Namaste, welcome to magical India. Upon arrival at India Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your lovely hotel.
On the way to the hotel, he will take a brief introduction to your India tour. After checking in, you can choose to have a good rest to adjust to the new time zone or just have some free time to visit around on your own.
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation:Delhi
Today, it’s time to explore the incredible sights of both Old Delhi and New Delhi including the visit to Jama Masjid, the experience of local life by a rickshaw in Chandni Chowk, the sightseeing in Qutab Minar (World Heritage), Humayun's Tomb (World Heritage), India Gate, Jantar Mantar Observatory (World Heritage), President's House, Parliament House, and Government Secretariat Buildings.
Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), situated in the Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), is one of the largest mosques in India with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. As one of Delhi's most iconic sites, it was finished in 1656 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Jama Masjid has three great gates (South, East, and North Gate), four towers for security, and two 40m high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. You can hire robes at the northern gate and it may be the only place to dress like a local people without feeling like an outsider.
Qutub Minar (Qutb Minar, Qutab Minar, Vishnu Stambh) is one of the highest minarets (73m) in India built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered the earliest Islamic structure in India with Arabic and Brahmi inscriptions. The Qutub Minar, located in Mehrauli in South West district of Delhi, was built to celebrate Muslim dominance in Delhi after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu ruler. It is one of the most famous historical landmarks of India. A circular staircase of 379 steps allows one to reach the top of the tower to witness a panoramic view of the city. Bollywood actor and director Dev Anand shoot the song "Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar" inside a replica of the Qutb Minar.
Humayun's Tomb (Dormitory of the Mughals), predating the Taj Mahal by 60 years, is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It's thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Humayun's Tomb was constructed for the second Mughal emperor of India (Humayun) who died in 1556. The tomb was built by Hamida Banu Begum (Humayun's Persian-born wife) in the mid-16th century (1565-1572). Bega Begum not only commissioned and paid for the tomb but supervised its construction as well. Persian and Indian craftsmen worked together to build the garden tomb. Also, there were over 150 Mughal family members buried here.
India Gate (Delhi Memorial, All-India War Memorial) is the monumental sandstone arch in New Delhi, dedicated to the troops of British India who died in wars fought between 1914 and 1919. Located at the eastern end of the Rajpath (formerly called the Kingsway), the architect was Sir Edwin Lutyens, an Englishman who designed numerous other war memorials and was also the principal planner of New Delhi. The foundation stone of the India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921. During nightfall, India Gate is dramatically floodlit while the fountains nearby make a lovely display with colored lights.
Jantar Mantar Observatory (World Heritage), located in New Delhi, literally means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". The primary purpose of the observatory was to assemble astronomical data and predict the times and movements of the sun, moon, and planets. Consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments, it was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the year 1724. Jai Singh was born in 1688 into a royal Rajput family and in an era of education that maintained a keen interest in astronomy. He built five observatories and the one in Delhi is the first to be built. The other four are located in Ujjain, Mathura, Varanasi, and Jaipur. The Jantar Mantar is a great place for lovers of astronomy.
President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan, Presidential Palace, Viceroy's House) was made to be the residence of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India during British Rule. It is situated in the center of Delhi earlier named "Lutyens Delhi" was inaugurated in 1931 and served as the Viceroy's residence of India till India was declared a Republic country. This Palace is still known to be the World's largest residential complex ever built for the Head of any Country. In 1947, post-independence, a now Governor-General continued his stay here till he was replaced by the President of India in 1950 after which the Viceroy's House was renamed the "Rashtrapati Bhavan". Closed on Mondays.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Delhi
Today we will depart Delhi and head to Jaipur (280 km, about 6 hours), the capital of Rajasthan. When arriving in Jaipur, you can take a visit to the Jaipur Local Bazaar. Enjoy the local life on a walking tour with your tour guide. After sightseeing, we will check in at Jaipur’s hotel and have a good rest. Tomorrow will be a full-day trip around Jaipur which is the capital of India's Rajasthan state. It evokes the royal family that once ruled the region and that, in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City, or “Pink City" for its trademark building color.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Jaipur
In the morning, visit the Amber Fort (World Heritage) with a jeep ride or elephant back ride up to the entrance, inside where you will visit the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). Then visit the Nahargarh Fort on the way. It opens up a grand panorama of the whole of Jaipur.
In the afternoon, you will pass by the pink Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) for a picture. Continue to visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar (World Heritage). Drive through the rose pink residential and business areas before returning to your hotel.
Amber Fort (Amber Palace, Amer Fort) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 in the category of “Hillforts of Rajasthan”. Located in Amer, 11 km away from Jaipur, it is one of the most magnificent palaces and a perfect example of Rajasthani architecture in India. Built by one of the most trusted generals of Akbar, Maharaja Man Singh I in 1592, Amer Fort served as the main residence of the Rajput Rulers. The fort is big enough that it will take you at least two to three hours to explore in detail. Getting an elephant ride up the stairs to the Amber Fort is also a popular activity.
Nahargarh Fort (Sudershangarh), which stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, is a nice spot to overlook the city of Jaipur. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defense ring for the city. It is also known for its extended wall that connects to Jaigarh Fort. The Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (the king of Jaipur) in the year 1734 as a retreat. Nahargarh Fort was primarily used as a retreat for the ladies of the royal household and has ladies' quarters by the name of 'Zenana'. Another attraction in the Nahargarh Fort is the Nahargarh Biological Park, which is an asylum for majestic animals such as tigers, leopards, and the Asiatic lions.
Jantar Mantar , built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, is an astronomical observatory that features the world's largest stone sundial. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has gotten the attention of architects, artists, and art historians worldwide. It is a collection of 20 astronomical instruments and allows the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. This is the most significant, most comprehensive, and best preserved of India's historic observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Jaipur
After breakfast, it is time to drive to Agra (240km, about 5 hours) via a visit to Fatehpur Sikri (World Heritage). It is nice to have a stopover for a coffee break or photo opportunities at your request at any time en route. Visit the Mehtab Bagh where you can review a preview of the Taj Mahal. On arrival, check in at your hotel for rest.
Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) is situated 35.7 kilometers from Agra. It was constructed southeast of an artificial lake, on the slopping levels of the outcrops of the Vindhyan hill ranges. The name of the city is derived from the village called Sikri which occupied the spot before. Built-in 1571 by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. Fatehpur Sikri was awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) is a typical Charbagh complex located in Agra. The Mughals built eleven gardens on the side of the Yamuna River. Mehtab Bagh was the last of the Mughal gardens, which were built along the River Yamuna. The splendid Mehtab Bagh has four sandstone towers, one each at the corner with a huge octagonal tank right in the center. This crescent-shaped garden is considered the ultimate spot for viewing the Taj Mahal. It is said that the best time to visit it is at sunset when the sky lights up with the Taj in the background. On moonlit nights, the clear reflection of the wondrous Taj Mahal in the waters of the park is a sight beyond description.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Agra
In the early morning, our guide will take you to the Taj Mahal (World Heritage) for sunrise while avoiding the crowds and heat in the daytime. Then visit the Agra Fort (World Heritage) and Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb (Baby Taj) whose designed elephants even outshine the Taj. Note: The Taj Mahal will be closed every Friday. After the sightseeing, we will drive back to Delhi.
Taj Mahal (Tadj Mahall) is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in a vast Mughal garden in the Agra District in Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. It is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned from 1628–1658) in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and is distinguished as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
Agra Fort (Lal-Qila, Fort Rouge, Qila-i-Akbari) is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. Built during 1565-1573 for Mughal Emperor Akbar, the fort can be more accurately described as a walled city. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638 when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The fort was the site of a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India, and led to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.
Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb (I'timād-ud-Daulah Maqbara, Bachcha Taj, Baby Taj) is a Mughal mausoleum in Agra. The tomb was built between 1622 and 1628 by Nur Jahan, mother of Shah Jahan (builder of the Taj Mahal), for her father Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, originally a Persian Amir in exile, who had been given the title of I'timād-ud-Daulah (pillar of the state). Mirzā Ghiyās Beg was also the grandfather of Arjumand Banu Begum (the Lady of the Taj Mahal), the wife of the emperor Shah Jahan. I'timād-ud-Daulah is often described as a "jewel box" and is considered the inspiration for the world wonder, the Taj Mahal. However, the tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is a more delicate artwork with marble lattice screens and fine carvings.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Delhi
We will say goodbye to India today. Our representative in India will escort you to the Gandhi International Airport of India. Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representatives in Bhutan. Tashi Delek and welcome to Bhutan. The only international airport in Bhutan is located in Paro(2262m), Western Bhutan. Then check in at your sweet hotel for a good rest while getting used to the time difference.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Paro
Today we will drive from Paro city to the start point of the hiking route of the Tiger's Nest Monastery. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Tiger's Nest by foot (5 hours for a round trip), and you can have a rest at the view terrace which is located at the halfway point of the hiking road. Also, you can choose to ride a horse(self-paying) from the camp base to the Taktsang Cafeteria (lunch spot). We will enjoy Bhutan’s traditional Hot Stone Bath in the late afternoon.
Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Goemba, Takhtsang Lakhang, Paro Taktshang), first built in 1692, is the iconic landmark of Bhutan. As a world cultural heritage, it is sited on the side of a cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro Valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche (a Buddhist saint) rode a tigress to the current site of the monastery and meditated in a cave for 3 years 3 months and 3 days. Now it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bhutan and a sacred religious site for Bhutanese to pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.
Optional Activity: Try Bhutan Traditional Hot Stone Bath in the late afternoon. A visit to Bhutan without enjoying the health benefits hot stone bath would be incomplete. After the hiking, a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is perfect to relax in the water heated by hot river stones roasted on the fire.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Paro
This morning we will drive to Haa Valley which is known as the "Hidden-Land Rice Valley", after the sightseeing with Chele La Pass, Dzongdrakha Goempa, Lhakhang Nagpo, Lhakhang Kharpo, Wangchuck Lo Dzong we will be back to Paro (round trip of 130km, about 4.5h). Enjoy the welcome dinner with the Bhutan culture dance show.
Chele La Pass (3988m) is the highest motorable road pass in Bhutan and can be reached by a two hours drive from Paro. As the spot with incredible views of the high Himalayan Mountains, you may get the chance to see Mount Jomolhari(6706m), the most sacred peak of Bhutan, Jichu Drake, as well as the majestic sights of the Tsherimgang Mountains. Also, Chele La Pass is the best site to discover the rare White Poppy native to this region.
Dzongdrakha Goempa (Mini Tiger's Nest, Dzongdrakha Monastery) is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley. Built in the 16th century by the first local king, Chogay Dragpa, it is said that when Guru Rinpoche visited Bhutan, first landed at Drakarpo, and then Dzongdrakha before arriving at Paro Taktshang (Tiger's Nest). Dzongdrakha Monastery is often referred to as the second Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) mainly due to its location which is perfect to get a good view of Paro Bondey valley. Don't forget to visit the cave where Drubthog Gyonpo Dorji, the founder of the Lhakhang has meditated.
Lhakhang Nagpo (The Black Temple) is about 10 mins walk away from the Lhakhang Karpo. It's said that around the 7th century Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo released a white and black pigeon preparing to build temples wherever the pigeons landed. This Lhakhang was built where the black pigeon landed. The walls are painted in black, with horizontal stripes of red and white that symbolize the tantric practices of the valley in ancient times.
Lhakhang Karpo (The White Temple), one of the oldest temples around, is located in the foothills of the Meri Puensum mountains, and its walls adorned with exquisite murals and paintings, embody the values of kindness and Dharma. According to the legend, it was King Songtsen Gampo who built this temple at the place the white pigeon landed.
Wangchuck Lo Dzong , built in 1915 to replace the smaller Dumcho Dzong that burned to the ground in 1913, is an administrative center for the Bhutan Royal Family. According to a local legend, this Dzong was also constructed to protect the people and their livestock from the evil influences of the 108 serpent deities that live around this area. Since the 1950s, this Dzong is the headquarters of the Indian Military Forces and their training ground which also functions as a military school. We can admire the Dzong from afar with its exquisite modern construction on a gentle slope that leads to the pristine Haa Chhu River.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Paro
In the morning, we will head to Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu (72km, about 2.5h) via a visit to Tamchog Lhakhang on the way. After sightseeing in Thimphu (2360m) with Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve, and Tashichho Dzong, we will have dinner in the Folk Heritage Museum. Then have a good rest in your hotel.
Tamchog Lhakhang (Tachog Lhakhang) is located by the Paro river on the way to Thimphu from Paro. To get to the temple we must walk across a unique iron chain bridge with colorful fluttering prayer flags. Both the Lhakhang and the iron bridge are built by the saint Thangthong Gyalpo (1385-1464, Tibetan polymath). As the "King of the Empty Plain", Thangthong Gyalpo is now commonly known as the "Iron Bridge Maker". Enjoy his pioneering old-aged buildings left till today.
Buddha Dordenma Statue (Kuenselphodrang, Buddha Point) is a landmark of Thimphu city and you can have a great view of the Thimphu Valley there. With 51.5m in height, built of bronze and gilded in gold, the statue is famed as the largest sitting Shakyamuni statue in the world and there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues placed within it. The statue was finished in 2015(built for 9years) to fulfill an ancient prophecy to emanate an aura of happiness and peace all over the world.
National Memorial Chorten is the most visited landmark of Thimphu which was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk(the Father of Modern Bhutan) by his mother. Due to the idea of Jigme Dorji, this stupa is dedicated to world peace and prosperity. It is a Tibetan-style chorten with amazing paintings and brilliant sculptures, you can see the classical stupa pattern like the pyramidal pillar crowned by a crescent moon and sun. It is also a good place to meet local Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day in a clockwise direction for praying.
Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) is located on the right side of the Wangchu River in the northern part of Thimphu city. As the "Fortress of the glorious religion", it houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government offices, and the central monk body. Thimphu Dzong was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. There are two main entrances in the Tashichho Dzong. One leads to the administrative section to the south and the other one (at the north) leads to the monastic quarter where festivals and dances are performed.
Motithang Takin Preserve (Takin Zoo) is a wildlife reserve for Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. Drukpa Kunley (Divine Madman), the famous Tibetan saint, is said to be responsible for the creation of Takin which has the head of a goat and the body of a cow.
Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim) was established on July 28th, 2001 with the initiative of Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan). It is set inside a three-storied, 19th-century traditional house and provides visitors with a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, artifacts from rural households, collection of typical household objects, tools, and equipment. The museum also organizes regular demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits, and customs as well as hosts educational programs for children.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Accommodation:Thimphu
Time to say goodbye to Bhutan, the beautiful Himalayan country. Our local representative will meet you at your hotel and send you to the Paro International Airport (50km,1.5h). Happiness is a place, wish you get happiness and great memories from the India-Bhutan trip with us. We look forward to seeing you again, Tashi Delek!
Meals:Breakfast
Accommodation:/