India Rajastan and Bhutan Tour

India to Bhutan: Royal Journey

Arrival in Udaipur, where we will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The ancient city of Udaipur is renowned as the most romantic city in Rajasthan, thanks to its large lake and the magnificent palace at its center, surrounded by picturesque hills.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the lake.
Overnight in Udaipur.

After breakfast, we will embark on an excursion outside of Udaipur. Located just 22 km from the city, the small village of Eklingji is home to several ancient temples. Nearby, in Nagda, you’ll find three ancient temples featuring fascinating architecture.

Following our visit, we will explore the city, including a tour of the palace that now serves as a museum, the Jagdish Temple, the gardens, and the Crystal Museum.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Pichola, which is surrounded by the city of Udaipur. The lake features two islands, each housing palaces, one of which has been transformed into a luxury hotel, renowned as the most famous and opulent in the region. This palace was built in the 18th century by Maharana Jagat Singh II.
Overnight in Udaipur.

After breakfast, we will embark on a 6-hour drive to Jodhpur, famously known as the “Blue City.” Founded in the 15th century, Jodhpur prospered due to its strategic location along a major trade route, making it a vibrant and colorful city.

Along the way, we will stop at Ranakpur, home to one of the most important and beautiful Jain temples. The 15th-century Jain temples of Ranakpur are set in a picturesque valley and feature 1,444 intricately carved columns, each uniquely designed. The interplay of light and shadow within the temple creates a stunning visual effect.

Next, we will visit Kumbhalgarh Fort, built around 500 years ago by Maharana Kumbha. This expansive fort complex is rich in palaces and temples, offering a glimpse into the architectural grandeur of the era.

After our visits, we will continue our journey to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Jodhpur.

After breakfast, we will begin our day with a visit to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched high on a hilltop. From this vantage point, we’ll enjoy stunning views of the city, easily understanding why Jodhpur is known as the “Blue City.” Beneath the temple, there is an impressive memorial made of white marble.

Next, we will explore the bustling Sardar Market, located below the city’s clock tower. The area to the west is the commercial hub, featuring vibrant bazaars filled with vegetables, spices, and colorful textiles. Our tour continues with a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace and its beautiful gardens.

After our explorations in Jodhpur, we will drive for approximately 4 hours to Pushkar, located on the edge of the desert. This charming town is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of India, centered around the sacred Pushkar Lake and its numerous temples and ghats. Pushkar is also a significant Hindu pilgrimage site, famous for its annual camel fair in November, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over India and beyond.

Upon arrival in Pushkar, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Pushkar.

According to Hindu belief, Pushkar is one of the five most sacred places, evident by the approximately 300 temples and places of worship dedicated to various religions. Hindus believe that pilgrimage to Pushkar is a must-do at least once in a lifetime. The name of the lake translates to “the place whose sanctity surpasses all others,” emphasizing its sacredness. It is said that bathing in one of the ghats (bathing steps) by the lake can cure both physical and mental ailments. Pushkar is also home to the most famous temple dedicated to Brahma, the creator god.

After breakfast, we will visit the Brahma Temple and then continue our exploration around the sacred lake, where we will witness a Pooja ceremony at one of the ghats. Following this, we will enjoy a tour of the vibrant local markets.

Later, we will embark on a journey of approximately 3 hours to Jaipur. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known as the “Pink City” due to the reddish-brown hue of its ancient buildings and walls. In Rajput tradition, the color pink symbolizes hospitality, and it is said that the Rajputs painted the entire city in preparation for the visit of Alfred, the Prince of Wales, in 1853. The tradition of warmth and hospitality in Jaipur continues to this day.
Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, we will embark on a visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, renowned for its architectural splendor, with an ascent via jeep. The Amber Fort, overlooking the desert paths, served as the royal residence for the maharajas before they moved to the city. It exemplifies Rajput architecture, blending both Muslim and Hindu elements.

Following our visit to the fort, we will explore the “Pink City.” Our tour will include the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and the Jantar Mantar Observatory, built in 1728, where the astronomical instruments still amaze with their precision today. We will also enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant and bustling markets of the city.

In the evening, we will experience a Bollywood film at Raj Mandir, one of the most famous cinemas in India.
Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of approximately five hours to Agra.

On our way, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned city of Emperor Akbar, known for its diverse architectural styles and historical significance.

Continuing our drive, we will arrive in Agra and head to the Agra Fort, constructed from red sandstone. The fort’s construction began under Emperor Akbar as a military fortification, and it was later expanded and developed by his grandson, Shah Jahan, who also used it as a royal palace. At the end of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned here following a coup and is said to have spent his remaining days gazing at the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum he built for his beloved wife, from his prison within the fort. The fort is surrounded by massive walls, encompassing what resembles an entire city.

In the afternoon, as the sun sets, we will visit the Taj Mahal, renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This breathtaking monument, a symbol of love and an architectural masterpiece, was also commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife.
Overnight in Agra.

After breakfast, we will embark on a drive of approximately four hours to Delhi. Delhi, the capital of India, serves as the gateway for most travelers to the country, showcasing a vibrant blend of culture, attractions, shopping, and delicious food. It is where visitors first encounter India and often fall in love with its diversity.

Upon arrival, we will visit the Lotus Temple, an impressive Baha’i house of worship designed in the shape of a lotus flower.

Next, we will head to the Akshardham Temple, known as the largest Hindu temple complex in the world, which showcases the richness of Indian culture and spirituality. Finally, we will visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a prominent Sikh temple known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, we will embark on a tour that explores both Old and New Delhi. We will start in Old Delhi with a visit to the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Mughal architecture. From there, we will take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi, bustling with markets, street performances, and unique shops. Our next stop will be Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

Continuing to New Delhi, we will reflect on the city’s evolution over the years. Our first stop will be the Qutub Minar, a historical minaret built from red sandstone. We will also visit significant British-era buildings from the 1930s, including the Presidential House and the Parliament. The tour will include a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful structure surrounded by gardens, which began construction in 1564 by the emperor’s widow.

We will conclude our day in the Main Bazaar, a vibrant area frequented by backpackers, featuring guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants.
Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast and depending on the flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Paro, Bhutan. The city of Paro is situated in a lush green valley, considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, at an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level.

Upon landing, we will meet our representative at the airport and drive for about an hour to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and its political and administrative center.

Thimphu is located at the confluence of rivers and is surrounded by pine forests. It is home to the royal family and important nobility in Bhutan. The massive and stylized dzong serves as the seat of government, housing the parliament and the king’s offices. The streets are adorned with numerous stupas, large and small temples, bustling with devotees and religious activity. Key institutions such as the National Library, the Academy of Religious Arts, and the Sunday market reflect the city’s modernity alongside its rich cultural heritage. Despite this modernity, Thimphu maintains a distinctly Bhutanese atmosphere in its architecture, dress, and daily life.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we will explore Thimphu’s main street and market area.
Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we will embark on a city tour of Thimphu. We will visit the ancient library and the National Institute for Traditional Arts, known as Zorig Chusum, established in 1971 to preserve and promote various traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

Next, we will explore the Textile Museum, which showcases weaving culture, techniques, and various clothing styles. Following that, we will visit the Simply Bhutan Folk Heritage Museum, where we can learn about the country’s traditional lifestyle.

We will then ascend to Buddha Point for stunning views of the Thimphu Valley and the royal family residence.
Afterward, we will stop at the Memorial Chorten, where locals often turn the prayer wheels, before visiting the impressive Trashichhoedzong. This medieval fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the city, houses the offices of the king, ministers, and the central monastic body.

After the tour, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we will drive back to Paro. On the way, we will stop to visit Simtokha Dzong, which serves as a center for the Dzongkha language and offers lessons in tantra.

We will continue our journey to Paro, where we will transfer to the hotel upon arrival.

Later, we will visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower and now housing the National Museum. Following this, we will take a short walk to Rinpung Dzong.
Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, we will embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” which is perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to Bhutan from Tibet on the back of a tiger, bringing the teachings of Buddhism with him. This monastery is considered one of the holiest sites in Bhutan.

The hike is challenging and takes approximately 5 hours, or you can ride a pony to the cafeteria and continue the ascent on foot. There is also the option to hike only halfway up.

Following our visit, we will return to Paro. Along the way, we will stop to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, where Bhutanese warriors fought against the Tibetans. We will also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule for your return journey home.