Golden Triangle with Nepal, Bhutan & Varanasi

Distant India Journeys representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land.  A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

After breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing of Delhi.

Old Delhi  - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat   - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.

Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

New Delhi - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence, and Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

Return to your hotel and relax.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Early morning get ready to drive for Jaipur after breakfast. Reach Jaipur and check into your hotel. Later proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Jaipur.

After lunch set off to see the Pink city visiting the observatory Jantar Mantar built in 1727 by Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II who was a mathematician, an astronomer an astrologer and a great musician of his era. He built five observatories throughout India – Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, Mathura and Delhi but only the one at Jaipur is functional. Then visit the City Palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur with a fabulous collection of robes and saris in cotton and silk with gold lattice work. The City Palace houses a collection of paintings also in the painting gallery and of course a collection of arms and ammunitions in the ammunition gallery.

Overnight will be in Jaipur.

Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

Amber Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

Continue drive to Fatehpur Sikri by early afternoon. Visit this abandoned city built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the second half of the 16^th century.

Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar after his Hindu wife bore him the long awaited son who was born after the renowned Sufi saint Salim Chisti blessed Jodhabai Akbar’s Hindu wife with a son. Also visit Jodhabai’s palace the biggest palace in Fatehpur Sikri even bigger than the emperor’s palace himself as this was the queen who bore him his heir to the throne. Continue towards Agra and reach Agra by early evening. Relax at your hotel or go to the local bazaar to see the lifestyle of the people.

Overnight will be in Agra.

Taj Mahal is awaiting your arrival today morning. A must see with the rising sun as the Taj Mahal is bathed in the golden rays of the morning sun. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial that houses the tomb of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design, balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen anywhere in the world. Then see the Agra Fort built by Akbar where Shahjahan was imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb.

Post lunch visit Itmad ud Daulah – it is the first Mughal building built out completely of marble. In many contexts it is referred to being the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Then visit Sikandara the tomb of the great emperor Akbar.

Later transfer to railway station to catch your overnight train for Varanasi.

Overnight will be in air-conditioned sleeper class compartment.

On arrival in Varanasi, check into your hotel and get ready for the sightseeing tour.

Visit Sarnath the sacred city for the Buddhist all over the world. It was here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon to his first five disciples. Also worth visiting is the museum with artifacts dating back to 3rd century BC. Visit the nearby ruins of the ancient seat of learning in Sarnath.
In the evening, witness the AARTI on the Ghats of holy river Ganges. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight will be in Varanasi.

Early in the morning (0500hrs) we take you to banks of the river Ganges where we board a boat to see the morning ablutions of the Hindus from the security of our boat. The boat ride starts from Dasashwamedh Ghat and ends at Manikarnika Ghat along the sacred Ganges. See the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Gyanvyapi kund and the mosque attached to it. Also visit the Benares Hindu University the largest residential university in India with more than 3000 residential students.

Later transfer to airport to board your flight for Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight will be in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Pasupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa & Bhaktapur city.

Boudhanath Stupa was constructed in 5 c. AD. Boudhanath is one of the largest stupa in the world and the largest in Nepal. (It looms 36m high and 100m in diameter). It is surrounded with prayer wheels that content religious texts. There are many Tibetian Buddhist monasteries in vicinity of stupa.

Pashupati Nath: Pashupati Temple is one of the most important and world renowned Hindu temple stands on the banks of Bagmati River, between the airport and Boudha. This Shiva temple on the subcontinent draws numerous Devotees, sadhus and holy men from all around the world. Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer and creator of the Hindu religion and appears on many forms. Although Shiva is often bloodthirsty god, no animal sacrifices are made here.

Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple and you are not allowed to take photographs of the Lord Shiva inside the temple. Bagmati River Bank on the side of Pashupati is also a popular place for cremation. Just beside this temple lies Guheyeshwari temple.

Bhaktapur is also known as Bhadgaon or the city of Devotees, is the third major town of the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur was the capital of the whole valley during the 14th to 16th century. Much of the town's great architecture dates from the end of 17th century. Bhaktapur rises upon the northern bank of Hanumante River. Bhaktapur Durbar Square (World Heritage Site) the place of the famous Lion's and Golden gates, the palace of 55 windows (12th century) the magnificent Chowkot Palace and Bell of Barking Dogs. The Nyatapola Temple (17th century) stairway leading to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below.

Overnight will be in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath stupa & Patan city.

Swayambhunath Stupa: Swayambhunath, the Buddhist temple is situated on the top of a hill west of the city, is one of the popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is also known as the monkey temple after the large tribe of monkeys which guards the hill. This huge stupa is surrounded by other famous temples and gompas. The great thunderbolt which is known as vajra is on the edge of the stupa was built during the Malla kings period. On the top of the stupa is a gold-colored square block from which the watchful eyes of the Buddha gaze out across the valley in each direction. The question mark-like nose is actually the Nepali number one is a symbol of unity.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a world heritage site. It's a complex of places, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th century, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. Kathamandap is one of Kathmandu's oldest buildings. It was constructed 800 years ago. From this ancient edifice Kathmandu derives its name. Basantapur is residential place of Living Virgin Goddess Kumari, where girl is chosen to be Living Goddess.

Patan City: Patan is separated from Kathmandu only by the Bagmati River and is the second largest town in the valley. It is also known as Lalitpur, which means city of beauty. Patan has a long Buddhist history and have stupas at four corners. Like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is also packed with temples. Most of these temples are built during the Malla kings period. As in Kathmandu, Patan also has an old royal palace built during the Malla kings period. There is a stone column holding up a statue of Sidhinarsimha Malla, King of Patan. Remarkable monument here is the 17th century temple of Krishna Temple dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna, entirely built on stone. Golden Temple is a Buddhist monastery with wall painting, 14th century statues and ancient scriptures. Mahabouddha, the 14th century Buddhist monument is an excellent example of terra cotta art form.

Overnight will be in Kathmandu.

Today, you catch your early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan, through the Himalayas – perhaps one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. You may spot Mt. Everest. Bhutan lies in the pristine heart of the eastern Himalayas. On arrival in Paro, check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight will be in Paro.

Proceed for an afternoon sightseeing in Paro. Today's sightseeing in Paro valley includes, visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum which in the past served as watch tower for the Paro Dzong. Then walk down the trail to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

Overnight will be in Paro.

After breakfast, we will drive about 90 minutes to Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital (population 86,000; 7,520’): still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light! We will have lunch and a special presentation by Francoise Pommeret, Bhutan resident, cultural historian and author of Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom.

Overnight will be in Thimpu.

After breakfast at your hotel visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimpu valley. Free time is to explore the market. Also visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. 

Overnight will be in Thimpu.

After an early breakfast, drive up to Dochula pass (26 Kms.). From the pass, you can enjoy the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges.

Later, drive up to Dechencholing (5 Kms from Thimpu town) and at Dechencholing, you can view the palace of the Queen Mother where all the luncheons and banquets for the Head of the States and other important guests are hosted. Also, visit a beautiful private monastery on top of the hill.

Overnight will be in Paro.

Transfer to airport to catch your flight for Delhi followed by boarding a flight for next destination.