Namaste, welcome to magical India. Upon arrival at India Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your lovely hotel.

On the way to the hotel, he will take a brief introduction to your India tour. After checking in, you can choose to have a good rest to adjust to the new time zone or just have some free time to visit around on your own.

Meals：    Dinner

Accommodation：Delhi

Today, it’s time to explore the incredible sights of both Old Delhi and New Delhi including the visit to Jama Masjid, the experience of local life by a rickshaw in Chandni Chowk, the sightseeing in Qutab Minar (World Heritage), Humayun's Tomb (World Heritage), India Gate, Jantar Mantar Observatory (World Heritage), President's House, Parliament House, and Government Secretariat Buildings.

Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), situated in the Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), is one of the largest mosques in India with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. As one of Delhi's most iconic sites, it was finished in 1656 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Jama Masjid has three great gates (South, East, and North Gate), four towers for security, and two 40m high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. You can hire robes at the northern gate and it may be the only place to dress like a local people without feeling like an outsider.

Qutub Minar (Qutb Minar, Qutab Minar, Vishnu Stambh) is one of the highest minarets (73m) in India built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered the earliest Islamic structure in India with Arabic and Brahmi inscriptions. The Qutub Minar, located in Mehrauli in South West district of Delhi, was built to celebrate Muslim dominance in Delhi after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu ruler. It is one of the most famous historical landmarks of India. A circular staircase of 379 steps allows one to reach the top of the tower to witness a panoramic view of the city. Bollywood actor and director Dev Anand shoot the song "Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar" inside a replica of the Qutb Minar.

Humayun's Tomb (Dormitory of the Mughals), predating the Taj Mahal by 60 years, is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It's thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Humayun's Tomb was constructed for the second Mughal emperor of India (Humayun) who died in 1556. The tomb was built by Hamida Banu Begum (Humayun's Persian-born wife) in the mid-16th century (1565-1572). Bega Begum not only commissioned and paid for the tomb but supervised its construction as well. Persian and Indian craftsmen worked together to build the garden tomb. Also, there were over 150 Mughal family members buried here.

India Gate (Delhi Memorial, All-India War Memorial) is the monumental sandstone arch in New Delhi, dedicated to the troops of British India who died in wars fought between 1914 and 1919. Located at the eastern end of the Rajpath (formerly called the Kingsway), the architect was Sir Edwin Lutyens, an Englishman who designed numerous other war memorials and was also the principal planner of New Delhi. The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921. During nightfall, India Gate is dramatically floodlit while the fountains nearby make a lovely display with colored lights.

Jantar Mantar Observatory (World Heritage), located in New Delhi, literally means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". The primary purpose of the observatory was to assemble astronomical data and predict the times and movements of the sun, moon, and planets. Consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments, it was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the year 1724. Jai Singh was born in 1688 into a royal Rajput family and in an era of education that maintained a keen interest in astronomy. He built five observatories and the one in Delhi is the first to be built. The other four are located in Ujjain, Mathura, Varanasi, and Jaipur. The Jantar Mantar is a great place for lovers of astronomy.

President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan, Presidential Palace, Viceroy's House) was made to be the residence of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India during British Rule. It is situated in the center of Delhi earlier named "Lutyens Delhi" and was inaugurated in 1931 and served as the Viceroy's residence of India till India was declared a Republic country. This Palace is still known to be the World's largest residential complex ever built for the Head of any Country. In 1947, post-independence, a now Governor-General continued his stay here till he was replaced by the President of India in 1950 after which the Viceroy's House was renamed the "Rashtrapati Bhavan". Closed on Mondays.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Delhi

After breakfast, it is time to drive to Agra (250km, about 5 hours). It is nice to have a stopover for a coffee break or photo opportunities at your request at any time en-route. Visit the Mehtab Bagh where you can have a preview for the sunset of the Taj Mahal. On arrival, check in at your hotel for rest.

Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) is a typical Charbagh complex located in Agra. The Mughals built eleven gardens on the side of the Yamuna River. Mehtab Bagh was the last of the Mughal gardens, which were built along the River Yamuna. The splendid Mehtab Bagh has four sandstone towers, one each at the corner with a huge octagonal tank right in the center. This crescent-shaped garden is considered the ultimate spot for viewing the Taj Mahal. It is said that the best time to visit it is at sunset when the sky lights up with the Taj in the background. On moonlit nights, the clear reflection of the wondrous Taj Mahal in the waters of the park is a sight beyond description.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Agra

In the early morning, our guide will take you to the Taj Mahal (World Heritage) for sunrise while avoiding the crowds and heat in the daytime. Then visit the Agra Fort (World Heritage) and Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb (Baby Taj) whose designed elephants even outshine the Taj. Note: The Taj Mahal will be closed every Friday.

Taj Mahal (Tadj Mahall) is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in a vast Mughal garden in the Agra District in Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. It is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658) in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and is distinguished as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

Agra Fort (Lal-Qila, Fort Rouge, Qila-i-Akbari) is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. Built during 1565-1573 for Mughal Emperor Akbar, the fort can be more accurately described as a walled city. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The fort was the site of a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India, and led to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.

Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb (I'timād-ud-Daulah Maqbara, Bachcha Taj, Baby Taj) is a Mughal mausoleum in Agra. The tomb was built between 1622 and 1628 by Nur Jahan, mother of Shah Jahan (builder of the Taj Mahal), for her father Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, originally a Persian Amir in exile, who had been given the title of I'timād-ud-Daulah (pillar of the state). Mirzā Ghiyās Beg was also the grandfather of Arjumand Banu Begum (the Lady of the Taj Mahal), the wife of the emperor Shah Jahan. I'timād-ud-Daulah is often described as a "jewel box" and is considered the inspiration for the world wonder, the Taj Mahal. However, the tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is a more delicate artwork with marble lattice screens and fine carvings.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Agra

Today we will depart Agra and head to Jaipur (240 km, about 5 hours) via a visit to Fatehpur Sikri. When arrive Jaipur you can have a trip to the Jaipur Local Bazaar. Enjoy the local life on a walking tour with your tour guide. After sightseeing, we will check in at Jaipur’s hotel and have a good rest.

Tomorrow will be a full-day trip around Jaipur which is the capital of India's Rajasthan state. It evokes the royal family that once ruled the region and that, in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City, or “Pink City" for its trademark building color.

Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) is situated 35.7 kilometers from Agra. It was constructed southeast of an artificial lake, on the slopping levels of the outcrops of the Vindhyan hill ranges. The name of the city is derived from the village called Sikri which occupied the spot before. Built in 1571 by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. Fatehpur Sikri was awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Jaipur

In the morning, visit the Amber Fort (World Heritage) with a jeep ride or elephant back ride up to the entrance, inside where you will visit the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). Then visit the Nahargarh Fort on the way. It opens up a grand panorama of the whole of Jaipur.

In the afternoon, you will pass by the pink Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) for a picture. Continue to visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar (World Heritage). Drive through the rose pink residential and business areas before returning to your hotel.

Amber Fort (Amber Palace, Amer Fort) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 in the category of “Hillforts of Rajasthan”. Located in Amer, 11 km away from Jaipur, it is one of the most magnificent palaces and a perfect example of Rajasthani architecture in India. Built by one of the most trusted generals of Akbar, Maharaja Man Singh I in 1592, Amer Fort served as the main residence of the Rajput Rulers. The fort is big enough that it will take you at least two to three hours to explore in detail. Getting an elephant ride up the stairs to the Amber Fort is also a popular activity.

Nahargarh Fort (Sudershangarh), which stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, is a nice spot to overlook the city of Jaipur. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defense ring for the city. It is also known for its extended wall that connects to Jaigarh Fort. The Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (the king of Jaipur) in the year 1734 as a retreat. Nahargarh Fort was primarily used as a retreat for the ladies of the royal household and has ladies' quarters by the name of 'Zenana'. Another attraction in the Nahargarh Fort is the Nahargarh Biological Park, which is an asylum for majestic animals such as tigers, leopards, and the Asiatic lions.

Jantar Mantar , built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, is an astronomical observatory that features the world's largest stone sundial. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has gotten the attention of architects, artists, and art historians worldwide. It is a collection of 20 astronomical instruments and allows the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. This is the most significant, most comprehensive, and best preserved of India's historic observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Pushkar (150km, about 3hours) which is known for the Pushkar Camel Fair (held every October to November every year) and Pushkar Lake. It is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs.

When you arrive in Pushkar, walking along the Pushkar Lake to experience the pilgrims bathe. Later visiting the Brahma Temple built by Gurjar Samrat Pushkar, who is father of Vedmata Gayatri, who was a chechi kanya married to Lord Brahma. Then check in at your hotel for rest.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Pushkar

After breakfast, we can also drive to Pushkar Lake again to view the morning pilgrimage bathe and local people pay their respects.

Then drive to Jodhpur (220 km, about 5 hours) which is famous as “Blue City” in India. It is also the second-largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan.Upon arrival, check in at your lovely hotel and have a rest.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Jodhpur

Today we will take a half day on sightseeing to the Mehrangarh Fort. It is one of the best preserved fort in Rajasthan which stands a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. Burnished red sand stone, imposing, invincible and yet with a strange haunting beauty that beckons. You will have a panoramic view of Old Jodhpur. Then a visiting to Jaswant Thada.

In the afternoon, following your tour guide to the Clock Tower and explore the local market.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Jodhpur

Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel, then drive to Udaipur (250km, about 5.5hours via Ranakpur Jain Temple.

The Ranakpur Jain Temple（Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara） is in a village between Jodhpur and Udaipur in western India. It is one of the largest and most important temples of Jain culture. Then continue to Udaipur and check in at your hotel for rest.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Udaipur

Today we will do the embark on a full day sightseeing in Udaipur. Firstly, go through the local market and visit the Jagdish Temple, it is built in the year 1652 by then Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628-1653) which is one of the most prominent and the largest temple of Udaipur.

Then you will take the shared motorboat ride on Lake Pichola (about 1 hour) and visit the Garden of the Maids of Honour and Folk Art Museum. At the end of the trip, you will visit the Sajjan Garh Palace (Monsoon Palace) by viewing the sunset there.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Udaipur

After breakfast, your driver will escort you to Udaipur airport and take the flight back to Delhi. After arriving at Delhi airport, you will take the connecting flight back home.

Say goodbye to India and thank you for taking your trip with us.

Meals：Breakfast     Dinner

Accommodation：Delhi

We will say goodbye to India today. Our representative in India will escort you to the Gandhi International Airport of India. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representatives. Namaste and welcome to Nepal. After a brief introduction about Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, we will take you to the hotel. On the way to the hotel, you can have a glimpse of Nepal’s architecture, crafts, and life.

Meals：Breakfast     Dinner

Accommodation：Kathmandu

Today we will start our exploration trip in Kathmandu Valley with Ason Tole Vegetable & Spice Market which is full of vendors selling everything of daily use while offering a glimpse of local life. Then we will go to Kathmandu Durbar Square, visiting Kumari Temple, the house of the virgin goddess; visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a stupa on the top of the hill; visiting Patan Durbar Square, the second largest town in the valley, with Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple, etc.

Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square) is the most visited landmark of the capital. Listed as a world heritage site since 1979, it is an important site for Buddhist and Hindu rituals, holy ceremonies, royal events, and coronations. The popular things to see are Kumari Ghar (temple of the Living Goddess), Taleju Temple (Kumari is the stand-in of the goddess Taleju), Kal Bhairav (dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Lord of Time and Death), Kastha Mandap, Maru Ganesh, Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old palace, Saraswoti temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big drums, Jagannath Temple, etc. It is known as the place for various festivals, cultural activities, and traditions including Indrajatra, Dashain, Gaaijatra, Machchhindra-Nath Jatra, etc.

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), located on a small hillock named Swayambhunath (literally means "self-existent one"), is a famous landmark northwest of the Kathmandu Valley. Before sunrise, you can find thousands of pilgrims walking up the 365 steps to the top of the hill (take a 15-minute climb). Be prepared to meet some naughty monkey friends for this climb. The hill suggests fabulous views of Kathmandu valley, Mt Langtang (7,245m), Mt Ganesh Himal (7,429m), and Mt Dorje Lakpa (6,988m). The major attractions you should not miss in Swayambhunath include the Shantipur, Harati Devi Temple, Pratapur and Anantapur, Shree Karma Raj Mahavihar, and Vajra. Also, it is great to visit here during the three main festivals celebrated at Swayambhunath: Gunla (around Agu.), Buddha Jayanti (April or May), and Lhosar(the Buddhist New Year, around Feb).

Patan Durbar Square is located in the ancient city of Patan which is 5km southeast of Kathmandu. Patan, known as Lalitpur (the city of beauty) and Yala among the Newars, is renowned as the City of Art and Architecture. With Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. As a world heritage site, it is the ancient royal palace (built in 1667) where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided. Patan Durbar Square represents ancient structures, temples, shrines, and statues, and is a marvel of Newari architecture. There are around 600 stupas, 136 courtyards, and 55 important temples around the square. The major attraction you should not miss in Patan Darbar Square includes Patan Museum, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Golden Window, Mahabouddha Temple, Golden Temple, Krishna Temple, etc.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Kathmandu

In the morning, we will visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple, then go for a walk to see the huge stupa of Buddha, also known as Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal. Afterward taking a ride to Bhaktapur, a fascinating town, visit Changu Narayan Temple and Bhaktapur's Durbar Square featuring the Victorian illustrations style with temples and temples complex.

Pashupatinath Temple is a world cultural heritage site, dedicated to the god Shiva, it is also one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal. Located on both banks of the holy Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu, each year hundreds of elderly followers of Hinduists come here to find shelter for the last several weeks of their lives, to meet death, and be cremated on the banks of the river. Usually, tourists have the chance to see at least one open-air cremation here. Another culturally shocking thing in Pashupatinath is watching local women washing clothes downstream of the river. Besides meeting sadhus, it is common to see monkeys, cattle, and deer in Pashupatinath.

Boudhanath Stupa (Khasti Mahachaitya) is one of the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet and was enlisted as a world cultural heritage site in 1979. It was built around 600 AD when Song Tsen Gampo, the Tibetan king, converted to Buddhism. Also, this huge meditative monument is said to have been created just after the passing of the Buddha. With many kilograms of gold for decoration, the giant Boudhanath Stupa is a gateway to heaven serving as a horizon between the earth and sky. You can join the locals in the morning and evening for Kora, a circular walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction. There are various fast food cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, and many other souvenir shops inside the Boudhanath complex for you to explore.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was one of the three kingdoms of Nepal. Located 15km away from Kathmandu, it was once home to the royal family of Bhaktapur dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The entire square is a massive display of traditional Newari architecture and there are four different areas in the palace complex i.e., Durbar area, Taumadhi area, Dattatreya area, and Pottery area. It is far bigger than Patan Durbar Square – not just in terms of its spread but also in its imposing monuments. The major attraction you should not miss in Bhaktapur Darbar Square includes 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Lion's Gate, Mini Pashupati Temple, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairava Nath Temple, etc.

Changu Narayan Temple is the oldest temple in Nepal whose history dates back nearly 3,000 years. It was built in the 4th century under the Lichhavi dynasty by King Mandev. As an ancient Hindu temple and world cultural heritage, it was surrounded by champak tree forest and a small village known as Changu. This temple is dedicated to lord Visnu and is an epic specimen of art and architecture from the Lichhavi period. Although it has a collection of statues and sculptures, Changu Narayan is also famous for its beautiful crafts in wood, stone, and metal. Everything in and around the temple is a genuine work of art.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Kathmandu

Today we will pick you up from your hotel to the Tribhuvan airport for your flight to Chitwan. Get ready to explore Chitwan National Park.

Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP), the oldest national park in Nepal, where will spend 3 days and 2 nights exploring this national treasure. This park was established in 1973 and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. RCNP is home to at least 45 species of amphibians and reptiles, 450 species of birds, and at least 43 species of mammals including monkeys, tigers, and langurs. We will have the opportunity for a boat excursion today to better explore the park.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Chitwan

Today we will spend an exciting day exploring Chitwan National Park with our expert local guides. The exact activities will depend on the weather and the season, but typical excursions include village walks, boating, nature walks, and jeep safaris looking for rhinos, leopards, wild elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles. We will also see a presentation on the Nepal Tiger Trust, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the preservation of tigers in Nepal.

A local tiger expert will join us on a jeep safari through tiger habitat so that we can learn about how tigers are tracked, protected, and monitored with the help of the local communities. And if we are very lucky, we may be able to spot one of these beautiful creatures in the wild. After a full day of exploring the park, we will return to the lodge for a Tharu cultural dance program presented by the local villagers.

Notes:

1. The jeep safaris are often prohibited from running during the monsoon season by park authorities. The monsoon season runs from June to September and it can sometimes last until October. If the park is inaccessible, we can still explore the unfenced surrounding forest where it is just as likely to see wild animals.

2. Boat trips are also subject to water levels and local conditions on the Rapti River.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Chitwan

We will depart Chitwan National Park this morning, and take a flight to Pokhara. After our travel and a bit of time exploring the city, we will check into our local accommodations for the night.

Pokhara

is the second largest city in Nepal which lies on the once vibrant trade route between India and Tibet. Even today, mule trains can be observed bringing goods from remote regions of the Himalayas. Pokhara has several beautiful lakes and offers fantastic panoramic views of three of the ten highest mountain peaks in the world. There are also numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples throughout the area, some of which are combined temples where devoted members of the different religions worship together in peace.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Pokhara

Early this morning we will hike up to the village of Sarangkot for a spectacular sunrise over the sweeping Himalayan mountain peaks. Then sightseeing to Bindebashini Temple, Seti Gorge, Davi’s falls, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, and International Mountain Museum according to the time and your interests.

Later, we will hike to the World Peace Pagoda, a beautiful monument built by Buddhist monks from Japan. We can also visit a Tibetan refugee settlement camp to learn more about this refugee community by viewing their photo gallery and enjoying a Tibetan-style lunch. In the afternoon, you will have the option to try paragliding or enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake.

World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) was built as a symbol of peace and Nichidatsu Fujii laid the foundation stone along with relics of the Buddha on 12 September 1973. It is a stunning monument located on the Anadu Hill(1,100m) overlooking the mesmerizing Phewa Lake, the charming Annapurna Mountain range, and Pokhara valley. The hilltop also provides a splendid view of sunrise and sunset. A hike to the world peace pagoda can be an enjoyable experience.

Phewa Lake (Phewa Tal, Fewa Lake, Baidam Tal) is a freshwater lake located in the south of the Pokhara Valley. As the second largest lake in Nepal, it is also famous for the reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhre and other mountain peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Boating in the Phewa Lake from one side to the other with the breeze from the lake makes your heart flutter. The Tal Barahi Temple (dedicated to Vishnu, a Hindu god), situated within the lake, is the most important religious monument of Pokhara. Besides, this place is famous for migratory birds and resident birds which makes it popular among bird lovers.

Notes:

1. The hike up to the World Peace Pagoda is fairly strenuous so if you are not feeling up to it, please let your guide know and you may find something else to do instead.

2. The Lake water runs deep, to as much as 79 feet. It is, therefore, advisable to wear life jackets while boating.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Pokhara

If you like we can take another take drive to Sarangkot for a spectacular sunrise. After that, we will drive to the Pokhara airport for the short one-hour flight back to Kathmandu.

You will have the rest of the day free for exploring Kathmandu, so you may want to visit Pashupatinath or return to Swayambhunath to see some places you may have missed before. There is no shortage of interesting places to visit in the “City of Temples”, so you may just want to wander around the fascinating city to see what you may find. It is also a good idea to explore the Thamel district.

Meals：Breakfast     Dinner

Accommodation：Kathmandu

We will say goodbye to Nepal today. Our representative in Nepal will escort you to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representatives in Bhutan. Tashi Delek and welcome to Bhutan. The only international airport in Bhutan is located in Paro(2262m), Western Bhutan.

Then, we will head to Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu (72km, about 2.5h) via a visit to Tamchog Lhakhang on the way. You can sightseeing in Thimphu (2360m) with Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Memorial Chorten, and Bhutan Post Office. Then have a good rest in your hotel.

Tamchog Lhakhang (Tachog Lhakhang) is located by the Paro river on the way to Thimphu from Paro. To get to the temple we must walk across a unique iron chain bridge with colorful fluttering prayer flags. Both the Lhakhang and the iron bridge are built by the saint Thangthong Gyalpo (1385-1464, Tibetan polymath). As the "King of the Empty Plain", Thangthong Gyalpo is now commonly known as the "Iron Bridge Maker". Enjoy his pioneering old-aged buildings left till today.

Buddha Dordenma Statue (Kuenselphodrang, Buddha Point) is a landmark of Thimphu city and you can have a great view of the Thimphu Valley there. With 51.5m in height, built of bronze and gilded in gold, the statue is famed as the largest sitting Shakyamuni statue in the world and there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues placed within it. The statue was finished in 2015(built for 9years) to fulfill an ancient prophecy to emanate an aura of happiness and peace all over the world.

National Memorial Chorten is the most visited landmark of Thimphu which was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk(the Father of Modern Bhutan) by his mother. Due to the idea of Jigme Dorji, this stupa is dedicated to world peace and prosperity. It is a Tibetan-style chorten with amazing paintings and brilliant sculptures, you can see the classical stupa pattern like the pyramidal pillar crowned by a crescent moon and sun. It is also a good place to meet local Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day in a clockwise direction for praying.

Bhutan Post Office Headquarters (the General Post Office) is located near Changlam Square in Thimphu. It is home to the world's largest photo book and the most interesting collection of Bhutanese stamps. Only in this post office, you can get your personalized stamps (the stamp of your face). Great surprise to send your family and friends a postcard with your face on the stamp! (Open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00 during Summer and 9:00 to 16:00 during Winter. Do note that it is closed for lunch from 13:00 to 14:00).

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Paro

In the morning, we will explore Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu through Folk Heritage Museum, School for Arts and Crafts, and Tashichho Dzong. Then head back to Paro.

Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim) was established on July 28th, 2001 with the initiative of Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan). It is set inside a three-storied, 19th-century traditional house and provides visitors with a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, artifacts from rural households, collection of typical household objects, tools, and equipment. The museum also organizes regular demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits, and customs as well as hosts educational programs for children.

School of Arts and Crafts (Thimphu National Institute for Zorig Chusum), established by the Government of Bhutan in 1971, is an institute that nurtures exemplary craftsmanship in Zorig Chusum (13 Arts and Crafts). In the Institute, thirteen skills are taught to students. These thirteen art forms are Traditional Painting (Lhazo), Sculpturing (Jinzo), Wood Carving (Shagzo), Calligraphy (Yigzo), Papermaking (Dezo), Bronze Casting (Lugzo), Embroidery (Tshemazo), Weaving (Thagzo), Carpentry (Parzo), Masonry (Dozo), Bamboo and cane weaving (Tshazo), Gold/Silver Smithy (Trozo), Black smithy (Garzo).

Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) is located on the right side of the Wangchu River in the northern part of Thimphu city. As the "Fortress of the glorious religion", it houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government offices, and the central monk body. Thimphu Dzong was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. There are two main entrances in the Tashichho Dzong. One leads to the administrative section to the south and the other one (at the north) leads to the monastic quarter where festivals and dances are performed.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Paro

Today we will drive from Paro city to the start point of the hiking route of the Tiger's Nest Monastery. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Tiger's Nest by foot (5 hours for a round trip), and you can have a rest at the view terrace which is located at the halfway point of the hiking road. Also, you can choose to ride a horse(self-paying) from the camp base to the Taktsang Cafeteria (lunch spot). We will enjoy Bhutan’s traditional Hot Stone Bath in the late afternoon.

Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Goemba, Takhtsang Lakhang, Paro Taktshang), first built in 1692, is the iconic landmark of Bhutan. As a world cultural heritage, it is sited on the side of a cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro Valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche (a Buddhist saint) rode a tigress to the current site of the monastery and meditated in a cave for 3 years 3 months and 3 days. Now it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bhutan and a sacred religious site for Bhutanese to pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.

Optional Activity: Bhutan Traditional Hot Stone Bath in the late afternoon. A visit to Bhutan without enjoying the health benefits hot stone bath would be incomplete. After the hiking, a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is perfect to relax in the water heated by hot river stones roasted on the fire.

Meals：Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation：Thimphu

Time to say goodbye to Bhutan, the beautiful Himalayan country. Today, our local representative in Bhutan will meet you at your hotel and send you to the Paro International Airport. Happiness is a place, wish you get happiness and great memories from the India-Nepal-Bhutan tour with us. We look forward to seeing you again, Tashi Delek!

Note:

Please note that some of the sites in the itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the right to alter the itinerary. The changes in Itinerary will mainly base on improving your tour experience in India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Meals：Breakfast     

Accommodation：/