Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Arrive at Paro International Airport and Drive to Thimphu. 

During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will receive you and drive to Thimphu. 

After lunch visit: 

Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodrang - The largest Buddha statue in the country, and from there you can get a good view of the Thimphu valley. 

Memorial Chorten - Built in the year 1974 in the memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. 

Tashichho Dzong - The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.    

Overnight: The Pema by Realm, Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Thimphu - Sightseeing 

Changangkha Lhakhang - Right above Thimphu Valley, this temple and monastic school was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo.  

Motithang Takin Preserve - Houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international   conservation agencies as a vulnerable species, and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal, and Burma. 

Traditional Medicine Institute - In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here. 

National Institute for Zorig Chusum - The school of Arts and crafts is an institute where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. 

Simply Bhutan – An integrative living museum that gives a quick introduction to various aspects of traditional life  

in Bhutan.   

Overnight: The Pema by Realm, Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 

After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha, approximately a six-hour drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages.  

From the Dochula pass, you will enjoy vast panoramic views of the high snow-capped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya on a clear day. You will continue driving down into the Phobjikha valley and visit Gantey Goenpa, an old monastery that dates back to the 16th century.  

Later, you will walk around the valley, which is also the winter home to the rare, black-necked cranes that migrate from remote parts of Tibet, China, and Siberia during winter to this valley.  

Overnight: Hotel Phobjikha

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Full day at leisure to explore the local communities or hike through the pine forest trail.  

From soaking in the peace and tranquility of the valley, day hikes range from easy to difficult. From walking through pine forests, temples and villages laden with prayer flags; expect great interactions with locals and plenty of photography opportunities. 

Overnight: Hotel Phobjikha 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 

After breakfast, drive to Punakha.  

On the way, you will visit Chhimi Lhakhang, founded in the 15th century by Lama Dukpa Kinley, also known as the divine madman. You will then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. Later, you will walk around Punakha and Khuruthang town.  

Overnight: Dhensa Boutique Resort, Punakha

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today, visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten.   

The idyllic chorten is built on a ridge in the northern countryside of Punakha valley. The hike takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the countryside from Punakha town, and the journey continues for another 45 minutes on foot. Hikers will start the hike through the paddy fields. The way the terraces are built, fed by the irrigation channel, hiking during the plantation or the harvesting season offers a scenic view of the countryside. At the base of the hill, the real trail begins through the pine forests. Upon arrival, hikers can enjoy the spectacular view of the valley below.  

Overnight: Dhensa Boutique Resort, Punakha

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 

After breakfast, you start your drive to Paro, approximately four hours.  

On the way, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century.  

You will also visit Ta Dzong, the former watchtower that now houses the National Museum, and Rinpung Dzong, which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration.  

Finally, you will walk down to Paro town, passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge.  

Overnight: Resort Thim-Dorji, Paro

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Kyichu Lhakhang - One of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century.   

Ta Dzong - Former watchtower which now houses the National Museum. 

Rinpung Dzong - Houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration, it also a great place to see the Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge to Paro town.  

Later, stroll around Paro town.  

Overnight: Resort Thim-Dorji, Paro 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 

After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.)  

The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley; it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, iIt has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktsang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.” Descend back to Ramthangka.  

If time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “” Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th century.  

From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.).   

Overnight: Le Meridien Paro Riverfront, Paro

Meals: Breakfast 

After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight to Delhi. 

Upon arrival in Delhi, meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel. 

Later in the afternoon, you’ll see the Red Fort followed by a rickshaw ride through the lanes of “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street.  It is one of Delhi's most populated areas and the largest marketplace. This marketplace will allow you to experience the sights and sounds of Old Delhi.  Chandni Chowk means “moonlit crossroads,” an area which best represents the “super-Oriental”, the grandeur and the grime. With its crowded bazaars, twisting lanes, maze of small streets, strange aromas, and the pungent odor of Oriental spices it’s an experience like no other. You’ll conclude the tour by visiting Raj Ghat – Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi's memorial.  

Dinner will be on your own this evening.   

Overnight: The Lodhi

Meals: Breakfast 

After breakfast, you’ll take the train to Agra, and have your afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel. 

Lunch and dinner at leisure. 

Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas

Meals: Breakfast, dinner 

Agra is the only city in the world that boasts of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and the old capital of Fatehpur Sikri; all legacies of the Mughal Empire from the 16th and 17th centuries. It is no wonder that Agra is the most visited destination in India. 

After breakfast, depart for your journey to Agra.   A royal welcome will await you at your hotel. The hotel is located 600 meters from the Taj Mahal and all rooms, suites, lobby, bar, and lounge offer breath-taking views of the monument. 

A visit to India isn’t complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal.  That morning, experience the sunrise over the majestic architecture of the world’s greatest monument of love.   For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters, and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, music, and color. Since the 17th century, travelers have crossed continents to marvel at the ultimate memorial to love. 

The Taj was built in the memory of the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum, an empress who won the heart of a Mughal prince.  Arjumand Bano was married at 21 to Emperor Jahangir's third son, Prince Khurram.   Work on the mausoleum began in 1633 and over 20,000 workers labored for 17 years to build it.  A true labor of love.  The most skilled architects, inlay craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers, and masons came from across India, Persia, and Turkey to build the Taj.  The master mason was from Baghdad, a double-dome engineer from Persia, and an inlay specialist from Delhi.  What is most amazing about the Taj Mahal is the fine detailing. The colored inlay is never allowed to overwhelm the design.  The ornate pietra dura and relief carvings are of floral, calligraphic, and geometric designs. The skill of the inlay worker is so  

fine that it is impossible to find the joints, even when as many as 40 tiny pieces of semi-precious stones have been used in the petals of a single flower. Some of the best calligraphy of Koranic verses can be seen around the entrance arches and on the two headstones.  

The Taj Mahal changes colors with the seasons and the different times of day. At dawn, the marble has a delicate bloom in shell pink, by noon it glitters majestically white, turning to a soft pearly gray at dusk, and in the dark of night it shimmers against the backdrop of star-spangled sky. The many faces of The Taj Mahal display the seductive power of architecture at its best. 

OPTION (included): This afternoon, enjoy your time at leisure or visit the UNESCO Heritage Site, Agra Fort.  

The Agra Fort’s construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1565 when he was just 23 years of age. Within the fort are several fascinating buildings – the Pearl Mosque built of marble, the Hall of Public Audiences, the Hall of Private Audiences where the famous "peacock throne" was kept, the Octagonal Tower, and the Jehangir Palace.  

After visiting Agra Fort, you’ll return to your hotel.  The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax. 

Dinner will be together as a group this evening.  Then, come poolside for a colorful display of traditional music and dancing. 

Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas

Meals: Breakfast 

Drive back to Delhi, check into a day room at Novotel New Delhi Aerocity. 

Later this evening, fly back to the USA.