TVIN 004: 11 NIGHTS/12 DAYS COMBINED INDIA & NEPAL TOUR WITH OPTIONAL TIBET EXTENSION

The best of northern India combined with the fascinating Kathmandu Valley in Nepal – distinctive cultures, rich history, magnificent architecture and colourful folklore all in one unforgettable holiday.

Day 1 ArrivE delhi
Arrive Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport late this evening. You will be met at the airport by PCTI representative who give you a warm welcome with fresh flower garlands and transfer to your hotel by Air-condition Deluxe Coach. Your rooms are available for immediate occupancy. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 delhi [b+l+d]

Morning after leisurely breakfast we leave for a sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. We visit Jama Masjid, this immense mosque is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees, Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January, 1948. Two museums dedicated to Gandhi are located near by. Later we drive past Red Fort citadel. In New Delhi we visit the 11th century Qutab Minar Tower (Monday Closed), built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a red sandstone tower, standing tall at a height of 72.5 metres and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Qur'an. The India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war and drive past the grand government buildings the President’s House and Parliament House all dating back to the time of British Raj.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3 [b+l+d] drive delhi / jaipur (250kms – 5hrs)

Morning we travel to the old walled city of Jaipur – Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this ‘pink city’ is meticulously constructed on the lines of the Shilpa – Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. On arrival we check inn to our hotel.
Evening we set out to visit the Birla Temple or the Lakshmi - Narayan Temple, situated just below the Mooti Doongari, which is a replica of a Scottish castle, is one of the most revered Hindu temples, dedicated to Shri Lakshmi-Narayan.Built on raised ground, it is surrounded by large lush green gardens. The temple has been constructed in white marble and has three domes, each portraying the different approaches to religion. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4 [b+l+d] jaipur
Morning breakfast followed by a sight-seeing tour of the city visiting the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber – ascend the imposing fort on a decorated painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors. On the way back we stop at Jal Mahal, the rajput style "Water Palace" sits in the center of the Man Sarobar lake. The lake is often dry in the summer but winter monsoons frequently turn it into a beautiful lake filled with water hyacinths. Next to view the elegant Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds this elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world.

Post lunch we tour the Maharajah’s City Palace, now partly a museum display a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumes. Later we explore the city on our own and indulge in shopping for gemstones, silver jewellery, Paintings, blue pottery and hand printed textiles that Jaipur is renowned for. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5 [b+l+d] drive jaipur / fatehpur sikri / agra (250kms – 5hrs)
After breakfast we drive leisurely to the home town of Taj Mahal - Agra, one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with three heritage monuments - The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort. It is more just a dacadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a vibrant centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosphies that have enriched mankind and shaped humen thought over centuries.

Enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri - which has been described as “the world’s most perfectly preserved ghost town”. Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day.

On arrival we check inn to our hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6 [b+l+d] agra

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel we leave to explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals, including the magnificent Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays), one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone – « undoubtedly the highlight of the tour ».
Post lunch tour of the imposing Agra Fort, this powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. Later we have some free time to explore the local handicrafts and shopping centers of the city where one can look for marble inlay work, fine quality carpets, Zari and embroidery, leather goods etc. Overnight stay at the hotel..

Day 7 [b+l+d] train agra / orchha & drive khajuraho (200kms – 4hrs)

This morning we travel 2.5hrs by Deluxe Train to Orchha, Met on arrival and we visit Orchha - once the capital of Bundelas, Orchha is a village, set amongst a complex of well-preserved palaces and temples. Though Orcha was founded in 1531, it's golden age was during the first half of 17th century. When Jehangir visiting the city in 1606, a special palace, the Jehangir Mahal was built for him.
Post lunch our drive takes us to Khajuraho, the legendary temples of Khajuraho built in the 9th and the 10th century are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures. On arrival we check inn to our Hotel. Evening we witness the fascinating Son-et-Lumière spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day. Mounted in the complex of the Western Group of temples. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 8 [b+l+d] fly khajuraho/varanasi (BY 9w 724, 1330/1410 hrs)

Morning we visit the exquisite 10th century temples of Khajuraho, Afternoon flight takes us to the oldest living city in the world Varanasi – also said to be the India’s most sacred city situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. Varanasi is the city, which cannot be described, only experienced. Our evening rickshaw (Tricycle) ride passing through the busy streets and bazaars of Varanasi takes us to the holy river Ganges where we cruise to witness the ceremonies amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 9 [b+l+d] fly varanasi / kathmandu (BY ic 751, 1210/1320)

We Rise before dawn and step gingerly onto a rickety old boat as the wizened boatman coasts off. We wait, still, for the daily miracle to unfold. Just then, as if having waited for the audience to settle reverently in their assigned places, the Sun God appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches and temple bells rent the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas, now rises, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety and joy.
We tour Sarnath, an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhist. This is where the Buddha preached his first sermon after getting enlightenment. Sarnath's temples and Archaeological Museum are full of Buddhist art treasures. This afternoon we fly to Kathmandu - the capital town of Nepal, the house of the highest mountains, Kathmandu is as much steeped in beauty as in the history of this wonderland. The place has ever since been the center for art, crafts, culture and a rich heritage. Overnight stay at the hotel.

<< Varanasi – Kathmandu flight operates only on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday >>

Day 10 [b+l+d] kathmandu / patan / bhaktapur / kathmandu

Today we set out to visit the medieval cities of Patan & Bhaktapur. Patan - The streets in this region are homes to metal sculptures of the present day and some of the best pieces of sculpture are in the Golden Temple. This place is a monastery with wall painting fourteenth century statues and ancient scriptures also to see are the Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple the Mahaboudha Temple in terracotta and oku bahal. Here we also visit Tibetan handicraft center at Jawalakhel to watch carpet weaving.

Bhaktapur - this ancient city is also variously known as the "City of Culture", the "Living Heritage" and "Nepal’s Cultural Gem". Given such unequaled opulence in ancient art and culture, Bhaktapur is more like an open museum, and the ambience here is such that it instantly transports visitors back by centuries the moment they step into its territory. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11 [b+l+d] kathmandu

After breakfast sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal dedicated to lord Shiva, built in 1696. Boudha Nath Temple, the world’s largest stupa; a sight of great reneration to the Buddhist, Swayambhunath temple, the oldest Buddhist shrine. Looking east from here, one can see the entire Kathmandu valley spread out below.
Post lunch visit Durbar square, the temple of the Living Goddess and the old Royal Palace. Visit Kasthamandup, a temple built from a single tree from which the Kathmandu derives its name.

Evening dinner followed by Nepali cultural program. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12 [b+l+d] fly kathmandu / delhi (IC814, 1420/1540)

After breakfast we drive to Kathmandu airport and board our flight to Delhi, Met on arrival at Delhi Airport and we transfer to a popular restaurant for farewell dinner and later board our homebound flight.

OPTIONAL POST – TOUR EXTENSIONS

BHUTAN

Our Bhutan package gives the opportunity to experience complete immersion in Bhutan’s extraordinary landscape and cultural heritage. Bhutan is a unique blend of the old and new. Here is a country that is slowly opening up to the modern world in a fine balance with its ancient traditions. Those fortunate enough to visit Bhutan describe it as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience. This kingdom is an adventure like no other.

Day 12 Fly Kathmandu - Paro (B+L+D)

Flight KB205 – 1145/1305
Fly to Paro, Met on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Drive to see the Rinpung dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now used as an administration center and school for monks. Walk to see the Ugyen Pelri Palace in a secluded wooden compound south of the river, which was built by the Paro Penlop, Tshering Penjor, in the early 1900s. It is designed after the Second Buddha’s celestial paradise, Zangdhopelri and one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
See the Chorten temple, which is in the town square where you can visit the upstairs chapel.
Overnight Hotel.

<<Kathmandu / Paro flight operates only 4 days in a week Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday as per current schedule>>

Day 13 Paro - Punakha (B+L+D)

Departing Punakha today we begin our journey towards central Bhutan. We pass over 10,000ft Dochula Pass. We enjoy a photo stop here and view the high Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Here we will enjoy tea and a snack.
Visit CHIMI LHAKHANG: It is a 20 minutes walk across fields through the village of Sopsokha from the roadside to the small temple located on a hillock in the centre of the valley below Metshina. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the 'divine Madman' Drukpa Kuenlay built a small chorten there. It is a pilgrim site for barren women.
Drive to see the impressive Punakha Dzong, the second of Bhutan's dzongs. For many years until the time of the second King, it served as the seat of the government.
Overnight Hotel.

Day 14 Punakha - Thimpu (B+L+D)

After breakfast drive to Thimphu enroute and stop at Dochula and you can take pictures of new collection of 108 Chortens (Stupas), known as Druk Wangel chortens.
Check in to hotel.
See the Trashichhoedzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) where Shabdrung the founder of Bhutan in 1641 started the tradition of housing the monk body and the civil servants in the fortress. Visit to see the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu built in 1974 in memory of the Third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who died in 1972.
Drive to see Changangkha Temple where Chenrigzig the Compassionate Buddha lives andis the protector for every newborn in Thimphu valley.
Overnight Hotel.

Day 15 Thimpu - Paro (B+L+D)

Tour the National folk Heritage Museum to get an insight into the typical Bhutanese way of life.
Tour the National Library built in 1967 to preserve ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. The Traditional Painting School of Arts & Crafts is where children are taught century’s old craft. It is an extremely interesting visit not only to see how skilful the children are, but also to observe the traditional methods of teaching, which are very different from the west.
Visit to see the Traditional Medicine Center where local medicines made from the Himalayan

herbs are made and dispensed to the people.
Visit the Bhutan Post where an extensive collection of exotic stamps made from metal and silk to three dimensional images and even stamps with mini-phonograph records are produced.
In the evening, drive to Paro and enroute to Paro take a walk to visit the Tamchog Lhakhang – temple on the opposite side of the river.
In the evening, visit the traditional farm house.
Overnight Hotel.

Day 16 Paro Day Excursion (B+L+D)

In the morning drive to see the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) which clings precariously to a cliff 800 m / 2,600 ft above the Paro valley (if interested you can also take a hike which is about 3 hrs walk.
Take a short walk to the nearby ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, which was built in 1647 by the founder of Bhutan Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders, led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644.
Enroute visit Kyichu temple one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.
Overnight Hotel.

Day 17 Paro - Kolkata (B+L+D)

Flight KB124 – 1130/1210)
Fly to Kolkata, Met on arrival and transfer to the hotel for day use. Evening leave for farewell dinner at popular restaurant.
Transfer to the airport to board your homeward flight or connect to your onward destination.

<<Paro / Kolkata flight operates only 3 days in a week Monday, Wednesday & Friday as per current schedule>>

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