Golden Triangle India with Bhutan Expedition

On arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay in New Delhi.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi, a city with a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC. Begin your tour at Rajghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Next, visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's busiest market. Drive past the Presidential House and India Gate in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi. Explore Humayun's Tomb, built in 1562 by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum. Conclude your day with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak. In the evening, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at your hotel, leave for Agra. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Itmad-ud-Daulah and the grand Agra Fort. Later, head to Mehtab Bagh, located across from the Taj Mahal, to admire a stunning sunset view of the monument. Afterward, explore marble inlay workshops and enjoy shopping in Agra’s vibrant markets. Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.

Early in the morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and admire its breathtaking beauty. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Jaipur. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 37 kilometers from Agra. Built in 16th century, it was once the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar. After sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to Jaipur for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Jaipur. Begin your exploration with Rajasthan's iconic attraction, the Amber Fort and Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592 using red sandstone and marble. This majestic fort complex is perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Maota Lake and the surrounding landscapes. Explore its extensive palace sections and intricate architecture, which blend seamlessly with the natural terrain. Following your visit to Amber Fort, continue your Jaipur sightseeing with a visit to Jal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, and the Albert Hall Museum. After an enriching day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for New Delhi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today morning, our driver will transfer you to IGI Airport New Delhi to board a flight to Paro, Bhutan. Fly by Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. On the day of arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will welcome you at the airport, who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan. Later he will transfer you to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. Upon arrival at Thimphu, check-in to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later in the evening enjoy an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Your Himalayan immersion begins at Pangri Zampa Monastery, a 16th-century edifice that serves as the kingdom’s premier college of traditional astrology. Here, amidst ancient cypress trees, you may sit for a personalized astrology session with a monk who uses centuries-old calculations to offer insights into your path. From the mystical, you transition to the historical at the National Library, which houses the world’s largest published book and rows of priceless, silk-bound Buddhist manuscripts. Nearby, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (The Painting School) offers a glimpse into the rigorous training of young artisans mastering the thirteen traditional crafts. You will then explore the Textile Museum to witness the intricate weaves that define Bhutanese identity, followed by an interactive experience at Simply Bhutan, a living museum where you can sample traditional rice wine and try your hand at archery.

If time permits, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress-like temple perched on a ridge where locals bring newborns to be named and conclude your day with the locals at the King's Memorial Chorten, where the rhythmic murmuring of mantras and the spinning of prayer wheels create a deeply meditative atmosphere. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will ascend the winding roads to the Dochula Pass. On a clear day, the 108 memorial stupas stand against a backdrop of the majestic Himalayan peaks. Descending into the sub-tropical warmth of the Punakha valley, you will take a gentle walk through vibrant rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the "Fertility Temple" dedicated to the Divine Madman, known for its unique folklore. The afternoon is reserved for the Punakha Dzong, arguably the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. After marveling at its ornate assembly halls, take a walk across the nearby Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in the country, draped in colorful prayer flags. Your day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in Punakha.

On your third day, you journey toward the historic valley of Paro.  Afterward, drive to the heights of Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) to stand before one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world, overlooking the entire Thimphu valley. Later drive to Paro and Visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower turned National Museum, offering a curated look at the country’s natural and religious heritage. You will finish the afternoon at the grand Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), the Fortress on a Heap of Jewels, whose massive buttressed walls dominate the valley skyline. Dinner and an overnight stay await you in Paro.

This day is dedicated to the ultimate Bhutanese pilgrimage: the hike to Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Perched precariously on a granite cliff 900 meters above the valley floor, this is where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated in the 8th century. The hike takes you through beautiful pine forests draped in Spanish moss and past a waterfall that guards the entrance to the sacred site. After exploring the quiet, candle-lit shrines of the monastery and taking in the breathtaking views, you will descend back to the valley.

From there, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple that is one of the oldest in the kingdom, radiating an aura of ancient peace. The day continues with a visit to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, a site of great historical significance where Bhutanese warriors once repelled northern invasions.

To celebrate your final night, you might choose to soak in a traditional Hot Stone Bath (Optional activity at additional cost) before your farewell dinner and final overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast or earlier as per flight schedule, our driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your flight to home or onward journey.