Golden Triangle With Bhutan

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Golden Triangle With Bhutan

Duration

16 Nights/ 17 Days

Destination

Delhi - Jaipur - Fatehpur sikri - Agra - Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro - Delhi

Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi by international flight

On arrival at Delhi international airport our representative will meet and greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi Sightseeing

Today, a full-day guided tour will let you explore the highlights of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, embark upon a guided walk in and around the Jama Masjid and take a cycle rickshaw through the bustling Chandni Chowk Bazaar. After a short visit to Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s funeral pyre, proceed to New Delhi — home to Humayan’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and a plethora of Imperial-era buildings.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03 : Delhi- Jaipur by road

After breakfast 5 hours’ drive to Jaipur, arrive in Jaipur and check in at hotel. Evening is at leisure to visit local markets in Jaipur.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04 : Jaipur Sightseeing

A full day sightseeing in and around the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur today with your private guide and driver. In the morning you will visit the magnificent Amber Palace. Capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs until 1727, this fort complex is an impressive place to visit. Back in the heart of the city, discover the treasures of the City Palace which houses an important museum, the intricate façade of The Palace of the Winds and also the fascinating Jantar Mantar Observatory.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05 : Jaipur- Fatehpur Sikri- Agra

An early start from Jaipur to Agra, which is 5-hour drive en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the enigmatic and beautiful deserted capital of Emperor Akbar, which was abandoned when water supplies dried up. The journey takes five hours, but your guide can suggest places to stop and visit along the way. Arrive Agra and check in at hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 06 : Agra- Delhi

An early start this morning to capture the Taj Mahal at sunrise with a private guided tour. Make sure you take time to explore the surrounding gardens and mosque. Back to the hotel for breakfast and later visit the impressive Mogul Red Fort. The Red Fort is a great preview to visiting the Taj Mahal in the morning — the two were built during the same period and have much shared history. Afternoon travel by road to Delhi (a three-hour trip on the express highway).

Arrive Delhi and Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07 : Delhi-Paro (by flight) - Thimphu

You will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Paro. On arrival, meet your private driver and guide, who will stay with you for the rest of your trip. Getting to know your personal preferences, they can suggest stops along the way that suit your interests. Driving the one-and-a-half-hour journey from Paro Airport to Thimphu, you can stop at Simtokha village, home to a Dzong said to guard the locals from a daemon who vanished on a nearby rock. The road into Thimphu closely follows the Paro Chhu (river) with scenic views across the Paro valley.

Day 08 : Thimphu

You have the whole day today to discover Thimphu with your driver and guide. The city is best explored on foot, but your driver is on hand if you wish to visit one of the sites of interest in the surrounding hills. The King's Memorial is particularly interesting, built in honour of the third king. Each day, many Bhutanese come to pray and spin the vibrant prayer wheels — it's a great spot for people-watching.

Day 09 : Phobjikha Valley

After breakfast, you will travel for around five and a half hours to reach Phobjikha, also known as Gangtey, a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Day 10 : Phobjikha Valley

Your day will be leisurely, or you can indulge in the lodge’s experiences that blend relaxation, spirituality, and culture. Enjoy fireside massages, hot stone baths, guided meditation, valley walks, hikes, cycling, and cultural hikes to traditional farmhouses in Bhutan’s serene Phobjikha Valley.

Day 11 : Punakha

The drive from Phobjikha to Punakha will take about three hours, excluding any stops, passing through the town of Wangdiphodrang, before branching off the main highway to Punakha. On arrival in Punakha, check in to your hotel and have the remaining part of the day free to relax.

Day 12 : Punakha

The Punakha Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Mo (Mother) and Pho (Father) Rivers, and today your guide can show you around the temples, towers and courtyards. Over the years, it has suffered from several fires and flooding, but it's still one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. Before returning to your hotel, you will visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup perched on a hilltop overlooking the Punakha Valley for a blessing ceremony.

Day 13 : Paro

Return to Paro by road today which takes about five hours. Your guide can suggest places to stop along the way to enjoy the scenery and have light refreshments. On arrival in Paro, you have the rest of the afternoon to relax.

Day 14 : Paro

Spend the day exploring the Paro Valley and the town, visiting Paro Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong and the National Museum. After visiting the sites, soak in a traditional hot stone bath. A large wooden trough is filled with cold spring water before red-hot stones are immersed at one end. This popular form of medication has been practised in Bhutan since time immemorial.

Day 15 : Paro

An early rise is recommended today as you drive 12 km (7 miles) from Paro to Taksang, better known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. The highlight of most trips to Bhutan, the monastery is perched on a high rocky ledge with incredible views. The climb from the car park takes two to three hours, depending on your fitness, with small cafés to stop off for tea or coffee along the way. Once you have reached the hermitage itself, you then retrace your steps back to the car park. If you feel you might not make it to the hermitage itself, we still suggest a visit, climbing part of the way up to view the monastery from a viewpoint with a stunning vista of the cliff face. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 16 : Delhi

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight back to Delhi. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel near the airport.

Day 17 : International return flight

Today, your driver will transfer you to Delhi International Airport for your onward flight.