Treasures of South Asia – 23 Days

Our journey will begin today. Pass through the crowed ancient streets and alleys discovering the lively market and we head to the marvelous Mughal architectures and the UNESCO sites – Jama Masjid as well as the Red Fort and the Humayan’s tomb. Then, visit Raj Ghat which is the burial ground of Gandhi and the Qutub Minar housing anti-rust Ashoka Pillars. Also, our day excursion will end up with several destinations like Lutyen’s New Delhi offering photographic opportunities at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Birla Temple, and India Gate. Later, head back to the hotel and relax at leisure. Overnight in New Delhi.

This morning, enjoy breakfast and then, you will be escorted to Agra. We will visit the World Heritage Site in India – the Taj Mahal. After exploring the famous monument (closed on Fridays), we get on a Tonga ride to Agra Fort. Later, head back to the hotel.

Today, we head to Mehtab Bagh which is a 500-year-old Mughal Garden situated opposite to the Taj Mahal on the other side of the stunning Yamuna River for marveling at the sunrise scenery. Next, we head to Fatehpur Sikri – known as a beautiful uninhabited city structured by Emperor Akbar in 1585. Then, we go to Buland Darwaza – the world’s tallest gateway. Drive back to the hotel and relax at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, we are now ready to begin our journey. We head to Fort & Palace built by Raja Mansingh. This would be a good example of Rajput architecture. Next, we go to the walled city of Jaipur – the impressive City Palace, Jantar Mantar’s Stone Observatory, and Hawa Mahal. This complex is home to a number of museums owning a magnificent collection of costumes armory and miniature paintings. Later, enjoy a cultural show and dinner. Overnight in Jaipur.

Today, we visit the Pinnawala Elephants Orphanage which is a place for abandoned elephants. Once there, we can befriend these elephants, feed them, and take them a shower. Our journey continues to the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya where you take steps to climb up to the top to marvel at the sweeping view of splendid nature. Head back to the hotel and relax at leisure. Overnight in Sigiriya.  

Today, we move to Anuradhapura – a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. First, we visit Maha Bodhi which is the oldest documented tree in the world. After that, head to Dagobas, Ruwanwelisaya, Abeygiri, Brazen Palace, and Jetawana Monasteries which are well preserved rock-cut statues of Lord Buddha and the ruins palaces. On top of that, we head to the Isurumuniya Rock Temple structured by King Devanampiya Tissa. The temple has a viharaya which is connected to a cave with a small stupa on a cliff above. There is a carved figure of an elephant, at the bottom of the cleft, which can be seen on a rock. Back to the hotel and relax at leisure. Overnight in Anuradhapura.

Today, we move to Kandy – once the capital city of Sri Lanka. Make our way to the Golden Rock – a cave temple dating back to the first century B.C was in Dambulla. Next, head to the spice garden at Matale to have your own favorite spice. Later, we visit the Temple of the Tooth which is home to the remains of the Buddha’s tooth and enjoy a cultural dance offering an opportunity to get an insight into the Sri Lanka Culture. Overnight in Kandy.  

After breakfast, we drive back to Colombo to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden – the largest one in Sri Lanka possessing an imposing Avenue of royal palms and 4.000 different species and more than 10.000 giants trees offering an amazing opportunity to the nature lovers. Our tour highlights today will be Bamboos of Burma (Myanmar), a century-old giant Javan fig tree with its roots spread out 1.800 square meters, and the cannonball tree. Today excursion would be perfect for those who are really into natural beauty. Later, we enjoy a tour of the vibrant city. We visit bustling and historical Fort, enjoy the stunning Galle face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, the elite residential Cinnamon Gardens, and the Pettah. Head back to the hotel and relax at leisure. Overnight in Colombo.

Breakfast and morning at leisure until taking a drive to the airport for a flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting to meet you and escort you to the hotel. Once you’ve settled in the hotel, head to the Taizong, the National Museum containing ancient arts and artifacts, as well as weapons. We, then head to Rinpung Dzong offering an overlook the beautiful Paro Valley. In the evening, we enjoy a stroll around the main town to be a part of the authentic nightlife. Overnight in Paro.

Today, we enjoy an exciting hike to the iconic attraction of Bhutan – the Tiger’s Nest – Taktsang Goemba. You can hire a trekking stick for supporting you during the hike or if you don’t want to hike, you can take a pony ride (optional). Next, head to the Drukgyel Dzong – an ancient and important ruins in Bhutan served as a defense repelling several invasions of Tibetan armies. Later, we head to Kyichu Lhakhang – one of the most sacred and oldest religious sites of Bhutan where depicting the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Back to the hotel and enjoy the nightlife in Paro.

This morning, we move to Thimphu – the capital city of Bhutan. En route, we pay a visit to the Simtokha where is a place of Dzongkha language and tantric teaching. We also head to the National Library to see the precious Buddhist manuscript, books about Himalayan culture and religion. We then visit Zorig Chusum – a Crafts & Arts School, Folk & Heritage Museum representing tools and livelihood of Bhutanese farmers in the medieval period. Head back to the hotel and relax at leisure. Overnight in Thimphu.

We take a pretty drive to the Dochula Pass and witness an incredible scenery of the Himalayas and Mt. Gangkarpuensum – the highest mountain of Bhutan. Wangdi, situated on the hill with an overlooking the confluence of the two rivers – Pho Chhu & Mo Chhu, is famous for its bamboo work, slate and carving providing a glimpse of the livelihood of the locals. Then, we visit the Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the divine madman featuring the temple of fertility. Once there, ready to see something that you haven’t ever thought it belongs to Buddhism. Overnight in Punakha.

This morning, visit Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan where you will witness a gorgeous architecture of the sites as well as the splendid beauty of the nature surrounding. After that, drive back to Paro. On the way of reaching the destination, we pass through the village houses which are made of mud with stone foundations. As we reach Paro, relax at leisure. Overnight in Paro.

Today, we head to the World Heritage Site in Nepal – Kathmandu Durbar Square. The square is famous for its unique architecture and the ornate embellishments. Next, go to Swayambhunath, another UNESCO Heritage site in Nepal. This is sacred of both the Hindu lying on a green hill in the west Kathmandu. Once there, get ready to marvel at the impressive vista of the valley. We then travel to Patan Durbar Square, a major attraction in Patan offering a chance to see the arts and craftsmanship of the locals. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Keep our journey of discovering Kathmandu going on with a visit to the Pashupatinath temple of honoring Lord Shiva situated on the banks of the Bagmati river. Next, visit Boudhanath, a sacred Buddhist Stupa for more than 2.500 years. The stupa has 4 eyes witnessing the 4 cardinal directions. This is a prevalent destination of the Tibetan pilgrims. We then visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a holy city of sacred devotees. Once there, you can witness a full-size figure of a Malla Emperor facing the Golden Gate. This is actually a masterpiece of arts in Kathmandu. Back to the hotel and enjoy the nightlife. Overnight in Kathmandu.  

This day, we drive to the Pokhara – popularly known as the city of lakes and caves. As you arrive in the city, relax at leisure in on foot-track – Lakeside (recommended). A cup of coffee with a lakeside view would be a perfect combination for your day. Overnight in Pokhara.

Pokhara is one of the most stunning destinations in Nepal. Early morning, we get up and witness the glorious sunrise. Have breakfast and we visit caves, rivers, temples, lakes, and waterfall. There will be 2 sites that we cannot miss today: the David Fall as well as Phewa Lake. We also enjoy a thrilling activity – paragliding at Sarangkot. Also, board on a boat on the Phewa Lake. Later, relax at leisure and overnight in Pokhara.

This morning, enjoy a pretty drive to Kathmandu (6 hours) or a flight (30 minutes). As we are in Kathmandu, visit the tourist hub – Thamel and Asan. There are vibrant destinations in Kathmandu where you can find almost everything there from local food, trekking gears, handicrafts… If you want to relax at leisure, just enjoy a peaceful time in a coffee in Kathmandu (ask your guide and you will find your best one). Overnight in Kathmandu.