Highlights:
Taj Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, a Boat ride on the Ganges River, the birthplace of Buddha, Jungle Game Safari to spot the Indian big five. Many famous temples of Kathmandu.
Major Cities/Towns:
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Fatehpur, Varanasi, Lumbini, Pokhara, Kathmandu.
Variety of Transport:
bus/van/local taxi, rickshaw, boat, train, elephants, and bullock cart.
Activity:
Easy walks for sightseeing and moderate hikes.
Unique Local Experiences:
From big cities to small towns, the tour is packed with a number of experiences that will give you a better understanding of the local culture and people. Encounters with wildlife and nature, cultural shows, dances, unique markets, and experience a variety of local food.
D-01 Arrive DELHI
D-02 DELHI
D-03 DELHI - AGRA
D-04 AGRA - FATEHPUR - JAIPUR
D-05 JAIPUR
D-06 JAIPUR - DELHI
D-07 DELHI - VARANASI
D-08 VARANASI - LUMBINI
D-09 LUMBINI - CHITWAN
D-10 CHITWAN
D-11 CHITWAN - POKHARA
D-12 POKHARA
D-13 POKHARA - KATHMANDU
D-14 KATHMANDU
D-15 KATHMANDU
D-16 KATHMANDU - DEPARTURE
For departures and detailed description
DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
Our representative will meet you at the airport in Delhi. Transfer from airport to hotel. Check-in and stay overnight.
DAY 02 IN DELHI
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our visit within the ancient walls of Old Delhi. We will see Delhi’s proud monuments such as the Red Fort, which once protected royalty of the Mughal Empire; Raj Ghat, the sacred memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Since the 14th century Qutab Minar has towered over the region and is still the tallest brick minaret in the world. Just as amazing is the Iron Pillar, a 7 metre pillar erected by ancient ironsmiths which has not corroded in over 1600 years! The past and present meet and blend in New Delhi: we
will visit the 20th century marble wonder, “The Lotus Temple”, a Bahai house of worship. Return to Hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 03 DELHI – AGRA [Surface/220Kms]
Breakfast at Hotel and proceed to Agra. Check in at Hotel on arrival. In the afternoon, we will visit the massive Agra Fort, which was once the seat of Mughal rulers. We will witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World, at sunset. Emperor Shah Jehan was so distraught as his wife Mumtaz lay dying, that he promised her three things: to look after their children, to never marry again, and to build a monument to her the like the world had never seen. And so he did. The Taj Mahal has become a symbol of India and of love. This Mughal architectural triumph is decorated with incised painting, inlays, sculpture, calligraphy, and pietra dura. (Note:
Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Evening: Optional - Movie Show “India in Motion” – (25 minutes) at Adlabs in Agra (subject to time availability). Return to hotel and overnight stay.
DAY 04 AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – JAIPUR [Surface/245Kms]
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. On the way, we will stop at Fateh Pur Sikri, an abandoned, Red Sandstone City built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India's greatest rulers. It contains a variety of carved pillars and the highest gate in India. When we reach Jaipur, we will check into our hotel. Afterwards, you can experience carpet weaving, a block printing demonstration and also learn about the Rajasthani turban. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 05 IN JAIPUR
Breakfast at Hotel. Today we will climb up to the exquisite Amber Fort. It may be possible to follow in the footsteps of past Maharajas and ride an elephant up to the palace of the Kuchchawa rulers. Old, plain, rough walls defend the hills, but they also hide an ornate palatial interior. The stunning Sheesh Mahal is a room of tiny mirrors that must have dazzled with light under previous rulers. We’ll descend the hill and leave behind this gem of Hindu-
Muslim architecture. In the afternoon, we will embark on a sightseeing tour of Jaipur city, where
we will see the City Palace (former Royal Residence, now a museum). We also have the opportunity to photograph the famed Hawa Mahal, “The Palace of the Winds”. Built at the end of the 18th century, it is a five storey structure designed to resemble Krishna’s crown. Its delicately honey combed sandstone windows used to allow breezes through and allowed modest royal ladies to see without being seen. Finally we visit the Jantar Mantar - built in the 18th century, one of the largest stone and marble crafted astronomical observatories in the world. Continue your journey through the Pink City until you reach your hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 06 JAIPUR – DELHI [265Kms]
After breakfast today we head back for Delhi with some interesting stops. This afternoon is free for you to explore Delhi on your own. Shop for elegant saris, aromatic sandalwood jewelry, traditional carvings or enchanting incense. Sample delicious local flavours: fresh warm chapattis, savoury samosas and sticky sweet jalaybis. Perk up with a glass of hot chai.
DAY 07 DELHI – VARANASI (flight)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. This afternoon we will go to Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon. The foundations of the ancient Dhamek Stupa still remain. This is the oldest existing stupa (mound-shaped Buddhist memorial) in the world today. See the spot where Buddha met his first disciples, commemorated by the Chaukhandi Stupa. We will also visit the ruins of 9th and 10th century monasteries and temples, as well as a Tibetan temple and the temple built by the Mahabodhi
Society in 1931. You have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 08 VARANASI – LUMBINI
Coffee at dawn at the hotel. Proceed to enjoy a mystical early morning boat ride on the river Ganges. You have the opportunity to witness millennia old rituals taking place along this sacred river. Countless generations of Hindus
have bathed in the river, saving vials of the holy water in their homes, drinking it to wash away their sins and finally, committing their ashes to Mother Ganga’s embrace. Disembark and return to your hotel for breakfast.
Varanasi is the holiest place in Hinduism. It is believed that the great god Shiva himself founded the city. Not only Hindus, but Buddhists and Jains also revere Varanasi as a sacred place. After breakfast, we’ll drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.
ARRIVE SUNALI (BHAIRAHAWA). Our
representative will meet you at Sunali border and welcome you into Nepal. Overnight bed and breakfast at Hotel.
DAY 09 BHAIRAHAWA – CHITWAN
After breakfast we proceed to visit Lumbini the birthplace of Gautama Buddha – the founder of Buddhism. After a brief visit we continue our drive to Chitwan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects many endangered species, including tigers, the one-horned rhino, the gharial crocodile, the four-horned antelope, just to name a few. This subtropical park covers 932 square kilometers. The Giant Hornbill and the Kingfisher are two of Chitwan’s more celebrated bird
residents. Overnight at the lodge in Chitwan on full board basis.
DAY 10 CHITWAN
Today we enjoy a real jungle adventure. We begin by taking a bullock cart to the water where we board a traditional dug-out canoe. Here we spot the crocodiles. When we reach land again, we will continue our jungle explorations on the back of an elephant. Keep your eyes open for signs of jungle mammals, such as rhinos and tigers, as well as any of the 450 species of bird in the park. Overnight at the lodge in Chitwan on full board basis.
DAY 11 CHITWAN – POKHARA
After breakfast, we head towards Pokhara, a peaceful town in the heart of the mighty Himalayas. Pokhara is famous for its breathtaking views of the Anapurna Range. Our drive takes us on a winding road that snakes through the lush green Himalayan landscape. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival. We suggest that you take time for a peaceful boat ride on Fewa Lake. Here you have many opportunities to take short hikes and walks. Your guide can give you the necessary information if you like to take some free time to do your own exploring. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 12 POKHARA
Early this morning we hike up to Sarangkot for a spectacular sunrise view of the Annapurna massif. Later drive back to Pokhara for a sightseeing tour visiting the dramatic Devi Falls (also known as David’s Fall) which plunge into a sinkhole, Tibetan settlements, Bindebashini temple (3000 Feet above sea level, this pagoda style temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Durga, guardian of Pokhara), KI Singh bridge (from where the Seti River is visible) and the local market.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 13 POKHARA - KATHMANDU
After breakfast head to the Kathmandu Valley. Along the way we make some interesting stops at local villages and small towns to observe the local culture and way of life.
DAY 14 KATHMANDU.
Today we explore Nepal’s capital city. Kathmandu is a cosmopolitan city of mixed cultural and religious influences, cradled in a valley surrounded by four large mountains. Kathmandu’s history as a city goes back some 2000 years. Swoyambhunath Stupa, which we see this morning, has been a significant pilgrimage stop for Hindus and Buddhists
for centuries. This site is also regularly visited by local monkeys! This afternoon, we will set out for Patan. UNESCO
has declared Patan Durbar Square a World Heritage site. It is in essence an open air museum of Nepali history comprising of a royal residence and temples in pagoda style. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu on bed & breakfast basis.
DAY 15: KATHMANDU
This morning we will visit Pashupatinath temple and Boudhnath stupa. Pashupatinath is not only a World Heritage site, but it is the biggest temple to Shiva in the world and the oldest temple in Kathmandu. Located on an ancient trade route and said to be a monument covering a great sage’s relics, Boudhnath stupa is one of the largest in the world. Tibetan refugees have built many monasteries around this site that is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. This afternoon, we journey to Bhaktapur City. You may feel as if you have stepped back in time to a period in which Bhaktapur was Nepal’s capital, important since it was on the trade route between Tibet and India. The Newar people left an artistic legacy here in the amazing architecture. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
DAY 16 DEPARTURE
Free till departure and later, transfer to the International Airport.
Taj Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, a Boat ride on the Ganges River, the birthplace of Buddha, Jungle Game Safari to spot the Indian big five. Many famous temples of Kathmandu.
Major Cities/Towns:
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Fatehpur, Varanasi, Lumbini, Pokhara, Kathmandu.
Variety of Transport:
bus/van/local taxi, rickshaw, boat, train, elephants, and bullock cart.
Activity:
Easy walks for sightseeing and moderate hikes.
Unique Local Experiences:
From big cities to small towns, the tour is packed with a number of experiences that will give you a better understanding of the local culture and people. Encounters with wildlife and nature, cultural shows, dances, unique markets, and experience a variety of local food.
D-01 Arrive DELHI
D-02 DELHI
D-03 DELHI - AGRA
D-04 AGRA - FATEHPUR - JAIPUR
D-05 JAIPUR
D-06 JAIPUR - DELHI
D-07 DELHI - VARANASI
D-08 VARANASI - LUMBINI
D-09 LUMBINI - CHITWAN
D-10 CHITWAN
D-11 CHITWAN - POKHARA
D-12 POKHARA
D-13 POKHARA - KATHMANDU
D-14 KATHMANDU
D-15 KATHMANDU
D-16 KATHMANDU - DEPARTURE
For departures and detailed description
DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
Our representative will meet you at the airport in Delhi. Transfer from airport to hotel. Check-in and stay overnight.
DAY 02 IN DELHI
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our visit within the ancient walls of Old Delhi. We will see Delhi’s proud monuments such as the Red Fort, which once protected royalty of the Mughal Empire; Raj Ghat, the sacred memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Since the 14th century Qutab Minar has towered over the region and is still the tallest brick minaret in the world. Just as amazing is the Iron Pillar, a 7 metre pillar erected by ancient ironsmiths which has not corroded in over 1600 years! The past and present meet and blend in New Delhi: we
will visit the 20th century marble wonder, “The Lotus Temple”, a Bahai house of worship. Return to Hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 03 DELHI – AGRA [Surface/220Kms]
Breakfast at Hotel and proceed to Agra. Check in at Hotel on arrival. In the afternoon, we will visit the massive Agra Fort, which was once the seat of Mughal rulers. We will witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World, at sunset. Emperor Shah Jehan was so distraught as his wife Mumtaz lay dying, that he promised her three things: to look after their children, to never marry again, and to build a monument to her the like the world had never seen. And so he did. The Taj Mahal has become a symbol of India and of love. This Mughal architectural triumph is decorated with incised painting, inlays, sculpture, calligraphy, and pietra dura. (Note:
Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Evening: Optional - Movie Show “India in Motion” – (25 minutes) at Adlabs in Agra (subject to time availability). Return to hotel and overnight stay.
DAY 04 AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – JAIPUR [Surface/245Kms]
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. On the way, we will stop at Fateh Pur Sikri, an abandoned, Red Sandstone City built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India's greatest rulers. It contains a variety of carved pillars and the highest gate in India. When we reach Jaipur, we will check into our hotel. Afterwards, you can experience carpet weaving, a block printing demonstration and also learn about the Rajasthani turban. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 05 IN JAIPUR
Breakfast at Hotel. Today we will climb up to the exquisite Amber Fort. It may be possible to follow in the footsteps of past Maharajas and ride an elephant up to the palace of the Kuchchawa rulers. Old, plain, rough walls defend the hills, but they also hide an ornate palatial interior. The stunning Sheesh Mahal is a room of tiny mirrors that must have dazzled with light under previous rulers. We’ll descend the hill and leave behind this gem of Hindu-
Muslim architecture. In the afternoon, we will embark on a sightseeing tour of Jaipur city, where
we will see the City Palace (former Royal Residence, now a museum). We also have the opportunity to photograph the famed Hawa Mahal, “The Palace of the Winds”. Built at the end of the 18th century, it is a five storey structure designed to resemble Krishna’s crown. Its delicately honey combed sandstone windows used to allow breezes through and allowed modest royal ladies to see without being seen. Finally we visit the Jantar Mantar - built in the 18th century, one of the largest stone and marble crafted astronomical observatories in the world. Continue your journey through the Pink City until you reach your hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 06 JAIPUR – DELHI [265Kms]
After breakfast today we head back for Delhi with some interesting stops. This afternoon is free for you to explore Delhi on your own. Shop for elegant saris, aromatic sandalwood jewelry, traditional carvings or enchanting incense. Sample delicious local flavours: fresh warm chapattis, savoury samosas and sticky sweet jalaybis. Perk up with a glass of hot chai.
DAY 07 DELHI – VARANASI (flight)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. This afternoon we will go to Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon. The foundations of the ancient Dhamek Stupa still remain. This is the oldest existing stupa (mound-shaped Buddhist memorial) in the world today. See the spot where Buddha met his first disciples, commemorated by the Chaukhandi Stupa. We will also visit the ruins of 9th and 10th century monasteries and temples, as well as a Tibetan temple and the temple built by the Mahabodhi
Society in 1931. You have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 08 VARANASI – LUMBINI
Coffee at dawn at the hotel. Proceed to enjoy a mystical early morning boat ride on the river Ganges. You have the opportunity to witness millennia old rituals taking place along this sacred river. Countless generations of Hindus
have bathed in the river, saving vials of the holy water in their homes, drinking it to wash away their sins and finally, committing their ashes to Mother Ganga’s embrace. Disembark and return to your hotel for breakfast.
Varanasi is the holiest place in Hinduism. It is believed that the great god Shiva himself founded the city. Not only Hindus, but Buddhists and Jains also revere Varanasi as a sacred place. After breakfast, we’ll drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.
ARRIVE SUNALI (BHAIRAHAWA). Our
representative will meet you at Sunali border and welcome you into Nepal. Overnight bed and breakfast at Hotel.
DAY 09 BHAIRAHAWA – CHITWAN
After breakfast we proceed to visit Lumbini the birthplace of Gautama Buddha – the founder of Buddhism. After a brief visit we continue our drive to Chitwan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects many endangered species, including tigers, the one-horned rhino, the gharial crocodile, the four-horned antelope, just to name a few. This subtropical park covers 932 square kilometers. The Giant Hornbill and the Kingfisher are two of Chitwan’s more celebrated bird
residents. Overnight at the lodge in Chitwan on full board basis.
DAY 10 CHITWAN
Today we enjoy a real jungle adventure. We begin by taking a bullock cart to the water where we board a traditional dug-out canoe. Here we spot the crocodiles. When we reach land again, we will continue our jungle explorations on the back of an elephant. Keep your eyes open for signs of jungle mammals, such as rhinos and tigers, as well as any of the 450 species of bird in the park. Overnight at the lodge in Chitwan on full board basis.
DAY 11 CHITWAN – POKHARA
After breakfast, we head towards Pokhara, a peaceful town in the heart of the mighty Himalayas. Pokhara is famous for its breathtaking views of the Anapurna Range. Our drive takes us on a winding road that snakes through the lush green Himalayan landscape. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival. We suggest that you take time for a peaceful boat ride on Fewa Lake. Here you have many opportunities to take short hikes and walks. Your guide can give you the necessary information if you like to take some free time to do your own exploring. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 12 POKHARA
Early this morning we hike up to Sarangkot for a spectacular sunrise view of the Annapurna massif. Later drive back to Pokhara for a sightseeing tour visiting the dramatic Devi Falls (also known as David’s Fall) which plunge into a sinkhole, Tibetan settlements, Bindebashini temple (3000 Feet above sea level, this pagoda style temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Durga, guardian of Pokhara), KI Singh bridge (from where the Seti River is visible) and the local market.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 13 POKHARA - KATHMANDU
After breakfast head to the Kathmandu Valley. Along the way we make some interesting stops at local villages and small towns to observe the local culture and way of life.
DAY 14 KATHMANDU.
Today we explore Nepal’s capital city. Kathmandu is a cosmopolitan city of mixed cultural and religious influences, cradled in a valley surrounded by four large mountains. Kathmandu’s history as a city goes back some 2000 years. Swoyambhunath Stupa, which we see this morning, has been a significant pilgrimage stop for Hindus and Buddhists
for centuries. This site is also regularly visited by local monkeys! This afternoon, we will set out for Patan. UNESCO
has declared Patan Durbar Square a World Heritage site. It is in essence an open air museum of Nepali history comprising of a royal residence and temples in pagoda style. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu on bed & breakfast basis.
DAY 15: KATHMANDU
This morning we will visit Pashupatinath temple and Boudhnath stupa. Pashupatinath is not only a World Heritage site, but it is the biggest temple to Shiva in the world and the oldest temple in Kathmandu. Located on an ancient trade route and said to be a monument covering a great sage’s relics, Boudhnath stupa is one of the largest in the world. Tibetan refugees have built many monasteries around this site that is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. This afternoon, we journey to Bhaktapur City. You may feel as if you have stepped back in time to a period in which Bhaktapur was Nepal’s capital, important since it was on the trade route between Tibet and India. The Newar people left an artistic legacy here in the amazing architecture. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
DAY 16 DEPARTURE
Free till departure and later, transfer to the International Airport.