Delhi

It is the capital of India since 1912 and the second most populous city in the country . Located in the center of the province of Delhi, is divided into two parts ( old and new ) and it can be admired forts, palaces , tombs and temples of the most varied styles with government buildings in colonial style, modern industries , trades and residential areas all with modern amenities . We recommend visiting the Red Fort, the Jama Masijd , Raj Ghat and the India Gate in the Old Town . In the new area we suggest the Qutab Minar, Birla Temple and the Sikh Temple.

 

Thimphu

 The Kingdom’s capital city is home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal family. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country.

 

Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers, however it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization.Thimphu is one of the few towns in Bhutan that have been equipped with ATM banking facilities and is a good place to stock up on some currency.

 

One of the most curious features of Thimphu is that it is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights. Instead a few major intersections have policemen standing in elaborately decorated booths (small pavilions), directing traffic with exaggerated hand motions. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary and just immerse themselves in the lifestyle of contemporary Bhutanese.

 

Dochula

 Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

 

Known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens- the construction of these108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The pass is also popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located on the crest of Dochula pass.

 

The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built in honor of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appears to merge in the details of the lhakhang (temple) and its structure tells the story of a supreme warrior figure, whose vision pierces the distant future in a fine blend of history and mythology.

 

Bhutanese families enjoy visiting the pass during holidays and weekends to picnic and simply enjoy the scenery. It is common to see families and groups of friends seated amongst the chortens, enjoying a packed lunch and hot tea. For tourists this is ideal location to capture beautiful pictures of Himalayan mountain range during clear, warm days.

 

Punakha

 Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country.

 

On October 13, 2011, the wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and his fiancé, Jetsun Pema, was held at the Punakha Dzong.

 

Punakha valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers. It is located at an average elevation of 1200 meters above sea level. Owing to the favorable climatic conditions, rice grows very well in this region and is the main cash crop cultivated here.

 

Two major rivers in Bhutan the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu converge in this valley. Punakha Dzong is built at the confluence of these two rivers and is an especially beautiful sight on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white-washed walls.

 

In addition to its structural beauty, Punakha Dzong is notable for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifer of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani. This relic is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated.

 

Wangdue Dzong

Wangdue Dzong has 14 temples, including Kunrey (assembly hall of monks). The Goenkhang has a figure of gonpo (Mahakala) carved on a stone slab.
 Wangdue Dzong was razed to the ground on 26 June 2012. It is believed that the fire is caused by electrical short circuit. Though most of the Dzong expect for one monastery was destroyed, religious and historical relic managed to be rescued by volunteers and care keepers.

 

Semthoka Dzong

 The name Simtokha literally means “Atop a Demon” and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us that it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing travelers in the region.

 

The dzong was modeled after the Gyal Gyad Tshel Institute of Ralung (Tibet) and is quite distinctive as its Utse or central tower has 12 sides. A large statue of Yeshay Gonpo (Mahakala) the chief protective deity of Bhutan is housed inside the Utse.  Another interesting aspect of the dzong is that it contains the bed chambers of both Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and Jigme Namgyel two of the most important figures in Bhutanese history. Zhabdrung was the leader that first united Bhutan as a nation and Jigme Namgyel was the father of the first King of Bhutan Ugyen Wangchuck.

 

The dzong houses countless statues and paintings of various Buddhas, deities and religious figures including The Eight Manifestations of Guru Rimpoche, Jampelyang the Bodhisattava of Wisdom, Shakya Gyalpo the Buddha of Compassion and many more, all carved and painted in exquisite detail.

 

Paro

 Paro valley extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom upto Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley.

 

Accentuating the natural beauty are the many elegant, traditional-style houses that dot the valley and surrounding hills. Paro town has been growing rapidly in recent years and there are plenty of restaurants, bakeries and cafes to choose from. One of the distinctive features of Paro town is that it is situated in a flat valley bottom and follows a grid-like pattern. The central plaza is adorned with a large prayer wheel and a small amphitheater at which events such as concerts are often organized

 

Visitors often spend several days in Paro as there are over 155 temples and monasteries in this area, some dating as far back as 14th century. Among them is the temple that is considered Bhutan’s most iconic landmark Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest. This awe-inspiring temple was constructed upon a sheer cliff face, hundreds of meters above forests of oak and rhododendrons and the valley floor. Dzongdrakha Temple and Kila Gompa are secondary examples of cliff-side temples that are also located in Paro Dzongkhag.

 

The country’s first international airport is located in Paro. Due to the close proximity of the airport and the many historical and religious sites in the region there are a large number of luxurious, high-end tourist resorts in Paro.

 

Paro is also home to the National museum. The museum is set in Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artwork including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.

 

Another site worth visiting Paro is Drugyel dzong or The Fortress of the Victorious Bhutanese. This dzong was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate his victory over marauding Tibetan armies. Though the fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951, the ruins remain an impressive and imposing sight.

 

• HOTELS ...

  • At most hotels in India the  check-in time is 1400 hours and the  check-out time is 1200 hours.  Early  Check  In  or  Late  Check  Out  is  subject  to  availability  at  the  sole  discretion  of  the hotels.
  • In the case you are arriving at a hotel before 14:00 you should consider booking an extra night, because immediate occupancy of rooms at hotel is subject to availability at the goodwill of hotels.
  • Triple: Triple rooms are inexistent in India; normally it is a double room in which a folding extra bed is placed. This reduces the space and comfortable movement in the room. There is no standard extra bed and its size varies from hotel to hotel and may be more or less comfortable. Extra bed is not recommended for children over 10 years of age.
  • Smoking in public areas of a hotel is prohibited in India. Public areas include  reception, restaurants,  hotels,  pubs,  discotheques,  banquet  halls,  and  even  open  lawns  etc.  Though demarcated  spaces  exist  for  smokers,  no  service  is  allowed  in  these  enclosures;  the  only exception being smoking rooms at hotels.

• MEALS ...

  • If any meal is included in the cost, it normally refers to a fixed menu or a free buffet laid in the Coffee Shop or a place designed for it. We advise you to consult the hotel reception for more details.
  • The cost does not include meals at any specialty or gourmet restaurants the hotel might have. The hotel may allow you to have meals at these restaurants at a supplement at their sole discretion.
  • Meals cannot be taken away from the restaurants to the rooms or in other public places such as pool, garden etc.

• TRAVEL BY ROAD ...

  • Road condition in India and the subcontinent can run full range from six lane pay ways, normal highways to very poor un-surfaced roads.
  • Driving here also follows different practices as all types of vehicles, animals and people use the roads.
  • Road conditions may also change due to climatic conditions such as rains, landslides and the commuting times can vary due to this. And this is obviously beyond our control.
  • Road journeys in the Indian Subcontinent can seem quite startling at first sight; however, our  drivers  are  well  trained  and  have  a  special  permission  given  to  transport  foreign  tourists. They  might  have  some  knowledge  of  English  but  normally  they  do  not  speak  other  foreign languages.
  • The driver is not allowed to carry the services of a guide in India.  It is advisable not to speak to the  driver  while  he  is  driving. We  suggest that  you  relax  and  enjoy the  extraordinary sights en route.
  • During the visit to Taj Mahal, from the parking, you would have to take a battery operated non-polluting,  non-air-conditioned  microbuses.  These  cannot  be  booked  in  advance  and  you would have to wait in queue for your turn.

• AIRFARES AND TRAVELLING BY AIR ...

  • The proposal indicates the best existing price. Bookings are made once you accept the proposal  and  send  your  names  and  other  details  required.  Your  booking  form  should  include the Name and Surname as they appear in the passport along with the age of the passengers. This is very important as change of names due to   error is not allowed and the booking must be cancelled to issue new tickets and new rates might be applicable. Holding tickets without the day of travel and correct names is now allowed by the airlines.
  • Airlines may also modify airfares at any time till the time of issuance of the tickets. If such a case does happen, we shall inform you of the new rates applicable and these shall apply.
  • Airlines  may  decide  to  change  or  cancel  flights,  without  prior  notice  and  Indior  Tours cannot be held liable for this. We shall, however do our best to maintain the original program and would inform you of any discounts or supplement rising from a situation beyond our control.
  • Baggage  trolleys  are  available  at  the  airports.  Should  you  require  extra  services  of  a porter to move your luggage from the carousel to the vehicle or from the vehicle to the check-in counter please let us know in anticipation so that we can check with the airport authority or the airlines if such service is availability and arrange it.
  • Our representative will meet and assist you on your arrival and departure within the area permissible to them under security regulations of the Airport Authority.

• BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ...

  • Checked Baggage: Baggage exceeding in size, the sum of the 3 dimensions (length + breadth + height) in excess of 45 inches or 115 centimeters, cannot be treated as hand baggage and will have to be checked in. The following are the permitted allowance:

   

           First Class                                                                         40 Kgs.

           Executive Class                                                                 35 Kgs.

           Economy Class (Y,B,M & H)                                              20 Kgs.

           Economy Class (K,Q,V,W,G,L,U,S,T,X, N & E)               15 Kgs.

           Infants not entitled to a seat (All economy classes)          Nil

   

  • Infants will be entitled to 1 collapsible stroller/carrycot/infant car seat.
  • The maximum  weight  permissible for  a  single  piece  of  baggage  is  32  kgs.  This  rule  is applicable on the entire Air India network
  • Cabin Baggage:  The  Government  of  India  regulations  permit  only  one  piece  of  cabin baggage  on  board.  The  dimensions  of  which  should  not  exceed  115  linear  cms  and weight  should not exceed 7 kgs. The  dimensions  of  the  hand  baggage  should  not exceed 55 cm X 35 cm X 25 cm totaling not more than 115 linear cms for Boeing as well as  Airbus.  The  hand  baggage  dimensions for  ATR  should  not  exceed  50  cm  X  45  cm X  20  cm  totaling  not  more  than  115  linear  cms.  Trolley  bags  with  the  above  specified dimensions will be allowed.
  • An infant carrying basket is allowed per infant traveling within India.
  • Guests travelling on flights originating from Jammu, Srinagar and Leh stations will not be
  • Contours  are  available  at  all  airports  to  check  the  dimensions.  If  it  exceeds  these
  • Gels,  alcohol,  liquids,  creams,  lotions,  and  sharp  articles,  etc.  are  not  permitted  in  the
  • If you are arriving at Delhi and Mumbai from an international flight and then in transit to
  • Please note that you can carry electronic items like camera etc. but without the batteries. allowed to carry any hand baggage. specifications,  you  will  be  requested  to  check  your  bag  into  the  baggage  hold.  Hand baggage is accepted in the  cabin  subject to availability of  space in the Over Head Bin. Restricted stowage space is also available under the front seat. In the event of no space being available in the aircraft to stow hand baggage, it will be necessary to remove and load the same in the baggage hold as per safety regulations. hand baggage. another flight (international or within India) you may not be permitted to carry liquids more than 100 ml in their cabin baggage when going through security at these airports. Batteries  should  be  taken  out  and  placed  in  the  check-  in  baggage.  Otherwise  the security personnel at the airport shall remove the batteries and throw them away.
    • Indior Tours suggests the following:
      • Take small toiletries in your cabin luggage so that you are not left without supplies in case your checked luggage is lost by the airline.
      • In  case  of  special  medical  prescription  -  pacemaker  :  please  carry  the English translation for the prescription with you in the cabin baggage.
      • Remember to take more medication than necessary for your stay in case you get stuck in place.
      • Also take all your medicines in the cabin luggage.
      • Take your chargers, phones, cameras etc. in the cabin luggage.

• INSURANCE ...

  • All arrangements made by Indior Tours are in the capacity of an agent only. Indior Tours will not be liable for  claims or expenses arising from  circumstances beyond its  control  such as accidents, injuries, delayed or cancellation of flights & acts by forces of nature.
  • Force  Majeure:  Indior  Tours  shall  not  be  liable  to  pay  any  compensation  where  the performance  or  prompt  performance  of  our  contractual  obligations  is  prevented  or  affected  by or  you  otherwise  suffer  any  damage  or  loss  as  a  result  of  “force  majeure”.  In  these  Booking Conditions, “force majeure” means any event which Indior Tours or the supplier of the service(s) in  question  could  not,  even  with  all  due  care,  foresee  or  avoid.  Such  events  may  include  war or threat of war,  riot,  civil  strife, actual or threatened terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or  nuclear  disaster,  adverse  weather  conditions, fire  and  all  similar  events  outside  our  control. Indior  Tours  and  its  associates  are  not  liable  for  any  compensation  for  damage  caused  by  a force  majeure  or  other  unforeseen  events  that  Indior  Tours  or  its  associates  could  not  have prevented even through utmost care. Indior Tours would notify our clients/agents timely of such force  majeure  events  as  and  when  feasible  and  will  aim  to  limit  the  damage  and  supplement cost  befalling the  clients/agents for making  alternate  arrangements  deviating from the  planned program.
  • We  suggests that apart from  regular travel insurance,  you  should also take extra  cover for cancellation, natural and man-made disasters, technical hazard that can cause any significant or non-significant physical damage and destruction or loss of time, life and property.

• FESTIVALS ...

  Local  festivals  may  fall  on  the  date  of  travel  and  it  is  possible  that  the  visits  to  places of  interest  are  modified  by  the  local  government  or  authorities  for  which  we  cannot  be  held responsible. The program would be amended accordingly so that none of the visits included are missed on an alternative provided.

• ACTIVITIES ...

  (Wildlife Safari/ Boat ride/ Desert & Rural Safari/ Bicycle & Rickshaw Ride/ Animal Rides)

  • Please  be  aware that  local  laws  governing transportation  safety  in Indian Subcontinent may differ from those in your country. As per your itinerary, you may indulge in an activity that includes  alternate  mode  of  transport  including  canters  and  jeeps,  bicycle  and  auto-rickshaws, camels,  elephants  and  horses  and  a  variety  of  All  passengers  participating  in  village/desert safaris  should  be  ready  for  a  rustic  experience  as  local  jeeps  may  have  side  facing  seats (seats placed along the length of the vehicle). Also, please be informed that most of the Wildlife Safari  vehicles are open and as  such  vehicles like jeeps/canters used for  safaris and for other sightseeing tours / excursions may or may not have seat belts. All guests must acknowledge that they are aware of the risks involved depending on the type of tour taken.

   

  Boats: To take part in any boat ride, you need to be of average mobility to be able to climb on and  off  all  these  boats  unaided;  able  to  disembark  onto  makeshift  docks  without  handrails,  or onto muddy and slippery riverbanks.

  Canters: These are large, open trucks with wooden bench seats in the back and used for safaris on sharing basis in the national parks.

  Elephant ride at Amber Fort (Jaipur): Elephant rides can either be taken to the fort or from the fort based on the directives  received from the Rajasthan State Tourism Board and are booked on first come-first serve basis. As such for Elephant ride at Amber Fort, an early departure from the hotel is recommended. Also note Elephant ride to or from the Fort is subject to same being operational and may be stopped due to various reasons by Rajasthan State Tourism Board

  Important: At all times, our Tour Managers, Local Guides, and Representatives will assist and brief  guests  about these  activities  but  cannot  guarantee the  uninterrupted  services  during their stay in Indian Subcontinent. All guests must bear full responsibilities for such activities releasing Indior Tours, its associates, its directors, its agents of any claim. It would be in your interest to buy a suitable insurance to cover all risks associated with such travel.

• SUGGESTED CLOTHING ...

  • To  respect local traditions, we  suggest that  you  should avoid to wearing dresses which are short, tight fitting, sleeveless or with deep necklines. This is particularly recommended during visit to places worship and meetings with families etc.).  Visitors going to a religious place on the tour should be modestly dressed. Admission may be denied (depending on the code of conduct followed  at  the  religious  place  being  visited)  to  anyone  wearing  shorts  pants/skirts,  sleeveless t-shirts/blouses.  Bare  shoulders  and  mid-riffs  are  not  permitted  and  should  be  covered  with shawls. Visitors are required to take their shoes off and cover their heads (with scarves/ stoles) before entering a  religious  complex. Please try and avoid  very  revealing  swimsuits even at the hotel swimming pool.

• POPULATION ...

  In  order  not  to  encourage  begging,  we  suggest  that  you  should  not  distribute  anything  during your visits  (candy, money, toys, pens etc.).Should you wish to made donations in cash or kind, please consult your guide who would provide you with the best advice.

  We suggest that you spend your money to buy locally produced things made my local craftsmen and take them to the  country of  your origin and  contribute to the local economy thus providing work to those in need.

• PRICE AND OTHER CONDITION OF SALE ...

  • Prices are subject to change in case any supplier decides to increase the rates at short notice or any change in tax structure is proposed by the Government of India and Reserve Bank of India regulations pertaining to taxes. Similarly in case of any hike in the hotel rates, transport and fuel charges, entrances to the monuments, fluctuation in the rate of exchange, or a change caused  by  an  unforeseen  political  activity  or  force  majeure  situation,  we  reserves  the  right  to adjust the tour price accordingly.

  • The  rates provided in this quotation are  confidential exclusively for the person or agent to  which they  are  being  sent.  These  cannot  be  disclosed to  any third  party  without the  written consent of Indior Tours.

  • The  costs indicated are based on  rates  contracted for leisure business. No  conference/business/corporate activity is envisaged in this tour cost. Including any such activity may result in the above group being treated as a business delegation and the hotels may like to charge rates applicable for Business delegations.

  • For  package  deals,  Indior  Tours  may  not  be  in  a  position  to  provide  supporting  bills. Supporting bills may be provided only where available and only if it was agreed in writing before confirmation of any tour, conference or event.

  • In case of any refunds / adjustments, if applicable, the same will be processed between Indior Tours and the Foreign Tour Operator. No refund will be given directly to the clients in India.

  • Any dispute will be settled within the guidelines framed by Indior Tours and at courts and forums at Delhi shall have exclusive jurisdiction in this regard.

• RECOMMENDED TIPS ...

  (Indicative only because it is at the discretion of each / not to spare but only tickets ) :

  • 10% of the total amount of the invoice/meals in restaurants, hotels
  • ` 20 (Indian Rupees) / porterage at hotels
  • PP 03 € per day for guide escort (to be submitted in an envelope at the end of the stay)
  • PP 02 € per day for the driver (to be submitted in an envelope at the end of the stay)
  • PP 01 € 01 per day for the assistant driver  (to be submitted in an envelope at the end of the stay

• CANCELLATION FEES ...

  • Cancellation fee per person:
  • 31 days prior to arrival: no cancellation fee.
  • 30 - 15 days prior to arrival date: 50 % of the total billing amount.
  • 14 - 07 prior to arrival date - 75% of the total billing amount.
  • 07 - No show: 100 % of the total billed amount.
  • In  case  of  reservation  of  luxury  hotels  like the Villas, Palace Hotels,  Luxury Trains  and Cruises etc. the  cancellation fees  can be  severe. Same is also applicable for the high demand periods of Christmas and New Year's or during periods when International or local Fairs or major Sports events are being organized. Please contact us for details.
  • In case of cancellation or change of flights once the tickets have been issued, a standard deduction of 25 per person per sector would be levied. In case of no show, the deduction will be that of 100 %.