India, Nepal & Bhutan Trip- Amalgamation Culture and Heritage

Day 01         ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi. Meet & assistance at the airport and transfer to hotel.

{Check In time 14:00 Hrs.} Overnight at hotel.

Day 02         DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast sightseeing of Old Delhi takes you to Jama Masjid, – The largest mosque in India. Drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial area of the city. Rickshaw ride in the bustling bazaars of Chandani Chowk. Also Visit Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi).

Afternoon: sightseeing of New Delhi including the visit to the 12th century Qutab Minar. Bangla sahib Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) Drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian soldiers), the president’s residence – formerly the Viceroy’s Palace, parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, – an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03         DELHI – JAIPUR BY SURFACE (250 KMS / 05 HRS.)
Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel.

Evening visit Lakshmi Narayan temple (Birla Temple) to attend the Aarti ceremony.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 04         JAIPUR – Amber – JAIPUR
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning: visit of Amber Fort riding on elephant back. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En-route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.

Later: – city tour of Jaipur which begins with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur.

Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05         JAIPUR – Fatehpur Sikri – AGRA BY SURFACE (250 KMS / 05 HRS.)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri is the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty. Famously known as the city of ghosts, it was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory of South India. Arrive Agra & check in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06         AGRA
Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast Taj Mahal undoubtedly one of the most romantic buildings of the world. Renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it counts among man’s proudest creations to commemorate his love (Friday Closed). Also visit Agra Fort. The fort is really a city within a city, which embraces the Moti Masjid, the Diwan-I-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences, the Diwan-I-Khas or the Hall of Private Audiences, the Octagonal Tower, Jahangir’s Palace and many more monuments”.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07         AGRA – DELHI BY SURFACE (240 KMS / 04 HRS.)

DELHI – KATHMANDU BY FLIGHT 6E1161 – 1750/1950 HRS.
Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to the Airport to board the flight for Kathmandu. Arrival at Kathmandu upon arrival transfer to Hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 08         KATHMANDU
Breakfast at Hotel. Morning visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a former royal palace complex located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It housed the Malla kings of Nepal from 14th to 15th century and the kings of the Kingdom of Bhaktapur from 15th to late 18th century until the kingdom was conquered in 1769. During its height, Bhaktapur Durbar Square contained 99 courtyards but today hardly 15 of these courtyards remain.

Afternoon Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square also known as Basantpur Palace Square the home of “Kumari Devi “(the only living Goddess in the world). It is one of the capital’s most visited landmarks.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in front of the Old Royal Palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.

Evening visit Swayambhunath Stupa a golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley.

Evening visit Boudhanath Stupa located about 11Kms from city centre.

Its massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world overnight at the Hotel.

Day 09        KATHMANDU
Breakfast at Hotel. Morning visit Pashupatinath Temple. Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Jyotirlingas housed in the Pashupatinath temple is the head of the body which is made up of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. This temple was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1979.

Patan Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Patan Durbar Square is a stunning showcase of Newari architecture, ancient palaces, and intricately carved temples. Located in the heart of Lalitpur, it offers visitors a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Key attractions include the Krishna Mandir, the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), and the ancient royal palace. Stroll through the square to admire the detailed wood and stone carvings, soak in the vibrant local atmosphere, and explore nearby artisan shops and museums.

Evening visit Thamel Market is known as one of the biggest shopping markets of Kathmandu city. You will find multiple branded and local outlets, providing stuff in western as well as antique Nepali style. Foreign tourists love to visit this market and enjoy some shopping.

Day 10         KATHMANDU – PARO BY FLIGHT KB401 – 0910/1030 HRS.

 PARO – THIMPHU (55KM, APPROX. 1.1/2-HOUR DRIVE)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning free for leisure activities. In time transfer to airport to board the flight for Paro. The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over Himalayan foothills if flying over Kolkatta, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air.

After immigration formalities and baggage collection you will be welcomed by our representative with a ‘tashi khaddar’ (white scarf offering to the guest which is an auspicious way to welcome guest) and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence).

Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tamchog Lhakhang, the temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (several of which are still in use today). The present bridge to Tamchog Lhakhang was restored in 2005 in the design of a traditional style with iron chains and crossing this iron bridge is a wonderful experience. (Approx. 50 min, roundtrip walk).

On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions.

Later in the evening visit later in afternoon visit National Memorial Chorten, a large white structure crowned with a golden spire. It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. This is the most ideal spot to interact with locals who throng in large numbers to circumambulate the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray at a small shrine inside the gate. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Before returning to the hotel, take leisurely walk to local craft Bazar recently established under patronage of Department of cottage & small industry and in collaboration with the department of culture, tourism council and the department of agriculture marketing and cooperatives. This market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing to promotion, protection, and preservation of traditional arts.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2320m)

Day 11         THIMPHU
Morning after breakfast, take a short drive to the north of town to Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, each of these also have been cast in bronze and gilded. Here at Buddha point, you’ve option to perform meditation at a designated area.

Followed by city tour visiting Textile Museum, the living national art of weaving. The place introduces the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men & Folk Heritage Museum encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.  

You can enjoy lunch at the Folk Heritage Musuem.

Post lunch, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the ancient temples located on a ridge above Thimphu. It was established on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet and regarded as the founder of Drukpa lineage in Bhutan. The temple was laid in 12th century while the work of which was extended by his son in the 13th century. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. For centuries, parents come here for blessing of their new-borns from the protector deity Tamdrin and children are blessed by a phurba (ritual dagger) and given a sacred thread. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.

Then drive to Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal Takin, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu.  Originally a mini zoo, it is now converted into a reserve area for the Takin.It is an extremely rare bovid mammal of the ovine-caprine family.

Takin has been diligently chosen as the National animal of Bhutan, because it is unique, rare, and native to Bhutan, closely associated with the religious history and mythology of the Country.

Conclude the sightseeing of the day with visit to Trashichhoedzong, ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Also visit Bhutan Post Office, the Postal Service in Bhutan was first launched on 10^th October 1962 with the opening of a post office in Phuentsholing. In the same year, post offices also opened in Paro and Thimphu.

Evening explore Centenary Farmers Market. Popularly known as Weekend market, this bustling, colourful market centre is the biggest where farmers from different part of the country gather to sell their farm products. With its wide assortment of products including handicrafts and its picturesque and colourful setting, the Farmer’s Market is a favourite spot for many.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).

Day 12         THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (75KM, APPROX. 2.1/2-HOUR DRIVE)
After breakfast drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7, 060 m), a Table Mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m.

At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. These chortens are built in three layers, the first lowest level layer has forty-five chortens, the second has thirty-six and the top layer has twenty-seven, built around the main chorten.

Then proceed onward to Punakha.

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and seat of government until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the fertile Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. Located at an elevation of 1300m above sea level, Punakha enjoys mild winters and is popular year-round destination.

After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness’, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to us, though long established here.

Then a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang.

The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).

Day 13         PUNAKHA – PARO (125 KM, APPROX. 4-HOUR DRIVE)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along scenic highway, enroute visit SimtokhaDzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel.

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only international airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Post lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and cosmic Mandala.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 14         PARO
After early breakfast, embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours round trip walk).  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Legends say that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Late afternoon, drive end of the Valley to newly restored Drukgyel Dzong. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate an early military victory over Tibetan invaders, the dzong name means, indeed, ‘victorious Druk’. Historically and strategically, this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) from the village, below the Dzong.

Also visit a typical farmhouse.

Bhutanese farmhouses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. The majority of the population of Bhutan continues to live as it has for centuries – in small, isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize and buckwheat.

Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

Day 15         PARO – DELHI BY FLIGHT KB200 – 0940/1130 HRS.

LEAVE DELHI
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Delhi.

Upon arrival remian in transit to board the flight for onward destination.

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