Data in submission...Welcome to Nepal! Upon arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the day relaxing and recovering from the long journey.
Accommodation: Kathmandu
Activities for today: Asan Tole Vegetable & Spice Market , Kumari Ghar Living Goddess Temle (located in Kathmandu Durbar Square) , Kala Bhairav (located in Kathmandu Durbar Square) , Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) , Patan Durbar Square
The Kathmandu Valley is the highlight of Nepal that cannot be missed. There are seven World Heritage Sites within the valley. Today, you will explore three of them, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Temple of Swayambhunath, and Patan Durbar Square. You can walk around the squares to appreciate the unique architecture and get a glimpse of the locals' daily life, and then overlook the valley from the temple of Swayambuhunath (Monkey Temple). The tour also includes a visit to the vegetable & spice market at Ason.
Optional: 1 hour schedule Mount Everest Flight USD 198 per person, Air ticket with return airport transfers
Accommodation: Kathmandu
Activities for today: Pashupatinath Temple , Boudhanath Stupa , Bhaktpur Durbar Square
Today, you will explore the other four World Heritage Sites. The first one is Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple complex, followed by a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world. Later, a 40-minute drive will take you to discover Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Finally, proceed to Changu Narayan Temple, said to be the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley.
Accommodation: Kathmandu
Activities for today: National Memorial Chorten , Takin Sanctuary (Motithang Mini Zoo) , Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong)
After breakfast, head to the airport for your flight to Bhutan. Upon arriving in Paro, you will be greeted and transferred to Thimphu, passing by the Tamchog Lhakhang iron bridge en-route. After checking in to your hotel, visit the National Memorial Chorten, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue, the Takin Sanctuary, and Thimphu Dzong, an impressive structure housing the Bhutanese government.
Accommodation: Thimphu
Activities for today: Chimi Lhakhang , Punakha Dzong
Drive to Punakha in the morning. En route, stop at Dochula Pass to have a coffee break and admire the grand 108 stupas. Upon arrival, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. The next stop is Punakha Dzong, a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture boasting rich Buddhist collections and armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. You will also visit the nearby Suspension Bridge, the longest bridge in the country.
Accommodation: Punakha
Activities for today: Paro Dzong (the Rinpung Dzong) , Ta Dzong National Museum , Kyichu Lhakhang , Archery Ground , Farm House
Drive back to Paro and start today's tour at Paro Dzong, perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and at the same time a local religious administrative center. Later visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum with abundant cultural relics. Afterward, go to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The tour will end at a local farm house, where you can chat with the locals, see how they live and taste some homemade wine.
Accommodation: Paro
Activities for today: Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) , The Ruin of Drugyal Dzong
Taktsang Monastery, also named Tiger's Nest, is a sacred temple hanging on rocky cliff in the Paro Valley. No visit to Bhutan is truly complete without seeing this iconic religious site, so be ready to hike along the trails and marvel at its striking beauty. After walking downhill, visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong.
Accommodation: Paro
Say goodbye to Bhutan and fly to Delhi, the capital of India. Upon your arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Check in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Delhi
Activities for today: Jama Masjid , Chandni Chowk , Red Fort , Raj Ghat , Qutub Minar , Laxminarayan Temple
After breakfast, start your tour today with a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and then ride a rickshaw through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk market to catch a glimpse of the local life. Later, continue to visit Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, and Raj Ghat. Finish today's tour at the colorful Laxmi Narayan Temple to gain an insight into the Hindu religion
Accommodation: Delhi
After breakfast, head to Agra by private air-conditioned car. The drive often takes about 4-5 hours. After settling down at your Agra hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to rest or go out for a little exploration on your own.
Optional: Optional Taj Mahal at Sunset USD 17 per person, No guide service
Accommodation: Agra
Activities for today: Taj Mahal , Taj Mahal at Sunrise , Agra Fort , Itmad-ud-daulah (Baby Taj)
Get up in the early morning and visit the Taj Mahal. When the sunrise over its white-marble architecture, the breathtaking view will leave you in awe. After that, drive back to the hotel for breakfast. Next, visit Agra Fort, the former main residence of the Mughal emperors, and Itmad-ud-dualah (Baby Taj).
Note:
*Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.
Accommodation: Agra
Activities for today: Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast, head west to Jaipur. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, former capital of Mughal Empire built in the 16th century. When the tour finishes, continue driving to Jaipur and check in to your hotel upon arrival.
Accommodation: Jaipur
Activities for today: Amber Fort , Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) , Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) , City Palace Museum , Jantar Mantar Observatory
This morning, ride a jeep up to the entrance of the hilltop Amber Fort. Follow your tour guide to relish the fort's splendid architecture and fascinating history, and take the perfect photo of Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirror). Drive back to Jaipur and visit Hawa Mahal to appreciate its pink facade. Continue to visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar nearby.
Accommodation: Jaipur
Today, your driver will escort you back to Delhi airport for your flight to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, your private chauffeur guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel in Negombo, a seaside town 20 minutes' drive from the airport.
Accommodation: Negombo
Activities for today: Lion Rock
After breakfast, visit the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala and observe the semi-wild elephants' daily activities such as bathing. After that, proceed to Sigiriya for its 5th-century legendary sky citadel of "Lion Rock". Although a steep climb is requested, the panoramic view of the surrounding area and the frescoes are definitely worth the effort. In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Dambulla and have a good rest.
Note:
*Driving time in the program is approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.
Accommodation: Sigiriya
This morning, you will visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple and appreciate its Buddha images and rock paintings dating back to the 2nd century BC. Afterward, drive to Kandy and stop at a spice plantation to learn about spices. Once in Kandy, you will enjoy a cultural dance and pay a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist shrine. The evening Puja Ritual held inside will offer you the chance to discover the ultimate spiritual importance of this famous temple.
Note:
*Driving time in the program is approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.
Accommodation: Kandy
Check out this morning after breakfast, and take a leisurely stroll among the orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees of the Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya. Later, head to Galle for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Galle
This morning, visit Galle Fort, Asia's best-preserved colonial sea fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, make a stopover at a turtle hatchery on the beach. It will introduce to you more about this creature and let you get close to them. Afterward, you will be transferred to Colombo (approx. 2.5 hours by road). Upon arrival, your tour guide will show you around the city, including visiting Gangarama Temple, the mile-long promenade of Galle Face Green, and Colombo's National Museum.
Accommodation: Colombo
Your magical South Asia trip will come to an end. Enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding your homebound flight.
Accommodation: