Highlights of Nepal & India

1. Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu
   Namaste – Welcome to Nepal ! As one of the most enchanting travel destinations in the world, Nepal offers a heady mixture of unique culture proudly preserved, mind-boggling adventure and remarkable natural beauty. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel and have the balance of the day free. 
2. Day 2 - Kathmandu
   Today we explore the Kathmandu Valley*, a highlight of tours to Nepal. We start at the Durbar Square located in the heart of old city of Kathmandu. There are an incredible 50 temples in this area. 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. Over 2,500 years old, this huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of 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 B.C. Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley and a great center of the Newari traditional arts and crafts, with 136 courtyards and 55 major temples. In the evening, we enjoy our Nepali-style welcome dinner. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
3. Day 3 - Kathmandu
   Today we visit Bhaktapur¸ also known as Bhadgaon and home to exquisite examples of medieval art and 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 to be one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world. This temple of Lord Shiva is famous for its superb architecture, with a tiered golden roof and silver. We will only be able to view it from the eastern bank of Bagmati River overlooking the cremation grounds, as it is open solely to Hindus. 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, encircled by houses and monasteries. Evening is free to explore the bazaars and meet the many different ethnic groups who call Kathmandu home.

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
4. Day 4 - Kathmandu / Delhi (Flight)
   Today we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Delhi. The capital of India is a fusion of ancient and modern. It paints a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries and gardens. On arrival in Delhi, we are met by our local representative and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
5. Day 5 - Delhi
   The capital of India is truly a tantalizing mixture of old and new. We start our morning tour with an exploration of New Delhi and a visit to Birla House, the last residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, take in the famous India Gate, followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun’s Tomb*, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb in India. Humayan’s Tomb inspired several major architectural innovations, including the Taj Mahal. After that we explore Old Delhi where we drive past to the historical Red Fort* built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jehan. Most of the Moghul forts were “Palace Forts“ as these were also the official residences of the royalty. We then embark on a rickshaw ride through the bazaars at Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s oldest and busiest market. We then drive to the monumental Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. End the day at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local Indian restaurant.

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner

   OPTIONAL: Visit Qutub Minar - USD 49

   We visit 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.

   OPTIONAL: Visit to Red Fort Complex (remain closed on Monday) - USD 49

   We visit 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

6. Day 6 - Delhi / Varanasi (Flight)
   A short flight gets us to Varanasi, the oldest living city in India. Varanasi was earlier called Banaras. On arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we experience a joyful rickshaw ride (India’s famous 3 wheeler vehicle) to the banks of the River Ganges – the holy river for the Hindus. Here we witness the colourful Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual of worship. Aarti is the waving of lighted wicks before the deities in a spirit of humility and gratitude, wherein faithful followers become immersed in god's divine form. This is usually done at sunset. You may sit and watch and even participate with the devotees. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
7. Day 7 - Varanasi
   Early morning, we take a serene sunrise cruise on the River Ganges, soaking in the unique scenes along the river bank. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. From our boat we will see scores of pilgrims and priests bathe in the river’s holy waters and performing various other rituals. This unique experience will make us feel as if we’re looking through a window to another world.  After our boat ride, we explore old Varanasi, visiting the Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a huge marble relief map of India; Durga Temple, the Tulsi Manas Mandir besides the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb. Balance of the day is free. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner

   OPTIONAL: Tour of Sarnath (Museum is closed on Friday) - USD 43

   We explore Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Varanasi is also famous for its silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where the beautiful silk sarees are actually woven.

8. Day 8 - Varanasi / Delhi (Flight) & Delhi/ Agra (Drive)
   We take a morning flight to New Delhi Airport. From here we take a road transfer to Agra. Agra is amongst the few privileged cities in the world to house 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - The Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.  As we get closer to Agra, our eagerness to see this monument of love will start growing at an unprecedented speed. Evening, free to take a walk and see the Taj glittering (especially on full moon nights). 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner
9. Day 9 - Agra / Ranthambore (Drive)
   We start our day with a sunrise visit to one of the most well-known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648. Built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired masterpiece of world heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Moghul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After visiting the Taj Mahal, we return to our hotel for breakfast. 
   Afternoon, we visit Fatehpur Sikri*. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, this stunning complex was once the capital of the Moghul Empire. Just 10 years after its construction, the city with its beautiful temples, mosques and monuments were abandoned due to lack of water.  Surprisingly, many structures are still in existence and used even today including one of the largest mosques in India and the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Salim Chisty. From here we drive to Ranthambore and check into our hotel. 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Dinner

   OPTIONAL: Visit to Agra fort- A World Heritage Site - USD 49

   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, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques

10. Day 10 - Ranthambore
    Ranthambore is the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Ranthambore National Park lies at the edge of a plateau and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore Fort*, which lies within the national park. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. In the morning we take a safari through the National Park, where we encounter a variety of mammals, including tigers. About 150 bird species have their habitat here and in winter a variety of migratory birds can be seen.  
    Afternoon free for personal activities or take optional afternoon safari through Ranthambore National Park.

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

    OPTIONAL: Afternoon Safari through Ranthambore National Park - USD 79

    Afternoon Jeep Safari through Ranthambore National Park 

11. Day 11 - Ranthambore / Jaipur (Drive)
    Today, we drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan called the Pink City, since most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. The remainder of the day is free for personal activities. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
12. Day 12 - Jaipur
    This morning, we are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with a journey to the Amber Fort, located in a picturesque valley among the Kalikho Hills. Known as the gem of Jaipur, this imposing fort dating from the late 16th century was never attacked or invaded. Built from a combination of yellow and pink sandstone and white marble, the fort includes distinguished halls, intricate carvings and ornate gardens. Next we return to Jaipur to visit the Jantar Mantar*, a historic astronomical observation site boasting instruments used to star-gaze with the naked eye. We also stop at the stunning Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved façade. The evening is free to enjoy the one-of-a-kind shopping of the bazaars. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

    OPTIONAL: Elephant ride at Amber Fort (Subject to availability) - USD 28

    One of the highlights of a visit to the stunning Amber Fort is the chance to ride an elephant up the hill to the main entrance. The Amber Fort elephant ride is a fantastic experience, but visitors must arrive early to guarantee a ride.

    OPTIONAL: Visit the majestic City Palace - USD 37

    We visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art. 

13. Day 13 - Jaipur / Delhi (Drive)
    After an incredible tour of Nepal & India, we are driven to Delhi and transferred to airport for our flight to onward destination. We bid farewell to India after what will have been a memorable journey into history, culture, art, architecture, making new friends and lots of memories. 

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast

    OPTIONAL: Wash & Change for 02 Hours followed by dinner at Holiday Inn Express Transit Hotel at Terminal-T3 - USD 58

    On arrival we check in at Holiday Inn Express Transit hotel for wash & change for 02 Hours (Till 20:00 Hrs) folllowed by dinner. After dinner, we board our flight to onward destination. 

* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED