Tour of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit Swayambhunath, located on a lovely little hill to the west city centre, the most sacred site for Buddhists. The self-originated shrine is believed to have been built in its current form around 250 B.C. The stupa, painted with a pair of the Buddha’s all-seeing eyes, stands on a lotus mandala base on all four sides. The site offers a complete view of Kathmandu Valley, its surroundings, and the northeastern Himalayas.

In continuity, drive to Patan, one of the three medieval cities of Kathmandu Valley and one of the World Heritage sites among the seven World Heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley, located 7-kilometres southwest of Kathmandu. The city known as Lalitpur, the City of Arts, was a renowned Buddhist centre in Asia and has four Ashoka-built Stupas and a multitude of miniature stupas, monasteries, viharas and temples. At Patan, we visit its Durbar Square, the Golden Temple, Thousand Buddha, and its museum, among other sites, which explain Buddhism and Hinduism in extensive labels within the living traditions and context.

In the evening, visit the Durbar Square of Kathmandu, an example of the urban architecture of the Malla dynasty with 19-storey buildings, temples and palaces, and the residence of the living goddess Kumari. Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old palace complex that exhibits a mass of temples and palaces, including the Gaddi Baithak Durbar, constructed in 1908, the Basantapur Durbar, or the old Royal Palace, and the Kumari Chowk or the residence of the Living Goddess. Basantapur is amongst the most attractive sites in the bustling centre of Kathmandu, and a Western traveller around two hundred years ago wrote that there were more temples than houses and idols than people in its city. Lying in the heart of Kathmandu, the Durbar Square is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and not to miss sites. The individual building, palaces, and temples have intricately carved doors, lattice windows, and struts full of mythic and erotic figures.

We finalise with the tour and ride a rickshaw and roll through its old city market centre, the Ason Bazaar, seeing what the Nepalese people buy and sell in their daily run.

Accommodation in Hotel Shanker, a 4-star hotel, breakfast included.

Breakfast at the hotel. The Pashupati is one of the holiest sites in the Hindu World. Buddhists also worship it as one of their Dharma Protector, the presiding deity of Hindu Nepalese royalties. Pashupati is also the cremation ground in the ghats (cremation group) along the bank of River Bagmati, where the recently deceased Hindus of the Valley are cremated.

Then visit the Boudhanath, the great stupa of Nepal, one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist sites, with a diameter of over 200 meters.

Then we take a 13-kilometres drive to Bhaktapur, east of Kathmandu. Its original name is Bhadgaon, or the village of Devotees is one of the living museums of Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur is filled with the 55-windowed Royal Palace, the Palace of the Kumari, the temple of Taleju, the temple of Pashupati, the main square of Taumadhi Tole, Nyatapola Temple (the most imposing the tallest such architecture in all of Nepal), the temple of Akash Bhairab (the second most important temple of Bhadgaon), the DhaHateya and the Square of the Potters. UNESCO recognises Bhaktapur as a World Heritage Site.

After the visit, we leave by road toward Nagarkot, at an altitude of 2,099m and 32km east of Kathmandu or 19 kilometres northeast of Bhaktapur. Nagarkot is one of the most beautiful hill resort areas to enjoy sunrises and Mountain Range views, from the Langtang to Everest. Accommodation at the Club Himalaya, a 4-star hotel, breakfast included.

Accommodation at the Club Himalaya, a 4-star hotel, breakfast included.

Sunrise view tour. Breakfast at the hotel and departure by road to Kathmandu airport to fly to Lhasa. During the one-hour flight, offer an Aerial view of Mount Everest and other peaks of the Himalayas. The landscape changes drastically when crossing the great barrier of the Himalayas, from the terraced green hills to the giant Mountain barriers of Nepal to the high and dry typical landscape of Tibet. Arrive at Gonggar airport at midday. Immigration and customs formalities and transfer by vehicle to reach Lhasa, located about 85km, through the long flat valley of the Tsangpo River. Reach Lhasa and transfer to the hotel. Free time to acclimatize in Lhasa, “the land of the Gods” and the capital of Tibet, lying on the north bank of the Kyichu River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at 3650m. It has more than 1,300 years of history and has been Tibet’s political, economic, cultural, and religious centre since ancient times.

Accommodation in Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa, breakfast included.

Breakfast in the hotel and a full day of visits. We start with the Jokhang, the religious and geographical centre of Lhasa and the most important temple for all the sects of Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims from all parts of Tibet flock to Lhasa to see the Jokhang at least once in life. They queue to enter the temple and make a ritual circuit through the dark halls, filled with the sounds of chanting and lit only by butter lamps. The main image worshipped is Jowo Rinpoche, a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. There is an admiring view of Lhasa. Barkhor and Potala Palace from the rooftop of Jokhang. Then continues to Drepung Monastery, which once had 10,000 monks in residence. Drepung and Sera suffered damages during the destructive Cultural Revolution but have now been restored, and the monks have returned in smaller numbers.

In the afternoon, visit Barkhor Square, which surrounds the Jokhang with 800m of narrow streets used as a sacred route for the ritual circuit and as a bazaar (the largest in Tibet). Four huge prayer flag poles stand in each corner of Barker Square, known as Juyak Dharchen in the west, Shar Kyaring Dharchen in the southeast, Kelsang Dharchen in the southwest and Gadhen Dharchen in the northeast. The Tibetans go clockwise around the centre during the night and day, earning religious merit, shopping, and chatting with friends. The Barkhor is the true heart of Tibet and is a lifetime experience of seeing and mingling with all sorts of people.

Accommodation in Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa, breakfast included.

Breakfast in the hotel and a full-day visit. In the morning, we visit the fabulous Potala Palace, the home of the successive Dalai Lamas. Potala was also the power seat of the Tibetan government, and with shrines, cells, religious schools, and tombs for the Dalai Lamas, practically a self-contained world. It began in the 7th century but did not reach its glory until the 17th-century reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama. The third floor rises 117m high and is made entirely of wood, earth and stone. The Potala Palace has more than 1000 rooms.

Finalize the visit to the Potala Palace and proceed to the Sera Monastery, located about 3km north of Lhasa and at the foot of Tatipu Hill. It is one of the most important monasteries and is sacred to the Gelukpa sect, founded by Tsongkhapa, or the yellow hat sect, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism. It has several buildings, the main ones being the Salón Coquen and the specialized schools. The monastery has sacred scriptures written with gold dust, murals and unique statues. This monastery is famous for the monk’s debate for a few hours each evening. There is a question-and-answer session during this ritual where a senior monk asks a junior with grimaces, applause, and feigned threats. The important part of this ritual must go through the knowledge of the theosophical questions of the Tibetan lamaistic Buddhist—a very curious moment for the tourist.

Accommodation in Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa, breakfast included.

A full day of drive on the plains of Tibet passes through high mountain passes such as the Karo La 5010m, Tibetan villages and Lake Yamdrok. Yamdrok is a huge and wonderful lake with 624 square kilometres, and it takes almost 2 hours to cross. Finally, crossing the lake, we arrive at the village of Nagartse, where we stop for lunch. Depending on our arrival time, there is a possibility of visiting the Samding monastery, one of the famous nunneries in Tibet.

After lunch, drive to Gyantse, a big town between the monastery and the Gyantse fortress. Gyantse is famous for its cultivation due to its fertile land and Kubum stupa. Upon arrival, we will visit the Kubum stupa and the Palchoe monastery. PhalkorChoide Chorten: This unique structure, built in 1414, comprises five stories representing the five steps to enlightenment and is soared by thirteen rings that symbolize the stages of advancement toward Buddhahood. There are 108 rooms inside, each with frescoes and Buddha Shrines. Phalkor Monastery was founded by Je Kedup of the Gelugpa sect and KunsangRabten of the Sakyapa sect in 1418. The monastery has a particular influence on Tibetan Buddhism due to its unification of the three different sects, the Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Bhuton sects, in a single monastery. The famous Kubum Pagoda, built in collaboration with Newari artists from Nepal and Tibet artists, is located in the same courtyard, with nine stories, 108 gates and 77 shrines containing various murals and clay sculptures. The Kubum pagoda is said to have 100,000 images (Bum in Tibetan), either carved or painted, and this is the reason for its name, “100,000 pagoda images”.

Finish the visit and then continue the road to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, located 320 kilometres west of Lhasa and 90 kilometres from Gyantse. Shigatse lies between 290 02 ‘N ​​and 08’E 880 in the southwest of the Tibet Autonomous Region, where the Nyangchu River meets the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Shigatse is the second-largest city in Tibet and is the transportation and distribution centre for agricultural and livestock products in the southeastern part of Tibet.

Accommodation in ShigatseHoel, a 4-star hotel, breakfast included.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit its famous Tashilunpo monastery. This monastery is the largest monastery of the Gelugpa sect in Tibet, built in 1447 by GedunDrup or the first Dalai Lama, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. The Panchen Lamas continuously enlarged Tashilunpo in their times. The most impressive image of this monastery is the giant statue of Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha, built by the 9th Panchen Lama in 1914 in four years. The statue stands twenty-six meters tall, and it is made of 275 kilos of solid gold with a large number of precious objects such as pearls, turquoise, coral and amber. The fourth Funeral Stupa of the Panchen Lama, built in 1662, stands eleven meters tall and is covered in solid gold and silver.

Then continue to Shegar/New Dingri via the famous Sakya monastery, 160 kilometres west of Shigatse. The Sakya monastery comprises the Northern and Southern monasteries and is the main monastery of the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In 1079, KhonKonchogGyalpo, the founder of the Sakyapa sect, built a white palace on a grey mud hill near the north bank of the Qu Chun River. The locals called the place “Sakya,” meaning the grey ground. This was the North Monastery, but today it is only visible as a ruin.

The South Monastery was built in 1268 as a fortress surrounded by a moat. BenqenSagyaSangbo directed the monastery’s construction on the commission of ChoygalPhakpa, the seventh descendant of the Sakyapa Sect.

This monastery has one of the largest collections of invaluable scriptures, Yuan dynasty murals, more than 3,000 Thangkas, titles, seals, crowns, porcelain items, Song and Yuan dynasty embroidery, clothing and ornaments. The monastery is supported by colossal vermilion pillars, including the one presented by Kublai Khan during his visit to Sakya.

After admiring such wonder in the middle of nowhere, continue the drive to Dingri. Dingri is a small town on 400m high rock at the foot of the ruins of the impressive fortress of Shegar Dzong. The centre of the town is of an old Tibetan settlement, and the surrounding area is of a new Chinese settlement. Shegar is the base for North Face expedition groups to Everest and other peaks.

Accommodation in Roof of the World, breakfast included, existing accommodation is basic.

Breakfast in the hotel. Shortly after the Xegar/Shegar exit, turn off the Friendship Highway over the Pang La pass 5150m with an excellent and uninterrupted view stretching from Shishapangma to Makalu. Everest remains hidden from view from below the pass, but it reappears more impressive than ever as we turn the corner into the Rongbuk Valley.

From Rongbuk, non-mountaineering groups are allowed until a short distance from where Everest is imposingly visible; otherwise, the basecamp is still 10km far. Stop here and see the north face of Everest from its nearest point, see around, stop for lunch, and drive back to Shegar.

Accommodation in Roof of the World, breakfast included, existing accommodation is basic.

Today you will drive to Kyirong, a newly opened border between Nepal and Tibet. The old Nepal-Tibet border at Dzangmu was closed due to April 2015 earthquake. The trail is scenic with snow-capped mountains, including Shishapangma, the only 8 thousand metres mountain in China-controlled Tibet. The highest pass of the day is Gongtang La 5000m. On the way, you also admire a fantastic view of Lake Peikutso and the mountain behind the valley. The day is scenically rewarding and provides plenty of photography opportunities. Stay overnight at Phuntsok Rebsal Hotel, a basic hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. You will leave Kyirong in the morning and head to the Nepalese border. Your Tibetan guide and driver will help you pass out from China customs and immigration. On arrival at the border, meet our Nepali Guide and get assistance to fulfil Nepalese immigration formalities and change the cars. From Kyirong, you’ll enjoy driving through the beautiful Nepalese countryside. The Nepal side roads are not as good as on the Tibetan plains, and driving 150 kilometres could take a minimum of 3-4 hours! Arrive and check into the hotel. In the evening, welcome and farewell dinner at Kathmandu.

Accommodation in Hotel Shanker, a 4-star hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning, transfer to Kathmandu airport to fly to Paro, offering one of the best views of the landscape and the mountains from the air. Paro is the only gate to Bhutan by plane and the most beautiful valley at 2280m in the west with its dominant Paro Dzong, the first Dzong in Bhutan, above the glacial Paro River. In this valley, Mt. Chomolhari predominates at 7,320m, and the Pa Chu (Paro River) is born from its deep gorges. Paro is Bhutan’s most fertile valley, where the most famous red rice is grown along the terraces of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. In addition to the colourfulTsechu spring festival, Paro has several places and monuments that captivate the visitor. Bhutan’s official name, ‘Druk Yul’, means the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, officially portrayed on the country’s flag.

Bhutan is perhaps the least modernised and most mysterious country in South Asia and remains very cautious while contacting the outside world. The flow of tourists into Bhutan is regulated, and the government makes great efforts to preserve and strengthen the country’s religious and cultural traditions. Arrival, visa procedures and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Accommodation at Hotel Dewachen, a 3-star hotel, full board.

Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day visit to the city and Ta Dzong. Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967, with over 3,000 Bhutanese art, masterpieces of bronze statues and other rare collections, explaining the 1500 years of the cultural heritage of Bhutan in detail. The museum displays thangkas, artefacts, costumes, stamps (even talking stamps), and objects from archaeological excavations.

The seven-storey museum offers various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. In the afternoon, we visit the Tiger’s Nest or the Taktsang Monastery, 10km further up the Paro Valley and one of Bhutan’s most popular spiritual sites, perched precariously on a sheer cliff at 900m high. This important site suffered a burning down in 1998 and was restored to its original form. You can climb it on foot for about 3 hours (1h30 up and down – 3km approx); those not willing to walk can see the monastery from its hill base, below the monastery. We will also visit Rinpung Dzong, one of the most beautiful towers in Paro carved in wood, and see the city and markets of Paro.

Accommodation at Hotel Dewachen, a 3-star hotel, full board.

Breakfast in the resort. In the morning, drive to Wangduephodrang via Punakha city, crossing Dochula Pass at 3,100m altitude. Weather permitting, you can see the eastern Himalayan range, including the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt. GangarPunsum, at 7,520m. After crossing the pass, the road descent until it reaches the warm valley of Lobesa. Next, you will visit Punakha Dzong, built between two rivers in the 17th century. Until 1955, Punakha remained the winter capital of Bhutan (there is only one capital now, Thimphu). Punakha is still the headquarters of the Head Abbott, the Je Khenpo, and his monks move here every winter. Every year during February, a procession is known as Punakha Serda held here to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders. Four catastrophic fires and an earthquake damaged the Punakha Dzong, but the present King fully restored it. Therefore, depending on our timing for today, we may visit the Dzong tomorrow. NOTE: Please be noted that the Dzong is frequently closed without prior notice. Finalise your visit and arrive at Wangduephodrang, a typical Bhutanese town known for its fine bamboo works and carved stones and where we will visit its bustling market.

Accommodation at Hotel Kichu Resort – Wangdi,  a 3-star hotel full board.

Breakfast at the resort. Departure by road towards Thimpu through the Lobesa Valley. A short walk through farms and fields to the Chime Lhakhang Monastery dedicated to the famous Lama Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman, a renowned saint in Bhutan, dedicated to fertility, and many couples go on pilgrimage. We access the temple through a short walk through the farms and fields surrounding the temple. Then continue the drive to Thimphu, situated on a broad green valley surrounded by terraced rice fields. Thimphu, established only in the 1950s, is a town of about 50,000 people and is the administrative centre of Bhutan—arrival in Thimpu and accommodation. The rest of the afternoon remains in leisure to visit the city on your own. Recommend visiting the Norzim Lam (Norzim Street) with shops, including the goods imported from India and China.

Accommodation at the River View, a 3-star hotel, full board.

Breakfast at the resort. Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan, is located 2,300 meters in a valley crossed by the Wang Chu (river) and preserves a national architectural style. Start the day with a visit to Memorial Chorten, built in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1974. The paintings and images inside hold a rare sign of Buddhist philosophy, the 12th-century Changangkha Monastery and the oldest in Thimphu, the petting zoo to see the rare Motithang (Takin), the national animal of Bhutan, and continue down the road for beautiful views over the Thimphu Valley. Next, visit the new convent temple of Drupthob. In the afternoon, drive to the impressive Tashichho Dzong, the summer palace of Bhutan and the power seat of the Bhutanese Government, including the ministries and departments. This fortress was erected in 1641 by Ngawang Namgyal and later turned into a Dzong is one of the largest, with over 2000 monks in residence.

Accommodation at the River View, a 3-star hotel, full board.

150km and a 6-hour drive.

Today we travel by road through the southern foothills, through lush forested valleys and around the rugged north-south ridges of the inner Himalayas. The natural views are thrilling, with orchid-covered mountains and forests on either side. An exciting hairpin curve greets us with colourful sculptures of Tashi Tagye, the eight auspicious symbols in Tibetan Buddhism reflecting the teachings of the Buddha. Then continue descending the lower Himalayan hills to the border town of Phuntsholing, a fascinating mixture of Bhutanese and Indian and a lively centre for mingling peoples, languages, costumes and goods.

Accommodation in Hotel Orchid House, full board.

Today we need to complete border formalities en route to the Dooars Valley 400m, the Gateway to the Himalayas, crisscrossed by the River Teesta and its innumerable tributaries and filled with the unending stretch of virgin forests. Roads cut through deep woods rich with wildlife. Mauve Hills hosts wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tribal settlements and valleys carpeted with tea gardens. Today, we travel to Darjeeling, surrounded by tea plantations on the lower hills. Driving close beside the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Hill Railway drawn by century-old steam engines, we reach the halfway point of Kurseong, where we stop for a tea break before driving to Ghoom at about 2,400m.

There is a descent into the busy town of Darjeeling, 2,134m. Darjeeling, or the place of the thunderbolt and the surrounding area, once belonged to the rulers of Sikkim. In 1833 the British gained control of the hill on which Darjeeling stands after considerable political manoeuvring in return for a small annual payment to the King of Sikkim. Darjeeling soon became a popular health resort after building a pony road, some houses and introducing the tea plantation. In addition, the famous toy-trail mountain railway built in the 19th century boomed Darjeeling as a resort and holiday destination for the British bureaucracy to escape from the burning heat of Delhi to cooler climates. Darjeeling, built on a crescent-shaped ridge, is surrounded by cultivated slopes, thick forests, and tea plantations facing the Himalayas.

Accommodation in Hotel Anand Palace, breakfast and dinner.

We are woken before dawn with a cup of tea before boarding British-built Land Rovers for the 15km drive to Tiger Hill to see the amazing colours of sunrise on Kanchenjunga. At 2,550m, Tiger Hill commands superb views of the mountains and valleys of the eastern Himalayas, with Everest, Lhotse and Makalu visible in the far distance on clear days. On the way back, you will stop at Ghoom Monastery; this monastery, built in 1875, belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect of lamas and has a five-metre-high statue of the Maitreyi (future) Buddha.

In the afternoon, you will tour the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute; the small zoo beside it has several interesting Himalayan species, including snow leopards and red pandas. The institute houses a considerable collection of items used by the early Everest explorers and has a fine topographical model of the Eastern Himalayas. Later we drive to a nearby tea plantation for which this region is famous and see the picking and processing of tea leaves.

Local train schedule permitting, we will aim for a train ride on the 128-year-old steam run Railway, now a UNESCO World Heritage entity. The remaining day is free to browse the ‘Chowrasta’ or town square and explore the well-known Oxford Book Shop with its excellent collection of books on the history and cultures of the Himalayas. You could also walk down to the Lower Bazaar, where the residents shop for produce, fabrics and spices. We also take some time to visit the Tibetan Refugee and Handicraft Centre, where Tibetan refugees live cooperatively and their children attend school. At the same time, their parents work on wool making, carpet weaving, and handicraft production.

Accommodation in Hotel Anand Palace, breakfast and dinner.

We take an early departure following a steep descent through tea gardens, sal forests and cinchona plantation to reach tropical Teesta Valley. On the way, you’ll briefly stop at the Teesta Bridge checkpoint to show our Sikkim entry documents before continuing onwards to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. In the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is the natural border between Bhutan to the east, Nepal to the west, China-controlled Tibet to the north, and the Teesta and Ringgit rivers forming the natural boundary with West Bengal to the south. To the east lies Bhutan, separated by a tongue of Chinese-controlled Tibet.

A subtropical climate in the lower valley and alpine environment within a short driving or walking distance makes it a diverse and beautiful place with 660 varieties of orchids and a vast rhododendron forest. Sikkim and Darjeeling are known for their tea garden, but their other cash crop is the cardamom spice, which grows wildly around Yuksom and Phodang. The original inhabitants of Sikkim are the Lepchas, who may have migrated to Sikkim before the 8th century; later migrations brought Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism, followed by 35% of the Sikkimese people.

The central and northern areas of Sikkim are home to the Lepcha people, who inhabit the lower valleys. Other ethnic groups are the Magars, renowned as warriors, and the Bhotias, who came to Sikkim from the Kham area of Tibet in the 13th century and who form the core of the monastic system. Overnight in Gangtok (1,700m).

Accommodation in NetukHuse, breakfast and dinner included.

Gangtok lies on a beautiful hill ridge, offering scenic views of the Kangchenjunga Range. After breakfast, we visit the Institute of Cottage Industries, where young Sikkimese people get taught traditional crafts. A sales centre is attached for several local handicrafts, most with a strong Tibetan look. Woollen carpets, shawls and traditionally painted tables are good buys, all at government-regulated prices. Later, we visit the Enchey Monastery on the ridge above the town; the present building dates from 1909 though the monastery is over 200 years old.

We also visit the Institute of Tibetology, established in 1958 as an important centre for research on Tibet and Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism. After the Chinese occupation of Tibet, it houses many rare books, thangkas, statues, and manuscripts smuggled out of Tibet. We also visit the permanent ‘Flower Show’ exhibiting several native Sikkimese orchids and flower species. The afternoon is free to explore the town, and recommendable visiting the busy vegetable and spice market—accommodation in Netuk House, breakfast and dinner.

Today we take a short drive to Rumtek Monastery, located on the opposite side of the valley from Gangtok, the seat of the Tibetan Kagyupa sect and one of the important centres to study Tibetan Buddhism. The head of the Kagyupa sect, the 16th Gwalpa Karmapa, took refuge in Rumtek after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950s. Gwalpa Karmapa and his monks left the Chhofuk Monastery in Tibet and found the Rumtek Monastery as a replica with whatever valuables they could bring.

We then continue for a further 10km to Martam village 1450m, where we stay in comfortable cottages built in the local style with impressive views over a quiet valley of terraced rice paddies. The nearby village and the school offer a glimpse of an idyllic lifestyle in a perfect rural setting.

Accommodation in Martam Village Resort Ranch, Breakfast and dinner.

A scenic drive takes us to Kalimpong, passing through forest-covered slopes and fast-flowing rivers. Kalimpong is an important market town located strategically at the crossroads of Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and Bengal until the 1960s, when the Indo-China war banned cross-border trade. It is now well known for its numerous flower and orchid nurseries.

During our time in Kalimpong, we may also have time to drive to the monastery that overlooks superb views of Kalimpong town and the Himalayan peaks and visit the historic Dr Graham’s home. The extensive boarding and day school facility was established over a century ago. We will see its classrooms and boarding houses to get an idea of how students of both sexes from all over India and neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Nepal spend their days during the study year. There is an Anglican church with fine stained-glass windows nearby, and you can also visit one of the flower nurseries for which Kalimpong is well known across India.

Accommodation in Summit Barsana Resort and Spa, Breakfast and Dinner.

Today we drive down to the plains of North Bengal and the airport of Bagdogra, from where we fly to Delhi. Time permitting, we will have a panoramic tour of Delhi, taking in the breathless pace of this sprawling city and viewing some of the ancient Indian, medieval Moghul, and 19th-century British heritages. Delhi, Dehli, or Dilli is the misspelt form of Dhillika, the medieval city located on the southwestern border of the Union Territory of Delhi in Mehrauli. Delhi was the first in seven medieval towns, also known as Yogini Pura, the Fortress of the Yoginis, the female divinities.

Accommodation in Hotel Blue Berry, a 3-star hotel, breakfast included.

This morning, continue to Agra by road or air-conditioned train, schedules permitting. This evening we can explore the markets of Agra on foot.

Accommodation in Hotel Siri 18, a 3-star hotel, breakfast included.

Today we visit the main attraction of Agra: The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Called “A Dream in Marble,” the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jah as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jah built the Taj to enshrine the body of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal (the elect of the palace), who died shortly after giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. The Taj Mahal – often described as the most extravagant monument ever built monument of love constructed by 20,000 men from Asia commenced in 1632 and was completed in 1653. The marble used for the monument was brought from Makrana, near Jodhpur, and precious stones of amethyst, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, crystal and mother of pearl were brought from Persia, Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, China and the Indian Ocean.

You’ll also visit the imposing Red Fort or red sandstone Agra Fort, principally erected as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565 and partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time. Your last visit will be to the awesome Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar and abandoned after only sixteen years of use when the citadel’s water supply ran dry.

Later in the evening, we return to Delhi by fast air-conditioned train or bus, depending on group size and seat availability. Arrive and transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation in Hotel Blue Berry, a 3-star hotel, breakfast included.

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Later, a full-day Visit to Old & New Delhi. Visit Old Delhi, starting with the Raj Ghat (closed on Mondays), the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Then visit the Bangla Sabih Sikh Temple and observe the fervour with which the members of the Brotherhood listen to the reading of the Book. Then visit the Great Jamma Masjid Mosque, built by the Shah Jahan rising in the middle of the old city of Old Dehli. Muslim pride prevails in most Hindu territory, especially in the northern part, marking and recalling its ancient supremacy in much of the subcontinent, the conquests achieved in the 16th-19th centuries, and its undoubted influence on the development of the culture of India. From one end of the mosque courtyard, you can see the Red Fort of Delhi or Lal Quila in Hindu, built by the Islamic empire in the seventeenth century.

Further, continue taking a rickshaw ride through the crowded streets of Chandni Chowk full of shops with varied decorations; shoes, backpacks, glasses, cows or goats that sneak into the shops, all under a constant and disturbing disorder and bustle. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In New Delhi, we pass through the Rajpath, the city that Edwin Lutyens built to be the British capital in the so-called Anglo-Indian style, and the India Gate memorial was erected in honour of the soldiers who died during various wars. Parliament Building, Presidential Palace, and ministries. Visit the Qutub Minar, the oldest monument in Delhi, declared a World Heritage Site in 1993.

Accommodation in Hotel Blue Berry, a 3-star hotel, breakfast included.

Breakfast and the rest of the day are leisure on your own. The Representative of Happy Feet Nepal will arrive at your hotel with transport three hours before your departure flight time. Get escorted from the hotel to the departure Terminal of Delhi International Airport, see off formalities, and go through the immigration and departure with everlasting memories!