Duration : 18 Nights / 19 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikiri - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Gorakhpur - Pokhara - Chitwan - Kathmandu - Delhi.
DAY 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, with a traditional welcome, check-in at your hotel. The rest of the day is relaxing and for free activities. Overnight at Hotel./p>
DAY 02 : DELHI
This morning visit Old Delhi, built in the 17 century by Shah Jehan the Magnificent ( who also built the Taj Mahal). First, you 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.
.Today afternoon, visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple. It is a spectacular structure, which is 60 years old. Later proceed via India Gate and the Governmental buildings 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 ( BY ROAD 260 KMS 5 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast, we continue our journey to Jaipur, known as the Pink City, built-in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Designed by Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture - Jaipur follows a grid system. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. Afternoon - a 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 that enabled the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04: JAIPUR
The capital of Rajasthan is the most colorful city in India. Today morning visit the Amber Fort in the Aravali Hills, which is a superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style architecture. A slow elephant ride takes us to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful buildings. The afternoon spends visiting 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, acrobats, snake charmers, puppeteers, etc. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 05 : JAIPUR - AGRA VIA FATEHPUR SIKIRI BY ROAD 232 KMS 5 HOURS DRIVE
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. Upon arrival, check into the 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 Mughal 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 the hotel.
DAY 07 : AGRA - KHAJURAHO BY ROAD 390 KMS 9 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast we leave for Khajuraho . After breakfast, we leave for Khajuraho. Upon arrival, check-in at your prebooked hotel.
DAY 08 :KHAJURAHO
Morning city tour visits the spectacular ninth to thirteenth century temples of Khajuraho, built by Chandela kings, temples exquisitely carved with graceful statues and frieze gods and goddesses. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 09 : KHAJURAHO - VARANASI ( BY ROAD 400 KMS 9 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast we leave for . 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. Emperor Ashoka made a center of Buddhist worship 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 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 Benaras 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 and see the bathing. Laundry and the cremations of the dead that takes place here on the banks of the river. After the boat ride, walk through the 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 to the hotel. After breakfast, we will proceed on a city tour. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 11 : VARANASI - GORAKHPUR BY ROAD 270 HOURS 7 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast, we leave for Gorakhpur. Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Gorakhpur.
DAY 12 : GORAKHPUR - POKHARA BY ROAD 283 KMS 8 HOURS DRIVE
Upon arrival, check-in at your Hotel. Afternoon. Boating on the famous Pokhara lake for 1 hour. Overnight at Hotel. .
DAY 13 : POKHARA
Morning sightseeing tour of Pokhara and afternoon free for personal activities. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 14 : POKHARA - CHITWAN ( BY ROAD 140 KMS 5 HOURS DRIVE
Today we continue our drive towards Chitwan, where the first National Park of Nepal was set up in 1973. It has an area of 932 sq. km in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal and was known as a hunting reserve until 1950. It is 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 the 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 ( BY ROAD 158 KMS 6 HOURS DRIVE
Today continue our drive towards Kathmandu - the 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 Hotel.
DAY 17 : KATHMANDU
Patan is the oldest of the three cities of the ancient Kathmandu Valley founded in the 03rd Century, this medieval " the City of Beauty " features hundreds of temples and palaces. The art and architecture feature intricate carvings with a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist influence. Visit the Tibetan refugee camp that is a mini-village for a rare chance to observe the deft hands of these skilled artisans, and craftsmen weave carpets and engaging in other ancient, distinctly Tibetan handicrafts, Later enjoy a drive through the beautiful countryside to the primitive city fo Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur - " City of Devotes.". The Durbar Square includes 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 after breakfast, you will drive to Kathmandu airport to board a flight for Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to your prebooked hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 19 : LEAVE DELHI
Transfer to international airport to board flight for onward journey.
