Day 1
Overnight international flight to New Delhi.
Day 2
Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3
Begin your morning tour of Old Delhi with a cycle rickshaw ride through the streets. You will visit the Red Fort, which was once the most affluent fort and palace of the once reigning Mughal Empire; Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Your final stop in Old Delhi will bring you to Chandni Chowk, a lively and colorful market that was once the commercial center of the city.
You will then drive to New Delhi which will provide a stark contrast between the old with the new, a recurring theme throughout India. In New Delhi you will visit the India Gate monument, followed by the Parliament House (from the outside) and other extravagant government buildings. Then continue onward to Humayun’s Tomb, built in honor of India’s second Mughal emperor, followed by a visit to The Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple), the house of worship. This temple, designed in the form of a lotus, offers a simple message of humanity as a single race and calls for the Oneness of Mankind. Later you will visit the world’s tallest brick minaret, Qutub Minar. In store for today are also several other modern day landmarks, as well as some good opportunities to do some shopping.
Note: Yampu recommends one of our optional tours (price not included) to enjoy a fine dinner at the Veda Restaurant, a lavishly designed nouvelle cuisine curry house that offers a fusion of traditional Indian food with a modern spin. A second option is a visit to Akshardham, a unique, yet stunning monument that boasts 234 elaborately carved pillars, 9 decorative domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars (towers of Hindu architecture), stone elephants sculptures and 20,000 murtis (Hindu images portraying Divine spirits). Please enquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.
Day 4
Begin with a drive to Agra that will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. You will then proceed for your sightseeing tour of the stunning Taj Mahal, India’s most picture perfect work of architecture and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
As you then drive through the city to the Agra Fort, you will get some good images of the local scene and bazaars and the everyday buzz of India. Once at the Agra Fort, you will be led through its regal chambers that were once home to some of India’s most powerful Mughal emperors
Note: We recommend an optional tour (cost not included) to a showing of Mohhabbat The Taj, a live show with a touch of Bollywood. This 80 minute presentation is a charming way to top off your day at the Kalakriti Auditorium. Please enquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
Day 5
Drive approximately 4-5 hours to Jaipur. En route, you will stop to enjoy an excursion to the abandoned city of Fatepur Sikri, the once imperial city of the Mughal dynasty that was mysteriously deserted years after its inception. This ornate city was built with such grandeur that words do not do justice to the glorious atmosphere created by its buildings. Once arrived, you will check in and have some time tor relax in time to make a sound and light show at the city’s Amber Fort.
Day 6
This morning you will return to the Amber Fort for a half day excursion. As you stroll through the magnificent rooms and chambers, observe the various intricate ivory, mirror and glass work. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that will begin at the City Palace Museum, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726), and great photographic opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds – a spectacular five storied, honeycomb styled building exemplifying superb Rajput artistry.
Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) of an evening elephant safari. After a chance to feed these gentle creatures, ride upon their backs through a private jungle area, passing many villages, fields and a medieval fortress as the sun sets. Please enquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.
Day 7
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro, via New Delhi. In clear weather, the flight into Paro is a befitting introduction to Bhutan, as you can enjoy aerial views of the highest mountain peaks in the world that rise out of the lush green Paro Valley. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to Thimphu (55 kms, approx. hours). Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Due to the limited availability of flights into Bhutan, you may need to add a night in New Delhi. Please enquire with your Yampu tour consultant.
Day 8
Visit several sites around the city today, beginning with the National Memorial Chorten. Erected in 1974 to honor His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, this large Tibetan styled chorten (or stupa) exhibits many religious paintings and tantric statues that reflect several aspects of Buddhist Deities.
Carry on to Changangkha Lhakhang, an old fortress styled temple. Also the site of a monastic school, this temple offers excellent views of Thimphu as it is perched on a ridge above the city. From here, a brief trip to the mini zoo (essentially a large fenced in area) is in order, where one can see the Takin – the national animal of Bhutan.
Then, go to Thimphu’s telecommunication tower, which is situated on a hillside (2865m) offering great photographic scenes of Thimphu Valley. Covered in prayer flags, the complex houses the Bhutan TV studio and although it cannot be photographed, the views of the valley are definitely worth the trip. With the remaining time in the day, you can enjoy a visit to the Paper Factory, where traditional Bhutanese paper is produced from the Daphne plant.
Day 9
Today, begin with a visit to the National Library, which was founded in 1967 and preserves many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. On the upper floor, one can see traditional Tibetan styled books that are written on long strips of handmade paper, stacked between pieces of wood and wrapped in silken cloth. You can also see several wooden blocks that are used for printing books and prayer flags as well as a collection of more contemporary books.
Next, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Thimpu’s popular painting school that offers a six year course that offers teachings of traditional Bhutanese arts. Beginning with drawing, the students follow a curriculum that progresses to painting, woodcarving, embroidery and statue making.
Also on the list for the day is the National Institute for Traditional Medicine, which is an impressively large lab that dispenses herbal and other medicines. Follow this with a leisurely visit to the National Textile Museum to learn about the national art of weaving. The Folk Heritage Museum is also worth a visit, as it is a unique three story mud and timber building that acts as a living museum to give visitors insight into the ancient Bhutanese lifestyles.
Lastly, visit the Tashi Chhoe Dzong. Buil in 1216, this dzong houses the Throne Room and offices of the Bhutanese King and Ministers. The northern portion of the building is the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the Central Monk Body. Tourists are allowed to visit only after 5 pm and may only enter the courtyard. In the evening, visit the Handicrafts Emporium where you can purchase Bhutanese souvenirs.
Day 10
Morning departure for Punakha (70 kms, approx.. 3 hours). Traveling on windy mountain roads, this will be a spectacular alpine journey, with great views of the Northern Himalayan Range as you ascend the Dochu La pass (3199 m/10170 ft). Built along the pass, take a brief stop to visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. After lunch, embark a short hike (20 minutes) from the road to visit the Chimi Lhkhang, a temple built by the Lama Drukpa Kunley upon a small hill in 1499. Arrive in Paro for the evening.
Day 11
Proceed on a guided tour to the Punakha Dzong. This impressive building was constructed in 1637 at the scenic confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This dzong has played a significant role in Bhutan;s history, as it served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government, the original founder of the Bhutanese state. It also hosted many foreign delegates over its lifetime in addition to the crowning of the first King and the first National Assembly. Today, the central monastic body continues to reside here during the winter months because of its warmer climate.
Afterwards, take a short hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the northern part of the valley. This chorten is comprised of astounding murals, intricate statues, and is a much more elaborate version of the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu.
Day 12
Morning departure for Paro (145 kms, 4-5 hours). After lunch in Paro, visit the Ta Dzong – a uniquely round building that is said to be built in the shape of a conch shell. Within its interior is the National Museum of the Kingdom, which displays a remarkable collection of Thangkhas, an extensive philatelic collection, ancient bronze and stone objects, statues as well as a variety of ancient weapons and shields.
Also visit the Paro Dzong also referred to as the Rimpung Dzong. Constructed in 1644, today it encompasses a Monastic school and several government offices, including that of the local governor. Afterwards, enjoy a short walk down the nearby hill, where you will cross a traditional cantilever bridge over the beautifully flowing Paro River.
Day 13
In the morning hike to the renowned Taktsang Monastery (3100m), which literally translates to Tiger’s Nest. Built in the 1600s, this monastery impressively clings to a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters to the valley floor. According to ancient legend, the Buddhist Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on the back of a tigress to subdue the eight evil spirits that were preventing to spread of Buddhism into the area. Tragically, the original monastery was destroyed by a fire in 1998, however it has been recently built in its original form. After an hour and a half walk up the hill, you can enjoy lunch at this magnificent spot.
After lunch walk back to the base to embark on a short drive north to the Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s many victories over the Tibetan invaders. Sadly, this Dzong also fell victim to an accidental fire, yet its ancient ruins remain. However, on a clear day, you can see the amazing 7314m (24,000 ft) sacred Mount Jomolhari.
In the afternoon, visit one of the two oldest lhakhangs (or monasteries) in the county, the Kyichu Lhakhang. This building was constructed in the year 659 CE by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyampo. One of the 108 temples built by this king, it is said to hold down the left foot of an ancient demoness.
Day 14
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your hotel for the evening. Depending on your arrival time, spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Day 15
Enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu City beginning with Kumari Ghar – home to Nepal’s most important living goddess, and the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Then, enjoy a brief visit to Kasthamandap, a medieval temple said to be built from a single piece of wood, which also gives Kathmandu its name. Proceed to the Kal Brairab shrine, a colorful memorial to the Hindu God of destruction, followed by a visit to Taleju Temple, the city’s most magnificent temple.
Afterwards, embark on a sightseeing tour of the Swoyambhunath Stupa. Celebrated as one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, this majestic structure sits highly on a nearby hilltop overlooking Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon, travel through Patan, the “City of Fine Arts”. Stroll through the famous Durbar Square, where you can see Krishna Mandir, a temple built in honor of Lord Krishna that is considered to be the world’s finest example of stone architecture. As you walk around, you can enjoy the many traditional artists and sculptors throughout the streets.
Note: Yampu recommends and optional one hour mountain flight for unforgettable aerial views of the Himalayas. Experience the thrill of seeing Mount Everest up close, as the plane flies two aeronautical miles in front of the Natural Wonder. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
Day 16
Morning visit to Pashupatinath, Nepal’s oldest and most holy Hindu temple. Situated upon the banks of the Bagmati River, this is an important ritual and cremation site, as the water flows into the Ganges. Proceed to Boudhanath, one of Asia’s largest stupas that has earned the nickname of “Little Tibet”, as it has become a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism. Standing tall at thirty-six meters (118 ft), this white mandala-shaped structure is a symbol of the universe that facilitates meditation for the local Tibetan Buddhists.
In the afternoon, go on an excursion to the medieval city of Bhaktapur, located about an hour’s drive outside of Kathmandu. In this “City of Devotees”, wander through the winding lanes lined with old homes and temples that date back to the 13th century. Beginning in the city’s Durbar Square, you will be able to marvel at the intricately carved deities and monsters of the richly molded Golden Gate before entering the Palace of 55 Windows that incorporates exquisite wood carvings into its medieval design.
Then, see the Lion’s Gate, with its huge guarding lion statues, before continuing to the Nyatpola Temple, a beautiful five-storied, 17th century pagoda. The last stop of the day will bring you to the splendorous Bhairab Temple, which is dedicated to the Lord Buddha. Before returning to Kathmandu, take some time to watch the skill of the traditional potters as they work at the Pottery Centre and the Dattratraya Temple.
Day 17
Drive approximately 6 hours to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Although a lengthy drive, it will be an unforgettable one has you make your way through the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas with rice fields terraced into the sides of mountains and pristine rivers flowing with crystal clear water. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and be able to spend the rest of the day at leisure in this remote mountain paradise.
Note: This drive may be replaced with a thirty minute flight, as there are daily flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Day 18
In the morning enjoy a half day excursion to the nearby hillside village of Sarangkot, which offers a visual feast of the Annapurna mountain range to the north and sweeping views of Phewa Laka and the Pokhara Valley to the south and east.
In the afternoon embark on a sightseeing tour of Pokhara city, which includes the Bindyabashini Temple, Seti Gorge, the Bazaar and Devi’s Falls. The Seti River roars through the middle of town, but you won’t see it without looking as it has cut a deep and narrow gorge through the city, which is only a meter across and up to 50 meters (164 ft) deep at some points. Likewise, Devi’s Falls are also another popular attraction, which marks the point at which the Pardi Khola steam plunges dramatically beneath the earth, creating quite a natural spectacle.
Afterwards, continue taking in the natural beauty on a one hour boat ride upon Phewa Lake.
Day 19
Depending on your departure time, spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport in Kathmandu for your flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of your choice.
Combined India and S. Asia
Amber Fort
Annapurna Mountains
Punakha Dzong
