Destination covered : India/ Nepal/Tibet/Bhutan
Duration : 26 Nights / 27 Days

Heritage and Buddha Trail Asia

Day 1st – Delhi
Assistance on arrival at India Gandhi International Airport followed by Traditional welcome. Transfer to respective hotel.
Delhi, India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor travelling in from the airport are of a spacious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks. Overnight stay.

Day 2nd - Delhi
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken on a half-day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
In the afternoon, proceed for sightseeing tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour. Overnight stay.

 Day 3rd – Delhi – Jaipur (265 K.M/5 Hrs drive)
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Delhi to Jaipur (260 KMS/5.30 Hours) and upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces and waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of Rajasthan.    By far it is the most  colorful  region in India.
Jaipur's past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed. There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add color to this fascinating city. Evening you will enjoy the Rajasthani Dinner at Rajasthani village resorts- Chokki Dhani. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4th – Jaipur
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area.
An elephant (alternatively by jeep) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.
En-route to Amber you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.
In the afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5th- Jaipur- Agra
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Agra (230 Kms/ 5 Hours) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century.  It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago.  It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. Now it is an extraordinary place to wander around with its buildings in near perfect condition. After your visit, continue your drive to Agra and upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra and its neighbourhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the magnificent Taj, are each unique and outstanding. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era.

Great empires have flourished in Agra and then grown to engulf the whole country. It’s line-up of monuments today stand mute testimony to the splendor of a bygone era and the visionary far-sightedness of the many monarchs who once ruled different parts of this state.
As visitors walk down the narrow, bustling streets, they can’t help but wonder if the man contentedly smoking a hookah is a direct descendant of some bygone Mughal. Even the majority of the buildings in the modern areas of town such as the cantonment are date back over a hundred years.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6th  – Agra
Early in the morning, you will be taken for tour of the Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday’s.) Midway Tonga’s “horse carriages” would be waiting for you and will drop you at the gates of the Taj Mahal, taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. After visit to the Taj, you will return back to the hotel for buffet breakfast.
After breakfast, you will visit Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jahan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Afternoon is at leisure or free for shopping Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7th  – Agra- Jhansi  By Train and Jhansi- Khajuraho by Road
A representative will meet you at the Jhansi Station and transfer  to  Orchha, a city frozen in time. It was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela chieftain, Rudra Pratap Singh, who built this new capital on large wooded islands on the River Betwa. Today, remains of the fort and palaces speak eloquently of Orchha's time of glory, of its splendid legacy of art and culture. Though little more than a village today, stepping back in time, into Orchha's fortress and palaces is an enjoyable experience.

Place of interest in Orchha include the multi-tiered Jehangir Mahal, within the fort, built in 1606; the Raj Mahal noted for its fine murals and the Rai Praveen Mahal, a palace set in the gardens of Anand Mahal. Orchha has tall-spired temples that are certainly worth visit. Notable among them are the Ram Raja Temple, Laxminarain Temple with its exuberant frescoes, and the Chaturbhuj Temple.
Continued drive to Khajuraho.
Khajuraho upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel where remainder of the day will be at leisure.  Khajuraho -  In the realm of architecture, Khajuraho holds a unique position. The temples here were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. by the Chandela dynasty, who claims descent from the Moon God and a mortal, Hemavati, with whom the god fell in love.
Most of the temples of the north were destroyed by invaders, but Khajuraho escaped and stands today as an island of beauty. The Chandelas built 85 temples and some 22 survive today. Architecturally the temples have some unique features. They stand on high platforms and do not have customary enclosures. Each temple has a large number of spires in ascending order representing man's aspirations towards spiritual goals. They are ornately carved, with each frieze and sculpture depicting the genius of the men who carved it and the king who inspired them. Although famous for erotic depictions, these form only a small part of the wealth of the site. Taken in totality, the sculptures of Khajuraho depict the everyday life of the people and the court in the 10th and 11th centuries. Khajuraho is not something that can be described in words; it has to be experienced.  Evening enjoy local folk dances at Kandharia Shilpgram. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8th –Khajuraho- Varanasi ( By Flight)
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, visit the Chandela Temple Complex. The tour of Khajuraho this morning concentrates on the famous erotic temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in Northern India. The remote location of Khajuraho meant that the temples were unharmed by Muslim invaders and as a result, the intricately fine carvings are in very good condition and are said to represent life in heaven.
They were built during the mighty Chandela dynasty, the majority were constructed in a sudden burst of creative and religious energy, between the mid-10th and 11th centuries. After ruling for about 500 years the Chandela dynasty fell to the might of Islam and consequently the religious centre of Khajuraho was abandoned. The temples remain as a reminder of a society that believed in the full enjoyment of life, with all the senses being a path to nirvana. Of the eighty-five original temples only 22 remain, but many are in very good condition. You visit the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai Temples, each remarkable for its beautiful design and architecture
After visiting Khajuraho Temple ,  Afternoon, a representative will transfer you to Airport in time for your flight to Varanasi,  will meet you at the airport upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel, and upon arrival check – in at your hotel, where remainder of the day will be at leisure.
Varanasi, the 'eternal city', and Hinduism's most important city, located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, has been the center of learning and civilization for over two thousand years.

Day 9th - Varanasi- Bodhgaya (243 K.M/ 7 Hrs)
Very early in the morning you will take a boat ride along the bathing ghats on the Holy River Ganges. At sunrise the Hindu faithful flock to the river to cleanse themselves of their sins. You see the cremation ghats and the Deswameedha ghats. To die in Varanasi is to end the Hindu cycle of re-birth, thereby making it a popular place to end one's life. After sunrise you will visit some of the temples in the surrounding area.
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, visit "Bharat Kala Bhavan" which lies within the sprawling grounds of Banaras Hindu University. Its outstanding collection of sculpture, paintings and textiles began with the private collection of the enlightened Rai Krishnadasa.
The sculpture collection includes terracotta and clay objects, stone and bronze and cast metal objects. Ancient terracotta varying from ritual icons to toys to utilitarian objects date to the Indus Valley Civilization, Mauryan, Sunga and Gupta period.
In the afternoon, you will proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, a major Buddhist centre in the world. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha, the 'Awakened One', delivered his first sermon here. It was the sixth century then, when he also set in motion the wheel of law, the Dharmachakra. This dwelling place of the rishis, it was also known as 'Rishipatana' (the place of the Rishis or sages). Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park where he initiated his first five disciples into Buddhist monkshood. Buddhism found its roots in Sarnath, the birthplace of this way of life. Continued drive to Bodhgaya.
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 10th – Bodhgaya
After breakfast full day local sightseeing of Bodhgaya.
Bodhgaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One. Born; in the foothills of the Himalayas as a Sakya prince of Kapilvastu (now in Nepal), most of the major events of his life, like enlightenment and last sermon, happened in Bihar. Buddhism as a religion was really born in Bihar and evolved here through his preaching and the example of his lifestyle of great simplicity, renunciation and empathy for everything living. Significantly, the state's name of 'Bihar' originated from 'Vihara' meaning monasteries which abounded in Bihar. Several centuries after Buddha's passing away, the Maurya Emperor Ashoka (234-198 BC) contributed tremendously towards the revival, consolidation and spread of the original religion. It is the monasteries, Ashoka built for the Buddhist monks and the pillars known as Ashokan Pillars erected to commemorate innumerable historical sites associated with the Buddha's life, mostly intact to this day, that helped scholars and pilgrims alike to trace the life events and preaching of a truly extraordinary man. There is a magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the Tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises. The temple is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures and heritages. While its architecture has a distinct stamp of the Gupta era, it has later ages inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hieuen Tsang visited in 7th century.

Day 12th - Bodhgaya - PATNA (ENROUTE VISITING NALANDA & RAJGIR {200 Km.(5 hrs)}
Drive you to Patna enroute visiting Nalanda: founded in the 5th century known as center of intellectualism. On arrival in Patna check in into hotel. Overnight hotel.

Day 13th Patna – Kushinagar (En-route VISITING VAISHALI) 250 K.M/ 5 Hrs
Morning proceed to Vaishali, a very special place to Buddhists as The Lord delivered his last sermon & announced his impending Nirwana. See the majesty of Ashok Pillar - Lotus tank, Chaumukhi & proceed to Kushinagar for overnight stay.

 Day 14th - Kushinagar -Shravasti
Morning visit Mahanirvana temple, the modern Japan / Srilanka Buddhist center & monasteries, then proceed to Sravasti where you will see the extensive ruins of this ancient city & Jetavana monastery. On arrival check in into hotel. Overnight hotel.

Day  - 15th Shravasti / Lumbni {197 Km. )
Drive you to Lumbini - the birthplace of BUDDHA. On arrival check in into hotel. Today relax in the hotel Overnight hotel.

 Day 16th – Lumbini- Bhairwa by Road and Bhairwa- Kathmandu By Flight
Morning visit to Ashoka's pillar (249 BC) rediscovered in 1890. s inside thick sal forest, a temple of Mayadevi, the ruins of an old monastery and some new stupa. Transfer to Bhairwa Airport for onward journey. On arrival at Kathmandu Airport transfer to Hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 17th – Kathmandu
We shall process your Tibet VISA with Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu on this day. after breakfast, proceed for full day sightseeing tour covering Kathmandu City, Sayambunath Stupa, Patan

Day 18th – Kathmandu
Early morning, OPTIONAL enjoy spectacular mountain flight wherein you can have an ariel view of Mount Everest and other Himalayan Peaks, duration of this flight is 1 hrs. After breakfast, proceed for visit to Pashupatinath ,Boudhnath, Bhaktapur City, Overnight stay.

Day 19th - Kathmandu - Lhasa (Daily Flight)
Arrival Lhasa and acclimatization
Welcome to Tibet at Gonggar Airport! Lhasa, the capital of China's Tibet Autonomous Region, has a history of more than 1,300 years. It is the political, economic, cultural and transport center of the region. Lhasa covers an area of close to 30,000 square km. It has a downtown of 544 square km and a population of 400,000; 140,000 of its people live in the downtown area. Lhasa is home to the Tibetan, Han, and Hui peoples, as well as many other ethnic groups, but the Tibetan ethnic group makes up 87 percent of the total population. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Here, air is extremely pure and the sky is deep blue. This day would be kept for your acclimatization. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and have a good sleep for next day’s program. 

 Day 20th- Lhasa sightseeing
Visit Potala Palace and Jokang Monastery today, then walk on the Barkhor Street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

 Day 21st -  Lhasa sightseeing
After breakfast, visit Sera monastery.  We can do the Sera Kora walk of about 1 hr and then catch the famous debate session (if the debate session is in process) of the monks before returning back to Lhasa. In the afternoon, visit Tibetan Medicine Hospital.

Tibetan Medicine Hospital:
Built in 1916, and is the first hospital in Tibet. From 1960 to 1980, this hospital has twice changed its name, it provides medicine treatment, teaching, research, and some medicine production, and it is a large medical complex.
Tibet lies in the highland of Qingzang, which has an average altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level. The Tibetan has special diet habits and daily routines that are quite different from the other places, because of the high altitude. Diseases such as leprosy and some other skin problems, which had almost forgotten by the modern civilization, could be see in this mysterious area. For a long while, many medical professionals have made a great deal of efforts on those diseases and other ones that are aroused by the altitude.
Actually, the medicine of Tibet has a history for more than 2,300 years. The historic record shows that at about 300B.C., there were already people that wrote the medicine practices into books. Those books are the foundation of the medicine technique in Tibetan. The record shows that during the long history of Tibet, many doctors have contributed a great deal of knowledge to the Tibetan medicine techniques. Doctor Yutuoning Mayunzhou, is the most famous among the nine well-know Tibetan doctors. He lived in the beginning of the 8th century. He collected medicine books and gathered practical medical experiences from Central China and some nearby countries like Nepal, Indian and so on. His medical record collection later became a world-famous classic work of medical science, which had established the special theory system of Tibetan medicine.
Because of the long history, this hospital of Tibetan Borough was evaluated "The Model Hospital of China" by the Medicine Administer Bureau of China. The hospital has two level treatment rooms, two institutes, and a Tibetan medicine factory. Because of the special theories and treatments, the medical science of Tibet is an important part of Chinese Medical Science. Though the area is not a charming tourist attraction, yet its specialist attracts many tourists who want to know more about the Tibetan daily life.

Day 22nd –Lhasa- Kathmandu-Paro ( Lhasa flight operates on Tuesday, Friday till March)
In time, transfer to the airport for your onward journey to Kathmandu and take connecting flight to Paro.  You will see major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and then on the final approach to Paro, Bhutan Snowy peaks, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang will come into view. Bhutan�s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. You will be met by our representative, and after completion of arrival formalities will be taken to your hotel. Afternoon free for activities or at leisure. In the evening, take a stroll around Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 23rd - Paro
Paro is a most picturesque valley, with quaint hamlets clustered amidst terraced paddy fields. The town still maintains tradition by way of its architecture and simple way of life. In the morning, visit to Ta dzong, formerly a watchtower but now housing the National Museum. Ta Dzong holds unique and varied collections, ranging from ancient armor to textiles, thangkha paintings, stamps, coins, and natural history. Then walk down a hillside trail to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built in 1646 during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It now houses Paro�s monk body and the offices of the civil administration. After lunch, drive up valley to Drukgyel Dzong or the Fort of Drukpa Victoryï. In former times, the Bhutanese repelled invasions by Tibetan from this fortress. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, the ruins still present an imposing sight. On a clear day, there is a splendid view of Bhutan�s sacred mountain, Chomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong. Also visit a traditional Bhutanese houses in the village nestled below the dzong. Then head back towards Paro town, en route visiting Kyichu Lhakhang, established in the 7th century, and one of the two oldest shrines in the kingdom (the other is in Bumthang), reflecting the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

 Day 24th - Paro / Thimphu (55 km, 2 hours)
After breakfast drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town, passing through idyllic countryside, with villages and paddy fields on either side of the road. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses of the country, which now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies. Afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu valley, visiting: Trashichhodzong, the seat of the government: the National Memorial Chorten, within which there are finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues which provide deep insight into Buddhist philosophy: and the Handicrafts Emporium, which displays a wide range of the traditional handicrafts for which Bhutan is renowned. You may also be able to catch a game of archery in progress at the Changlimethang sports ground, just below the town. Take an early evening stroll around the market area before dinner. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

 Day 25th     Thimphu / Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro. Later take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery. Legends says that Guru Padsambhava came here flying on the back of tigress and meditated at the place where now monastery stands. Taktsang or Tiger Nest was severely damaged by fire which took place in April 1998 and now it has been restored in its original splendor. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 26th – Paro- Delhi ( By Flight)
After breakfast transfer to Paro Airport to board flight to Delhi. On Arrival at Delhi Airport transfer to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 27th – Delhi
Full day explore remaining part of Delhi or Visit Akashardham Swami Narayan temple and later on transfer to International Airport to board flight to your Country.