BHUTAN-BIHAR-MP TOUR ITINERARY
20nights/21days
Day 01: Delhi to Paro
On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area..
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
Then, visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Afterwards visit to Textile and Folk Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese living traditions.
Post lunch, visit the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
Then, drive to Takin Preserve. The Takin is national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and goat.
Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”.
Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials.Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03 : Thimphu, Punakha & Wangduephodrang (75 km, approx. 3 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La. Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Dochula is a scenic location with chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate this highest point on the road. If skies are clear, it may be possible to see the following peaks from this pass in the order left to right: Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past.
Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (Changgangkha Lhakhang temple)
The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha / Wangduephodrang.
Day 04 : Punakha & Wangduephodrang (Excursion to Gangtey)
After breakfast, embark on a fascinating excursion to Gangtey. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed.
Visit here the Gangtey Gompa : Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
Then explore the fascainting Phobjikha Valley. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.
Also visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes.
Later in the afternoon drive back to Punakha / Wangduephodrang, for overnight stay.
Day 05 : Punakha & Wangduephodrang , Paro (125 kms, approx. 4.1/2hours drive)
After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the valley.
En route visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortress of the country and known as the place of profound tantric teaching. This dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed toTa Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Note : visit to Taktsang at Paro (Tiger nest can be done on day 5 if guest start early from punaka ( so no sightseeing on that day) . Pony goes for 1 hour and then they have to trek for another 1 ½ hours . While coming down they have to walk ( no pony) for 2 ½ hrs.)
Day 06 : Paro – Delhi – Banaran
Early breakfast departure for Airport to connect flight Paro to Del. After some rest at airport , catch flight for Varanasi .Afternoon Be picked-up at the airport and check in to hotel. After some rest , In the evening, experience the Hindu ritual Aarti. Aartis also refer to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when offering of lamps is being offered. Hindus in India worship the river Ganges as goddess. Every evening in Varanasi, aarti is performed at the Dashashwamedh ghat. We can watch it from the Ghat or from the waterside in a boat. It is a beautiful, resonant, and majestic spectacle with a very precise choreography involving rituals performed by several priests with the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras.
Day 07 : Morning Boat Ride
Start your next day with a morning boat ride at the dawn. Boating in the Ganges at the sunrise in Varanasi is one of the main attractions. Observe Hindu’s way of life on the bank of the river Ganges. There are number of temples on the bank of the Ganges River in Varanasi. It is at the Ganga Ghats [Banaras Ghat] where you can see life and death together. There are numbers of Ghat alongside Ganges river in Varanasi where you can see Hindu cremation as well. Some of the prominent and popular Ghats at Varanasi are the Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harischandra Ghat, Assi Ghat,Shivala Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat, Ahilyabai Ghat and Kedar Ghat. After the boat ride take a small walk in to the oldest part of Varanasi, famous for its narrow street. Visit Kashi Vishwnath Temple area, also known as the Golden Temple. (The temple itself is open to Hindu only) After breakfast, drive to Sarnath, approximately 10km (6.2ml) from Varanasi City. Varanasi is where the Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon in a Deer Park. It makes Sarnath one of the most venerated Buddhist places. Besides Buddhism, Sarnath is also connected with Jainism. There are many Buddhist monuments and edifices at Sarnath. The main attractions of Sarnath are Archaeological and Excavation Area (Sarnath, Deer park), Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhammek Stupa (Dhamekha Stupa), Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Ashoka Pillar (Ashokan Lion Pillar), Ashokan Lion-Capital (the national emblem of India) and the Archeological Museum.
Day 08 : City Tour Banaras – Bodhgaya (4 h 30 min (255.0 km) via NH19)
After breakfast, drive to Banaras Hinu University, and visit the Indian art museum Bharat Kala Bhawan and New Kashi Vishwnath Temple. Other important points to see in city include the Durga Temple (monkey temple), Tulasi Manas Temple, Bharat Mata Temple (Mother India Temple).after driver to Bodhgaya ON ARRIVAL , CHECK-IN TO THE HOTEL .LATER VISIT MAHABODHI VIHAR AND OTHER MONATERIES // OVERNIGHT STAY IN BODHGAYA.
Day 09 : Bodhgaya
After breakfast, visit boshgaya niranjana river ,sujata village and many beautiful monasteries . also vist great Buddha Statue , mahakala (dungeswari ) cave , Vajrasana , animeshlocan chaiyata , budhi sarovar , Vishnupada temple , archaeological museum of bodhgaya , Japanese Buddha temple , thai temple and many more , at evening visit the mahabidhi temple for prayer , your overnight Stay arrangements in the bodhgaya .
Day 10 : KUNDALPUR / PAWAPURI / RAJGIR / NALANDA (100 KM / APPROX 2-3 HRS)
VISIT KUNDALPUR TEMPLE , PAWAPURI JAL MANDIR AND OTHER TEMPLES OF INTEREST & OTHER SITES // OVERNIGHT STAY IN RAJGIR
Day 11 : RAJGIR - DEOGHAR - RAJGIR (120 KM / APPROX 3 HRS)
ARRIVE DEOGHAR AND VISIT THE JAIN TEMPLE , Baidyanath Temple(visit Vaidhyanath temple ) Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple, also known as Baba Baidyanath dham and Baidyanath dham is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in Deoghar in the Santhal Parganas division of the state of Jharkhand, India & OTHER PLACES OF INETEREST . after drive back to Rajgir, OVERNIGHT STAY IN RAJGIR
Day 12 : Rajgir –Patna (2 h 13 min (104.6 km) via NH20 and NH31)
After breakfast TRANSFER TO THE VAISHALI VISIT SHRI VAISHALI DIGAMBAR JAIN TEERTH KSHETRA , EVENING RETURN TO PATNA / OVERNIGHT STAY IN PATNA
>> (NO GOOD HOTEL IN VAISHALI // SO FOR FRESHEN UP GUEST CAN CHECK-IN AT THE PATNA HOTEL FIRST AND THEN PROCEED TO VAISHALI)
Day 13 : Patna to Indor
After breakfast drive to Patna Airport to catch the flight for indoor , 3 hours stopover at Delhi then you will be reach at indoor airport around 04.05 pm pick from airport and drive to hotel check into the hotel overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Indore
Morning breakfast Visit to Indore local sightseeing. I.e. KANCH MANDIR KHAJRANA, BADA GANPATI, LAL BAGH PALACE, Rajwada, Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 15 : Indore – Ujjain
Morning departure to Mandu .En Route sightseeing of Omkareshwar & Maheshwar Temple. Arrival at Ujjain. Night stay at Hotel
Day 16: Ujjain
After breakfast visit Ujjain, Visit to Some famous temple. visit to Mahakaleshwar Temple to attain the “Bhasm Aarti”. Sightseeing of Harsidhi Durga Temple, Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, Sandipani Ashram . Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 17: Ujjain- Bhopal
After Breakfast departure to Bhopal. Today excursion to Sanchi, Visit Stupas, Monasteries, Temples and Pillars. Evening Local Sightseeing of Bhopal Lake Etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 18: Bhopal – Orchha
After breakfast, Proceed to Orchha. Visit Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Chaturbhuj temple. Overnight stay hotel.
Day 19: Orchha –Khajuraho
After breakfast, departure to Khajuraho. Visit Khajuraho sightseeing Kandriya Mahadeo Temple, Chausath Yogini, Chitrgupta etc. In the evening enjoy witness the spectacular sound & light show. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 20: Khajuraho Chitrakoot - Khajuraho
Early Morning departure to Chitrakoot – Visit Ram hat, Bharat Milap, Janaki Kund, Sati Anusuya ashrama, Sphatic Shila, overnight at Khajraho
Day 21: Khajuraho –Delhi
After breakfast drop you at Khajuraho Airport to catch the flight for delhi .
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