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Kite Festival,
Jaipur , Jodhpur

15 January 2015

On January 14 every year, we celebrate Makar Sankranti. It is the only Indian festival celebrated on a fixed calendric day of the solar calendar. Since many years, the cities- Jodhpur and Jaipur have been hosting Kite Festival on Makar Sankranti with great fervor. The main attribute of the festival is the show of ‘diversity’ in all aspects. Kites all shapes and sizes are seen in the sky and the main competition is to cut the strings of nearby kite flyers and bring it down. For this purpose people intend to make their strings and sharp as possible, to give a tough fight to its opponent flyer. The special kite strings are coated with the mixture of glass and glue called as ‘manjha’. Bright and colourful kites in striking shapes and unusual designs, some never seen before, would dot the sunny sky of Rajasthan on 14 January

>> Au Coeur du Rajasthan

Rann Utsav,
Gujarat

1 December 2014 - 3 March 2015

Organized by the Department of Tourism of Gujarat during the full moon in winter, Kutch festival offers a unique opportunity to witness the creative ingenuity of the artisans of the region. A carnival of colors, folk music, dances, shows and processions enveloping the arid lands of Kutch. Tents are made available to tourists to fully enjoy these magical moments to the desert. It rocks!

>> Discovery of Gujarat

Nagaur Festival,
Rajasthan

26 - 29 January 2015

Nagaur festival is after Pushkar, the second largest festival of Rajasthan. Turbaned Rajasthanis come from throughout the region to the great cattle fair. They value their horses, donkeys, bulls and camels, which are the subject of an incredible grooming: real hair sculptures, graphic designs for dyeing, ceremonial harness. As in Pushkar, the villagers wear the most colorful clothes: turbans for men, skirts and saris and veils for women.

>> Royal Rajasthan

Festival of Holi,
India

6 March 2015

Holi, sometimes called the festival of colors, is a Hindu festival celebrated in the spring. Celebrated throughout India for two days, Holi is a time for children and adults to use water spray and powder of all colors. The night of the first day of the festival, a fire is lit to remind the cremation of Holika. The second day, dressed in white, people enjoy around with color pigments and pounce on each other in a highly charged atmosphere. Come mingle with the crowd! An experience not to be missed.

>> Rajasthan, Land of Princes

Ganesh Chaturthi,
Maharashtra

August 29, 2014

Ganesh Chaturthi is an Indian festival in which Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, son of Shiva and the god of wisdom, is revered. This festival is particularly popular in the state of Maharashtra. Plaster statues of all sizes will be honored and carried in procession for three days with music percussion, then immersed the last day we built. In Mumbai, they all converge towards Chowpatty Beach. Traditional dances and songs accompany the ceremony.

>> The Heart of India

Teej festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan

July 30-31, 2014

Festival dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Shiva, Teej is also celebrating the arrival of the monsoon as expected after a hot summer. A procession consisting of thousands of devotees started the Royal Palace and the old city of winds Jaipur for two consecutive days. The festival offers a unique opportunity to witness the creative ingenuity of the artisans of the region. A carnival of colors, folk music, dancing and entertainment.

>> Rajasthan, Land of Princes

Testimonials

First travel experience with Aryavrit Travels and to my faith, very pleasantly surprised. We found the agency on the Lonely Planet website and has much more to us. The first telephone contact we have confidence. Beautiful listen to ...

Monic R,

Here we are back in Luxembourg after our trip to Rajasthan, Agra and Varanasi. We wanted to share with you our impressions about the organization of our trip and the quality of your professionalism. Since our arrival in Delhi until we left 18 days...

Agnès D

We have just completed a tour in India and Nepal with Aryavrit Travels. Back in France, we wanted to express their gratitude for this wonderful trip. Regulars tours in groups (often too many), we did not find in our usual tour operators fairly com...

Jean-Luc B

Wonderful trip to Rajasthan in March. Circuit balanced and varied between villages and beautiful countryside cities. All thanks to Aryavrit Travels. This agency has allowed us to realize a dream. The hotels were perfect, we were fortunate to be up...

Karine G

I did a 15 day tour in Rajasthan. National parks to see the tiger, really beautiful to see this animal in freedom, Corbett, Ranthambore, Barathpur back riding elephant to Amber, picturesque train journey. Group of 17 people and perfect organizatio...

Jean B

They hardly missed anything for total satisfaction, just a bit noisy hotel in Varanasi. But this is India and its horns. Agency: at the top. Tips before starting on site and very caring throughout our stay and always available. A big tip of the ha...

Linda M.

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Darjeeling in the Kingdom of Dragon - 14 days | 13 nights

Highlights of the programme :

Darjeeling surrounded by tea plantations
The monasteries of Kalimpong
Thimphu, capital of Bhutan
Paro and its mythical valley

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Itinerary
Hotels
Activities

ITINERARY

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive at Delhi International Airport. And transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Delhi - Bagdogra - Darjeeling

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Bagdogra. Welcome on arrival and departure to Darjeeling via traditional tea road that climbs the high pre-Himalayan hills. Darjeeling is an enchanting resort created in the 19th century by the British who were looking for softness and cool climate where the heat and the monsoon raged in Calcutta. These are developed the most famous tea gardens of the world. The city has kept its British side with its beautiful colonial houses. By late afternoon, stroll through the bustling picturesque Chowk Bazar to take the pulse of the city and get to know the main ethnic groups of the region: Lepcha, the oldest inhabitants of the region, Bhotias from Tibet, Nepali, Bengali and Tibetan refugees. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 Darjeeling

Lever matinal pour aller admirer le lever du soleil depuis la colline du Tigre sur la chaîne himalayenne dominée par le troisième sommet le plus haut du monde, le mont Kanchenjunga qui culmine à 8 597 mètres. Ensuite, excursion à Ghoom, où résida Alexandra David-Neel, et découverte du monastère affilié aux « Bonnets Jaunes » et de sa célèbre statue de Maitreya, le Bouddha des temps futurs. Le monastère renferme des manuscrits bouddhistes d’une grande rareté. Puis, sur la colline de l’Observatoire, visite de l’Institut de Haute Montagne qui illustre les premières expéditions himalayennes. Retour à Darjeeling et visite de la ville qui fut la résidence d’été des vice-rois des Indes lorsque Calcutta en était la capitale. Nuit à l’hôtel.

Day 04 Darjeeling - Pemayangtse

Leave for Pemayangtse on the side deep valleys. During transit, walk in the famous tea plantations that cover the sides of the mountains. On arrival at Pemayangtse, site visit and Tantric Monastery Ningma, the sublime Lotus of the sect of "Red Hats". The monastery is dedicated to the great initiator of Buddhism in Sikkim. Pemayangtse is the second oldest monastery in the state and was built for the monks of pure Tibetan lineage, single, no physical abnormality and this practice is still in force today. The monastery walls are embellished with frescoes and murals of rare refinement and an extraordinary symbolic profusion. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 Pemayangtse - Gangtok

The capital of Sikkim is home to the Institute of Tibetology, which contains beautiful thangka painted canvases of beauty. Visit the monastery of Enchey, then direction Phodong to visit his monastery which stands in beautiful scenery. His special decorations describe the Buddhist hell. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 Gangtok - Kalimpong

Morning drive through the hills where grow lush rhododendron bushes to reach the market town of Kalimpong, a major center of flower crops. The city has a number of old houses tell their past life and show the legacy of decades. Arrive Kalimpong and visit Thongsa Gompa, the oldest monastery in the region. Then, the Monastery of Durpin Dara, Zong Dong Pho-Brang Palari built on the highest point of the city where the view is superb. Then walk in the picturesque market Kalimpong which also assumes the role of floral nursery where no fewer than a dozen institutions produce and export these exotic flowers found in all markets of the world: amaryllis, lilies, anthuriums orchids. Visit a farm of orchids. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 Kalimpong - Phuntsholing

Direction Bhutan, the Land of the Dragon, and his border post Phuntsoling. The road passes through beautiful forests and vast tea plantations of the Indian plain. An imposing gate in true Bhutanese architectural style, guards bearing the national costume show that we have arrived at your destination. The small town of Phuntsoling is the lung of the Bhutanese economy to India. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 Phuntsholing - Thimphu

On the way to Thimphu, the capital, visit the monastery of Kharbandi, from where one has a beautiful view of the valley and the town of Phuntsoling. This magnificent monastery, located in a garden of tropical plants, contains paintings depicting the life of Buddha and some statues. It was built by the grandmother of the present king. Continuation of the splendid road that clings to the sides of the Torsa Valley, turn after turn, to Chhuka, then Simtokha Thimphu. A Simtokha visit the oldest monastery in the kingdom which now houses the School of Religious and Cultural Studies. Before arriving in Thimphu, stop at Kuensel Phodrang, the "Buddha Point" overlooking the entire valley where the country's largest statue of Buddha is located. A Thimphu, visit the mini Takin zoo, which houses the National eponymous animal, exclusively present in Bhutan. Then walk in Norzim Lam, the main street lined with craft shops. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 Thimphu

In the morning, visit the National Textile Museum where is preserved a collection of antique fabrics, rich colors and original and varied reasons. Then visit the Folk Heritage Museum which recreates traditional rural life and habitat. Then the Traditional Arts school where young people learn the ancient craft techniques to protect and bequeath the country's cultural heritage for future generations. The National Library, rich in a large collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts is also worth visiting. Visit the Memorial Chorten with beautiful paintings and sculptures, then Tashichhoe Dzong, quadrilateral impressive fortress that houses the splendid administrative buildings of the kingdom. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Thimphu - Punakha

Road to the smiling Punakha valley through the neck of Dochula to almost 3100 meters. From there on a clear day, the view of the Himalayan ranges is breathtaking. Stop at 108 chortens, stupas, built on the hill to the King of Bhutan and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang visit a temple built in homage to peace and stability provided by the fourth king. Then visit the Monastery of the Divine Madman, Chhimi Lhakhang, famous for its sanctuary of the 15th century. This professor owes its reputation to the various types of education. Continue to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907, when the civil architecture is remarkable finesse, sobriety and elegance. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 Punakha - Wangdue Phodrang - Paro

Continue to Paro, the second largest city of Bhutan. Stop to visit the Dzong Wangdue Phodrang, crowning a rocky spur at the confluence of two rivers: the Pochu the river Mochu Man and the Woman River. Built in 1637, this fortress was used as administrative and religious headquarters in the region and has long been the winter residence of the kings of Bhutan. Arrival at Paro and visit the National Museum, housed in the former Ta Dzong, ie the Watchtower, which in itself has an excellent summary of the Tibetan culture. Then along a hillside trail ride to Rimpong Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. It has remarkable paintings illustrating the legendary cycles of Buddhism. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 Paro

Ascension by a steep path up to the assault of the cliff where clings, defying the vacuum, the Monastery of Taksang dubbed the Lair of the Tiger. Perched at an altitude of 2800, it is one of the most revered shrines in the Himalayan world. It is possible to play a game of Wasps (payable locally) but the descent is not done on foot. Back in the Paro valley and on the way visit the monastery Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in the country reflecting the introduction of Buddhism. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 Paro - Delhi

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. And transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 Delhi

Transfer to Delhi international airport for the return flight.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative, subject to availability. The choice of accommodation category belongs to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Le Roi - Delhi

Team and cozy enough for this modern hotel. Rooms very clean and well appointed. Wifi access. Complete small lunch.

Mayfair Darjeeling - Darjeeling

Hotel with the charm of yesteryear. Enjoy sublime views of the mountains and the valley. Place surrounded by flowers. Friendly and helpful staff. Spacious and comfortable rooms. A beautiful place.

The Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa - Pemayangtse

Beautiful spa, sauna and steam room. A beautiful library. Friendly staff. Great location with on one side the Kanchenjunga and other Pelling city.

Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino - Gangtok

At 10 kilometers from the city, beautiful complex with large rooms with balconies. Excellent spa. A wonderful place to relax.

Elgin Silver Oaks - Kalimpong

Lovely hotel with a very nice garden, spacious and beautifully decorated rooms. Friendly and helpful staff. Good location near the city center.

Druk Phuntsholing - Phuntsholing

Transit hotel after crossing the border between India and Bhutan. Establishing correct, simple, clean and neat. Next to the Visa Office.

Pedling Hotel - Thimphu

Very central location with shops and restaurants within walking distance. Clean and comfortable rooms with modern decor and gargantuan breakfast. Staff very friendly, courteous and always willing to help.

Uma by COMO - Punakha

Spacious rooms with an exceptional view of the Punakha valley and the river. Warm, attentive staff. The hotel has a spa.

Gangtey Palace - Paro

Bhutanese traditional hotel located in a beautiful spot overlooking the Paro valley. Large rooms with traditional décor. Very nice welcome.

Suggested Activities

You will find below our suggestion of activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact a counselor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of "pranayama" (breathing), "asanas" (positions) and 'dhyana' (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Motorcycle ride

Wander through India or Nepal aboard the legendary Royal Enfield. This breakaway motorcycle delight lovers of nature and you will discover the diversity of landscapes.

Trekking

Trekking lovers will be amazed by browsing through the valleys of the Himalayas, with fantastic views of the highest mountain in the world and a dive in the Buddhist culture, monasteries preserved villages and several levels of difficulty.