North and East India with Bhutan (12 Days / 11 Nights)
This itinerary explores India from its plains to the roof of the world to the natural paradise of Bhutan. After visiting the architectural marvels of Delhi, visit the seventh wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal. The next stop would be on the high roof of the world in the far east of India, the splendour called Sikkim and Darjeeling. Later visit the last Shangrila, Bhutan.
Day 1: Delhi
Sunday, October 13, 2024 - Monday, October 14, 2024
Arrive and transfer to Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Delhi
Monday, October 14, 2024 - Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Morning half-day city tour of Old Delhi visiting
Raj Ghat the Mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi. Jama Masjid and drive past
Red Fort. you may take a tricycle tour of Chandini Chowk. Afternoon half day city tour of New Delhi visiting drive past President House,
Parliament House (House of Representatives) and
India Gate - War Memorial (stop for photography). Visit the
Qutub Minar , 72.55 meters, high Victory Tower and proceed onto
Bahai Temple (lotus temple). Also visit the
Humayun's Tomb built of red sandstone, the first substantial example of the Mughal architecture and Laxmi Narayan Temple - a modern Hindu temple built by the Birlas, leading Indian industrialists. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Delhi - Agra - Delhi
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Early morning transfer to railway station to leave by India's fastest train Shatabdi Express at 0600 hrs. by AC chair car.( breakfast on board).Arrive Agra at 0755 hrs. and visit the World famous
Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the year 1652 as a memorial for his beloved wife MumtazMahal. The grandeur called the Taj is perhaps the most photographed, filmed, described and sketched building of the world.
Taj Mahal is where fantasy coincides with reality in perfect harmony. An inspiration for innumerous artists over the centuries, the Taj is an ode to love. It took 22 years to create this jewel. After Lunch visit
The Agra Fort, built and renovated over the centuries, this massive fort gained recognition only during the Mughal reign. Evening transfer to railway station to leave by Shatabdi express at 2018 hrs. by AC chair car ( dinner on board ).Arrive Delhi at 2250 hrs. and transfer to Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4: Delhi - Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - Thursday, October 17, 2024
Transfer to airport to leave by air for BagdograArrive and transfer to Darjeeling.Upon arrival at Darjeeling check-in at Hotel.Afternoon at Leisure.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 5: Darjeeling
Thursday, October 17, 2024 - Friday, October 18, 2024
Early morning visit Tiger Hill to view Sunrise over Kanchandzonga and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here. Tiger Hill is situated at an altitutde of 2590 mtrs.(8482 ft.). Return via
Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist Monastery where manuscripts written on birch bark are preserved. Enjoy Toy Train Ride between
Ghoom and Darjeeling (subject to operation).Afternoon half day city tour visiting Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, This is one of the premier school of mountaineering in the world and imparts mountain climbing training to enthusiasts. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre was established to rehabilitate displaced Tibetans who had followed his holiness the Dalai Lama to India. The centre produces excellent carpets, woollen goods, wood work, leather work etc. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 6: Darjeeling - Gangtok
Friday, October 18, 2024 - Saturday, October 19, 2024
Morning proceed by road to Gangtok. Arrive and stay at Hotel.Afternoon visit sacred Tsomgo Lake located at the height of 12,000 ft. that legend says is the lake of Gods. Feast your eyes on the most beautiful flowers like RHODODENDRONS.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 7: Gangtok
Saturday, October 19, 2024 - Sunday, October 20, 2024
Morning visit the famous
Rumtek Monastery of great significance. The head of Kagyupa sect of Buddhism was given refugee in Sikkim.He was granted land to built the monastery and finally raised Rumtek in 1960s. It is replica of the monastery in Taruphu in Tibet, the residence of His Holiness and also the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre.Afternoon visit Du-drul Chorten, the Research Institute of Tibetology, the most prestigious one of its kind in India and Orchid Sanctuary where it is possible to see almost 500 varities of Orchids.Evening visit Cottage Industries and explore Bazars for souvenirs.
Day 8: Gangtok - Dooars
Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Monday, October 21, 2024
Morning proceed by road to Dooars. Arrive and over night stay at hotel.
Day 9: Dooars - Thimphu
Monday, October 21, 2024 - Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Morning proceed to Thimpu.One should occassionally stop on the way so as not to miss the magnificent view of the Brahmaputra plains and the Torsa river. Shorlty before entering Thimphu city, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.Arrive and stay at Hotel DRUK or similar. Afternoon visit to King's Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan and the most impressing building Tashichhodzong, the home of National Assembly and summer residence of Chief of monk body and visit to interesting Handicrafts Emporium and market.
Day 10: Thimphu - Punakha
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 - Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Morning visit National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch drive to Punakha, the aid capital town of Bhutan. Stop en route for TeaCoffee at Dochula pass(3,100 m) and enjoy mountain scenery.
Day 11: Punakha - Paro
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - Thursday, October 24, 2024
Morning proceed to Paro. Enroute lunch halt at ThimphuArrive and stay at Hotel DRUK or similarLate afternoon visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to see Rinpung Dzong.
Day 12: Paro - Delhi
Thursday, October 24, 2024 - Friday, October 25, 2024
Transfer to airport to leave by Druk air for Delhi. (Flight operates on few days only ). Arrive and transfer to Hotel Day at leisure to visit National Museum or to buy souveniers. Evening transfer to airport to fly back home onward destination.