India & Bhutan, Heart of the Himalayas 2019
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Overview
Highlights
- A visit to the Taj Mahal (and views from your hotel); sari & turban demonstration and auto-rickshaw tour in Udaipur; visit to the Amber Fort and a Maharajah evening in Jaipur; evening and sunrise boat rides to experience revered traditions in Varanasi; six nights in premier hotels in Thimphu
- Punakha
- and Paro; choice of a hike to Bhutan's Tiger's Nest Monastery or a tour of historic Paro Dzong; Tauck Exclusive lectures on 'Gross National Happiness'; private visits with the residents of a Bhutanese nunnery
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Activities
Trip includes
- Multiple-night stays at three hotels ranked among the 15 "World's Best" hotels by the readers of Travel + Leisure - The Oberoi Udaivilas, The Oberoi Rajvilas and The Oberoi Amarvilas, with unparalleled views of the Taj Mahal Six nights in Bhutan's premier Aman hotels - in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro Three nights in the "City of Lakes," Udaipur, including a sari & turban demonstration and an auto-rickshaw tour of the city's spice and vegetable markets Two nights in Jaipur, highlighted by a visit to the Amber Fort and a Maharajah evening featuring dinner and entertainment Evening and sunrise boat rides on the River Ganges to experience revered, centuries-old traditions in Varanasi Choice of a spectacular leisurely hike to Bhutan's Tiger's Nest Monastery or a tour of historic Paro Dzong Tauck Exclusive lectures on Bhutan's "Gross National Happiness" philosophy and Buddhism Private visits with the residents of a Bhutanese nunnery and local farmers A demonstration of archery, Bhutan's national sport Tours of the National Arts & Crafts School, Buddha Dordenma Temple, and Thimphu Dzong in Thimphu On-Tour Air (6 flights) Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted 47 meals (17 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 16 dinners) with gratuities to local guides, taxes, service charges, and admission fees
Itinerary
Tour begins: New Delhi. A transfer is included from Indira Gandhi International Airport to your luxury hotel, The Leela Palace New Delhi, renowned for gracious service in the heart of the city. Because most flights arrive late at night or very early in the morning, yo...
You'll tour two UNESCO World Heritage Sites today as you explore the centuries-old history and culture of Old Delhi and environs. The first, which you'll visit this morning, is Humayun's Tomb, constructed for the Mughal Emperor Humayan and other members of his family ...
Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi, built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since the 6th century BC, Varanasi has been a destination for pilgrims who seek blessing and purification in the river's holy waters. A sightseeing tour visits Sarnath, where Buddha g...
Rise early for a cruise on the River Ganges to view the sunrise ceremonies, then fly to Agra for a two-night stay and tomorrow's visit to one of the world's most revered buildings, the Taj Mahal. An incredible domed mausoleum complex of white marble, built by the Mugh...
Guests who wish may visit the Taj Mahal in time for sunrise. Those not going quite so early will join your Tauck Director a little later than sunrise (but still early morning) for a guided visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal, with time to explore on your own and take p...
Travel to Jaipur for a two-night stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas, reflecting the gracious lifestyles of India's legendary Rajput princes. A sightseeing tour of Jaipur includes the City Palace Museum and the Jantar Mantar Observatory - a collection of astronomical instrume...
Today's sightseeing includes the many gems of Jaipur, from the massive gateways and pillared pavilions inside Amber Fort to a tour of Amber Palace, with its magnificent domes, ramparts, and glittering hall of mirrors. Enjoy a free afternoon.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
A hot air balloon ride gives you a unique perspective on Jaipur. Then fly by plane to Udaipur for a three-night stay at your luxury Oberoi hotel on Lake Pichola. Consistently voted among the top luxury hotels in the world, The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur is a destinatio...
A sightseeing tour with a local guide takes you to the 18th-century fountain gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari and the Jagdish Mandir Temple. View the City Palace, a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed galleries, and marble temples that was once home to the ...
Begin your day with an auto-rickshaw ride through the city's bustling spice and vegetable markets, for a glimpse into daily life in Udaipur. In the markets, women in brightly colored saris sit among the stalls, surrounded by baskets brimming with fresh and equally col...
Spend the morning in Udaipur, then take a flight to Delhi, which will be the jumping off point for your trip tomorrow to the kingdom of Bhutan. Dine in your hotel this evening. In the morning, you'll have a very early start for your flight across the Himalayas... so early to bed!
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Trident, Gurgaon
Fly to Paro in Bhutan, the remote mountain kingdom bordering India and Tibet that beguiles visitors with its natural beauty and unique way of life guided by Buddhism. Head to Thimphu, the only capital city in the world without traffic lights! Instead, at a few major i...
Take in one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world today on your visit to the gilded Buddha Dordenma Temple, high on a hill in a nature park overlooking Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy and is said to emanate peace and happiness to the en...
Depart Thimphu for the town of Punakha, stopping en route to experience the stunning views of the Himalayas from Dochula Pass. On clear days, this is the ideal location for taking pictures of the mountains. This is a popular spot for Bhutanese families to visit during...
This morning visit a local Buddhist nunnery, where the nuns will tell you about their daily lives and share some of their traditions. In a local village, visit a farmhouse and learn from the farmers about the agricultural life that plays such a large part in Bhutan's ...
Head back to the historic town of Paro for a two-night stay at Paro Lodge, Amankora. After lunch, a local guide introduces you to the National Museum of Bhutan. Archery is Bhutan's national sport and passion; learn all about it at a demonstration by local club member...
Tiger's Nest Monastery is one of Bhutan's most sacred places - and its setting is absolutely spectacular. The temple clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face high above the Paro Valley. Legend has it that in the 7thth century Guru Rimpoche flew to the mountain on the b...
Tour ends: Delhi. Fly from Paro to Delhi International Airport. Your flight home should be booked to depart after 3:00 pm. Day rooms at the hotel inside the airport are included. Allow three hours for check-in at the airport. You may have to exit customs / immigration and check in again; all guests will require a multi-entry visa for India.
MEALS : B
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.
In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.
Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.
Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.
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