Day 16:  Varanasi  

At mid-day, drive to Khajuraho airport to catch the flight to Varanasi The city of Varanasi is known to devout Hindus as ‘Kashi’, said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe at the beginning of time. One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations today. Located on the banks of the sacred Goddess Ganga (Ganges River), a goddess herself, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years.

In late afternoon ride bicycle rickshaws in town and walk amidst the crowded local market of Beniabagh famous for spices, shops, clothing and daily vendors selling fruits, pickles and vegetables. In the early evening proceed by bicycle rickshaw through busy streets of Varanasi to the Dashaswamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. As night falls you board a small row boat on the Ganges to watch a glittering “Aarti” ceremony: huge lamps are set ablaze amid a multitude of chants and hymns.  Maintaining a respectful distance from the shore we observe the cremation Ghats burning in the night, a living tradition of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Overnight Gateway Ganges Hotel [BL]

Day 19:  Sunrise on the Ganges – Sarnath – Departure  

Early in the morning venture by rickshaw and on foot back to Dashaswamedh Ghat. Push off by private boat into the slow current on the Ganges River passing by smoldering cremation Ghats.  As dawn breaks the rising sun imparts a glow to the city, unveiling its buildings, temples, and courtyards. In this place at this moment we witness the spiritual reaffirmation of the light after darkness, life after death, and hope after despondency.  Capture the holy images of devotees offering prayers and seeking blessings of their beloved deities.  Step out onto the streets again to the unfurling of bazaars passing by the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on return to the hotel. Visit Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, today the most sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists.  Transfer to airport for afternoon flight to Delhi. Day use room at Radisson Blu airport hotel and transfer to international departure. [BD]

Day 1: Arrival Kathmandu Upon arrival in Kathmandu you’ll be met and escorted to your hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu
Spend the morning exploring Kathmandu with your private guide. See Durbar Square, the seat of royalty until the last century. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets.Take a walking tour of the old bazaar.Also visit the Swayambhunath Stupa,and Garden of Dreams

Day 3: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Nagarkot
Start the day with a tour of the ancient city of Patan, a World Heritage site. Drive to nearbyNagarkot, famous for its sunset and sunrise views of the Himalayas.

Day 4: Nagarkot - Kathmandu
Wake early for sunrise view of the Himalayas. Enjoy the morning in Nagarkot before returning to Kathmandu to visit Pashupatinath and Boudhnath.One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. This evening have dinner at t local Nepali restaurant and watch a cultural dance show.

Day 5: Departure
The morning at leisure (hotel check-out is noon). Transfer to the International airport for your outbound flights.

Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

Your flight is a spectacular introduction to Bhutan as during clear weather you will have magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks and then the lush green Paro valley as you land. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Paro. Start your exploration of Bhutan with a visit to the National Museum (Ta Dzong) which was once used as the watch tower for the Dzong. Explore Paro Rimpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well-known temples. Walk from the dzong to the old traditional covered wooden bridge and stroll along the west bank of the river. Downstream from the bridge you have a spectacular view of the dzong. Overnight Paro [LD]

 

Day 2: Tiger's Nest - Thimphu

After breakfast drive the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fortress, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Continue to Ramthangkha, from where you will hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), which clings to the rocks towering 2600 feet above the valley. The hike uphill to the cafeteria will take around two hours on average; it is located about 2,950 meters (9,678 feet) above sea level. At the view point enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. You can choose to continue hiking up to the monastery and visit the monastery.
After the visit to the temples, walk back to the cafeteria for your lunch. After lunch, drive 1 hour to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan with a population of 100,000. The town is made of 3 rose of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In the evening visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of our 3rd king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (a wonderful opportunity to mix with the local population). All the buildings in Bhutan conform to national building principals and are beautifully carved and decorated. Overnight Thimphu [BLD]

 

Day 3:  Explore Thimphu - Punakha

Drive to Sangaygang, a field of Bhutanese prayer flags perched high above the city; colored flags send prayers to the heavens and white flags honor the dead. Visit the Motithang Mini Zoo where you can see the national animal, the Takin, research center where these odd animals graze peacefully in a small protected park. Walk to the Zilukha Nunnery and then drive to the Tango Monastery for a picnic lunch. The hike to the monastery takes about 45 minutes. It is a 13th Century structure and today is home to about 150 monks studying Buddhist Philosophy and meditation. Upon return, explore the weekend market.
In the afternoon depart for the pass, Dochula, climbing steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near the pass (3,050 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. It is marked with 100 stupas on a small hillock. Enjoy tea at the pass to enjoy the spectacular views at sunset and sunrise, weather-permitting. You can make use of the telescope at the hotel. Descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha and check in at your hotel. Overnight Punakha [BLD]

 

Day 4:  DochuLa - Punakha

Visit Punakha Dzong, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu. Spend the day hiking in the area with your guide. One possibility is a hike to the Khamsum Yueley Chorten (45 minutes each way) through terraced rice fields. Overnight Punakha [BLD]

 

Day 5:  Punakha - Paro

Visit the Wangdue Monastery, then return to Paro stopping at Thimphu for lunch and to visit any sites you may have missed (options include the Folk Heritage Museum (a beautifully restored Bhutanese farmhouse from the last century), the National Painting School, and the Textile Museum). Continue to Paro. Overnight Paro [BLD]

 

Day 6:  Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight [B]