
for himself are important part of the immense
fort. Jama Masjid: It is the largest mosque
in India and the final architectural extravagance
of Shanjahan. Raj Gath: The memorial of Mahatma
Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.
PM : Sightseeing of New Delhi
including Laxmi Narayan Temple: Garishly colored
modern temple is erected by the industrialist
Birla. This temple is dedicated to Laxmi -
the goddess of wealth and Narayan - Lord Vishnu,
husband of Laxmi.. Humayun’s Tomb: Built
by wife of Humayun, the second Mughal king.
It is an early example of Mughal architecture.
Qutab Minar: The building complex dates back
to the onset of Muslim rule in India and are
fine examples of Afghan architecture. India
Gate: The 42m high stone “Arch of Triumph”,
erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who
died in the First World War; Drive through
Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of
Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan etc. Overnight
at the hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur :
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Jaipur
and en-route visit Amber Fort Palace.
This impressive hilltop fortress possesses
what must be the world’s finest Chamber
of Mirrors and affords glorious views of the
surrounding plains. Enjoy Elephant Ride (upto
the hill) at Amber Fort.
Continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival check
in to hotel for overnight stay
Day 04 : Jaipur Sightseeing
Breakfast at hotel
Start full day city tour of Jaipur including
City Palace with its fine collection of textiles,
costumes and armoury and the Palace of the
Winds. Maharaja Jai Singh was a great astronomer
of his time. He built here extraordinary (and
very accurate) stargazing Observatory here
named as “Jantar Mantar”. This
city also offers tourist some best experience
of Rajputana architecture, art, craft and
culture. Tourists also enjoy doing shopping
here. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 : Jaipur – Agra (enroute
Fatehpur Sikri) : Breakfast at the
hotel. Start driving towards Jaipur. Enroute
visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur
Sikri : built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was
the old capital of the Mughals, which was
abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of
water. See the graceful buildings including
the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch
Mahal & other Palaces which are still
preserved in its original glory.
Continue drive to Agra. On arrival transfer
to the hotel.
Day 06 : Agra sightseeing :
Breakfast at the hotel. Start sightseeing
of Agra. Morning at the time of Sunrise visit
emortal “Symbol of Love”
- The Taj Mahal, the unique example
of Mughal Architecture. One can easily imagine
the feeling of love behind making of Taj Mahal.
Around 300 years ago Shah Jahan built this
monument in remembrance his wife Mumtaz after
her death. The seeing Taj during sunrise or
sunset is magnificent.
Later you will see here the Red Fort - built
by Akbar the Great, the fort stands in an
imposing position on a bend in the Yamuna
River with wonderful views of the Taj Mahal
further along its banks. The fort contains
some stunning and very intricate designs.
Agra - Varanasi (Overnight train)
1800 hrs : Transfer to Railway station for
overnight train to Varanasi at 2005 hrs by
New Dellhi – Howra – Poorva Express
overnight train.
Day 07 : Varanasi Sightseeing
0600 hrs : Arrive Varanasi railway station
and transfer to hotel
Breakfast at hotel
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath :
where the Buddha preached his first sermon
in the Deer Park, contains the most impressive
remains, as well as a modern temple. Overnight
at hotel
Day 08 : Varanasi sightseeing
Morning at the time of sunrise Enjoy
famous Ghat Visit at the bank of holy river
Ganges
After breakfast at hotel, Start sight seeing
of Varanasi – the ancient city of India,
an import religious and educational center
famous as "Kashi" or the city of
spiritual light, said to have been founded
by Shiva, Lord of the Universe. It is one
of the oldest living cities in the world.
Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges,
the unique relationship between the mighty
Ganga and the city forms the essence of Varanasi.
The city has been a centre of learning and
civilization for over 2000 years and is the
home of novelists, philosophers and grammarians.
Day 09 : Varanasi – Bhairahawa
: Breakfast at the hotel. Start drive
across the Gangetic Plains,
through remote towns and villages towards
Bhairahawa. Cross the Indo-Nepal border at
Sonauli. After customs check in the border
transfer to another bus for Bhairahawa. On
arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight
stay.
Day 10 : Bhairahawa - Chitwan : Breakfast
at the hotel. Morning drive to the Chitwan
which is famous for the National Park –
the oldest and world famous national park
have dense forests and tall grass and home
for Elephant, Tiger, One Horned Indian Rhino,
Bears and many other wild birds and animals.
Overnight stay in the Lodge.
Day 11 : Chitwan : Breakfast
in the lodge. Enjoy Elephant safari in the
jungle which gives the best chances to view
animals from real close. Also do here a nature
walk with local naturists. Overnight in the
lodge.
Day 12 : Chitwan - Kathmandu :
Breakfast at the lodge. Start adventurous
drive heading towards Kathmandu. Drive through
forests, rivers and start climb through bumpy
mountain roads. Reach Kathmandu. On arrival
check in to hotel.
Day 13 : Kathmandu Sightseeing
Breakfast at hotel
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu , the capital
city and biggest cosmopolitan of Nepal. It
is also a meeting place of a dozen ethnic
groups, and the hometown of the Newars - Nepal's
master craftsmen and traders extraordinaire.
Trade indeed, created Kathmandu for at least
a thousand years it controlled the most important
caravan route between Tibet and India - and
trade has always funded its Newar artisans.
Little wonder, perhaps that Kathmandu has
so deftly embraced the tourist business.
Pashupatinath, one of the
most famous Hindu sites in the world. It contains
numerous ancient temples and draws pilgrims
from all over the region. Non-Hindus can't
enter the main Shiva temple, but stationing
yourself on the opposite bank of the Bagmati
River (which, like the Ganges, is considered
holy) affords a nice view of the courtyard
and the gilded roofs surrounding it. In front
of the temple and farther downstream are ghats,
platforms used for cremating bodies. (Although
the cremation is performed in public, it's
important to remember that it is essentially
a very private ritual. Feel free to watch,
but do so respectfully.) The temple area and
the surrounding forest are also home to quite
a few ash-pale sadhus, holy men who have cast
away their possessions and devoted their lives
to religious contemplation (which, in some
cases, involves smoking abundant marijuana).
On Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, which
usually falls in early March, as many as 400,000
pilgrims gather in Pashupatinath to celebrate.
Continue drive to Bodhnath,
which is the center of Tibetan culture in
the valley. Its main attraction is a gigantic
stupa (religious spire). This is the best
place to visit for those who are more interested
in Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Most of the
monasteries welcome visitors. Free introductory
discourses are given every Saturday morning
at Ka-Nying Shedrup Ling monastery, which
is a two-minute walk north of the stupa.
Continue drive to Swayambhunath,
away from the noise and pollution of the city
is 3 km from the city centre. Swayambhunath
is worshiped by Buddhists and is popularly
known as the “monkey temple” to
tourists.Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient
and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu
valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering
golden spire are visible for many miles and
from all sides of the valley. Historical records
found on a stone inscription give evidence
that the stupa was already an important Buddhist
pilgrimage destination by the 5th century
AD. Its origins however, date to a much earlier
time, long before the arrival of Buddhism
into the valley. Swayambhunath's worshippers
include Hindus, Vajrayana Buddhists of northern
Nepal and Tibet, and the Newari Buddhists
of central and southern Nepal.
Evening come back to Kathmandu and have a
Start walking tour of Kathmandu city. Visit
Durbar Square at the heart of the city. Overnight
at the hotel.
Day 14 : Kathmandu - Paro
Transfer to international airport for flight
to Paro
Arrive Paro International Airport, our representative
will meet / welcome you and transfer to hotel
During the journey to Paro, one will experience
from the left hand side of the plane breath
taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga
and other famous Himalayan peaks, including
the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake
in Bhutan.
Day 15 : Paro – Thimphu :
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Drugyal Dzong ( a ruined fortress
- 16 km away from Paro town ). Although in
ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance.
It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated
the invading Tibetans and drove them back.
The peak of Mount Chomolhari "Abode of
the Goddess Chomo" can be seen on a clear
day (Alt. 7329m). Lunch at the hotel.
PM : Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong).This
was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen
Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National
Museum in 1968. It is located on the top of
a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro
valley and the river.Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong.
This massive fortress is located in the Paro
valley and is approached by a gently sloping
flagstone road and a beautiful covered wooden
bridge and guard houses. Today, the Dzong
is the Administrative seat of the district
of Paro and it also contains a state monastic
community of about 200 monks. The central
tower (Utse) of the Dzong, is one of the most
beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork.
The Dzong was built in 1646 A.D. Evening:
Tea at the hotel and drive to Thimphu (Capital).
This 2 hour drive snakes along the Paro and
Thimphu rivers offering gorgeous scenic views
at every turn. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 16 : Thimphu :
Morning after breakfast visit the Memorial
Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of
the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom
from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library
where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit
the Painting School where traditional art
is still kept alive through instructions in
the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist
scrolls).
PM : Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of
the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built
in 1629 Ad. Visit Tashichho Dzong - the main
Secretariat Building. This massive structure
houses part of the Ministries, the office
of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses
the State Monastic Body and the living quarters
of the Chief Abbot. After visiting Simtokha
Dzong visit Pangri Zampa Monastery which is
situated just beyond Dechencholing (5kms.
from Thimphu ). This Lhakhang was the residence
of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived
in Bhutan in 1616 A.D.
Day 17 : Thimphu – Paro :
Morning after an early breakfast, drive back
to Paro to take a short trek to Taktsang Monastery
(10 km) from Paro Town. The name Taktsang
means "Tiger’s Nest". The
monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with
a sheer drop of nearly 800m. and overlooks
the Paro Valley and river. It is believed
during the second half of the 8th century
Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha
in Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the
monastery is situated having alighted there
on the back of a flying tigress. Overnight
at hotel
Day 18 : Paro Departure :
Early morning transfer to the airport for
flight to next destination.
