16 Days of Golden Triangle with Nepal and Bhutan

About the destination: Located on the banks of river Yamuna and in the northern part of the country, Delhi is India's capital city and the home of the Government. Delhi is a huge chaotic city, full of contrasts. While Delhi is in many ways the essence of modern India, because of its long history, it has many ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites and important remains and it is considered one of the oldest existing city in the world. Delhi is divided between the narrow, overcrowded alleys of Old Delhi, including its main street Chandni Chowk, where not much has changed in recent times, and the wide, clean tree-lined streets of New Delhi. The government and its offices reside in New Delhi, the official capital, while most of its historic neighborhoods and monuments lie in Old Delhi. Delhi inherited an astonishing number of splendid monuments from various architectural periods and it is just a joy to wander around this fascinating metropolis. Nonetheless, the main touristic sights not to be missed are the Red Fort, the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub complex, the National Museum, the largest mosque in India Jama Masjid, the India Gate, Gandhi Smriti, Lodi Gardens and the Lotus Temple. Mysterious and magical, Delhi is today a bustling cosmopolitan metropolis with trendy lounge bars, theme restaurants, nice shops and everything there is to expect of a modern capital city. Delhi is a city of the present and future, but it is deeply steeped in history and has a lot to show for it.

About the destination: Agra is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh and is the state’s third biggest city. Part of the city lies on the banks of the Yamuna River. The biggest attraction in Agra is the magnificent Taj Mahal, the 7th Wonder of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other UNESCO World Heritage sites found in Agra are the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife. The Taj Mahal is regarded by many as the finest example of Mughal architecture, it combines elements from Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architecture. The city was once the capital of Mughal Empire and is a picturesque riverine city along the Yamuna River enriched with Mughal's palaces, forts, tombs, beautiful gardens and the old Mughal Bazar. The old part of the city is a very interesting place to stroll around its narrow lanes and just observe the people. Agra is an amazing and very interesting city, home to very important monuments, like the world’s famous Taj Mahal or the fantastic Agra Fort, places that will remain in any visitor’s memory for life.

About the destination: Jaipur, also known as 'the Pink City,' is the capital of Rajasthan in India. Jaipur is often called the Pink City in reference to its distinctly coloured buildings, which were originally painted this color to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The present earthy red color originates from repainting of the buildings undertaken for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876. Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and was built in the eighteenth century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction amongst Indian as well as international travelers. It belongs to the tourist Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. It hosts several attractions like the City Palace, Govind Dev ji Temple, Vidhan Sabha, Birla Temple, several massive Rajpur forts and so on. It also serves as a stepping stone for travelers heading to the desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

About the destination: Kathmandu is the history-rich capital and largest town of Nepal. Located in one of the most dramatic natural environments possible, the Himalayan Mountains, Kathmandu has a large concentration of culture, art and tradition. Most of the cultural centers in Nepal are concentrated around the Kathmandu valley, a Valley with thousands of years of history. Walking around Katmandu is like strolling through an open air museum, the temples are majestic and the unique Nepali architecture is fascinating. Durbar Square is an excellent depiction of architecture and culture of Nepal. Located heart of Kathmandu, Durbar Square is filled with palaces and temples, including amazing ancient temples like Taleju Temple, a royal palace and the interesting Kumari Palace. Visit Swayambhunath where the Monkey Temple sits high overlooking Kathmandu. Even more impressive is the huge Boudha Stupa in Boudha, one of the most sacred sites for Tibetan Buddhism. The Hindu Temple at Pashupatnath gives a good idea of the Hinduism in Kathmandu. It is here where you will see the huge fires for the cremations on the banks of the Baghmati River. Go to Thamel for restaurants, bars and shops. Nepal’s most cosmopolitan city has lots to offer, and it is also a perfect base to explore the rest of this magical and fascinating country.

About the destination: Discover Paro: A Journey to Bhutan's Cultural Heart Nestled in the verdant valleys of Bhutan, Paro is a destination that promises a harmonious blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As you arrive in Paro, the first thing that strikes you is the serene landscape, punctuated by terraced fields, dense pine forests, and snow-capped peaks. The Paro Valley, with its fertile plains and clear rivers, is the perfect introduction to Bhutan’s pristine environment. The tranquility of the surroundings, coupled with the slow pace of life, allows visitors to truly unwind and immerse themselves in the local culture. One of the must-visit landmarks in Paro is the iconic Taktsang Monastery, often referred to as the Tiger's Nest. Perched precariously on the edge of a cliff 3,000 meters above sea level, this 17th-century monastery is a marvel of Bhutanese architecture and spiritual devotion. The hike to Taktsang is an adventure in itself, offering breathtaking views and a rewarding sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top. Ensure you carry a camera to capture the awe-inspiring vistas and the intricate details of the monastery's design. Paro is also home to the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the ancient Ta Dzong watchtower. The museum offers a fascinating insight into Bhutanese art, history, and culture, with exhibits ranging from traditional thangka paintings to ancient weaponry. Just a short walk away is the Rinpung Dzong, another architectural gem that showcases the brilliance of Bhutanese craftsmanship. This fortress-monastery, with its towering walls and ornate woodwork, plays a central role in the spiritual and administrative life of Paro. To truly experience the essence of Paro, take time to stroll through its charming town center. The streets are lined with traditional Bhutanese houses, shops selling handicrafts, and cozy restaurants offering local delicacies. Engage with the friendly locals, who are always eager to share stories and provide a deeper understanding of their way of life. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply in search of peace and tranquility, Paro stands as a gateway to the soul of Bhutan, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

About the destination: Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan. It is situated in the western central part of Bhutan, and the surrounding valley is one of Bhutan's dzongkhags, the Thimphu District. The ancient capital city of Punakha was replaced as capital by Thimphu in 1955, and in 1961 Thimphu was declared as the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan by the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The city extends in a north-south direction on the west bank of the valley formed by the Raidāk River, which is known as the Wang Chuu or Thimphu Chuu in Bhutan. Thimphu is the fourth highest capital in the world by altitude. Unusually for a capital city, Thimphu does not have its own airport, but relies on the Paro Airport connected by road some 54 kilometres away. Tourism, though a contributor to the economy, is strictly regulated, maintaining a balance between the traditional, development and modernization. Thimphu contains most of the important political buildings in Bhutan, including the National Assembly of the newly-formed parliamentary democracy and Dechencholing Palace, the official residence of the King, located to the north of the city. The culture of Bhutan is fully reflected in Thimphu in literature, religion, customs, and national dress code, the monastic practices of the monasteries, music, and dance, and in the media. Tshechu is an important festival when mask dances, popularly known as Cham dances, are performed in the courtyards of the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu. It is a four-day festival held every year in September or October.