Golden Triangle With Nepal

The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit Birla House, the Former Residence of Mahatma Gandhi before he was assassinated by Nathu Ram Godse on January 30, 1948. Later we visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun's Tomb*, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, built in 1570.  We continue to Qutb Minar and its Monuments* Built in the early 13th century the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art and two mosques. 
After New Delhi sightseeing we drive to Jaipur, the rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, since most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. On arrival we are transferred to hotel.

Please Note: Birla House is closed on Monday
 

This morning we take a Jeep Ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. Located in a valley formed by a range of Aravallis known as Kalikho hills. The Palace and Fort are located on top of the hill with the city on slopes, and the valley protected by fort walls with four gates in the four cardinal directions. The construction of  the fort began in 1592. It shows the evolution from the purely defensive fort settlements of the early medieval period to the palace fortress type of architecture typified in the 16th century. This palace fortress was never attacked or invaded. The fort comprises of number of gardens, courtyards and palatial spaces derived from Mughal architecture and are a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. We return to Jaipur and experience the art of carpet weaving & block printing. Later we visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art and the beautiful Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. We also visit the Jantar Mantar*, an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century that includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period. The evening is free to enjoy both shopping and the cultural experience in the bazaars. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. 

After breakfast we drive to Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King, Akbar the Great. The city was later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir. From here we continue a countryside drive to Agra. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax.

To many today is the most awaited day. We begin our day before sunrise with a visit to one of the most beautiful monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble built between 1631 and 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the crown jewel of Muslim art in India and across the world. Set in a vast Mogul garden located on the right bank of the Yamuna River, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After our sunrise experience at this artistic masterpiece, we return to our hotel for breakfast. Later we visit Agra Fort*. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, audience halls and two very beautiful mosques.
We further drive to Delhi. On arrival we check in to our hotel.

Please Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. On full moon night, Taj Mahal viewing is open for visitors. Bestway Tours & Safaris can arrange for tickets for viewing the white beauty on request.
 

Today we concentrate on Old Delhi, starting with the Red Fort Complex*. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex. The Red Fort is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement and each pavilion reveals architectural elements typical of Mughal building, reflecting a fusion of Persian, Timurid and Hindu traditions. After visiting the Red fort, we embark on a captivating journey on a Rickshaw passing through the narrow lanes of the famous Chandni Chowk Bazaar, it was originally built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his daughter Jahan Ara in 17th Century since then many changes have taken place however it remains Old Delhi's one of the Oldest and busiest markets in Delhi. Finally end our rickshaw ride at Jama Masjid, Mughal majesty and India's largest mosque. After visiting the mosque, we proceed to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Later we are transferred to airport for our flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu we are transferred to our hotel and remainder of the day is free to relax.

Please Note: Red fort is closed on Monday and Chandni Chowk is closed on Sunday.
 

Today we explore the Kathmandu valley, starting at the Durbar Square located in the heart of old city Kathmandu. There are around 50 temples in the vicinity. We will visit the 17th Century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, the Paravati Temple, the Great Bell and Drum, Bhairav, the Taleju Temple and an array of temples grouped around it, as well as the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Kumari. We then head to the stupa of Swayambhunath, located on a green hillock west of Kathmandu. The site marks the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley Lake and is over 2,500 years old. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu. We conclude our exploration in Patan, the oldest city in the valley said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley, a great center of the Newari traditional arts & crafts with 136 courtyards and 55 major temples. The evening is free to explore the bazaars and get an opportunity meeting the many different ethnic groups who call Kathmandu home

Today we visit Bhaktapur¸ also known as Bhadgaon and home to exquisite of medieval art & architecture. A city of farmers, Bhaktapur is also known for its pottery and weaving. It is the best preserved of the valley’s three cities. We then head to Pashupatinath, considered as one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples in the whole world. The temple of lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with a tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Wey will only be able to view it from the eastern bank of Bagmati River overlooking the cremation grounds, as it is open to believers of the Hindu faith only. We then explore Boudhanath, also known as `Little Tibet’ because of its unique atmosphere resembling old Barkhor marketplace in Lhasa. It features the biggest stupa in Nepal and is located on flat land and encircled by houses & monasteries. 

Please Note: In the early morning you may take an optional scenic flight over the breathtaking Himalayas to see Mount Everest and other peaks.  

After what would have been an incredible journey to India and Kathmandu, we bid farewell with unforgettable memories and board our flight to onward destination from Kathmandu International Airport