DAY 1

• DELHI

slide 1 of 1

• Here we Go!
• For your added comfort, an English-speaking airport representative will be waiting for you in the arrival hall holding a sign with your name on it. The representative will help you meet up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.
• Meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for an airport transfer.

DAY 2

• DELHI

slide 5 of 2

• A Healthy Dose of History
• Old Delhi is steeped in history, with a stunning range of UNESCO World Heritage monuments to spend a day exploring. Meet with your private driver and guide discover a selection of these awe-inspiring historical monuments. Start with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Red Fort, the captivating historic fort that served as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years. It was constructed as the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s new capital, Shahjahanabad when he moved his capital from Agra to bring prestige to his reign. The sprawling fort is 1.5 miles long and ranges in height from 60 to 110 feet. The architecture bears a resemblance to Agra Fort. Next, visit Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world at 239 feet in height. The minaret is surrounded by many buildings that are fine examples of Indian artwork dating back to 1193 and forms the Qutab complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Humayun’s Tomb, a complex of Mughal-style buildings dating to the Slave Dynasty of 1268-1287 AD. The complex is the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India, and the mausoleum is built in a similar style as the Taj Mahal in Agra. At the end of the day, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

DAY 3

• DELHI TO JAIPUR

slide 5 of 2

• Onward and Upward
• Meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for an airport transfer.
• Enjoy your flight from Delhi to Jaipur. The flight duration is approximately one hour.
• Meet your driver for an airport transfer with private vehicle, driver and English-speaking assistant.
• The creative energy and ingenuity of Jaipur have long been a drawing point of the city, a lasting legacy of skilled craftspeople and artisans. From the founding of the city in 1727, the royal families and nobles of Jaipur have patronized the craft capital of India, and through their sphere of influence, many valuable and highly prized items can still be found. Using skills passed down through generations, artisans and master craftsmen can be seen in the areas of Ghat Darwaza and Vishveshwar ji. Starting in front of the iconic Palace of the Winds, set out on foot with your private guide and spend a colorful evening walking through the city’s bazaars, mingling and chatting with store vendors and locals alike, and sampling some of the region’s notable culinary favorites. Taste pakoras, aloo tiki, samosas and ladoo from a selection of the city’s most popular street food vendors that have been carefully vetted for quality and hygiene standards. Stroll along and poke your head into local artisans’ workshops to observe the painstakingly careful craftsmanship of jewelers and silversmiths, gold painters and tie-dying experts. At the end the 2.5-hour walk through the bazaars, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

DAY 4

• JAIPUR

slide 5 of 2

• See the Signature Sights in Style
• Following an early breakfast, meet your private guide and driver at your hotel and spend the day exploring some of Jaipur’s most iconic monuments. Begin the day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the magnificent hilltop Amber Fort. The Fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Maotha Lake. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the numerous mirrors, lighting up the entire room. Continue to Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. The monument is adorned in an ornate pale pink facade with a tiered baroque-like build.  The original design was intended to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and public festivals in the streets below without being seen.
• Next, visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest sundial. The massive astronomical instruments were built from local stone and marble and the monument pays homage to 18th-century architectural innovations during the Mughal period. From here, continue to the City Palace, a breathtaking 18th-century royal residence to the rulers of Jaipur. Wander through the sprawling complex and visit areas that have been converted to a museum illustrating the harmony of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Part of the palace, Chandra Mahal, is the home of the current Maharaja and is off-limits. End your day with a private transfer back to your hotel.

DAY 5

• JAIPUR TO AGRA

slide 4 of 3

• En Route
• Meet your driver and settle in for a private transfer from Jaipur to Agra, with a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned ghost city, along the way. Meet with a local guide in Fatehpur Sikri to explore the ruins. Constructed during the second half of the 16th-century by Emperor Akbar, the "City of Victory" served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for approximately 14 years, until the capital was moved to Punjab and the city was later abandoned. The well-preserved complex of monuments and temples reflects the Hindu and Muslim architectural styles of the time, and houses one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. After your visit to the abandoned city, continue by private vehicle to Agra. Approximate travel time is 5-6 hours including touring.

DAY 6

• AGRA TO DELHI

slide 5 of 2

• Cross an Item off the Bucket List
• A stunning monument to love, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Taj Mahal has captivated the hearts and minds of travelers for centuries. Meet your private guide and driver for a private tour of this exquisite example Mughal architecture, crafted entirely out of white marble. Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who passed away during childbirth, the iconic mausoleum rises above a well-manicured garden. The inside of the Taj Mahal is equally stunning, with elaborate inlay work comprised of precious and semi-precious stones.
• After your leisurely exploration of this New 7 Wonders of the World, continue by car to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, a red sandstone fort built on a bend of the Yamuna river. The Mughal Dynasty fort served as the main residence of the emperors until the capital was shifted to Delhi, and is an impressive monument with a rich architectural history. Emperor Shah Jahan was once imprisoned inside of Agra Fort, and the tower of his imprisonment offers views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. At the end of the visit, return to your hotel by private vehicle.
• Meet your driver and settle in for a private transfer from Agra to Delhi. Approximate driving time is 4 hours.

DAY 7

• DELHI TO KATHMANDU

slide 5 of 2

• The Journey Continues…
• Meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for an airport transfer.
• Board a flight with direct service from Delhi to Kathmandu. Approximate flight time is 1.5 hours.
• For your added comfort, your English Speaking Assistant will be waiting for you outside the customs area with a sign with your name on it. Your assistant will assist you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.
• Meet your English Speaking Assistant for a transfer between the city center and the airport with a private driver and vehicle.
• Bhaktapur is world renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture and indigenous lifestyle. The ancient city is 14 km from Kathmandu and is also variously known as the "City of Culture", the "Living Heritage" and "Nepal’s Cultural Gem". Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is the gem not only of Bhaktapur, but also of the entire nation. The most fascinating structure here are the world-renowned 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Big Bell, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Shiva Temple.
• Pashupatinath literally means ‘the god of all animals’ and is one of the Avatars of Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath is not only the holiest Hindu pilgrimage in Nepal but also one of the holiest destinations in the entire world. Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu on the banks of sacred Bagmati River, lies the temple of Lord Shiva Pashupati Nath, with its two tiered golden roof and silver doors.
• The stupa of Budhanath lies 8 KM east of Kathmandu. On this colossal and ancient stupa, one of the biggest in the world, are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels.

DAY 8

• KATHMANDU

slide 4 of 3

• High in the Sky
• See the world's tallest summits on an exhilarating scenic flight from Kathmandu taking you to the vicinity of Mount Everest. This is an hour-long flight filled with breathtaking views of the unspeakable beauty of the mighty Himalayas. During the flight you will get an opportunity to admire the globes’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest (8848 meters), Gauri Shankar (7134 meters) Nuptse (7855 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters), Amadablam (6812 meters), Chamlang (7319 meters), Makalu (8463 meters) and Cho Oyu (8201 meters), to name a few. You will also get a glimpse of the Roof of the World -  the Tibetan Plateau.
• IMPORTANT: For safety, the flight does not fly at a very close distance to Mount Everest. The flight flies away from 5 nautical miles. This is carried out for all operating airlines and helicopters. The clarity of Mount Everest depends on the visibility at the time of flying.
• Visit Patan's museum which exhibits cover a long span of Nepal's cultural history and some rare objects are among its treasures. They belong both to Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Most of the exhibits have been cast in bronzes and have Gilt Copper repose work, for which Patan is famous. The golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhunath stupa is adorned with a colorful fluttering of prayer flags; it crowns a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the city of Kathmandu. Swayambhunath is one of the most recognizable symbols in Nepal and the painted eyes of Buddha watch all those who ascend the worn stone steps. It is a World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, and is at the source of the Valley's mythical beginning.

DAY 9

• KATHMANDU

slide 5 of 2

• Breathe the Mountain Air
• Dhulikhel, located 32km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1550m, is a popular, interesting small town to view the Himalayas. The spectacular snowfed mountains seen from Dhulikhel must be one of the finest panoramic views in the world. When a blue haze covers the lower portion of the mountains, they seem to be floating in the air. More than twenty Himalayan peaks including Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) can be seen in their full glory from the different vantage points in Dhulikhel.

DAY 10

• KATHMANDU TO PARO TO THIMPHU

slide 5 of 2

• On the Road Again
• Meet your English Speaking Assistant for a transfer between the city center and the airport with a private driver and vehicle.
• Enjoy your flight from Kathmandu to Paro today. The flight duration is approximately two hours.
• Upon arrival in Paro, you will be required to present two passport photos to the immigration official for your Bhutan visa (included), which will be stamped into your passport. Once you pass through customs your guide and driver will be waiting for you.
• For your added comfort, your guide will be waiting for you outside the customs area with a sign with your name on it. Your guide will assist you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.
• You will be met on arrival at Paro airport by our local guide. Once you have completed all airport formalities, you will begin your drive toward Thimphu. This is a scenic journey and takes roughly 1.5 hours. On arrival in Bhutan's modern capital, you will check in at your hotel.
• Visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, built in the 12th century, this is the oldest temple in Thimphu. It is hovering over a ridge above Thimphu, near Motithang. Lama Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo who hailed from Tibet chose this site to build this Lhakhang. The Lhakhang houses Chenrizig, an 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation of Avolokitesawara. The prayer books in this Lhakhang are larger than the usual Buddhist texts. You can purchase some of the world’s most beautiful postage stamps, collector’s items and postcards at face value from the general post office, and you will also see the Bhutan National Bank. Next head to a local arts and crafts school, to visit with some local children, and then carry on to the Traditional Medicine Institute where ancient healing arts are still practiced. Finally, visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, which is a local wildlife reserve. Later, if time permits, take a stroll through the main streets to see the interesting Himalayan artifacts and textiles that make Bhutan famous.

DAY 11

• THIMPHU

slide 5 of 2

• Sights and Insights
• After breakfast begin your day of sightseeing with a visit to the weekend market to see local people selling and purchasing their staples. The market also has a few souvenir shops for visitors. Then embark on a drive 12 km north of Thimphu where you will participate in an hour long hike to Cheri Monastery. There will be enough time for individual contemplation, journaling, meditating, etc while visiting the monastery. Later, drive back to the hotel or to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon observe traditional paper making from Daphnia and Edgeworthia shrub, and have a chance to purchase some beautiful writing sets from the factory. Next, visit the Handicraft Bazaar, a new project initiated by the Government that promotes locally produced handicrafts. Buy stunning kiras which can be used as bed covers or wall decoration, jewelry and much more.  Finally, visit Memorial Chorten built in 1974 to honor the memory of Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, popularly known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. A multi-storied Stupa will introduce you to the vitality of Tantric Buddhism. Finish up back at your hotel.

DAY 12

• THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA

slide 5 of 2

• A Change of Scenery
• After an early breakfast in Thimphu, you will drive up to Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all of their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
• On arrival in Punakha, check-in at your hotel. After lunch, hike up to the Chimi Lhakhang (temple) which is on a small hilltop. It is a pleasant 30 minute hike through rice paddies and a small village. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi from the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as the ‘Divine madman’ in the west. He preached in an unusual way for the time and dramatized the teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Bold Phallus symbols and paintings on the houses or temples are as a result of his influence. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. A popular pilgrimage spot for the Bhutanese, it is frequented by childless couples and parents who have difficulty raising children from all over the world.

DAY 13

• PUNAKHA

slide 5 of 2

• Lace Up for Some Fresh Air
• Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is the winter the seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with a temperate climate and fed by the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country. Today, you will begin with a hike up through the fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chu to the upper end of the valley to see the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Following the hike you will drive towards Khuruthang, passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family before reaching the impressive Punakha Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch. It is open for visitors during the Punakha festival (early spring) and in the summer months, after the monks body has returned to Thimphu. The Dzong is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. A picnic lunch will be served on the banks of the Punak Chu. In the evening, take a relaxing stroll around town.

DAY 14

• PUNAKHA TO PARO

slide 5 of 2

• A Dazzling Drive
• This morning, set off for Paro after an early breakfast and en route visit Semtokha Dzong, “the place of profound tantric teaching”, which stands on a hill a few kilometers out of town. On arrival in Paro, check in at your hotel.
• After lunch today, you will visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses Bhutan’s National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore, such as the legend of the four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas. Along the way you will also see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the evening visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and gain insight into the local lifestyle and cultures.

DAY 15

• PARO

slide 5 of 2

• Explore with an Expert
• Today you will embark on an excursion to view the spectacular and famous Taktsang monastery. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest with many trees festooned with Spanish moss and the occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. The hike will take you past a small cafeteria if a break is needed.  Built in 1600’s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months and this place is considered as a ‘Mecca’ for Buddhists. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After the hike, you will visit Dungtse Lhakhang. The uniqueness of this temple lies in the fact that it is in the form of a chorten, one of the very few that exists in Bhutan. The lhakhang was built in 1421 by the famous Tibetan lama, Thongten Gyelpo (1385-1465) who was also known as Changzampa or the builder of iron bridges. It is believed that a demoness was terrorizing the Paro valley and the very hill that the temple is built on turned out to be the demoness’s head. So he built a chorten shaped temple over the demoness’s head or the hills to overpower her, as chortens most of the time play the part of a nail that immobilizes a demon. This evening, once back to your hotel, you can take a leisurely guided walk of the town of Paro.

DAY 16

• PARO TO DELHI

slide 1 of 1

• En Route
• Your guide will escort you to the airport for departure from Paro.
• Fly today from Paro to Delhi. Approximate flight time 2.5 hours.
• Meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for an airport transfer.

DAY 17

• DELHI
• Bon Voyage
• Meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for an airport transfer.

‍

The Imperial (City Center)

The Oberoi Rajvilas

Oberoi Amarvilas

The Oberoi, Gurgaon

Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel

Taj Tashi

COMO Uma

COMO Uma Paro