Tours Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Odin Tours

Zanskar Trek

Zanskar trek is an epic journey through some of the most remote and spectacular areas of Ladakh and Zanskar. It is a treat for both newcomers to the Indian Himalaya and veteran trekkers alike. Passing over many snow-covered passes and rugged valleys, the trek combines the best of the Himalayas, the remote villages and fascinating culture of central Zanskar with the vivid history and colorful, living gompas (monasteries) of Ladakh. Starting from Lamoure, the trek crosses many high passes over 5000m before entering into verdant valley of Himachal Pradesh. On the trek, you will see many ancient monasteries and remote hamlets.

Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi meet our executive and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2 Delhi – Manali (510 kms/ 12-13 hrs)
In the morning haf day sight seeing at Delhi including Red Fort built in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Raj Ghat and Shantivan, the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, India Gate (War Memorial Arch), Akshar Dham Temple and then evening drive to Manali by AC Luxury Volvo coach. Overnight journey.

Day 3 Manali (2050 mts)
Arrival at Manali by morning and then transfer to the hotel for relax. Evening free to explore the Mall road. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4 Manali – Darcha (3400 mts) (147 Kms/7-8 hrs drive)
After breakfast drive to Darcha. Across Rohtang Pass (3,980 mts.) which is the gateway to Lahual, Spiti, Pangi & Zanskar Valleys. 8 hours drive through Lahual valley. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 5 Darcha – Palemo
After breakfast trek to Pa-Lahmo. Darcha is the last village of Himachal Pradesh on the way to Leh. It is the starting point of Darcha to Padam trek. We start our trekking today. First day it’s an easy trekking of 3-4 hrs, follow the track until the last hamlet then good footpath and pass a spectacular gorge. Dinner and overnight stay in tent.

Day 6 Palemo – Zanskar – Sumdo (5-6 hrs).
Continue trekking and follow the track on the left side of the river passing through the rocky path with big boulders and moraines. We also have to cross streams twice or thrice enroute. Arrive Zanskar Sumdo (4000 M), a good camping ground for the night stay. Dinner and overnight stay in thents.

Day 7 Zanskar Sumdo – Chuminakpo (5-6 hrs).
Today its trekking high up on mountain side. First cross the river by a hanging bridge and then steep climb up for about an hour and then follow the trek on a narrow valley until you reach Ramjak, a small meadow. Thereafter to Chuminakpo (4800 m). Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 8 Chminakpo – Lukung (7-8 hrs).
Climbing zigzag up through the moraine, ice and snow up to Shingo-La (5090 m). Thereafter descent is through the iceand the snow which is steep and dangerous for the horses and the mules till you reach small meadow. Lukung (4400 m) is further down near the river Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 9 Lukung – Kurgiak Shi (7-8 hrs)
It’s long and easy trekking up and down. Crossing over the bridge we go to another side of the river and follow the path with a mass of fallen rock. Besides this we cross several streams and also pass beneath the face of Gumburanjon peak. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 10 Kurgiak Shi – Purne
Long day of about 8-9 hrs trek. After breakfast continue on the right side of the river along an easy path. We pass through some villages such as Table, Tanze, Kuru, and Jal. Kuru is a major village of livestock breeders. Climb up the gentle slope is the village Jal and thereafter steep descent towards a good bridge for Purne (3650 m). Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 11 Purne – Phuktal – Gyalbokh (6-7 hrs).
Today we visit Pughtal Gompa, one of the oldest monastery in Zanskar and spectacularly located. Passing through a narrow valley and the splendid gorge we cross the bridge and come to an small plateau sprinkled with chortens and religious banners. From here we see one of the most spectacular sight of the Pughtal Monastery built in a cave. The monastery belongs to the tradition of the Gelugpas (Yellow Hats). Back to Purne and further trekking up on the left bank of Tsarap river after crossing the bridge. Arrive Gyalbokh village. Dinner and overnight stay in tents. Phuktal Monastery, one of the most spectacular sights in Zanskar. Phuktal belongs to the tradition of the Gelupas(yellow-Hat Monks).The monastery is like a honeycomb, cut into a cock under a gignantic grotto, and has 70 monks. in the caves over the monastery, there is a water hole whose water level never receds, even after taking out any amount of water from there. Water is said to have healing powers.

Day 12 Gyalbokh – Raru (3700) (6-7 hrs)
several difficult stretches for the horses and mules. A gradual climb before coming to small plateau and the gradual descending towards to Raru village. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 13 Raru – Mone – Padum (6-7 hrs)
Its an easy trekking down on motorable road. After an hour’s trekking we come to a small village called Mone. Visit a Gompa there. Further enroute after two hours is Bardan Gompa , situated on mountain plateau. Arrive Padam (3650 m), the capital of Zanskar where two rivers Doda and Tsarap join to form Zanskar river. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 14 Padum
Day free. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 15 Padum – Karsha – Rinam (6-7 hrs)
From Padam head towards Pipiting and follow a dusty plain towards the Doda river and reach bridge. Cross the bridge to reach Karsha Monastery dating back to the 16th century. It is the largest and the wealthiest of all monasteries in Zanskar. Further trekking down on the plain path is Rinam. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 16 Rinam – Pissu (5-6 hrs)
Today we trek through the easy stretches often hot and dusty through the bank of Zanskar river and a small stream and shelter formed by rocks. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 17 Pissu – Hanumil (5-6 hrs)
Follow left bank of Zanskar River. Easy going along the river , sometimes across the moronic plateau. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 18 Hanumil – Purfila – Snertse (6-7 hrs)
Now onwards the path leads us away from Zanskar river. Climb up to Parfi-La (3950 m) and then steep descend until reaching the Oma-Chu river . Crossing over the bridge and further climb up a 500 m sandy slope we reach the sheepfolds of Snertse. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 19 Snertse – Hanumi La – Lingshed (7-8 hrs)
Long gradual ascend towards Hanumi-La (4877 m) . Reach the top of Hanumi-La and then steep descent about 1000 meters. Again climb about 400 meter up along the mountain side, cross a small pass and then easy descent to Lingshed (3800 m). Overnight in Tent.

Day 20 Lingshed – Foot of Shinge La
Gradual one hour climb to the Murgum-la (4200 m) then pass an escarpment, go along the slope. Gentle descent towards the villages of Gongma and Skiumpata. Steep climb to Kiupa-la (3850 m) and then gradual climb along mountainside to the foot of Shinga-la.

Day 21 Foot of Shinge La – Photoskar (7-8 hrs)
About one to two hours steep climb to Shinga-la (5060 m) and then descending to a broad valley. Again gentle climb towards Bhumiktse-la (4200 m) and descending towards Photoskar (3750 m) , a splendid village. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 22 Photoskar – Sir Sir La – Hanupatta
From Photoskar it’s gentle climb up to a large chorten, then long ascent of Sisir-la (4990 m). An easy descent to the river and village Hanupatta (3450 m). Overnight IN Tent. (6-7 hrs)

Day 23 Hanupatta – Shilla (5-6 hrs)
Trek down the slope until entering the gorge and the bridge at the junction of the two rivers. Some easy some difficult stretches of fallen rocks until Phenjilla. Afterwards its trekking on motorable road up to Wanla (3245 m). Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 24 Shilla – Lamayuru – Leh
Last day of our trekking. We pass the Shilla village to cross Prinkiti-la (3726 m). to reach Lamayuru (3 hrs). Visit monastery and drive to Leh (3500 m). Dinner and overnight stay in guest house.

Day 25 Leh – Delhi
In the morning after breakfast transfer to airport, from here catch a flight for Delhi..

For Price Contact Us

Heavenly Kashmir

Gar Firdaus roye zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto.

means.

If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this!

Tranquil lakes, beautiful gardens, luxuriant flowers and fruits, rolling hills, walking in the valleys or drifting in a shikara as close as one gets to Paradise on Earth as Kashmir is often referred to. Experience the unique life-style, staying on board the famous houseboats of Srinagar in the middle of peaceful waters of Dal and Nagin Lakes. The valley of Gulmarg offers golf, horse-riding, and skiing. The Pahalgam has the prized rainbow trout, and scenic walks. This exhilarating journey through Kashmir’s own ˜Golden Triangle is truly a mesmerizing experience.

Heavenly Kashmir Tour – 6N/7D

Jammu, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar

Tour Details

Day 01 – Arrive Jammu – Srinagar (250 kms)
Arrive Jammu Train station and drive to Srinagar. On arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at houseboat.

Day 02 – Srinagar & The City of Mughal

This morning after breakfast proceed for city tour of Srinagar. The world famous Mughal Gardens visiting the Nishat Bagh (The garden of pleasure) & Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love), & The Chasme Shahi Garden, & Shankaracharya Temple. In the evening return to Houseboat. Overnight at House boat.

Day 03 – Srinagar to Sonmarg – Srinagar
This morning after breakfast drives to Sonmarg. Explore the natural beauty of Sonmarg later come back to Srinagar for overnight stay.

Day 04 – Srinagar to Pahalgam
This morning after breakfast drives to Pahalgam 2440 Meters (Vale of Kashmir) on arrival check into your hotel. On the way visit Saffron field and Avantipur ruins, which is eleven hundred years old temple? Finally by the lunchtime you will reach Pahalgam, which is the most famous palace for Indian Film Industry. After lunch enjoy the nature charm of the valley.

Day 05 – Pahalgam to Gulmarg
This morning after breakfast drive to Gulmarg which is one of the most beautiful summer resort in the valley. On arrival check into your hotel. This afternoon visit One can have Gondola ride (cable car) from Gulmarg to Khalinmarg. Overnight at Hotel in Gulmarg.

Day 06 – Gulmarg (Sight Seeing)- Srinagar (52 kms)
After breakfast visit for the highest golf course in the world and skiing during the winter season. Visit Harmukh & Sun Set Peak. Later drive to Srinagar. On arrival check in to the hotel/House boat. Overnight stay.

Day 07 – Srinagar – Jammu (250 kms)
After breakfast drive to Jammu. On arrival you will be transferred to Airport/Train station for onward destination.

For Price Contact Us

Amazing Ladakh

The fact that attracts me most about Ladakh is that it is a cold desert situated in the lap of the mighty Himalayan range and Karakoram Range. This place will entice your heart and mind and provide you with an essence of tranquillity.

A quiet corner of Western Himalayas, where the dawn breaks with chants of lamas and the valley goes to sleep with flickering lights of butter lamps in its various monasteries, Ladakh is a land like no other; a land unknown to outsiders for many centuries, a land of awesome beauty, stark landscape, towering mountain peaks and unique cultural heritage. This ancient culture finds its manifestation in its religion, fairs & festivals and passed from generation to generations through prayer and folklore. Rugged mountain side dotted with monasteries and gompas, ancient Tibetan-Buddhist culture and valleys filled with fluttering flags leave the first time traveler awestruck by its beauty. Cross the world’s highest motorable road to reach the cold desert of Nubra valley and the last habitat of ˜Double Humped Bactrian Camel. Traveling through this amazingly beautiful land leaves a memorable impression and a sense of self containment “ a journey through ˜Ancient Future.

Amazing Ladakh Tour – 11N/12D

Leh, Alchi, Tingmosgarn, Lamayuru, Nubra Valley, Tsomoriri Lake, Tsokar, Tanglang La

Detailed Tour Plan

DAY 01 : ARRIVAL LEH

Arrival at Leh airport and transfer to the Hotel. Full day is t leisure to acclimatize yourself because of high altitude of Leh as it is 3500 Mtrs above the sea level. In the evening you will be visiting Leh Bazaar. Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 02 : LEH (MONASTERY TOUR)

Day excursion to the famous monasteries, it is interesting to visit Thiksey monasgtery early in the morning to witness the praying ceremony there.

Continue drive to Hemis monastery which is one of the most famous monasteries of the Ladakh region.

On the way back, visit Shey and Stok Palace. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 03: LEH – ALCHI – LIKIR- TINGMOSGAM (100 KM, 4 HOURS)

After breakfast drive to Tingmosgamo and on the way visit Alchi monastery which is 69 km west of Leh. Alchi monastery founded in 11th century is largest and most famous of all temples built by great translator Ringchem Zangpo.

Then visit Likir, also known as Klu-Kkjil (water spirits) founded in 14th century. Continue drive to Tingmosgam which was Capital of Ladakh in the 15th century. The king Drag Pa Bum built the palace and fortress wall which encircles the places. Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 04 : TINGMOSGAM – LAMAYURU – TINGMOSGARN (50 KM, 2 HOURS)

After breakfasrt drive to Lamayuru which is one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh region. The monastery was founded in the 10th century. Later, Rinchen Zangpo came here and built many temples and stupas. In the afternoon visit Tingmosgam Gompa and the village. Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 05 : TINGMOSGAM – RIDZONG – PHYANG – LEH (100KM, 5 HOURS)

After breakfast drive to Leh. En-route visit Ridozng and Phyang monastery. Rizong is also known as Yuma Changchubling, founded about 138 years ago by the great Lama Tsultim Nima Gompa belonging to Gelukpa order. Arrival at Leh and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 06 : LEH – NUBRA (DISKIT & HUNDER) – 130 KMS, 5 HOURS

After early breakfast at hotel drive to Nubra Valley with lunch box along. Stop en-route and visit Disket and Hundar monastery. On arrival check in at Camp. The valley is on the trade route from leh to Khangar via Samsar and Karakoram passes. Apart from unparalleled trekking opportunities, the valley has several Buddhist Gompas. Visit Diskit Gompa which is 350 years old and is situated on the highest point near the village. Overnight stay in Camp.

DAY 07 : NUBRA VALLEY

After breakfast drive to Panamik village. It is an incredibly beautiful place blessed by sheer beauty, rugged mountains and hot springs. The incredible thing about the village is the superb irrigation system built over decades; Return to the camp for Hot Lunch. In the Afternoon visit Samtaling monastery in Sumur village. This monastery belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Buddhism, the Dalai Lama’s branch. In the evening come back to camp for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 08 : NUBRA – KHARDONG LA – LEH (130 KM, 5 HOURS)

After breakfast at the camp, drive to Leh with lunch box along. En route stop at Khardungla Pass ( 5359 m ) – world’s highest motorable pass. Khardong La is historically important as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Chinese Central Asia. About 10,000 horses and camels used to take the route annually. Continue drive to Leh. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free for shopping and independent activities. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 09 : LEH – CHUMATHANG – TSOMORIRI (240 KMS, 7 HOURS)

Leave in the morning and drive to Tsomoriri. Stop at Upshi for passport checking. En route visti Chumathang which is famous for medical hot spring. Visit Sumdah village on the way and continue drive to Tsomoriri. The Lake is breeding grounds for numerous species of birds. The Lake is 8 Kms. Wide and 28 Kms long. Dinner and overnight in tents.

DAY 10 : TSOMORIRI

In the morning visit Korzok village with its houses and its gompa appearing like a mirage. The few barley fields at Korzok must be among the highest cultivation in the world. In the afternoon visit around the Lake. Dinner and overnight in tents.

DAY 11 : TSOMORIRI – TSOKAR – TANGLANG LA – LEH 250 KM, 7 HOURS

Morning drive to Mahe village. Continue drive to Tsokar via Polo Kongka pass (4920 Mtrs.) and Tanglang La pass (5350 Mtrs.) which is the second highest motorable pass in the world. Arrive at Leh in the evening and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 12: DEPARTURE LEH
Early morning transfer to Leh airport to catch flight for onward destination

For Price Contact Us

Sailing Down The Ganges

Sailing down the Ganges, as it is popularly known, is a leisurely and slow pace trip through the heart of India captures the essence of life along the Ganges.

You start sailing from Allahabad (It is also called Prayagraj – one of the four places associated with Maha Kumbh that takes place every 12 years) to Varanasi – the oldest living city in the world. During the course it also offers a chance to explore and enjoy the rural culture from close. The trip can also be extended to include the marvels of Mughal and Rajputana architecture in Agra and Rajasthan with all its glory.

Tour Details

DAY 01: DELHI – ALLAHABAD

Report at Delhi Railway Station to board overnight train to Allahabad.

ALLAHABAD : one of the sacred cities of Hinduism & also one of the oldest in India. Formely known as Prayag, in commemoration of a sacrifice by Lord Brahama, Allahabad stands at the confluence of two of India’s holiest rivers, the Ganga & the Yamuna. The Sangam as the conflunece is called, is the venue of many sacred fairs & rituals and attracts thousand of pilgrims throughout the year. Akbar visited Prayag in 1575 & founded a new city by the name of Illahas, which has now become a modern Allahabad. The city was an important cantonment during the British Raj and has now some beautiful remains of colonial architecture.

DAY 02: ALLAHABAD – SITAMADHI – MURDGHAT

Met upon arrival at Allahabad Railway Station and proceed to hotel for breakfast, wash and change. If time permits take a short tour of Anand Bhawan (the birth place of first Prime Minister of India, Late Jawahar Lal Nehru), etc. After the short sightseeing drive to Sitamadhi Ghat approx 70 kms in 01 to 02 hrs. Set sail upon arrival. Lunch will be served on boat. Sail till 1800 hrs to arrive at Murdghat by covering appox 30 kms and pitch up tents on the river bank for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 03: MURDGHAT – MIRZAPUR

Morning after breakfast start sailing further downstream, eastwards to reach Mirzapur by covering appox 50 kms. If you are lucky you can catch the wind and sail smoothly and can feel the speed also. Lunch will be served on boat around 1200 hrs. Enroute visit the Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali who is the gardien of Vindhyachal Mountain Ranges by noon. Sail further towards Mirzapur. Mirzapur is well known for its Hand Woven Cotton, Woolen Carpets and Brass ware. Arrive and pitchup camp beyond Mizapur on the banks of the river for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 04: MIRZAPUR – VARANASI

Morning after breakfast sail towards Varanasi. Enroute visit Medeival Fort of Chunar, built by legendry King Vikramaditya, appox at 0800 hrs. Now the fort has been converted as training centre for the Uttar Pradesh Police. You are allowed to see only a little portion. On the way to the fort there is a Cematory of Britishers who had a short spell of power at Chunar. Sail further towards Varanasi, stopping at Ramnagar to see the Palace Museum with its collection of weapons of diffrent types, Palinquins, Ivory Items, Cars etc. appox at 1200 hrs. Lunch is served on the boat. River trip terminates at the first of the ghats, Lanka Ghat. Met upon arrival and transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 05: VARANASI

VARANASI : Also knwon as Banaras. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world & the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus who believe that to die in the city is to attain instant salvation. Situation on the banks of the Ganga, Varanasi is the tract of holy land lying between the rivers Varuna & Assi which flow into Ganga. Varanasi is also known as Kashi, the city of light, since on of the twelve “Jyotirlingas” are installed here.

Morning after breakfast proceed to SARNATH . After Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya he came to Sarnath. Several Buddhist strutures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC & the 11th century AD. Afternoon visit the famous Banaras Hindu University. One of the oldest educational University in India. Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya as a centre for the study of Indian art, culture, music & also for sanskrit. Return to the hotel for dinner & overnight stay.

DAY 06: VARANASI

Early morning proceed for the exciting Boat Cruise on the Holy River Ganges to witness the Sunrise. You can see locals as well as pilgrims standing in waist deep water praying to the rising sun and offering flowers and lighting oil lamps. On the ghats is situated the cremation ground where nearby itself people are engaged in washing cloths, vessels, animals. Enjoy the cruise and proceed for a short Temple tour covering Kashi Vishwanath temple also known as Golden Temple (Entry is restricted here) one can see the golden domes from the roof of an adjacent building, Bharat Mata temple (which is dedicated to whole of India), Kali Temple (known as Monkey temple because of their presence at all times). After lunch departure transfer to railway station in time to board the train for Delhi. Overnight in the train.

DAY 07: DELHI

Morning arrive at Delhi Railway Station.

For Price Contact Us

In the footsteps of Buddha

There are four places, the sight of which will arouse strong emotions in those with faith. Here the Tathagat was born. Here the Tathagat attained enlightenment. Here the Tathagat set in motion the Wheel of Dharma. Here the Tathagat attained final Nirvana. And The Monk, the Nun, the layman or Lay women who has faith should visit these placesâ€. The Buddha

In his very first sermon Lord Buddha put forth the Middle Way, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path the message spread rapidly, penetrating caste and class barriers; today Buddhism is a way of life in large parts of the world, its message of peace and tolerance speaks to us all.

Buddha preached that the way to salvation is not dependent on God but on understanding the way things really are for all living beings subject to desire. We take you on a journey to places associated with important events in Buddha’s life.

Prince Siddhartha was born at Lumbini, became Buddha, the Enlightened One, at Bodhgaya, gave his first sermon at Sarnath, lived the greater part of his monastic life in Sravasti, and attained Nirvana at Kushinagar. We also take in Lucknow, a City of Nawab’s known for its gracious living, and the fabled Taj Mahal in Agra.

Tour Program

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

You will be met on arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the bustling sights of Old Delhi including the largest mosque in India known as the Jama Masjid and Rajghat, the resting place (Samadhi) of India’s favourite son, Mahatma Gandhi. The day’s sightseeing ends with a rickshaw ride through the convergent bazaars of Chandni Chowk, the main trading centre of Old Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi – Lucknow

Early morning transfer to railway station to take an exciting day train to the city of Lucknow – the capital of Uttar Pradesh, where you spend two nights in a hotel. Afternoon is at leisure.

Day 03: Lucknow

In the morning visit the Residency Complex, site of the infamous siege of 1857 which was one of the first revolts against the British authorities. Continue your sightseeing tour of the city with visits to the Islamic Imambara shrine and Romi Darwaja city gate. Round off the day exploring Lucknow’s colourful bazaars.

Day 04: Lucknow – Sravasti

Today provides your first real taste of the ‘Buddhist landscape’ as we approach the site of Sravasti. It is here that the historical Buddha spent much of his life teaching the path to enlightenment to those men and women ‘ready’ to listen. Stay in a hotels for the night. In the afternoon visit the local sites of significance including Ananthapindika’s Stupa, Anandabodhi tree and Gandhakuti or Buddha’s hut.

Day 05: Sravasti – Lumbini

Heading further east with your private car and driver you’ll cross Nepal’s southern border and come to the birth place of Buddha at Lumbini. Stay in a hotels for the night. In the afternoon visit the Lumbini gardens and the Maya Devi Temple which is dedicated to Buddha’s mother. There are various modern monasteries that are also worth a quick visit.

Day 06: Lumbini – Kushinagar

Moving on to Kushinagar, you will visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple which is where Buddha is said to have attained Parinirvana. His final words to those congregated at the site are thought to have been, ‘All composite things pass away. Strive for your own liberation with diligence.’

Day 07: Kushinagar – Patna

Leaving Kushinagar you will drive to the city of Patna, stopping en route at Vaishali. It is an auspicious site for devotees of both the Jain and Buddhist faiths respectively. The Buddha is said to have given his final public discourse here and the site was later the birth place of the great Jain saint Bhagwan Mahavira.

Day 08: Patna – Bodhgaya

Drive on to Bodhgaya with a stop at the historic site of Rajgir. Bodhgaya is the site where the young, Siddhartha Gautama, attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree and became the awakened one or Buddha.

Day 09: Bodhgaya

Spend the day calmly exploring the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and other sights associated with the life of Buddha.

Day 10: Bodhgaya – Varanasi

This morning drive to Nalanda. The archeological was once the largest university in existence and students were dedicated to the study of the ‘Buddha Dharma’. Continuing on to Varanasi you’ll stay two nights in a hotel. This evening witness a ceremonial worship or “aarti” on the banks of the Ganges River.

Day 11: Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world today and a highlight for the culturally minded traveller. An early morning boat ride is arranged on the Ganges to see devotees at prayer along the “ghats”. In the afternoon visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first public discourse and a peaceful space to spend a few hours.

Day 12: Varanasi – Agra

Take an exciting day train to Agra and watch the Indian countryside slower pass by. You will stay overnight at Agra hotel.

Day 13: Agra – Delhi

Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur-Sikri today, before returning to Delhi on the Shatabdi Express train.

Day 14: Depart Delhi

Transfer to international airport in time to board flight to onward destination.

For Price Contact Us

Druk Path Trek

This is a short five day scenic trek with great views, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The route is sparsely inhabited by nomadic yak herders. Also there are wonderful lakes en route teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in April & May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas.

Tour Program

Day 01: Arrive Paro

You will fly into Paro. In clear weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a spectacular view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, it is a fascinating journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. You will be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel for 2 nights stay. Afternoon you can take an exploratory walk around city’s main street. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom, dating back to 7th century.

Day 02: Paro

After breakfast drive to ruined fortress, the Drukgyal Dzong. Strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley, the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century from this location. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount Chomolhari.

Later embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktsang Monastery popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above Paro valley floor, it is Bhutan’s most revered temple. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half-day excursion.

Evening 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.

Day 03: Paro – Jele Dzong (8 km, 3 hours walk)

Morning visit Ta Dzong, the National museum, holding fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings, handicrafts, masks, costumes, armour and Bhtuan’s exquisite postage stamps. The visit will provide an insight into the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan.

Begin the trek. Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a short climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Above the camp is Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a Lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight stay is in a tented camp.

Day 04: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (10 km, 3-4 hours walk)

Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You will have fine views of Jhomolhari and other snow-capped peaks if the weather is right, and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight stay is in tented camp.

Day 05: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho (11 km, 4 hours walk)

The trail follows the ridge, and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. You will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to the Jimilangtsho lakes, which are famous for their giant sized trout. Overnight stay is in tented camp.

Day 06: Jimilangtsho – Simkota (11 km, 4 hours walk)

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders’ camps and get an idea of how these people live. Overnight camp close to Simkota Lake, and if you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner. Overnight stay is in tented camp.

Day 07: Simkota – Phajoding (10 km, 4 hours walk)

Today begins with a gradual climb, and if the weather permits you will enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain Bhutan and a host of other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite at Phajoding. Overnight stay is in tented camp.

Day 08: Phajoding – Thimphu (5 km, 3 hours walk)

After visiting Phajoding monastery built in 15th century by Shagcha Rinchen who introduced Drukpa Kagyu School in Bhutan in the 13th century, trek downhill to Thimphu passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours.

Evening you will visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 09: Thimphu – Punakha (75 km, 3 hours drive)

Morning visit National Library, holding a vast collection of Buddhist text and manuscripts, some dating several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. Then visit National Institute of Zorig Chusum or the School of Arts & Crafts, imparting training to young students in 13 traditional crafts of Bhutan.

Then drive to National Textile Museum showcasing a range of beautiful Bhutanese textiles. Later visit to Folk Heritage Museum is interesting and provides a fascinating insight into the traditional Bhutanese farm house and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life.

Then visit National Memorial Chorten, a sacred shrine built in 1974 in memory of the ‘Father of modern Bhutan’, third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

After lunch, drive on to Punakha across Dochula pass (3080m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (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. Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 10: Punakha – Paro (125 km, approximately 4 hours drive)

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it continues to be the winter residence of central monk body.

Visit Punakha Dzong, Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored.

Then drive to Wangduephodrang visiting its majestic Dzong, founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638. It is located on top of a high ridge overlooking a river junction. The Dzong stands majestically on a spur and commands an impressive view over both north-south and east-west roads.

After lunch, drive to Paro en route visiting Sitmokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the country which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Overnight stay is at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Depart Paro

You will be transferred to airport for flight to next destination.

For Price Contact Us