Duration :18 nights / 19 days
Places Covered :Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Gorakhpur - Pokhara - Chitwan - Kathmandu - Delhi
DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI
Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your pre-booked hotel.Upon arrival at the hotel you are received with a traditional welcome.Rest of the day is relaxing and for free activities.Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02: DELHI
This morning we visit Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Shah Jehan the Magnificent ( who also built the Taj Mahal). First we will be visiting the famous Jama Masjid mosque with its 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, three domes and two minarets, and then proceed to the massive complex known as the Red Fort.
Afternoon we'll visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a Spectacular structure that's just 60 years old , and then proceed via India Gate and the Governmental building to Qutab Minar, the 240 foot tower built in 1190 to commemorate the arrival of Islam in India, the Bahai Temple with its nine pools on an elevated platform, and the Crafts Museum, which replicates and Indian street with over 50 artists and craftspeople at work. Overnight at the Hotel
DAY 03: DELHI - JAIPUR ( 260 KMS/5 HRS DRIVE)
After Breakfast We continue our journey for Jaipur popularly known as the Pink City, was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Designed in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture - Jaipur follows a grid system. Upon arrival check in your Hotel. Afternoon - tour of City Palace and Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The Palace of winds - a five storied structure of pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 04: JAIPUR
The capital of Rajasthan is the most colourful city in India. Today morning we visit the Amber Fort in the Aravali Hills, which is a super example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style architecture. A slow elephant ride takes us to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful buildings. Afternoon is spent visit the local bazaar.
In the evening, we visit Chokhi Dhani where an ethnic village atmosphere is recreated each evening with thousands of oil lamps, folk dancers, arobats, snake charmers, puppeteers etc. Overnight at the Hotel
DAY 05: JAIPUR - AGRA (232 KMS/04 HRS DRIVE) VIA FATEHPUR SIKIRI
This morning travel to Agra via the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri ( ghost capital) for a tour of the magnificent and world heritage buildings still in a state of perfect preservation. We continue our journey for Agra and upon arrival check into Hotel.
DAY 06: AGRA
Agra was the capital of India under the Moghuls in the 16th and 17th centuries. This morning we see the exquisite tomb of the emperor Jehangir's chief minister and father-in - law, often called the 'BABY TAJ' because its design foreshadows the Taj Mahal,. Then we tour Agra's Red Fort, built over three generations by the moghul emperors. Following an afternoon free, we go at sunset to see the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by a sorrowing Shah Jehan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Building's stupendous scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white marble and shimmering reflection in the water channel are truly breathtaking. Overnight at Hotel .
DAY 07: AGRA – KHAJURAHO 410 KMS 09 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast we leave for Khajuraho . Upon arrival check in at your prebooked Hotel.
DAY 08: KHAJURAHO
Morning city tour visit the spectaular ninth to thirteenth century temples of Khajuraho, built by Chandela kings, The temples are exquisitely carved with graceful statues and frieze gods and goddesses. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 09: KHAJURAHO – VARANASI 400 KMS 09 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast we leave for varanasi . Upon arrival check in at your prebooked Hotel . In the evening proceed to the village of Sarnath on the outskirts of town. It was in this Deer Park that the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Park and Museum.. Sarnath was made a centre of Buddhist worship by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. We will visit the Main Shrine and Ashoka's Pillar. In the Archaeological Museum we will see the beautifully carved capital from the pillar along with many other priceless Buddhist artifacts. The highlight of this tour would be a participation in the evening Aarti ( prayer service) at the main Buddhist temple here. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 10: VARANASI
Varanasi formerly known as Benares, is the city where the Hindu faithful come to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges . Early this morning get ready for a dawn boat ride on the river Ganges. The Ganges is the most sacred and venerated river in India. Besides the ritualistic aspect of Hinduism ( thread ceremony, head shaving food to the departed souls etc.) also see the bathing. Laundry and the cremations of the dead that take place here on the banks of the river. After the boat ride walk through the fascinating narrow twisting lanes of the city to watch the performance of various Hindu rituals by the pilgrims.
After the boat trip on the Ganges we return back to the hotel. After breakfast we will proceed for a city tour . Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 11: VARANASI - GORAKHPUR 195 KMS 06 HOURS DRIVE
after breakfast we leave for Gorakhpur . upon arrival check in at Hotel . after noon sightseeing tour of Gorakhpur .
DAY 12: GORAKHPUR - POKHARA 278 KMS 08 HOURS DRIVE
Pick up from Saunali border (Indian border) Today you will transferred to Pokhara in Nepal. Upon arrival check in at your Hotel . Afternoon. Boating on famous Pokhara lake for 1 hour.
DAY 13: POKHARA
Morning sightseeing tour of pokhara and afternoon free for personal activities
Davis Fall: It is the most famous water fall in Pokhara, which comes to its gushing best just before disappearing underground. The water flowing in this fall comes from Fewa lake and the fall is worth visiting during the rainy seasons as it possesses its maximum velocity.
Phewa Lake: Sightseeing of Phewa Lake (one hour boat ride). The lake in the immediate vicinity of the city is Phewa Lake with an island temple dedicated to Goddess Barahi in the middle with its serene water reflecting the Annapurna range and a nicely preserved forest on the adjoining southern slope, this legendary second largest lake of Nepal remains a major source of attraction for the visiting tourists.
Bindebashini Temple: This is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara. Legend says that when Pokhara was a part of Kaski Kingdom, the main deity of the temple, Goddess Durga, was brought from India. Apart from the peace and tranquility that can be felt in this region, the premises of the temple offers a good view of the Himalaya on a clear day. The temple is in the area of the Bazaar; hence, a journey of the old bazaar can be combined with a visit to the temple.
Gupteswor Mahadev Cave: Gupteshwor Mahadev cave is one of the longest caves in Nepal. On the way to cave, there are shining stones seen everywhere and in the temple is big stone that looks like snake's head and tortoise which is consider as the image of the lord Shiva. Second part is very beautiful and you see shining stones and different types of rocks like bee hives. Overnight at hotel
DAY 14: POKHARA - CHITWAN 147 KMS 05 HOURS DRIVE
Today we continue our drive towards Chitwan - The first national park of Nepal was set up in 1973. It encompasses an area of 932 sq.km is the subtropical inner terai lowlands of South - Central Nepal and it was known as a hunting reserve until 1950. It is considered among the best wildlife parks in Asia. Chitwan is synonymous with tigers and Rhinos. There are a total of 43 species of birds found here. Elephant rides to view the wildlife are most popular. The boat trips in Chitwan along the Rapti or Narayani rivers are the most peaceful way of experiencing the wildlife and the surrounding scenery.
DAY 15: CHITWAN
morning and evening jungle activities
DAY 16: CHITWAN - KATHMANDU 175 KMS 05 HOURS DRIVE
Today we continue our drive towards Kathmandu- ancient capital of the mountain kingdom of Nepal. Your tour includes exploration of the Durbar Square with its abundance of lovely temples, bazaars and the Royal Palace. Enjoy a magnificent view of Kathmandu from Swayambunath, also known as the monkey temple. Continue to Bodhnath to see the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. At Pashupatinath, view Nepal's most sacred Shiva shrine, located near the holy river Bagmati. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 17: KATHMANDU
Patan is the oldest of the three cities of the ancient Kathmandu Valley. Originally founded in the 03rd Century, this medieval " City of Beauty" features hundreds of temples and palaces. The art and architecture feature intriate carvings with an interesting mixture of Hindu and Buddhist influence. Visit the Tibetan refugee camp - actually a mini village, for a rare chance to observe the deft hands of these skilled artisans and craftsmen weaving carpets and engaging in other anciet, distinctly Tibetan handicrafts, Later enjoy a drive through the beautiful country side to the primitive city of Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur - "City of Devotes.". The Durbar Square includes interesting temples and palaces, the Big Bell - once rung to usher in curfew, the Bell of the Barking Dogs, the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery and the famous Golden Gate - opening the way to the courtyard of the palace of 55 Windows, topped by the figure of Goddess Kali.
DAY 18: KATHMANDU - DELHI ( BY FLIGHT)
Today you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport to board flight for Delhi . Upon arrival transfer to your pre-booked Hotel . rest of the day free .overnight at Hotel .
DAY 19: LEAVE DELHI
Transfer to international airport to board flight for onward journey.
