Mountain Peaks and Monasteries

Mountain peaks and monasteries

MOUNTAIN PEAKS AND MONASTERIES

10 days/9 nights

10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS

Start anticipating your Indian adventure with a short summary of what you can expect each day to bring.

Imperial
Amankora Thimpu
Thimpu
Punakha Dzong
Amankora
Amankora Paro
Paro, Himalayas

Day 1 - 2: Delhi, India

On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a member of the &Beyond India team, who will take you to your hotel. 

A bustling international metropolis, that combines medieval chaos and regal splendour, Delhi is crammed with tombs, temples, monuments and ruins, side by side with modern suburbs and skyscrapers.

Spend two nights in a Heritage Room at The Imperial on a bed and breakfast basis.

On the second day, a guided sightseeing tour will explore the highlights of Delhi, including the impressive Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, as well as a rickshaw ride through the capital's vibrant streets.

Day 3 - 4: Thimpu, Bhutan

Return to Indira Gandhi International Airport for a flight to Paro in Bhutan. Soar close to the mighty Himalaya Mountains, enjoying dazzling views of the world's highest glacial peaks.

From Paro, you will be driven to Thimpu along the banks of the Paro River, stopping to admire the stone monument at the river's confluence with the Thimpu.

Relax for two nights at the Amankora Thimpu on a full board basis.

Sightseeing opportunities include the Buddhist paintings and statues at the Chorten National Memorial, as well as the Takin sanctuary. Admire the panoramas from the town's viewpoint or browse its many shops for handicrafts.

Day 5: Punakha, Bhutan

Set out on the spectacular drive to Punakha over the Dochula Pass, with its incredible views of the eastern Himalayas. Stop to explore the 400-year-old Chimi Lhakhang, The Temple of the Divine Madman, as well as the Punakha Dzong, with its sacred relics. After lunch, hike the beautiful route to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal, an example of Bhutan's finest architectural and artistic traditions, before exploring the town.

Indulge in a night at the Amankora Punakha on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 6: Punakha, Bhutan

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to the 17th century monastery of Gangtey in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. Admire the magnificent fortress of Wangduephodrang Dzong before returning to Punakha for another night at the Amankora Punakha.

Day 7 - 8: Paro, Bhutan

Drive back to Paro, where you will spend two nights at the Amankora Paro.

Visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums, browse for hand-woven textiles and crafts at the Handicrafts Emporium, discover ancient Buddhist manuscripts at the National Library or marvel at traditional art at the Painting School. The Traditional Medicine Institute offers a rare glimpse of ancient herbal medicines.

The next morning, hike to the monastery of Taktshang, clinging to a granite cliff. From here, drive to Drugyal Dzong, a historic fort where the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. A 7th century monastery is your next stop. Visit Ta Dzong, a museum housed in an ancient watch tower, as well as the fort of Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Day 9: Delhi, India

You will be chauffeured to Paro Airport for a flight back to Delhi for your last day in India's capital.

Spend the night at The Oberoi New Delhi on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 10: Departure

You will be taken from the hotel to the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where your adventure with us will end.