Indo-Asia Tours

Bhutan & India Tour

13 days/12 nights

2009/2010 Tour Dates
Anytime. Contact us and let us know when you'd like to go.

Watching the sun's first rays caress the Taj Mahal with different hues of color? As you look back on India, flying over the mighty Himalayan mountain ranges en-route to the Land of Dragon, it is difficult to decide which is more memorable. India is fantastical, a rush of mind-bending contradictions. From the capital New Delhi to Jaipur and the land of the Maharajas to Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, most of all, India is epic. Our thoughtful itinerary that handles the complex logistics, frees you to absorb an amazingly broad wealth of experiences.

Bhutan's old capital of Punakha is the heart and soul of Bhutanese culture. It's a marvelous area to explore during your visit, due to its subtropical climate and low elevations (in the 4000 to 5000 foot range). Mountain views are generally crystal clear, and the landscape is bursting with color as bright yellow mustard alternates with winter wheat and rice on the steeply-terraced fields, the ubiquitous red chilies (a staple of Bhutanese cuisine) dry on rooftops, and a glorious array of wildflowers carpets the forest-covered ridges. We also visit Paro, then head east to Punakha for a beautiful drive through country that, nearly 500 years ago, was the stomping ground of the famous "Divine Madman" Drukpa Kinley, whose influence permeates Bhutan's folklore and traditions. We end with a visit to the remote Tiger Nest at the Alpine valley of Bhutan.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN DELHI
Arrive in India's capital city, New Delhi, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome at the airport and escorted to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

DAY 2: DELHI
Full-day sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi. Visit the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower, followed by the spectacular Rajpath, passing the triumphant House of Parliament, the Diplomatic Enclave, the President's House, the India Gate, and the famous Birla Mandir. Visit the Red Fort. Overnight stay. (B)

DAY 3: DELHI / SIKANDRA / AGRA
Drive to Agra (220km, about 5 hours). En route we stop at "Sikandra" to visit the tomb of Akbar the Great. Half-day city tour of Agra. Explore the Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century. Next, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, the incredible lacy white grandeur built for the "lady of the Taj," which is as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World." Overnight stay. (B)

DAY 4: AGRA / FATEHPUR SIKRI / JAIPUR
Drive to Jaipur (202km, about 6 hours). En route we stop by the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim architecture. Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

DAY 5: JAIPUR (Amber Fort Excursion)
Visit the Amber Fort while enjoying a unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant from the foothills to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the Hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful manicured gardens. Tour of the old city of Jaipur. Visit the Hawa Mahal (or "Palace of Winds") and explore the City Palace.

DAY 6: JAIPUR / DELHI
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Delhi (256km, about 6 hours). Upon arrival check into your hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 7: DELHI / PARO / THIMPU (Sunday, Monday, and Friday departures only)
Weather permitting, fly to Bhutan along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Calcutta, a fascinating journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom of Bhutan. Drive to Thimpu, the modern capital town of Bhutan (55km, about 2 hours). Stroll around the town's main street this evening. Overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: THIMPU
Visit National Memorial Chorten Trashichhodzong and more. Your tour today ends with the Handicrafts Emporium. This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: THIMPU / TRONGSA
Drive to Trongsa (200km, about 6 hours). Cross over Dochu-la pass at 10,130 feet, stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. Next drive onwards arriving at the town of Wangduephodrang for lunch. Arrive in Trongsa for overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: TRONGSA / PUNAKHA
Walk to Trongsa Dzong (built by Shabdrung in 1647). Climb up to visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. After lunch drive to Punakha (135km, about 5 hours). En route we will visit the 17th century majestic Wangdue Dzong followed by a visit to a local market. Overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 11:PUNAKHA / PARO
Visit Punakha Dzong, which is a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. After lunch, proceed to Paro (125km, about 4.5 hours). En route visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel for overnight stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: PARO
Drive to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as a watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum and Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong). After lunch proceed for an excursion to Taktsang Monastery. Overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: DEPARTURE FROM PARO
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for your flight to New Delhi and your journey back home. (B)

TOUR PRICE:

Land Cost Per Person:

1 Traveler	2 Travelers	4 Travelers	6 Travelers	8 Travelers	12 Travelers
$4100	$3400	$2950	$2950	$2950	$2950

Kutrubes Travel has SPECIAL AIRFARES - Contact us for details.

Price Includes:

Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
Daily Buffet Breakfast at Hotels in India.
All Meals at Hotel in Bhutan.
Meet and Greet at airport by our representative.
Arrival and Departure transfers in AC chauffeur driven vehicle in India and Non-AC chauffeur driven vehicle in Bhutan.
Entrance fee to monuments as per Itinerary.
Service of a local English-speaking Guide.
Air Fare Delhi - Paro - Delhi in Eco Class.
All applicable taxes.

Price Does Not Include:

International airfare.
Departure and custom fees.
Gratuities for guides and drivers.
Travel Insurance, Trip Cancellation Insurance and Medical and Luggage Insurance.
Cost of lunches or dinners not mentioned above.
Any expenses of personal nature.

Payment and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or you'd like to book this trip, please contact us.

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