Taj Mahal & The Himalayas

per person

This amazing tour is just right for an introduction to India, Nepal and Bhutan!

This trip offers unbelievable number of UNESCO Historical sites in just 2 weeks. While India offers a mosaic of Indian, Mughal empires and the British Raj, Nepal blends multi-ethnicity with harmony of Hinduism and Buddhism. Last but not least, secluded Bhutan still retains its unique ancient Buddhist heritage. Whether you in a bustling spice market in Delhi, on your sunrise Mount Everest sightseeing flight or walking up to the mystical Tiger’s Nest; each experience is a mesmerizing mind-opening experience.

Join us to be inspired by the majestic nature and culture of India and Himalayas up close, no Mt Everest climbing skills required!

14 Days, 13 Nights: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kathmandu, Thimphu, Paro

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TOUR

A mesmerizing view of the Taj Mahal at sunset

Impressive Architecture from a Majestic Past

Many royal palaces, forts and temples in India and Nepal are UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. Each historical monument possesses a great history and its own unique identity. So if you’d like to visit many UNESCO World Heritage Sites then this tour of India & Nepal will give you a big boost in the right direction.

Bhutan’s Sacred Tiger’s Nest

No visitor leaves Bhutan without making the trek to the Taktsang Palphug, aka the Tiger’s Nest. Situated on the edge of a cliff, some 1,700 feet above the rice fields of Paro, this 325-year-old monastery is the kingdom’s most sacred religious site. To get here takes about 5 hours round-trip hike, but simply walking these revered slopes is enough to induce a meditative mood.

Panorama View of Majestic Peaks of Himalaya

Since Nepal is located right in the heart of Himalayan Mountains, it, therefore, has extremely beautiful summits that are high and contain various options to the adventure lovers. Catch a glimpse of 20 of the highest peaks to the East of Nepal on your scenic flight. Now you can see the stunning beauty of nature; raw, undiluted and truly majestic.

Tour Plan

Hotels

Dates & Prices

14 Days 13 Nights

Bhutan

Culture & Heritage

India

Leisure Tour

Nepal

Meet Up at Delhi (DEL)

Upon arrival into Delhi, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

Delhi | Old and New Capital City

Delhi is the capital of modern India. It has also been the capital of at least seven previous civilizations as well as the British Raj, and each have left behind a trail of monuments.

Explore both Old and New Delhi, including Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Experience a busy & bustling local bazaar with a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk and visit Khari Baoli (Spice Market). Next is Humayun’s Tomb of the Mughal Emperor. Photo op at Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Residence) and India Gate. Visit the most prominent Sikh temple, Bangla Saheb Gurudwara, and enjoy one of the 25,000 meals served in the temple.

Breakfast

Lunch

JAMA MASJID
Largest mosques in India built between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees.

HUMAYUN'S TOMB
This tomb has the significance of being the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.

SPICE MARKET
Inhale the aromatic atmosphere in the labyrinthine spice market.

Delhi – Agra | Leaning Tower, Moonlight Garden

After breakfast, visit Qutab Minar - the world’s tallest brick tower and a photo op at Lotus Temple.

Drive to Agra, the erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire. We will witness a breathtaking, fully symmetrical sunset view of the Taj Mahal from across the river at Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden).

Breakfast

QUTAB MINAR
Built to celebrate Muslim dominance. See the world’s tallest brick tower with its 'natural' tilt.

SUNSET AT TAJ MAHAL
A magical experience! The colors of the buildings change with distance and sun.

Agra | The legendary Taj Mahal

Early morning, sunrise visit of the legendary Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631. Then breakfast.

Visit Agra Fort (Red Fort), a 16th-century Mughal fortress which also contains the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It offers splendid views across the river towards the Taj Mahal. Let’s size up the Itimad-ud-Daulah tomb, the "Baby Tāj”, a Mughal era mausoleum.

Breakfast

TAJ MAHAL
Catch a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the most beautiful building in the world.

AGRA FORT
A representative of the Mughal architectural tradition.

ITMAD-UD-DAULA TOMB
Described as a "jewel box", and regarded as the inspiration for the Tāj Mahal.

Agra - Jaipur | Life In the Desert

En route to Jaipur, we visit the ghostly former Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory), which has been deserted for over four centuries. Thanks to the very durable red sandstone from which it was built, Fatehpur Sikri remains well-preserved and is a fascinating place to explore.

Stop in the village of Abhaneri to see Chand Baori, which is the largest and deepest step well in the world. This incredible well has a staggering 3,500 steps and is 13 stories deep.

We continue the drive to Jaipur, the bustling capital of Rajasthan.

Breakfast

FATEHPUR SIKRI
City of Victory where architectural styles converged into a new strain.

CHAND BAORI
Built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan.

THE OLD CITY OF JAIPUR
Founded in 1727, it's famously known as “Pink City” for its trademark building color.

Jaipur | The Pink City of Jaipur

Visit the stunning 16th century Amber Fort - a sprawling Rajput construction, perched on a hillside overlooking the dusty plains, regal palaces, sleepy villages, and stone carved temples below. Reaching its summit on a jeep (or request an elephant ride during reservation), we enjoy a tour of the fort's well-preserved interior grounds including Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) with its interior embellished with reflective glass tiles.

Visit City Palace, an imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City with a series of temples, pavilions, gardens and palaces. Jantar Mantar, an ancient open-air astronomical observatory and UNESCO world heritage site.

Enjoy the sight of Jal Mahal (Water Palace), a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. See Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), it’s high screen wall allowed the women of the royal household to observe street life without being seen.

If we have time, marvel at a 16th century step well near Kheri Gate. The step well serves as the community well, gathering place and swimming hole.

Breakfast

City Palace, Chandra Mahal Vacation Trip

ROYAL PALACES OF THE PRESENT
The current royal family still resides in a portion of Chandra Mahal within the City Palace.

AMBER FORT
The historic 16-century site that overlooks the picturesque Maota Lake in Jaipur.

HAWA MAHAL (WIND PALACE)
Lattice windows for royal ladies to observe street life without being seen.

Jaipur – Delhi - Kathmandu

After breakfast, transfer to Jaipur Airport. Fly to Kathmandu via Delhi.

Breakfast

CULTURE OF KATHMANDU VALLEY
See the unique culture that lies within the sacred birthplace of Buddha.

PRAYER WHEELS
Used to accumulate wisdom and merit (good karma) and to purify negativities.

TRADITIONAL DUMPLING MOMOS
A staple dish from Nepal served with tomato chutney. A must try!

Kathmandu | Temple Trail

Kathmandu Valley has 3 royal cities namely Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. They are filled with historic monuments and temples exhibiting Buddhist and Hindu architecture. Each city has its own Dubar Square opposite the old palaces and surrounded by temples, idols, courtyards and water fountains.Today we visit the first 2 cities, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, the Kashi Biswanath Temple and the Dattatreya Temple. Pashupatinath Temple (one of the holiest Hindu temples with many exotic carvings on its ornate wooden roof struts); Boudhanath Stupa, the largest spherical stupa (akin to a mausoleum) in the world with a massive mandala; Swayambhunath which is the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites; Kathmandhu Durbar Square.

Breakfast

BOUDHANATH STUPA
Most Popular Word UNESCO site- one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.

The Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site that you should visit during one of our cultural Travel tours

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
Most important Hindu pilgrimage site and is the holiest place for Hindus everywhere.

SWAYAMBHU COMPLEX
Three Buddhas covered in gold. Known for its ancient religious architecture.

Kathmandu | Mount Everest Flight, Patan Durbar Square

Early morning take off on a spectacular sightseeing flight to see Mount Everest! Visit the magnificent Patan Durbar Square that surrounded by many temples and the ancient royal palace of Patan. Ride the cable car up Chandragiri Hills if time permitting. You will see the beautiful Kathmandu valley and great Himalayan range from west to east.

Breakfast

HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINS
A sightseeing flight rewards you with panoramic views of the tallest mountains in the world.

NEPAL ARTISTRY & HANDICRAFTS
Its historical roots can be traced back to the stone ages and known for its fine detailing.

NEPALESE LOCALS
Friendliest to come by and around a celebration, experience of a lifetime.

Kathmandu - Paro - Thimphu | City Tour

Fly to Paro, Bhutan. Paro is a valley town west of the capital, Thimphu. It is the site of the country’s only international airport with elevation of 7,200 ft. Upon arrival into Paro, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Today we visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12^th century temple perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu. We also visit Bhutan National Bank; a local arts and crafts school, Traditional Medicine Institute where Bhutanese still practice the ancient art of healing, and Motithang Takin Preserve which is the wildlife preserve of national animal of Bhutan.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

THIMPHU CITY
Thimphu is the capital and largest city in Bhutan with a population of around 80,000.

CITY TRAFFIC CULTURE
City of Thimphu is the world’s only capital city that eschews traffic lights.

MOTITHANG TAKIN PRESERVE
A wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan.

Thimphu | Cheri Monastery, National Memorial Chorten, Handicrafts

Today, we enjoy discovering more of the serene and beautiful city of Thimphu while exploring deep within their culture.

The day begins with sightseeing at Thimphu weekend market (Friday – Sunday only). Vendors fill the market with local produce and pink cubes of camphor and saffron. Followed by 1 hour hike to Cheri Monastery (Chagri Monastery). Visit a Handicraft Bazaar. Take a look into their artistic techniques and local handicrafts like traditional paper making.

The National Memorial Chorten is a stupa built in memory of Bhutan's third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

NATIONAL MEMORIAL CHORTEN
In Thimphu, it is the focus of their daily worship for many Bhutanese.

ART, CRAFTS, AND TEXTILES
See artisans at work producing traditional, intricate designs on cloth.

MASKS OF MAHAKALA
Find your own colorful painted mask to ward off negative influences!

Thimphu - Paro | Simtokha Dzong, Mount Sumeru

Drive to Paro. Enroute visit Simtokha Dzong (the place of profound tantric teaching, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan) and Mount Sumeru, a sacred five-peak mountain of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

SIMTOKHA DZONG
The name means Castle Monastery is a small dzong built in 1629.

SIMTOKHA DZONG
Overlooks the Thimphu Valley, it was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon.

THE PERSPECTIVE OF LOCALS
Locals here manage their spiritual and material happiness equally.

Paro | Taktshang Monastery, Archery Demonstration

We save the best for last as today we hike to Tiger's Nest. This monastery is the most sacred place in Bhutan, visited by all Buddhists at least once in their lifetime. The climb is steep, so en-route you may stop for refreshments at a local cafeteria located halfway up the trail with a view of the monastery. Once we reach the Tiger’s Nest, enjoy the beautiful views and waterfall along with a visit to the monastery.

Round trip hike takes approx. 5 hours; alternatively, if you don’t wish to hike, you may ride a pony part of the way.

The national sport of Bhutan is archery so your trip wouldn't be complete without observing an archery demonstration.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY
Once in a lifetime experience. Takshang is one of the most spiritual places in the world.

PRAYER WHEEL AT PARO
Send a wish while spinning the giant prayer wheel on your way to the Tiger's Nest.

Depart Paro (PBH)

After breakfast the tour ends. Hotel check-out and transfer to Paro International Airport for your return flight home or onward journey.

Breakfast

Overview

Hotels

Dates & Prices

Hotel Information

Destination	Comfort Class	Premium Class	Luxury Class
Delhi	Florence	Vivanta by Taj view images >	Call
Agra	Utkarsh	PL Palace view images >	Call
Jaipur	Paradise	Holiday Inn view images >	Call
Paro	Call	Haven Resort view images >	Call
Thimphu	Call	Termalinca view images >	Call
Punakha	Call	Dhensa Resort view images >	Call

* Hotels mentioned are subject to availability at the time of reservation.

Accommodation Classification

COMFORT ⭐⭐⭐- 3-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
PREMIUM ⭐⭐⭐⭐- 4-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
LUXURY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- 5-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations

Overview

Tour Plan

Dates & Prices

Dates & Pricing

PRIVATE TOURS, Daily departures except for Wednesdays.

Year	Tour Dates	Comfort	Premium	Luxury
2019	Jan 11 to Mar 31	Call	Call	Call
2019	Apr 1 to Sep 30	Call	Call	Call
2019	Oct 1 to Dec 15	Call	Call	Call
2020	Jan 11 to Mar 31	Call	Call	Call
2020	Apr 1 to Sep 30	Call	Call	Call
2020	Oct 1 to Dec 15	Call	Call	Call

Price Details

‣ Prices are in USD and are inclusive of all applicable taxes but do not include airfare.
‣ Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply during applicable major holidays. Special rates for single travelers or larger groups are available on request - please inquire.
‣ Note that tour prices vary according to season. If your tour straddles two seasons then each portion will be priced according to that season.

Deposit

A deposit of $500 per person is required upon booking and full payment to be made 70 days prior to departure date.

Flight Add-On

‣ We work with all major airlines for the best routes and competitive pricing.
‣ The nearest arrival airport is DEL (Delhi International).
‣ The nearest departure airport is PBH (Paro International).
‣ Contact us for more detail and pricing.

Inclusions

‣ Airport Transfers, Meet and Greet
‣ Hotel Accommodations
‣ Daily Breakfast and Selected Meals (See tour plan for details)
‣ English-speaking Local Guide
‣ Entrance Fees to Monuments & Attractions per Itinerary

Exclusions

‣ Air Fare
‣ Travel Insurance
‣ Medical Expenses
‣ Visa Fee
‣ Gratuity
‣ Personal Expenses

Overview

Tour Plan

Hotels