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Overview
The Ultimate 14 day Journey to the exotic Himalayan nations of Bhutan and Nepal. As you approach you will be reminded of the tranquil remoteness of these countries as you land in what appears to be the most glorious mountain range on earth. The landlocked country of Bhutan is amazingly serene and as you visit the Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples and the medieval townships as the majesty of this serenity is unveiled for you. You will also have the opportunity to revel in the time-honoured traditions of the people of Bhutan as you visit their homes with their elaborately carved windows and doors as well as the embroidered works, they are famous for. Similarly, in Nepal you will experience the best of the people and cities where the foreign visitor is always welcomed with pride. You will experience the traditional art and customs that have been followed by the families for several generations. In addition to exploring the cultural and architectural wonders of these two small nations, we will also offer you the exciting opportunity to cover part of the journey in adventurous ways like white water rafting, a jungle walk to explore the wildlife, and even parts of the journey by canoe. The experience has been packaged with unparalleled services of our knowledgeable and friendly guides who enjoy showcasing these lands to you in their impeccable English. After all the exciting sightseeing, excursions and experiences, you will return to the amazing and carefully selected hotels and lodges where you will experience the absolute best in legendary mountain hospitality where ‘service with smile’ is not just a slogan but a way of life.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the serene remoteness of these landlocked countries
- Feel the tranquil essence of peace as you enter ancient Buddhist monasteries
- Learn about traditional arts and customs including the healing art of bowl therapy
- Fly over Mount Everest and film the dramatic majesty of this mountain range
- Savour in the spectacular cuisine of both Nepal and Bhutan
- Shop for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that will remind you of this spectacular journey
- See the impressive Tiger’s Nest Monastery, set into a cliff 3,000 feet above Paro
- Wonder at the dzongs (great citadels) of Bhutan with their striking architecture
- See an archery demonstration, and Bhutanese dance and enjoy a farewell dinner in Paro
- Wander the unique streets of Thamel enjoying the sights and sounds of this bustling area
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrival in India
Welcome to Delhi, a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling Havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
You will be greeted by an Explore India representative at the airport and then taken to the hotel close to the airport.
Accommodation: Pullman New Delhi AerocityPullman New Delhi Aerocity
Asset No 02, Gmr Hospitality District, IGI Rd, Aerocity, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, Indiahttps://all.accor.com/hotel/7559/index.en.shtml+91 11 4608 0808Combining lifestyle and design, for business and leisure . Whether traveling for business or just wishing to visit New Delhi and go around for shopping, Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is the perfect place to start your journey as your day begins from the luxurious comfort of our contemporary large rooms.
Suitably adjacent to international & domestic airport terminals, this 5-star hotel is well connected through the Airport Express Line, 5 minutes away. It is near the Cyber City and Delhi’s famous shopping malls like DLF Promenade, Emporio and Worldmark. The hotel is well positioned to attain a large segment of important Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market as it is home to Delhi NCR’s largest convention space spread over a vast expanse of more than 40,000 sq.ft.
The hotel offers 670 spacious & luxurious rooms(including Novotel New Delhi) with 5-star amenities, Wi-Fi & 6 dining destinations for optimum comfort, convenience and connectivity. Visit the Pullman Wellness Spa & Salon, Fitness Center & the outdoor pool.
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Day 2:
Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu, upon arrival you will be received by Explore India representative and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy your lunch after your arrival at the hotel.
In the afternoon, start your exploration of Kathmandu Valley from AsonTole Vegetable & Spice Market which offers vivid local life of Nepali people. Discover Kathmandu’s rich culture among the bustling narrow streets and many courtyards which form the base of living in Kathmandu. Continue your visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square where you will see Kumari Temple which houses the living Goddess and have an external view of Taleju Temple and Kala Bhairav.
Later, proceed to Thamel on the rickshaw via street Market, the best ways to explore Kathmandu and its little alleys with local residential areas and local markets. On arrival in Thamel, stroll through nearby markets, where you can admire the work of local Thangka paintings. Thamel also acts as the pre-base camp for mountaineers. It boasts a wide range of mountaineering gear shops, foreign money exchange booths, mobile phone shops, pubs, clubs, and nightlife, along with numerous travel agents and guest houses.
This evening enjoy a dining experience set within the 1905 Suites and restaurant
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hyatt Regency KathmanduHyatt Regency Kathmandu
Taragaon, Kathmandu 44601, Nepalhttps://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/nepal/hyatt-regency-kathmandu/kathm+977 1-5171234Set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a luxury five-star hotel designed in traditional Newari-style architecture, ideally located only 4 km away from the international airport. Situated in a city with a plethora of ancient sites and fascinating architecture, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a gateway to the city’s top attractions like Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Basantapur, Thamel, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and much more. You not only get the luxurious hospitality packages, but also get a cultural fest while you are at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu.
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Day 3:
Kathmandu
Early this morning you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport for once in a lifetime experience.
Your private aircraft will take you for a mountain flight overlooking some of the highest peaks including Mount Everest. (weather Permitting)
Return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast,
Later in the day we will explore the Boudhanath Stupa and visit Pashupatinath Temple.Boudhanath Stupa is one of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, and also one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive three-level mandala-style platforms surrounded by colorful private family houses. Very much like Mecca for the Buddhists, every year tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the Himalayan region visit the Boudhanath Stupa.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Shiva in the world and is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu. The temple is one of the holiest sites for Hindus and does not allow entry to non-Hindus. They are so rigid about this rule that the most famous of India’s Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi was barred from entering the place because by marrying a Parsi she had automatically denounced her Hindu religion. This happened when (unlike today) Nepal was almost totally dependent on India for all their need for petroleum, industrial products, telecommunication, electricity production, and defense.Nevertheless, the highlight is actually located outside the temple on the bank of river Bagmati – The burning pyres as well as the evening Aarti –Evening Musical Prayers with hundreds of flaming lamps.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hyatt Regency KathmanduHyatt Regency Kathmandu
Taragaon, Kathmandu 44601, Nepalhttps://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/nepal/hyatt-regency-kathmandu/kathm+977 1-5171234Set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a luxury five-star hotel designed in traditional Newari-style architecture, ideally located only 4 km away from the international airport. Situated in a city with a plethora of ancient sites and fascinating architecture, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a gateway to the city’s top attractions like Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Basantapur, Thamel, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and much more. You not only get the luxurious hospitality packages, but also get a cultural fest while you are at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu.
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Day 4:
Sarangkot
After breakfast, we fly to the Pokhara. Upon arrival, we will see the Tibetan Refugee Camp, Devi’s fall, and the Cave of Shiva (Ghupteshwor Mahadev).
Later enjoy lunch at Fishtail Lodge. Later on, drive to Sarangkot. Check-in at Sarangkot Mountain Resort.
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty situated at an altitude of 827m from sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. It is one of the most popular destinations in Nepal, noted for its tranquil atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It is also a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serene lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambiance of peace and magic. In the evening, you will enjoy a free lakeside walk.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Sarangkot Mountain LodgeSarangkot Mountain Lodge
साराङकोट रोड, Pokhara 33700, Nepalhttps://barahi.com/properties/sarangkot-mountain-lodge/+977 985-6067928With an elevation of 1600m (5250 ft), at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, every luxurious room offers stunning views of the glorious Annapurna mountain range. Enjoy the clean crisp mountain air at sunrise from your private balcony while you sit in peace and soak up the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.
Welcome to Sarangkot Mountain Lodge. Enjoy the nature of the surrounding jungle and the breathtaking views of sunrise over the mountains.
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Day 5:
Sarangkot
Morning at your leisure.
Afternoon we will experience the village activities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Sarangkot Mountain LodgeSarangkot Mountain Lodge
साराङकोट रोड, Pokhara 33700, Nepalhttps://barahi.com/properties/sarangkot-mountain-lodge/+977 985-6067928With an elevation of 1600m (5250 ft), at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, every luxurious room offers stunning views of the glorious Annapurna mountain range. Enjoy the clean crisp mountain air at sunrise from your private balcony while you sit in peace and soak up the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.
Welcome to Sarangkot Mountain Lodge. Enjoy the nature of the surrounding jungle and the breathtaking views of sunrise over the mountains.
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Day 6:
Chitwan National Park
Early morning enjoys the beautiful sunrise over the Himalayas from the hotel. After breakfast fly to Chitwan National park.
The Royal Chitwan National Park is 158.6 km South West of Kathmandu and houses the first National Park of the Kingdom. It is famous for its variety of wildlife especially the Great Indian horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
Upon arrival at the park, you will have a meeting with the biologists involved in studying the nature park. Chitvansky National Park covers a vast territory of 400 square kilometers in the low wooded hills. Known for the beauty of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the country boasts one of the best national parks in Asia. This is one of the few places in the world where you can still see the Bengal Tiger and the Indian Rhino in the wild. Chitwan is home to a wide variety of animals such as leopards, bears, monkeys, various species of deer, wild boar, and about 400 species of birds. Also at the park are approximately 60 Bengal Tigers. Chitwan National Park is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites because of the importance of its biodiversity.Your guide will give you a brief introduction to your Chitwan program and after lunch, your Chitwan jungle activities will begin according to the schedule the guide has set out for you.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Barahi Jungle LodgeBarahi Jungle Lodge
West, Narayani 97761, Nepalhttps://www.barahijunglelodge.com/+977 56-695447Barahi Jungle Lodge situated in the pacific Chitwan, reflects the serenity of the National Park. Chitwan’s tranquility and the lodge’s peace very well complement one another. Experiencing refined luxury in the panoramic jungles adorned with the Rapti River when viewed from Barahi’s vantage point is a parallel universe retreat. We take immense pride in strengthening the bond of nature and mankind through our experiences.
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Day 7:
Chitwan National Park
Full-day jungle activities. Overnight stay at the resort.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Barahi Jungle LodgeBarahi Jungle Lodge
West, Narayani 97761, Nepalhttps://www.barahijunglelodge.com/+977 56-695447Barahi Jungle Lodge situated in the pacific Chitwan, reflects the serenity of the National Park. Chitwan’s tranquility and the lodge’s peace very well complement one another. Experiencing refined luxury in the panoramic jungles adorned with the Rapti River when viewed from Barahi’s vantage point is a parallel universe retreat. We take immense pride in strengthening the bond of nature and mankind through our experiences.
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Day 8:
Kathmandu
After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy lunch at Babar Mahal Revisited called Mulchock restaurant.
In the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Patan
Patan is the oldest of all the three cities of Kathmandu valley. It is best known for its artistic heritage.It is probably one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world. The city is situated on a plateau across the Bagmati River. Another name of Patan, is Lalitpur. The city is surrounded by 4Stupas as 4 corners of Patan, one at each corner of its cardinal points. These stupas are said to have been built by the famous Emperor Asoka. This is one of the most elegant architectural treasures of which Patan is very proud. About the beauty of Patan, a western lady writer has to say this – “Patan means eternity itself and Patan Durbar Square is the spectacular sight of Asia indeed”. The place is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities, and wonderful carvings and many visitors come here to see these monuments. Patan Durbar square is a famous visiting place. The square is full of ancient places, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. The major attractions here are Krishna Temple, Golden Window, Patan Museum, Mahabouddha Temple, etc.
In the evening we take you for another not to be missed experience – a typical Nepalese 6-course dinner at the most exquisite restaurant in entire Nepal
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Hyatt Regency KathmanduHyatt Regency Kathmandu
Taragaon, Kathmandu 44601, Nepalhttps://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/nepal/hyatt-regency-kathmandu/kathm+977 1-5171234Set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a luxury five-star hotel designed in traditional Newari-style architecture, ideally located only 4 km away from the international airport. Situated in a city with a plethora of ancient sites and fascinating architecture, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a gateway to the city’s top attractions like Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Basantapur, Thamel, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and much more. You not only get the luxurious hospitality packages, but also get a cultural fest while you are at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu.
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Day 9:
Thimphu
Your journey begins with the most spectacular mountain flight with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. You fly over the southern hills, known as ‘dwarfs’, or gateways into the Himalayas as they rise from the plains until they meet the great snow-capped peaks that rise up to the sky.
On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your representative (guide). Drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan, and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
Rest of the day at leisure or you may want to take a stroll through this lively town.In the evening, visit the impressive Trashicho Dzong/fortress which houses the throne room of the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and the central monk body. If your visit falls on a working weekday, arrive in time to watch the hoisting of the National Flag and the March of the Guards.
Also visit the Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha (51.5mt bronze), sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill. This site offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley End the day by visiting the local Art gallery called VAST Studio. Following that, stroll around Thimphu town. The Craft Bazaar or Vegetable markets are open, and definitely worth a visit!Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: dusitD2 Yarkay ThimphudusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu
Chorten Lam Thimphu , Kingdom of Bhutan, 11001, Bhutanhttps://www.dusit.com/dusitd2-yarkay-thimphu/+975 2 339 988Designed to reflect the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan’s captivating capital, dusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu welcomes guests with smart style and local charm.
Set on Chorten Lam near the main Thimphu Traffic Circle, the hotel enjoys an inner-city location within easy reach of Thimphu’s main attractions.
The lobby is adorned with local artworks, design features reference a beloved national folktale and facilities include a spa, a fully equipped gym and international restaurant.
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Day 10:
Thimphu
Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.
Today’s visit will include:
Memorial Chorten, the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument dedicated to peace. During the mornings and evenings, it is a bustling place where people of all ages circumambulate the chorten/stupa, prays and prostrate at the shrine, turns the big prayer wheels, offers butter lamps, and bask in the sun as they socialize and mingle.
Zorig Chosum, (also known as the painting school) offers a six-year course in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The students follow a comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progresses through painting, woodcarving, embroidery, and statue-making. This is a great opportunity to interact and photograph the students while they practice their skills in the classroom.
National Library: The National Library was established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. It now houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works several hundred years old. This collection, known as the Choekey Collection, mainly comprises Buddhist literature written in Choekey, the religious script of Northern Buddhism, but also includes works written in Tibetan and in Dzongkha, Bhutan’s national language. The library also displays one of the biggest books in the world – “Bhutan” (a former Guinness Book of World Record holder). Besides its sheer size and weight, the continuously printed images (printed on a roll of paper longer than a football field and with a gallon of ink) are spectacular – vivid colors and human-size portraits.
Takin Zoo:A short distance up the road to the BBS tower viewpoint is a trail leading to a large fenced enclosure that was originally established as a zoo. Some years ago the fourth king decided that a zoo was not in sync with Bhutan’s environmental and religious convictions, and so it was disbanded. The animals were released into the wild, but the Takins, Bhutan’s national animal, were so tame that they wandered around the streets of Thimphu looking for food, and the only solution was to put them back into captivity.
Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery, popularly known as Zilukha Anim Dratshang, it is the only nunnery in the Capital. The nuns dedicate their lives to religion and provide social services to the local communities. They live within the premises of the temple in a close community (50-100 nuns) and like a family, each one of them is assigned daily chores and responsibilities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: dusitD2 Yarkay ThimphudusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu
Chorten Lam Thimphu , Kingdom of Bhutan, 11001, Bhutanhttps://www.dusit.com/dusitd2-yarkay-thimphu/+975 2 339 988Designed to reflect the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan’s captivating capital, dusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu welcomes guests with smart style and local charm.
Set on Chorten Lam near the main Thimphu Traffic Circle, the hotel enjoys an inner-city location within easy reach of Thimphu’s main attractions.
The lobby is adorned with local artworks, design features reference a beloved national folktale and facilities include a spa, a fully equipped gym and international restaurant.
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Day 11:
Paro District
After an early breakfast, set off for Phobjikha; driving up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. If the day is very clear, 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.
Then continue to Paro.
Enroute stop at the Iron Chain Bridge built in the early 15th century by the great iron bridge builder and Poet – Yogi Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464), who also built Dungtse Lhakhang in Paro and many iron bridges throughout Bhutan and Tibet. The iron bridge was carried away by floods in 1969 and a traditional style bridge with the original iron chains was built in 2005. Continue to Paro.
This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the country’s only airport, and the National Museum. Mt. Chomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields.
On arrival visit the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps, and a small natural history collection.
Then walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic of the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley. Walk down a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls and across a traditional cantilever bridge adorned with colorful prayer flags. If you drive a little further down along the river, there is a good spot where you can capture all three sites – the Cantilever Bridge, Paro Dzong, and the National Museum.
Later, visit a Farmhouse to share a cup of traditional butter tea with the family.
Evening explores the quaint Paro town.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Naksel Boutique Hotel & SpaNaksel Boutique Hotel & Spa
Paro, Upper Ngoba Village, Paro, Bhutanhttps://www.naksel.com/+975 8 272 992Located thirty minutes from Paro International Airport, Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa is a luxury retreat where the comforts of man and the presence of nature combine for a peaceful escape in the hills of Bhutan.
Nestled on the edge of the national forest and the quiet Ngoba Village, Naksel derives its name from the Dzongkha translation of ‘Forest,’ which is only fitting for this Himalayan sanctuary.
The main lodge and surrounding cottages of Naksel rest on more than six acres for forest land, at 2700 meters above sea level.
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Day 12:
Paro District
If you’re adventurous and physically fit, get ready for a memorable hike to the world-famous “Tiger’s Nest” or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. Located on the face of a sheer cliff above the floor of the Paro Valley, this not to be missed site is accessible by hiking. It is a strenuous uphill climb including over 700 steps. This sacred pilgrimage site is where the great tantric mystic, Padmasambhava flew on the back of a tiger and brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan (mythical belief). The Monastery clings to a cliff soaring 3,000 feet above the valley floor at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Along the way, you can hang prayer flags for world peace, or for people who are hungry, ill, or in pain. In Bhutan, people relate unhappiness to an imbalance of greed, anger, ignorance, ego, and jealousy. The prayers and mantras are written on the cloth. The prayer flags are usually hung outdoors in higher places where the winds are stronger. When prayer flags are hung it is believed to enhance the balance of the above attributes, thus creating happiness. This is also done to wish good tidings to other sentient beings.
Stop for lunch and admire the breathtaking views from the tea- cafeteria before slowly descending.Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Naksel Boutique Hotel & SpaNaksel Boutique Hotel & Spa
Paro, Upper Ngoba Village, Paro, Bhutanhttps://www.naksel.com/+975 8 272 992Located thirty minutes from Paro International Airport, Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa is a luxury retreat where the comforts of man and the presence of nature combine for a peaceful escape in the hills of Bhutan.
Nestled on the edge of the national forest and the quiet Ngoba Village, Naksel derives its name from the Dzongkha translation of ‘Forest,’ which is only fitting for this Himalayan sanctuary.
The main lodge and surrounding cottages of Naksel rest on more than six acres for forest land, at 2700 meters above sea level.
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Day 13:
New Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport to connect your flight to New Delhi.
On your arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport, our Explore India representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Pullman New Delhi AerocityPullman New Delhi Aerocity
Asset No 02, Gmr Hospitality District, IGI Rd, Aerocity, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, Indiahttps://all.accor.com/hotel/7559/index.en.shtml+91 11 4608 0808Combining lifestyle and design, for business and leisure . Whether traveling for business or just wishing to visit New Delhi and go around for shopping, Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is the perfect place to start your journey as your day begins from the luxurious comfort of our contemporary large rooms.
Suitably adjacent to international & domestic airport terminals, this 5-star hotel is well connected through the Airport Express Line, 5 minutes away. It is near the Cyber City and Delhi’s famous shopping malls like DLF Promenade, Emporio and Worldmark. The hotel is well positioned to attain a large segment of important Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market as it is home to Delhi NCR’s largest convention space spread over a vast expanse of more than 40,000 sq.ft.
The hotel offers 670 spacious & luxurious rooms(including Novotel New Delhi) with 5-star amenities, Wi-Fi & 6 dining destinations for optimum comfort, convenience and connectivity. Visit the Pullman Wellness Spa & Salon, Fitness Center & the outdoor pool.
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Day 14:
Delhi - Home
Early morning transfer to airport to connect for your flight back home
What’s included
- Accommodation and meals breakfast, lunches & dinners as mentioned in the program
- International roundtrip airfare and all local flights including flights to Nepal & Bhutan
- Escorted Roundtrip Airport Transfers
- All transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioning coach / mini cars
- Entrance fees of all monuments as per itinerary
- Traditional mask dance and cultural show during welcome dinner in Thimphu
- Archery Demo in Paro the national sport of Bhutan
- Unlimited bottled water and soft drinks during long drives and sightseeing tours
- All government taxes including Royalty tax in Bhutan and all tourist visas to India, Nepal & Bhutan.
- Activities & exclusive events during the tour
24/7 Explore India concierge team to assist with any last-minute, unexpected, and unusual requests - Applicable taxes and fees
What’s excluded
- Personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, alcoholic beverages, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in the program
- Services other than in our inclusion
- Taxes Additional $377 per person
Select a gateway:
Prices include Roundtrip Airfare from - to India.
Recent Reviews
Hello Nazir, Thank you for following up with us re: our tour in India. Mike said he spoke with your recently. We had a wonderful time in India. Sandeep was a very knowledgeable and respectful tour guide. The bus drivers were amazing. The food was delicious, with plenty of choice. The accommodation was really excellent, with one exception in Varanasi, however that turned out just fine too. We were well taken care of by everyone involved in the tour. India is an amazing country. Your tour was truly incredible and we would recommend it in a heartbeat. Thank you for being so kind in handling all my questions, concerns, etc. before the trip! Have a lovely weekend.
Dale Stoesser
Carsgairs, Canada
FEB, 28 2018: I wanted to let you know that I was very pleased with the tour. The arrangements were excellent. Ashish was an excellent guide. I thought it was very well planned, with appropriate down time but busy schedules. The hotels were all very comfortable and well located. (I was annoyed that Hilton didn't offer free wifi in the rooms but I joined their Hilton Honors program and got free wifi from that.) The buffet style meals were perfect for our needs. It is surprising how quickly wifi has become a must have for most travellers. Keeping the group size small made it easy for us to move as a group. I had never seen the technique of having hawkers bring their wares to the bus, where we could buy or not, without haggling. This was a clever way of minimizing people wandering off for their own purchases and bargaining. The arranged shopping opportunities were also very good. High quality merchandise was offered. It also seemed to be value for money. I look forward to having the opportunity to travel with Explore India again. Joan
Joan Prior
Toronto, ON, Canada
My apologies for the delay in writing, but I had a rough re-entry to Canada. This was the worst case of jet-lag I’ve ever had, and also a number of things demanded my attention upon our return. I don’t want to let any more time go by before saying, though, that India exceeded our expectations on all fronts, including the service of our tour guide, Raj. Over the years we’ve been to many countries and this was by far the richest travel experience of our lives. India's diversity of religions, languages and cultures is unparalleled in any other part of the world we’ve visited. The people were gracious and the sights amazed us everywhere we went. A lifetime would not be enough to scratch the surface of this ancient land. One day we would love to return. Thank you again for all you did to organize such a never-to-be-forgotten journey! Best regards, Ted and Anita
Ted & Anita D.
Furry Creek, BC.
Nazir, Just back from our trip to India and I wanted to thank you for a wonderful tour. Everything was well organized and went smoothly. I would like to stress to you the exceptional service that we received from our guide Harry. His historical knowledge and love for the culture made the tour. Harry went above and beyond with his service to ensure we gained a clear appreciation of the beautiful sights and sounds. His personal added value experiences were irreplaceable and I thank him for these. Harry is an exceptional guide, Explore India is lucky to have him as he will definitely remain in our hearts. I look forward to travelling with him again. I will be coming to the Mumbai are in the spring so will keep an eye on your site to see if there are any offerings. Many thanks,
Susan Tippett
Toronto, Canada
Apologies for the delay in regard to this reply. It has been 3 weeks since we got back but the first one was an adjustment to time and travel. There are just not enough good words to describe the trip but it was definitely spectacular and above expectations. Exceptionally well organized and highly professional personnel were involved in the tour. India is just so remarkable as there is so much history. We crammed and read 3 books about the country in advance but there is so very much more to learn. To be able to travel there and have professional tour guides with that depth of knowledge was fortunate indeed. Can’t say enough about the calibre of Sandeep Singh regarding his professionalism, knowledge, organizational skills and overall ability! Hilal Lone did a good job for us during the Kashmir part of it! Besides the 2 guides, there were a lot of people to acknowledge in regard to the success of the trip. Unfortunately we won’t be able to name everyone. However, we will start with yourself Nazir. Being patient, personable, and responsive in terms of direction up front made for easier planning. Those who headed up organization at the other end, such as Rajeev Sharma, went beyond the call of duty to get their part of the operation right. If only for our jetlag the day after we arrived, he would have got us to a cricket game! Rafiq Mohamed did his part as well for the Kashmir leg of the trip. Last but not least, people such as the driver, Dalit Singh Walia, and his assistant Anand Mishra, made the journey what it was. The wondrous architecture we saw was at times almost surreal. They were so advanced in this regard so very long ago! Because some were so spectacular and precise, pictures do not quite do it justice, one has to simply see it! Also so impressed with the people of India. Massive population but they have found a way to make it work. Seemingly caring to each other and respectful and friendly towards tourists. Maybe the “hawkers” not so much. To a certain extent, one even adjusts to the heat. After time spent at the sites the air-conditioned vehicles helped in this regard. Small detail maybe, but cold bottled water always being available was quite important. The tour offered a good mix and variation of experiences. The trip into the forest was definitely special. Viewing the wildlife, especially the Bengal tiger, will always be a memorable lifetime experience. The quality of accommodation was very high. The variety and selection for meals offered up something that I expect everyone could be satisfied with, as we were. Never knew anything about Explore India before the trip. Now that we do and experienced it, we would certainly highly recommend your company and the tour! Cheers,
Marilyn & Emil
Saskatoon, Canada
Dear Nazir and Mandira, Very many thanks for your welcome back message. Denise and I had a fabulous ExploreIndia Trip "Mughals and Maharajas". Everything was very well organised and the quality and choice of the hotels were very good, especially the Hotel Madin in Varanasi, where the food, the service and the staff were exceptional. The transportation and visits to places of interest, including the artisan workshops, were also excellent. Our guide, Arvind Sharma, took very good care of our group and completed the picture with his shared insight and enthusiasm for all things "Indian" with his running commentary on the cities, the country's history, the historical sites, and life in India, and really opened our eyes to the real India. And we must not forget the bus driver and his assistant, who were also very hardworking and polite, and their skills at manoeuvering in the traffic were very impressive. Mandira in Vancouver promptly handled any questions or concerns regarding our booking and upcoming trip in a very calm, helpful and friendly manner. You should be very proud of your team, both here in Canada and of course in India. Everything on this trip was outstanding and far surpassed our expectations and we will certainly be recommending Explore India to others. Please pass on our thanks to everybody for a great trip and introduction to incredible India. Very many thanks again, Sincerely, Anthony and Denise Cooper
Denise & Anthony Cooper
Toronto, ON, Canada
It has been a couple of months since we returned from our private tour in India. It is still on our minds, we had such a wonderful time. I wanted to contact you much sooner to let you know but with illness in our families, the holidays and business the time has passed so quickly. We really wanted to thank you for setting up such a great trip - our driver, Harpal, was excellent. He made the long drives enjoyable and took very good care of us, especially when David got sick for a few days. His care and attention to us let us relax and feel safe, which made the trip even more enjoyable. The guides were really good, the sites amazing, the hotels - especially Agra - We were lucky enough to see a tiger walk right past our jeep. The trip was memorable, exciting and romantic. My husband and I would highly recommend it as everything was taken care of and we had no worries or concerns once we met our driver and guide upon arriving at the Delhi airport. A truly exceptional experience and we are so glad we chose to book with Explore India. Thank you again. Regards,
Alix Patterson
West Vancouver, Canada
Hi Nazir, It was good to finally meet you in Delhi. Thanks for the bag and the lovely gifts. What a surprise. We had a wonderful trip. We are still processing all the experiences and can't believe all that we crammed into our time in India. Rajeev did a great job of ensuring everything ran smoothly. An amazing trip!
Pamela & Jim
Ottawa, Canada
Thank you, Nazir. Our entire experience in India has been amazing. You have some very special people working for you. And I sincerely hope that they are appreciated. In particular, I have to mention Raj and Arvind. As you know, Shirley and I arrived two days ahead of the rest of the tour group. We met with Raj who became like a big brother to us. With our safety in mind, Raj continually checked on our well-being, made some terrific suggestions including restaurants and even arranged for us to meet with a numerologist, which had been on our wish list for India. He was always asking us if we were happy and if there was anything else he could do for us. He arranged taxis, made some excellent suggestions and went out of his way to make our dreams a reality. We felt very safe. Arvind was an excellent guide. He gave 150% to everything he did. There is no doubt in my mind that this part of our tour would've been entirely different and not nearly as spectacular had it been anyone different. Arvind was more than a tour guide. He educated us on the history of India, the poverty, spirituality, rituals, food, the different religions and much much more. His day was never over. He was always planning more than was included on our agenda. Surprises and extra activities – he was a very generous man. Very trustworthy and honest. he managed to please everyone on the tour which is no easy feat. I cannot say enough about Arvind. He made our whole trip. Another guide worthy of praise is Lo Chen on the Darjeeling portion of the trip. A very gentle and caring man. He was so amenable to suggestions and also went the extra mile to show us the highlights of this part of the country. Very knowledgeable. I had a fantastic trip. I loved India and I hope one day to return. It has a very special place in my heart. I hope that my comments will be helpful to you and please pass on my thanks to Mandira who always responded quickly to any questions we had and gave us lots of interesting information before we left. Namaste,
Lynn Graham
Kelowna, Canada
Hi Nazir; We arrived in Calgary late Wednesday. Needless to say we are tired. We had a memorable time in India to say the least! On TV one sees programs about India however experiencing it was another thing! One cannot image the density of people without experiencing it firsthand. It was truly shocking. Explore India provides Canadians an opportunity to see it for themselves. Arvind was a great tour leader; his knowledge about the country, its customs, its people, is astounding. Raj, your man on the ground, went out of his way to help us. As you know we stayed an extra day in Delhi at the end of our stay because of poor plane connections. As our booking for the Taj Ambassador Hotel did not work out, he arranged our stay at the Pride Plaza Hotel and provided a car and driver to allow us to see the city. This turned out to be a much better than if we had stayed at the Taj Ambassador as the new hotel was close to the airport saving travel time at departure. Lochem (sp?), your local guide for Darjeeling had exceptional knowledge of the area, its history and the people. Without him much of the local folklore would have been missed. There were two surprises we encountered while in India. The first was the road condition between the airport and Darjeeling; the lengthy travel time and being so winding. Unfortunately Carolyn got motion sickness throwing up stomach acid within the vehicle making it uncomfortable for other passengers. Returning was much better as she took Gravol that settled her stomach. In the end we all laughed about it. The second surprise was the India government announcement cancelling the 500 and 1000 rupee notes the day prior to leaving. We got stuck with a small quantity of rupees that we could not use. This is not a big deal but wondered if you had a use for them. Perhaps they could be given to an Indian charity? If it could be done let us know where to send them. The itinerary for each leg (six) of the tour were appropriate providing us with a good overview of India. The quality of the hotels was excellent providing an evening refuge to recuperate, collect our thoughts, and share with friends. Transportation arrangements were excellent; Arvind did a superb job dealing with airport arrangements for air travel within India. Security had recently been stepped up at the airports making for long lineups. Arvind managed to shorten them with his knowledge and relationships with security personnel. The quality of buses used for transportation between Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur were excellent. As you are aware driving in India is somewhat different than driving in North America. Road quality can be very poor, vehicle density is very high, roads go through many towns, people and animals share the road, and drivers don’t necessarily obey traffic laws; such as creating five lanes of traffic on a two lane road.. The bus drivers had to deal with these situations being mindful of our travel deadlines and our safety. They did an excellent job! It may be a while before we travel to India again, however we would definitely consider Explore India first for making our travel/tour arrangements when we do. Our kindest regards
Errol and Carolyn
Calgary, Canada
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