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Nancy T Goyle
Atascadero, California ], USA Oct 22 - 07 Nov, 2018India, Nepal & Bhutan Odyssey (Oct – Nov, 2018) Good morning Ugen! Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Diwali and Happy Black Neck Crane Festival! I wanted to let you know that Bill
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Beata
April 1-16,2017Unforgetable trip I am impressed how well organized was our trip ! And I didn't make it easy ! We had a little
India Nepal & Bhutan Odyssey
Cultural Odyssey of North India,Nepal & Bhutan
17
Days
CULTURE
Trip highlights
- Taj Mahal
- Forts, Palaces, Temples & Monasteries
- Walking in Colorful Markets
- Local Home visit
- Try Local cuisines
- Indian rail journey experience
- Rural village Tour
- Boat rides on Ganges & Pokhara
- Weaving & textile
- Walking tour(option)
- Staying in palace hotels
Only a few trips on earth can combine such diversities in a single trip as our India Nepal & Bhutan Odyssey. Crafted and marked with such a pace that it carefully examines myriad aspects such as culture, tradition, natural and religious landscapes that defines these countries. Be it India’s captivating diversities, Nepal’s impressive mountains, and Bhutan’s pristine environments and quaintness.
Structurally, these countries may offer fascinating contrast in essence and perception. But one common yet distinctive feature that brings forth the nuanced and palpable aspect of the trip as a whole is the warmth and congeniality of PEOPLE. In this trip, we center on this theme (people) by considerable interaction with them, their culture, along with visits to the famous monuments.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned for today. The rest of the day is for you to relax and adjust to the time change. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: Agra -Taj Mahal
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Railway Station to board a fast train to Agra. Visit Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Other optional activities are available. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3: Train to Jhansi - Orchha
The train to Jhansi departs in the morning. On arrival at Jhansi, transfer to quaint Orcha, where forts, palaces, and temples jostle with each other. The place packs more history into every square meter than many better-known places. Tour in Orcha. Overnight in a former Palace.
Day 4: Drive to Khajuraho
After breakfast, drive around 4hrs to Khajuraho, known for its erotic sculptures. In the afternoon, tour Eastern & Western Group of temple complex and stroll around the small market and township. Free evening to do many other optional activities available. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 5: Fly to Varanasi - India’s Religious Capital
This morning Fly to Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the oldest and the holiest cities in India. It has an intense, almost palpable atmosphere of spiritual devotion, a feeling of an unending religious festival. Pilgrims from every part of this vast nation crowd the narrow streets and the riverside ghats. Towards the evening, walk through the old city to the bathing ghats located alongside River Ganges. Feel the timelessness of Varanasi as the sun sets and as the temple priests perform aarti, the sacred light ceremony. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 6: In Varanasi. (Sunrise Cruise, Heritage Walk & Silk Weaving Community)
At sunrise, the temples are bathed in soft light, board a small boat for a cruise on the Ganges. Observe the day-to-day life of the people. Watch the people arrive at the ghat at dawn to take a ritual dip, perform yoga asanas, wash clothes and offer flowers and incense to the river. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, head for a heritage walk in the old part of Varanasi. Stroll in the narrow lanes with a local expert who will weave the charming story of this ancient city, as you pass by Ashrams, temples, flower shops, and eateries. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Silk weaving community, who still adhere to an age-old practice to make the famous Varanasi Sari. Taking a closer look, we can find social fabric interwoven with a thread of silk that helps to make their living. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 7: Varanasi to Kathmandu
On some days of the week, you can fly directly to Kathmandu from Varanasi in the afternoon. However, in general, we need to plan a morning flight from Varanasi to Delhi and connect with a noon flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet our guide/representative and transfer to the hotel. As per available time, we will explore the Kathmandu Durbar (royal) Square area. Dinner with a cultural show at a typical Nepali restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 8: Kathmandu Tour & fly to Pokhara
After breakfast, begin a half-day tour in Kathmandu valley. Later in the afternoon, take a short flight to the lake city of Pokhara. The evening is free to wander around the Phewa Lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 9: Full Day in Pokhara
Early in the morning, drive to Sarangkot hilltop to watch the color of changing hues catch the peaks of the Annapurna range. On the way back, visit the Bindesbani temple. After breakfast at the hotel, take a short rest before beginning the rest of the Pokhara tour, including a short boat ride and walk to the Peace Pagoda for sunset views. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 10: Fly Kathmandu (Bhaktapur)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your 30-minutes flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, drive a short distance in the suburbs to visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur, a spectacular World Heritage Site founded in the ninth century. As most of the streets are pedestrianized, we will explore this open-air living museum on foot, walking from square to square and pagoda to pagoda. Overnight in Kathmandu/Bhaktapur.
Day 11: Fly to Paro, Bhutan
Transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Paro. (Generally, the flights tend to be in the morning but, on some days, flights could be in the early afternoon. If the flight is in the afternoon, you have a free morning to yourself to stroll in Bhaktapur).
A spectacular 40-minutes mountain flight (with views of many of the highest peaks of the world that include Everest) will take you to the emerald-green Paro Valley. Meet our Bhutanese guide and transfer to your hotel. Later visit Paro Rinphung Dzong, an imposing fortress built in the 17th century. It is the administrative seat of the Paro district that also houses a state monastic community. Take a walk across the ancient cantilevered bridge and stroll in the small and charming Paro township. As per available time, we will also tour other sights in Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 12: Paro - Punakha
Following a short tour in Paro, we shall drive through the countryside for about an hour to Thimphu. Before reaching Thimphu, we will take a diversion and continue uphill for another forty-five minutes to the Dochu La pass (10,200ft). Dochu La Pass offers astounding panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan range. After lunch, we shall descend through ever-changing vegetation into the relatively low altitude of Punakha & Wangdue valley. Punakha and Wangdue are located at about 1350m (4500ft) and enjoy a semi-tropical climate where oranges, mangoes, bananas, and even cactuses grow. Upon arrival, enjoy a half-hour walk through fields and villages to Chimi Lhakhang monastery and fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint popularly known as 'The divine madman'. Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 13: In Punakha & Wangdue valley
Punakha was the winter capital of Bhutan until the 1950s. The state monastic body continues this tradition by moving to Punakha from Thimphu during the winter months. We drive north through the idyllic countryside and take a 40min uphill hike (optional) to visit Khamsum Yuelley Chorten. Upon return, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, built at the convergence of the Mo Chu and Po Chu (the male & female rivers) in 1637. Punakha Dzong is an architectural wonder and seat of the head abbot of Bhutan. Later, pay a visit to the Nunnery built-in 2009 for young nuns to train and study Buddhist text and meditation. Towards the southeast corner of the valley is located Wangdue Phodrang, with a larger township. Visit the town, then view the ruins of Wangdue Dzong, which is under construction, after being destroyed by the fire in 2012. As per available time, we will also visit Richengang village, unique for a cluster of houses connected. Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 14: Punakha – Thimphu
We retrace our drive back across Dochu La pass to Thimphu. At Dochu La, we have one more opportunity to see the peaks of the Bhutanese Himalayas (3+hrs drive).
There is also an option to take a 3 hrs gradual hike to Lungchuzekha & Trashigang hilltops starting from Dochula pass. The walk goes through high altitude forests filled with rhododendrons, spruce, firs, and giant cedars, with good views, past some remote temples and monasteries.
Upon arrival in the capital Thimphu, visit the courtyard of great Tashicho Dzong, seat of government, then take a stroll in the farmers market. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 15: Thimphu & Paro Valley
As the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu has many attractions to see or shop around. Based on your interests, we will take you to places of your interests first and cover others as per available time. Among others, visit the Giant Buddha statue located atop the Kuensel Phodrang ridge, circumambulate around the memorial Chorten in a clockwise direction with locals as they say the prayers. See the weird-looking Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Take photographs from the ridge top, visit the School of Traditional Arts (also called Painting school) and more as per your interest. Towards evening, drive about an hour to Paro, where we visit a local farmhouse and tour a local village. Overnight in Paro.
Day 16: Paro (Hike to Takstang)
Hike to the legendary Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery and visit other sights in Paro as per available time. Riding Horses are available for hire at the start of the hike that can take you to the viewpoint. If you think you are not going to make the Tigers Nest or decide to opt-out. Your guide can arrange for another alternative. In the evening, gather together for farewell dinner. Overnight in Paro.
Day 17: Departure
Departure transfer to the airport in time for your flight out of Bhutan.
You can choose to fly to Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, or other cities covered by Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air).
The flight cost is provided separately. One should be able to connect from these cities on the same day.
Group Size9 maximum for Scheduled Small Group Journey, but any size for Private
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MealsAll breakfasts & dinners in both India and Nepal. All meals with evening tea while in Bhutan.
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Trip Accommodation4-5 star and heritage hotels in India and Nepal. 3-4 star mix in Bhutan.
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RouteDelhi, Agra, Orcha, Khajuraho, Varansi, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Takstang Monastery (Paro)
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Trip Type Cultural Tour
Village Tour
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Trip SeasonsThis trip is best from October through March but it is also relatively fine in April and May. Delhi can get hot in April and May but Nepal and Bhutan will be fine.
Best MonthsMarch, October, November
Good MonthsJanuary, February, April, May, December
Lean MonthsJune, July, August, September
Prices & Dates
In order to offer the lowest possible price,this trip is priced according to number of participants. Trips can be taken privately with your own dates as well.
Full details of the tour and costs available upon request.
| Start date | End Date | Remarks | Status |
Included
- Accommodations in hotels as listed.
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner in India & Nepal. All meals with evening tea in Bhutan.
- All land transfers by private Vehicle, Trains, Boat rides as per itinerary.
- Sightseeing and tours as per itinerary including entrance fees.
- English-speaking local tour guides.
- Bhutan visa and daily tourist fees.
- Fight from Khajuraho to Varanasi, Kathmandu to Pokhara & back, Kathmandu to Paro, and Paro to Delhi (listed separately)
Not included
- International flight to Delhi and return or return from other cities (estimated between $1000-$1500 from the US).
- Indian visa (we provide assistance to apply for Indian Visa).
- Nepal visa (upon arrival US$40).
- Optional medical & travel Insurance.
Accommodations
Hotels in Thimphu
Hotel Druk
Hotel Druk a luxury four-star hotel is a part of the Tashi Group and has been in operation since 1985. Over the years, it has been renovated to give it a chic and modern edge that is powerfully felt in uncluttered spaces. Each floor, differently insp...
Hotels in New Delhi
Jaypee Siddharth Hotel
Jaypee Siddharth is a boutique hotel in the heart of Delhi. Its elegant interiors, smart new rooms and all new Food & Beverage options are an exciting change for regular customers and a delight for first time visitors to this property. ...
Hotels in Orchha
Hotels in Paro
Tashi Namgay Resort
The resort is a 5 acre property,located conveniently in the heart of Paro but away from the distractions of the main town, Tashi Namgay Resort offers you a calm and peaceful environment within a five-acre compound. A unique blend of traditional Bhuta...
Hotels in Khajuraho
Radisson Hotel Khajuraho
Lush green gardens and beautiful scenery surrounds the hotel. 86 guest rooms and four suites, which provide a level of world-class comfort not found at other hotels in Khajuraho. The Radisson features a multi-cuisine restaurant, a full bar and two co...
Hotels in Pokhara
Temple Tree Resort and Spa
Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel combining western standards with the distinctive architecture and culture of Nepal�s Western Himalayas. Named after the fragrant temple tree plant frangipani found here, we offer a peaceful and relaxed a...
Hotels in Kathmandu
Hotel Shambala
Hotel Shambala, a contemporary Tibetan themed boutique hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal offers unparalleled comfort and luxury with the best in Tibetan and Nepalese hospitality. Inspired by Tibetan art and architecture, all 65 rooms feature beautiful handma...
Hotels in Punakha
Zhingkham Resort
Zhingkham Resort in Punakha is the newest unit of Bhutan Hotels & Restaurants. With one of the most beautiful breathtaking scenic views of the Punakha valley, the resort is located on a mountain high above the valley. Wellbeing at the resort is enha...
Hotels in Agra
Crystal Sarovar Premiere
Conveniently located in Agra’s tourist hub, Fatehabad road, Crystal Sarovar Premiere hotel offers a calm and peaceful oasis for business and leisure travellers. Its strategic location offers a magnificent view of the Taj Mahal. The hotel is highly ...
Trip Guide/Leader
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Rajat Gupta
×Rajat Gupta
Rajat Gupta is the gun young at Wind Horse Tours, New Delhi. With his advent there is infusion of fresh ideas, exuberance and passion , that changing travel scenario demands. He completed his degree course in Tourism Management in 2014.
At Wind Horse Tour, India, he is setting pace for innovations and fresh perspectives to thrive and to meet new demands. With opening of window for Visa on Arrival for many countries by Indian Government, this has thrown door wide open for travel industries to redesign structural patterns in term of infrastructures and itineraries.He inherited the passion for the travel business from his father Santosh Gupta. While growing up or still now the travel talks hogs the limelight at the dinner table. He alway knew what he wanted or how he wants to shape up his career. Choosing travel management course was a conscious choice to hone his passion.
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Gaurav Goyal
×Gaurav Goyal
Gaurav Goyal remains stalwarts of Wind Horse Tours, India since its inception in 2005. Along with company he gained salience. His friend says ” He aged once he started to work “. Like any other works, it was hardly a stroll in park at the start. In initial days, where every little aspects was overwhelming to learn but he weathered the storm tenaciously and befitting he is in the stage where a rave review from the guests is just like another day in the office.
He grew up in old Delhi locality and did his college from there itself. He is familiar with every nook and corner around Delhi and surrounding regions. This assist in untying knots of intricate history of Delhi and its monuments it harbours in its fold when taking guests on tours.
When not guiding, you can find him in cricket ground with a Kookaburra cricket ball in hand all geared up to disturb the three timbers that batman passionately guard.
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Hem Raj Bastola
×Hem Raj Bastola
Hem Raj Bastola is a permanent inhabitant of Pokhara-25. He has been working as a tour and trekking guide since 2010. Formerly he has worked as a guest service agent at the hotel Pokara Grande. He started his career as a Cave guide, ticket sales man at Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave in Pokhara. So must of his working experience is related to tourism and hospitality industry. Beside his guiding profession, he enjoys reading and writing poetry. His poets have been published in different forums and medias. When get free time loves to work in the field as well.
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Kezang Norbu
×Kezang Norbu
Kezang is a graduate from Gedu Business School college in Bhutan, but he was always interested in the Buddhist Philosophy, which made him alter his ambition to being a tour Guide.
He is super polite and Buddhist to the core, because his parents and their parents were all affliliated to a monastery as a Lama etc. He comes from Dramtse region, between Mongaer and Trashigang. -
Kinley Tenzin
×Kinley Tenzin
Former graduate in arts from Shillong, a hill town in North East India.On a first impression Kinley Tenzin may concede as man of few words. But there is much more than meet the eye.Beneath his exterior he is a power house of informations. He speak english eloquently and once in tour he is altogether a different person. A person filled with driving passion and articulation. He says ” He aspires to transform idea of guests into great experiences”
He is big time book reader and doesn’t have any genre in particular. He read anything that comes his way. He claim that book have open door to a complete new world. If not reading, then he is mostly seen in his mountain bike traversing rough terrain within the vicinity of Thimphu.
Reviews / Testimonials
Trip Photos
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- Amber Fort – Jaipur
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- Erotic Sculptures
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- Varanasi Ghats
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- Taj Mahal
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- Boudhanath Stupa
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- Bhaktapur
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- Beauty of Poonhill
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- Villages along Poonhill
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- Archery the national game of Bhutan
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- Punakha Dzong
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- 108 chortens in Docula Pass.
