Mystical India & Bhutan
17 days - Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Delhi, Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur, Amritsar
17 days - Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Delhi, Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur, Amritsar
This program pairs mystical Bhutan with the search for Tigers in India, and a fascinating visit to Amritsar on the India-Pakistan border. We begin in Thimphu, Bhutan's largest city declared capital by the king in 1961. Ancient traditions bump elbows with modernity here, all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The former capital, Punakha, lies some 45 miles from Thimphu, and the fertile valley here is fed by the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The majestic and ancient fortress, Punakha Dzong, lies at the confluence of the two rivers, and is the town’s most important and photographed attraction. Our final stop in Bhutan is Paro, nestled in one of the Bhutan’s most beautiful valleys. It is home to several fortresses and sacred sites, but the highlight is surely the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Precariously perched atop a cliff, it is a must-see for all visitors. After a night in Delhi, journey to Banghavgarh, the national park famous for tigers. Game drives here take us on a search for the Bengal Tiger and other wildlife. Known for its picturesque marble rock formations, Jabalpur is an ancient city located in central India. An artistic and spiritual city, it is situated on the shores of the holy river Narmada. Our final stop is Amritsar, which translates as the "holy pool of nectar." The Golden Temple is the city's main attraction, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu. Fly to Paro, crossing over the great Himalayas and some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. Upon arrival complete the journey by road to Thimphu, the capital city. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Thimphu. Explore the sights of the capital today. Visits include the National Library, housing a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts; and the Folk Heritage Museum, providing fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Other sights today are the National Memorial Chorten, Handicrafts Emporium, and Tashichhoedzong, housing the throne room of the King. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 4: Punakha. Depart by road for Punakha, former capital of Bhutan until 1955. Great views of mountain peaks, chorten (stupa), and prayer flags can be enjoyed from Dochula pass. Winding our way down the pass visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers. Wangdue district is also famous for its bamboo work, slate, and stone carving. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 5: Gangtey/Punakha. Depart by road to Phobjikha Valley, or Gangtey Valley, home to Bhutan's graceful black-necked cranes. The cranes visit central Bhutan to roost from late October to mid-February, and magically circle the Gangtey Monastery three times upon arrival and again upon departure to Tibet. Visit the monastery and village, and explore the glacial U-shaped valley. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 6: Paro. Blessed with a temperate climate, Phunakha lies in the country’s most fertile valley. This morning visit Punakha Dzong, a majestic structure built at the junction of two rivers. The second dzong to be built in Bhutan, it was here that Bhutan’s first king was crowned in 1907. Also visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a recently built stupa of fine architectural design dedicated to the well being of the kingdom and benefit of all sentient beings. In the afternoon drive to Paro, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, home of the Institute for Language and Culture Studies (breakfast, dinner).
Day 7: Paro. Embark on a full-day tour of Paro Valley. Visits include Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower, it now houses the National Museum; and Rinpung Dzong, translated as "fortress on a heap of jewels," it was used to defend Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions. Other sights include Drukgyel Dzong, commemorating the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in 1644; and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the country. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 8: Paro. A highlight of any visit to Bhutan is a trekking excursion to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba). The iconic and much-photographed monastery is built atop a cliff and offers amazing views of the Paro Valley below. The dramatic viewpoint for the monastery comes roughly at the cafeteria located midway through the trek. Most visitors walk in both directions, although horses are available to take you up to the monastery. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 9: Delhi. Return to Delhi by flight today. Time permitting visit New Delhi's National Museum. (breakfast).
Day 10: Bandhavgarh. Fly to Jabalpur and proceed by road (approx. 4 hours) to Bandhavgarh National Park; famous for its tiger population, extensive wildlife, flower and fauna. This afternoon depart on a game drive by open jeep with your naturalist to search for tigers and other exotic wildlife. (breakfast, dinner).
Days 11-12: Bandhavgarh. Each day embark on an early morning game drive, and a second game drive in the late afternoon. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 13: Jabalpur. Drive to Jabalpur, an ancient city located on the shores of the holy river Narmada. In the afternoon visit the city's Madan Mahal Fort, Tilwara Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada River, and 12th century Mala Devi Temple. This evening enjoy a boat ride on River Narmada at Bhedaghat to see the beautiful Marble Rocks, the scenic gorge rising to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. (breakfast).
Day 14: Delhi. After a free morning in Jabalpur, return to Delhi by flight. (breakfast).
Day 15: Amritsar. Fly to Amritsar, one of India's most ancient and fascinating cities, and important seat of Sikh history and culture. In the afternoon witness the flag ceremony at the Wagah border, the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. The changing of the guards and ceremonial lowering of the flags are carried out with great pomp. At sunset see the "Beating Retreat" ceremony, where soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags to thunderous applause.
Day 16: Amritsar. Explore Amritsar this morning to learn about Sikh culture. Visits include the Golden Temple, Akal Takht, Tower of Baba Atal Rai, and Jallianwala Bagh. The balance of the afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. (breakfast).
Day 17: Depart Amritsar. Return to Delhi by flight or train and continue to your onward destination. (breakfast).
Meals: Fifteen breakfasts, one lunch, and ten dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $8,150.
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu. Fly to Paro, crossing over the great Himalayas and some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. Upon arrival complete the journey by road to Thimphu, the capital city. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Thimphu. Explore the sights of the capital today. Visits include the National Library, housing a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts; and the Folk Heritage Museum, providing fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Other sights today are the National Memorial Chorten, Handicrafts Emporium, and Tashichhoedzong, housing the throne room of the King. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 4: Punakha. Depart by road for Punakha, former capital of Bhutan until 1955. Great views of mountain peaks, chorten (stupa), and prayer flags can be enjoyed from Dochula pass. Winding our way down the pass visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers. Wangdue district is also famous for its bamboo work, slate, and stone carving. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 5: Gangtey/Punakha. Depart by road to Phobjikha Valley, or Gangtey Valley, home to Bhutan's graceful black-necked cranes. The cranes visit central Bhutan to roost from late October to mid-February, and magically circle the Gangtey Monastery three times upon arrival and again upon departure to Tibet. Visit the monastery and village, and explore the glacial U-shaped valley. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 6: Paro. Blessed with a temperate climate, Phunakha lies in the country’s most fertile valley. This morning visit Punakha Dzong, a majestic structure built at the junction of two rivers. The second dzong to be built in Bhutan, it was here that Bhutan’s first king was crowned in 1907. Also visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a recently built stupa of fine architectural design dedicated to the well being of the kingdom and benefit of all sentient beings. In the afternoon drive to Paro, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, home of the Institute for Language and Culture Studies (breakfast, dinner).
Day 7: Paro. Embark on a full-day tour of Paro Valley. Visits include Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower, it now houses the National Museum; and Rinpung Dzong, translated as "fortress on a heap of jewels," it was used to defend Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions. Other sights include Drukgyel Dzong, commemorating the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in 1644; and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the country. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 8: Paro. A highlight of any visit to Bhutan is a trekking excursion to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba). The iconic and much-photographed monastery is built atop a cliff and offers amazing views of the Paro Valley below. The dramatic viewpoint for the monastery comes roughly at the cafeteria located midway through the trek. Most visitors walk in both directions, although horses are available to take you up to the monastery. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 9: Delhi. Return to Delhi by flight today. Time permitting visit New Delhi's National Museum. (breakfast).
Day 10: Bandhavgarh. Fly to Jabalpur and proceed by road (approx. 4 hours) to Bandhavgarh National Park; famous for its tiger population, extensive wildlife, flower and fauna. This afternoon depart on a game drive by open jeep with your naturalist to search for tigers and other exotic wildlife. (breakfast, dinner).
Days 11-12: Bandhavgarh. Each day embark on an early morning game drive, and a second game drive in the late afternoon. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 13: Jabalpur. Drive to Jabalpur, an ancient city located on the shores of the holy river Narmada. In the afternoon visit the city's Madan Mahal Fort, Tilwara Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada River, and 12th century Mala Devi Temple. This evening enjoy a boat ride on River Narmada at Bhedaghat to see the beautiful Marble Rocks, the scenic gorge rising to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. (breakfast).
Day 14: Delhi. After a free morning in Jabalpur, return to Delhi by flight. (breakfast).
Day 15: Amritsar. Fly to Amritsar, one of India's most ancient and fascinating cities, and important seat of Sikh history and culture. In the afternoon witness the flag ceremony at the Wagah border, the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. The changing of the guards and ceremonial lowering of the flags are carried out with great pomp. At sunset see the "Beating Retreat" ceremony, where soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags to thunderous applause.
Day 16: Amritsar. Explore Amritsar this morning to learn about Sikh culture. Visits include the Golden Temple, Akal Takht, Tower of Baba Atal Rai, and Jallianwala Bagh. The balance of the afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. (breakfast).
Day 17: Depart Amritsar. Return to Delhi by flight or train and continue to your onward destination. (breakfast).
Meals: Fifteen breakfasts, one lunch, and ten dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $8,150.
Our deluxe Bhutan tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
