RAVEN’S DELHI-BHUTAN-KATHMANDU TRIP
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival into Delhi, after clearing immigration and custom, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
Namaste & Welcome to India!
New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. The luxury Oberoi, New Delhi reflects the city’s spirit in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. It overlooks Delhi’s prestigious Golf Club on one side and the heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb on the other.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 2 – In Delhi
After, breakfast you will take a combined city tour of Old & New Delhi.
Old Delhi: An ancient walled city. Here you will drive past Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire: Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Enjoy the Rickshaw Ride in Chandni Chowk.
New Delhi: includes visits to such sights as Humayun’s Tomb (1586) and the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and other places of interest.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 3 – Delhi-Agra By Road (204kms/4-5hrs Drive)
Agra-Delhi By Shatabdi Express
Pick up from your hotel at early morning & drive to Agra.
Agra was the capital of India at the time of Moghuls in the 16th and 17th centuries and its superb monuments date from that era. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra has a magnificent fort and that building, solely for which, many people have been visiting India – the Taj Mahal.
Morning, visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, the monument that is most important in Agra is the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah or “Baby Taj” as it is called sometimes. A highly ornate edifice, this mausoleum is considered as the imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned. Though the structure does not have much to offer architecturally, it makes a clear departure from the earlier Mughal tombs built during the period and is more softer and with a lot of inlay carvings.
Later, visit Agra Fort – the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the wall s and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions.
Evening, witness the magic of the ultimate symbol of Mughal achievement, The Taj Mahal at Sunset. Taj Mahal, a dream etched in milky white pristine marble is the peerless monument portraying the beauty of eternal love! A commemoration of the memory of Shahjahan’s beloved wife, Mumtaz. Taj Mahal is indeed India’s rich tribute to womanhood. Renowned for its aesthetic beauty, this extravagant building of timeless beauty is the outcome of a unique combination of passion and architectural exuberance.
In time transfer to the railway station to board your train for Delhi.
Dinner on Board.
Depart for Delhi by Shtabdi Express Train
Arrive Delhi & transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 4 – Delhi to Bhutan (By Air)
After breakfast, in time transfer to airport to connect the flight for Delhi to Bhutan.
Arrive at Paro Airport and then drive to the capital city Thimphu. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level.(1 hour 30 minutes drive)
The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits you will be able to see Mt Everest (8848m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan mountain ranges. After checking into the hotel later visit,
Zorig Chusum Institute: The 13 arts and Crafts institute. The two main objectives of the institute are a) to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts and b) to create job opportunities for the underprivileged group of the society.
Textile museum: It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile arts.
Paper factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world.
Memorial Chorten: This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.
Mini zoo: Here you can see just one animal – Bhutan’s national animal- the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo.
Sangaygang View Point: The view point is also the perfect place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimpu and also later visit Kuenselcholing hilltop where the largest Buddha in the world is being built.
Tashichho Dzong : The names means – Means Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.
In the evening if you wish, Raven Tours and Treks can make arrangements under your request to take you to enjoy the recent trends of the younger Bhutanese, who spend their evenings in the discotheques, or in the entertaining hubs where there are live performances of Bhutanese songs and dances (traditional and modern) by the best Bhutanese bands. If you wish you can even test your singing talents in the bars that offer Karaoke.
Overnight in Thimphu
Day 5 – In Thimphu
Morning visit the weekend market: Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full colour and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!
Later take a hike to Cheri Monastery(Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary): Hike about 1hrs(to and fro) leds to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A chance to spot birds such as Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher.
Folk Heritage museum: It was inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, who is the founder and patron of the Museum, on 28th July 2001.It is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of its items and artifacts used in rural households.
Thangtong Dewachen(Nunnery): It was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel, who is considered as emanation of Thangthong Gyalpo(1363 – 1485), the builder of numerous iron chain bridges across the Himalayas.
Later just stroll around the city and see how local live and do some shopping.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 6 – Thimphu to Trongsa. Altitude: 2200m /7260ft above sea level.(5 hours drive)
Morning driving towards Trongsa, we come across a pass known as Dochula (3140m, 10362ft from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 7 – Trongsa to Bumthang. Altitude: 2600m/ 8580ft above sea level.(3 hours drive)
Morning visit, Trongsa Dzong: It was built by Chhogyel Mingyur Tempa (sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan to bring under the rule of the Desi) in the year 1644The dzong dominates the horizon, dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Both the First and the Second King ruled the country from this Dzong. And also visit the Trongsa Museum.
Later drive to Bumthang valley.
On the way visit Hand Loom shops.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8 – In Bumthang
Morning visit the closing ceremony of the festival and visit Jakar Dzong :The Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549 by the great grandfather of the Zhabdrung.
Jambay Lhakhang: It is one of the 108 monasteries built by King Songtsen Goenpo in the 8th century to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.
Kurjey Lhakhang: Means body print. It dates back to 8th century when Guru Rimpoche first visited Bhutan. It is after his visit to the Monyul (country in the darkness); Buddhism was introduced in the country.
Then hike across to Tamzhing Lhakhang: “Temple of good message”. It was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (Treasure Discoverer) in 1501AD. We can see the paintings done by him on the wall and an iron jacket which was also made by him.
Mebar Tsho(Lake of Burning Fire):This is a sacred lake for Bhutanese who believe that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the 12th century.
Later stroll around the town.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 9 – Bumthang to Punakha. Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level.(6 hours drive)
Today drive to Punakha valley.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 10 – Punakha to Paro. Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level (4 hours drive)
Morning visit, Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king.
Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road –Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits.
Later drive to Paro valley
Later visit, Ta Dzong: This means – watch tower, which it served as during the 17th century to guard the region from the Tibetan invasion. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968.
Rimpung Dzong: Means fortress of the heap of jewels. It was built during the time of Zhabdrung (deeply revered to this day as dynamic political and spiritual leader) in 1644It is also the venue for the Paro festival (Tsechu).
Kichu Lhakhang(Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 11 – In Paro
Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest): This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. Three hours hike(to and fro)
Visit Farmhouse: Eating, taking bath and staying for a night at a local farmhouse gives a different variation, and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors.
Later stroll around the town and see how locals live.
Overnight in Paro
Day 12 – Depart from Paro.
Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport. Your escort from Raven Tours and Treks will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Nagarkot
Meet our representative at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel in Nagarkot.
Nagarkot (2.200m), located at a hilltop around 35 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is a very scenic spot. Nagarkot offers spectacular sunset and sunrise views on the mighty Himalayas when the weather is clear. Nagarkot is famous for being one of the best places to see Mount Everest and lots of other snow covered Himalaya peaks like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Gauri Shankar.
Overnight in Nagarkot.
Day 13 – Nagarkot to Pokhara
Early wake up call to see the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas. Breakfast and transfer to Pokhara by private transport. During the drive we will already have stunning views on the mighty Himalaya massifs which rise above 8.000m, like Manaslu and Annapurna.
Day 14 –In Pokhara
Pokhara (200 km west of Kathmandu) is often called the enchanting Himalayan valley,
surrounded by beautiful snow-caped mountains, with the magnificent Phewa lake of crystal-clear pure Himalayan water, all-year round pleasing weather and friendly people.
Morning visit Sarangkot: At an altitude of 1592 meters, this mountain sits north of Pokhara overlooking the valley and Fewa Tal. Just a short 2 hour scenic trek through small villages and jungle from the main tourist area of Pokhara, or a 45 minute taxi ride.
Sarangkot is a beautiful village best known for its sunrise, where on a clear day you can see an unobstructed view of the Himalayan Mountains of Annapurna rang, Dhauligiri, Fishtail.
Another main attraction to Sarangkot is to spend an hour in the sky paragliding with fantastic views of the mountains and the city below.
To experience true Nepali culture, take a 3 hour tour around Sarangkot and meet the locals and see how they live.
Later visit the Santi Stupa, a massive Buddhist stupa which is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake in Pokhara. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the scene is a great advantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range, holy Mount Macchapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) and Pokhara city.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 15 – Pokhara to Lumbini
After early breakfast transfer from Pokhara to Lumbini by private transport.
Overnight in Lumbini.
Day 16 – In Lumbini
Lumbini (Sanskrit for “the lovely”) is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located at the Nepalese town of Kapilavastu, district Rupandehi, near the Indian border.
Lumbini is one of four Buddhist pilgrimage sites based on major events in the life of Gautama Buddha. Interestingly, all of the events occurred under trees. The other three sites are in India: Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first discourse), and Kushinagar (death).
Lumbini is the traditional birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who was born in the 7th or 6th century BC. According to Buddhist tradition, Maya Devi (or Mayadevi) gave birth to the Buddha on her way to her parent’s home in Devadaha in the month of May in the year 642 BC. Feeling the onset of labor pains, she grabbed hold of the branches of a shade tree and gave birth to Siddharta Gautama, the future Buddha.
The Buddha is said to have announced, “This is my final rebirth” as he entered the world. Buddhist tradition also has it that he walked immediately after his birth and took seven steps, under each of which a lotus flower bloomed.
Overnight in Lumbini.
Day 17 – Lumbini to Chitwan National Park
After breakfast transfer from Lumbini to Kathmandu by bus. Overnight in a Jungle Resort in Chitwan National Park.
Overnight in Chitwan National Park.
Day 18 – In Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is a main attraction in Nepal. This National Park is regarded as the best National Park of Nepal, and is also the most developed one. Elephant Breeding Center, sunset at the Rapti River and the Crocodile Farm are must see locations in the park.
You will journey into the deep forest riding on elephant back, and be able to witness the preserved natural assets of Nepal like birds, flora and fauna. World’s one of the most endangered species, Bengal Tigers are found in Nepal, and many of them in Chitwan National Park. If it’s your day, you might see them too.
The other major animal you will see is the one-horned rhinos whose famous place to live on earth is none other than Nepal. The park is also famous for bird watching, and boat tours.
Chitwan is also a place to learn about ethnic Nepali people called “Tharu”. The traditional Tharu dances and songs are performed in the evening and we will visit one of these interesting local cultural events.
Activities included in our Chitwan program are: elephant ride, canoe tour, jungle walk, village walk, bird watching and Tharu Cultural program.
Overnight in Chitwan National Park.
Day 19 – Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu
Transfer from Chitwan to Kathmandu.
Time allowed visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square. This is a durbar of history and arts. One can see artistic monuments, find the house of the living goddess Kumari, learn about the Kal Bhairam temple, red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic wood carvings. The Kastmandap rest house located within the durbar square is said to have been built from a single tree. It is because of this house that Kathmandu valley (Valley of the Gods) got its name.
Day 20 – In Kathmandu
Kathmandu sightseeing tour with visits to Buddhist stupas of Swayambunath and Boudhanath as well as Pashupatinath temple, a very sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. All places we will visit today are World Heritage sites.
Boudhanath Stupa (or Bodnath Stupa) is the largest stupa in Nepal. It is also the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism and sacred importance. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.
The main entrance to the upper platform of Bodnath Stupa is on the north side. Here Amoghasiddhi, progenitor of the future Buddha, presides. Below Amoghasiddhi is the Buddha Maitreya, the future Buddha. Surrounding Bodnath Stupa are streets and narrow alleys lined with colorful homes, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and street vendors.
Swayambunath: Perched atop a forested hill on the western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambunath Stupa is Kathmandu‘s most important Buddhist shrine. The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha’s eyes that stare out from the top of this hemispherical shrine have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal.
The pilgrim’s route to the Swayambunath Stupa is a steep stone staircase of more than 300 steps, often claimed as 365. Leading up to the Swayambunath gate are walls into which are set dozens of copper prayer wheels, inside of which are thousands of Tibetan Buddhist prayers. Buddhists gain a better standing in their next life by saying as many prayers or mantras as possible, and it is believed that when each prayer wheel is spun, all the prayers inside are recited and sent heavenward.
Swayambunath is also known as the Monkey Temple, and as you start up the hill, you will likely begin to see the monkeys that lend the stupa this alternate name.
Pashupatinath: The temple of Pashupatinath, or Pashupati, is located in Deopatan, a little town 3 km northwest of Kathmandu. It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals). It attracts thousands of pilgrims each year and has become well known far beyond the Kathmandu Valley.
The temple is barred to non-Hindus, but a good view of the temple compound’s inner courtyard can be had from Shleshmantak hill on the opposite (eastern) bank of the Bagmati river. The Bagmati River, which runs next to Pashaputinath Temple, has highly sacred properties. Thus the banks are lined with many ghats (bathing spots) for use by pilgrims.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 21 – Depart from Kathmandu Airport
Our Nepalese staff will take you to the airport for your flight home.
Inclusion on the Tour
- All sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary.
- Experienced English Speaking Tour Guide
- Accommodation in the hotels mentioned or similar.
- Private transport (Toyota coach / Tucson / Santafe / Land cruiser / Prado) as per itinerary.
- All entry fees to monuments.
- All applicable taxes.
- All applicable airfares in economy class (Kolkata – Bagdogra & Paro – Katmandu)
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) in Darjeeling, Gangtok and Bhutan.
- Only breakfast in Kathmandu, Nagarkot and Pokhara.
- Visa fee for Bhutan
- Bhutan – Kathmandu flight fare
- Pokhara – Kathmandu –Pokhara flight fare.
Exclusion on the Tour
-
- Any airport taxes
- Any meals other than those already mentioned.
- Bank fee = USD25 only.
- Gratuities, bar bills, telephone bills, personal expenses and laundry.
- Any other services not mentioned.
HOTELS TO BE USED:
| CITY | HOTELS | CATEGORY | NIGHTS | WEBSITE ADDRESS |
| DELHI | REGENT CONTINENTAL | 3 STAR | 3 | www.hotelregentindia.com |
| THIMPHU | HOTEL MIGMAR | 3 STAR | 2 | www.hotelmigmar.bt |
| TRONGSA | HOTEL YANGKHIL | 3 STAR | 1 | |
| BUMTHANG | JAKAR VILLAGE LODGE | 3 STAR | 2 | www.wix.com/jakarvillagelodge/bhutan |
| GANGTEY | HOTEL DEWACHEN | 3 STAR | 1 | www.dewachenhotel.com |
| PUNAKHA | PUNATSHAGCHHU COTTAGES | 3 STAR | 1 | www.punatshangchhucottages.com |
| PARO | HOTEL SONAM TROPHEL | 3 STAR | 2 | www.sonamtrophelhotel.com |
| KATHMANDU | HOTEL MANASLU | 3 STAR | 2 | www.hotelmanaslu.com |
| POKHARA | HOTEL BARAHAI | 3 STAR | 2 | www.barahi.com |
| LUMBINI | BUDDHAMAYA GARDEN | 3 STAR | 2 | www.ktmgh.com/buddha |
| CHITWAN | HOTEL PARK SIDE | 3 STAR | 2 | www.hotelparkside.com |
Back