India and Bhutan Tour from Delhi
- 7
days
India and Bhutan tour from Delhi is a good introduction to the history and culture of these two South Asian Countries. The 7 day itinerary comprises sightseeing in UNESCO world heritage sites of two cities in India; Delhi and Agra. The tour package from Delhi then advances to Bhutan- the land of the thunder dragon. The tour includes the visit to famous fortresses of Bhutan in two cities; Paro and Thimphu. Also, have an insight into the Bhutanese way of life in the excursions to other religious and cultural sites.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
Connor Dimick
|
November 21, 2019
Nick Dube
|
October 21, 2019
Joshua Imler
|
September 15, 2019
Adonis Gonzalez
|
September 10, 2019
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Delhi, India |
| Day 2 | Delhi Sightseeing and drive to Agra |
| Day 3 | Agra sightseeing and drive back to Delhi - 4 to 5 hours (233km) drive |
| Day 4 | Fly from Delhi to Paro, Paro sightseeing and drive to Thimphu - 1:30 hours (55km) drive |
| Day 5 | Thimphu sightseeing |
| Day 6 | Drive from Thimphu to Paro Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) (3180m/10433ft) - 1:30 hours (55km) drive and 5 to 6 hours hike |
| Day 7 | Departure from Paro |
India and Bhutan Tour Package from Delhi is the most suitable ones for those who are short on time. Within a week, it provides you an understanding of Indian and Bhutanese history, culture and daily life. With a drastic contrast in the ambiance, from India’s bustling city Delhi to Bhutan’s serene Paro town, the tour is a profound experience. Moreover, the itinerary also incorporates a day hike to Taktsang Monastery in Bhutan.
On your arrival day, if time permits, Delhi has so much to offer for self-exploration. Begin your guided tour in Delhi with a visit to Jama Masjid- one of the largest Islamic mosques in India. Then, proceed for sightseeing in UNESCO world heritage sites, namely Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb. All these architectural masterpieces from the Mughal Empire period in India are an influence of designs from various corners of the world. Also, stopover at the India Gate and visit Lotus Temple- the holy place for Bahai’ Faith. In the evening, enjoy a comfortable ride to Agra- one of the historical cities of India.
In Agra, visit Agra Fort- also known as the walled city as it is almost like a city enclosed by tall walls. Agra Fort, although belonged to Islamic Rajput rulers, the fort welcomed Hindus with the utmost respect. Later, take a stroll at the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The popularity of the Taj Mahal is such that some people even travel to India just for the sake of one glance at it.
Your India tour ends as you drive back to Delhi from Agra and then fly to Bhutan the next day. In Bhutan, you will tour around two major cities; Paro and Thimphu. The historical Bhutanese Dzongs (fortresses) and religious sites with immense cultural importance welcome you with their pure elegance. The hospitality of Bhutanese is no less that does not fail to impress their guests.
After landing at Paro airport and completing the necessary procedures, your Paro sightseeing begins with a visit to Airport Bird’s Eye Viewpoint. Later, the tour proceeds to visit two beautiful fortresses; Paro Rinpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong. These forts have served as a spot for defending the enemy attacks many times in history. In the evening, you will be driven to Thimphu, the capital city.
In Thimphu, you visit several places like the National Library and Heritage Museum that provide a clear picture of Bhutan’s culture and tradition. Another site you get to visit in Thimphu is Memorial Chorten, a temple made in the memory of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The architectural design of this monument is such that it becomes the most visible structure of Thimphu. At last, visit the 12th-century Tashichho Dzong, a strategic fort with thirty temples, chapels and shrines enclosed inside it.
On the 6th day, drive to Paro from Thimphu and start your exciting hike to Taktsang Monastery. Also known as Tiger’s Nest, Taktsang is an important Himalayan Buddhist sacred temple situated in the cliff of the upper Paro valley. As you reach the top, you get to see the magnificent view of Paro Valley and surrounding hills.
After the hike, you can probably spend the evening leisure time by taking a refreshing hot stone bath. Or you may also utilize the spare time to do some shopping in the Paro town market. The tour finally ends as you depart back to your destination on the 7th day.
A representative from Third Rock Adventures will welcome your arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Then, you will be driven to the hotel. Today is a free day for self-exploration. Depending upon the time availability as per your arrival schedule, you can stroll around the hotel street or visit some nearby places from the hotel.
Delhi has an abundance of history, culture, street commerce and cuisine, with many places to visit and activities to do. Probably you may take a rickshaw ride around the Delhi streets. Overnight in Delhi.
Humayun’s Tomb-was built in the 1560’s, with the patronage of Humayun’s son, the great Emperor Akbar
Firstly, you visit one of the largest Islamic mosques; Jama Masjid built in the 17th century that has two towering minarets and some small domes. The upper floor is such large that it can adjust 25,000 people. Visit 42m tall India Gate that is a memorial monument of soldiers who demised in the First World War. Then drive through Parliament and President House to visit Akshardham Temple that has a mind-blowing interior.
Again, you head to other historical sites like Qutub Minar that looks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and a red sandstone Mughal fortress Red Fort (Lal Qila) built in the 16th century. Also, go to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and located in his cremation area.
Go for sightseeing to a UNESCO world heritage site, Humayun’s Tomb, a Persian design monument where the Mughal emperor stayed. Then, observe a Bahai faith monument, Lotus Temple whose design looks like a lotus flower. The temple structure has 27 flower petals made of marble.
Overnight in Agra.
Taj Mahal - One of the seven wonders of the world, build by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
At first, you visit Agra Fort- a UNESCO world heritage site, popularly known as a walled city. The fort served as the residence of the Mughal Dynasty emperors until 1638. It replicates Islamic architectural design, but King Akbar allotted a separate space for Hindu temples as well. As Akbar's wife, Jodha Bai was a Hindu, he made the fort accessible to Hindus with due respect. You can also get a glimpse of the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort.
Later, you visit the Taj Mahal- the epitome of love. Taj Mahal falling under one of the Seven Wonders of the World also is enlisted in UNESCO world heritage sites. In 1630, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ordered its construction in remembrance of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The impressive carvings decorate the white marble mausoleum. The architecture of this heritage combines designs from various countries; India, Persia, Otto and Turkey.
Enjoy a smooth road ride back to Delhi again in the afternoon. You may spend your evening thereby tasting some Delhi delicacies or doing some exciting street shopping. Overnight in Delhi.
Today is your departure from Delhi to Paro, Bhutan. You will be dropped at Indira Gandhi International Airport by our Delhi representative. Soak in the stunning sight as you land at tiny Paro airport. Upon exiting the Paro airport, visit Airport Bird’s Eye Viewpoint, one of the famous locations for Paro sightseeing. The viewpoint offers a lovely view of the vistas making you excited for your Bhutan tour.
Firstly, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, also called Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, located in the neighborhood of Paro City. Rinpung is a fortress built to defend Bhutan from foreign invasions back in the 17th century. As it is situated at the height of 2200 m (7218 ft), it allows you to view the Paro valley’s panoramic view.
Besides, your guided tour also involves another fortress, Drukgyel Dzong that translates to 'Fortress of Victory' in English. The fort with immense historical and archaeological importance is on a tentative list for enlisting as a UNESCO world heritage site. The beautiful fort has served as a defense place many times in history. Bhutanese soldiers used the secret tunnels under the hill as a way to fetch river water during wars.
Then drive to Thimphu, where you may probably spend the evening wandering around the Thimphu markets and also tasting the Bhutanese cuisines. Overnight in Thimphu.
Tashichho Dzong - one of the prime places to visit in Thimphu
Thimphu is Bhutan's capital town, so it is busier than Paro. Firstly, you visit the National Library that displays a significant set of Buddhist manuscripts. Also, observe Folk Heritage Museum with a showcase of day-to-day typical Bhutanese farmers' lifestyle and their ornaments during the medieval period.
Memorial Chorten is another site to visit in Thimphu this day. The temple is a memorial monument built in 1974 in the remembrance of the late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. What makes this stupa a unique one from others is because it is not dome-shaped like stupas generally are. The round outer part is in a pyramid shape.
Traditional Handmade Paper Factory and the School of Arts and Crafts are other places where you gain some knowledge about Bhutanese history and the traditional handicraft production methods. Lastly, visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), a fortress that houses the Bhutan government offices and National Handicraft Emporium at present. Overnight in Thimphu.
Tashichho Dzong - one of the prime places to visit in Thimphu
Your hike to the Taktsang Monastery starts in the morning. The 7th-century monastery is also known as Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest. Being one of the sacred sites of Bhutan, Taktsang monastery falls under the top 20 places to visit in the world.
Taktsang stands on a granite cliff at an altitude of about 900 meters (2953 ft) above the Paro valley. From the beginning point, the monastery is about 6 km uphill. Taktsang, the most iconic heritage of Bhutan, offers stunning views of the nearby mountains and Paro valley from the peak point. The monastery has intricate architecture and paintings. According to the history records, Buddhist Guru Rinpoche had flown to Paro on a tigress’s back to mediate there.
After you get back from the hike, you can get rid of the tiredness with a therapeutic hot stone bath. The bath is a combination of water heated with hot stones, stone minerals and medicinal herbs. Bhutanese consider this traditional hot stone bath to promote overall well being. Overnight in Paro.
Our Bhutanese guide will transfer you to Paro airport from the hotel as per the departure flight schedule. Then, you return to your destination with all the memories engraved in your heart.
If you want, Third Rock Adventures is always ready for tour extension in Bhutan and also in other neighboring countries; Nepal, Tibet and India.
If you are interested, it is also possible to follow this itinerary in reverse, starting the tour from Bhutan and ending in India. Besides, if the given itinerary doesn’t suit your need, please go through our other longer Bhutan Tour packages from Delhi.
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