Essence of South Asia

Itinerary

• Day 1: International Arrival, Kathmandu

  Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you are greeted by our representative. Be transferred to hotel where our representative helps you check in and briefs you about the following tours. Have some free time on your own to adjust to the new time zone. 

  • Kathmandu

• Day 2: Kathmandu - Patan (Lalitpur) - Kathmandu

  After breakfast, firstly drive you to the city for an exploration in the medieval city of Kathmandu to discover the rich culture of the Newari people with bustling narrow streets. You will visit the vegetable & spice market in Ason and many courtyards there that forms the base of living in Kathmandu. Continue to jammed bazaars and Kumari Temple which houses the living Goddess. After that, move to have an external view of Taleju Temple and then visit Kal Bhairab.

  Afternoon, step into the temple of Swayambhunath - a stupa on the top of hill - for an overlook the scenery of Kathmandu Valley. Later proceed to Patan city (about 15min driving) to visit the Panta Durbar Square - one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley.

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  • Kathmandu

• Day 3: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu

  Begin your today's exploration from Pashupatinath Temple - one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. After that, move to visit Boudhanath Stupa - the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world.

  Afternoon you are escorted to Bhaktapur city (about 40min driving) where you will discover Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the seven UNESCO's World Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley. Later continue to the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, Changu Narayan Temple which boasts a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

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  • Kathmandu

• Day 4: Kathmandu - Paro - Thimphu

  After hotel check out, transferred to Kathmandu airport for the flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro airport, be greeted and transferred to the capital Thimphu. En route pass by Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge. After hotel check-in, have lunch at local restaurant. Then visit National Memorial Chorten, gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue and Takin Sanctuary. Ends today in Thimphu Dzong (Trashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu as well as the seat of the central government.

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  • Thimphu

• Day 5: Thimphu - Paro

  After breakfast, visit Folk Heritage Museum (an old farmhouse showing the rural life of Bhutanese) and National Painting School, to see how the amazing traditional sculptures and paintings are made. Next come to Bhutan Post Office Headquarters where you can make stamps with your own photos (USD 4 for 12 stamps, at your expense). After lunch, drive back to Paro and then visit a farm house to touch the life of local people.

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  • Paro

• Day 6: Paro

  This morning, take a scenic hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) - the most sacred monastery in Bhutan, built on the steep cliff, offering you enchanting views of the Paro valley. Later get a glimpse of Bhutan's history at the cylindrical Ta Dzong National Museum and visit Paro Dzong, may be the finest example of Bhutanese architecture you'll see, which is now used as an administrative centre and school for monks.

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  • Paro

• Day 7: Paro - Delhi

  Say goodbye to Bhutan. After breakfast your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be transferred to hotel where our representative helps you check in.

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  • Delhi

• Day 8: Delhi

  After breakfast, start your tour today with the visit to Old Delhi to see Jama Masjid and then get a unique glance at local life by an exploration to the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk on rickshaw. Pass by Red Fort before driving to New Delhi for Qutub Minar. Continue to Raj Ghat, drive along the city landmarks of India Gate, President's House, Parliament House & Government Secretariat Buildings and stop for photo opportunities there. Finish today with an insight into the local religion at a colorful Hindu Temple - Laxmi Narayan Temple.

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  • Delhi

• Day 9: Delhi - Jaipur

  After a breakfast head to Jaipur. Stopover for coffee break or photo opportunities are at your request any time en-route. On arrival, check in at hotel. The afternoon is free for you.

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  • Jaipur

• Day 10: Jaipur

  After breakfast, visit hillside Amber Fort (with a jeep ride up to the entrance), inside also visit the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). Drive back to Jaipur and stop at the facade of Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) for a photo opportunity. Continue to visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar. Drive through the pink rose residential & business areas before you are escorted back to the hotel.

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  • Jaipur

• Day 11: Jaipur - Agra

  Breakfast then head east to Agra, en-route a brief exploration to the former royal city of Fatehpur Sikri (about 1.5 hrs). Followed by a photo site - the fabulous Abhaneri Step Well (without guide service). After lunch, proceed to Agra. Hotel check-in on arrival and rest of the day is at leisure.

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  • Agra

• Day 12: Agra

  Today you start from an early morning visit to Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) and return to the hotel for breakfast and rest. Afternoon visit Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-daulah (also called Baby Taj). After that, pay a visit to the Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) to appreciate the stunning Taj Mahal from a different angle.

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  • Agra

• Day 13: Agra - Delhi, Departure

  After breakfast, you will be driven about 5 hours from Agra to the airport in Delhi for your onward or return flight.

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