Day 01 Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Delhi
Day 02 Arrival in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
(Rooms will be available from 1400 hrs)
DELHI – It is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi’s rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 Delhi
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of Delhi including following:
Rickshaw Ride – Rickshaw ride (Paddy cab) around Jama Masjid. Enjoy Rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi. The humble cycle rickshaw is not only the common man’s beast of burden, but it also serves to generate considerable employment. Most of all however, in an age when our cities are beset by the pollution menace of the automobile, it provides perhaps the only viable alternative for the short-haul
Enhance this exotic experience by visiting the famous Chandni Chowk– one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi is the perfect place to shop. However, in the early hours of the day as all the shops would be closed only the famous sweet vendors can be spotted selling mouth-watering delicacies. visit Khari Baoli– Delhi’s bustling wholesale spice market. Take in the sights and smells of the herbs and spices that add flavour to the Indian cuisines. Stroll through Parathey wali gali to see the local food being made.
Red Fort from outside – The Red Fort, Shah Jahan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone, was built on the western bank of the river Yamuna. Shahjahan, started the construction of this massive fort in 1638, when he shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort rise 33-m above the clamor of Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughals. Inside is a veritable treasure trove of buildings, including the Drum House, the Hall of Public and Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color. (It remains closed on Mondays).
Drive past the Govt. Buildings – New Delhi houses several government buildings and official residences reminiscent of the British colonial architecture. Today we will drive past few of them, like The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter, the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles.
Photo stop at the India Gate – At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an “Arc-de-Triumph” like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. A pond is located inside the complex, known as “Sarovar”, whose water is considered holy by Sikhs and known as “Amrit”. It was first built as a small temple in 1783 by Sikh General, Sardar Bhagel Singh, who supervised the construction of the nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same year, during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II.
Humayun Tomb – Humayun’s Tomb is probably one of the most innovative and experimental monuments of its time, incorporating within it Indo-Islamic architectural styles. This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (Charbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 Delhi / Jaipur (Approx. 260 km / 06 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur.
JAIPUR – The fascinating capital of the marvellous state of Rajasthan.
Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, thanks to the colour of its buildings. It was built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra – an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. There are innumerable sagas and stories of culture, traditions, practices and valour. This diverse land of rich cultural heritage is a royal treat for tourists all over the world.
On arrival in Jaipur, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 Jaipur
After breakfast enjoy visit of Jaipur including the following.
Photo stop at the Hawa Mahal Palace – The poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace of winds. This is easily the most well-known landmarks of Jaipur and is also its icon. This five-storey building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture and artistry with its delicately honeycombed 953 pink sandstone windows known as ‘jharokhas’.
Amber Fort – The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh, the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort.
City Palace – Located in the heart of the Pink city and a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, it was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as part of his ambitious city project. His successors continued to ornament and add to the elegant buildings up until the 20th century. It is a unique complex of several courtyards, buildings, pavilions, gardens, and temples. The most prominent and most visited structures in the complex are the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, and the City Palace Museum.
Also experience a session of Turban and Saree Tying – The men receive pointers that how to tie a turban, whereas ladies will learn how to transform 6 yard of silk into deceptively simple looking Sari. You may want to go local and try wearing a turban or Sari on your own.
Also enjoy Local Masala Tea at a famous Tea Stall.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 Jaipur / Agra (Appriox. 245 km / 05 ½ hrs)
After a leisurely breakfast drive to Agra.
AGRA – The city of the inimitable “TAJ MAHAL”.
The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.
On arrival enjoy the visit of Agra including following:
Agra Fort – A UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, before the capital was shifted to Delhi from Agra. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise as it comprises of a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid – a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas – the audience halls, Musamman Burj – where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D., Jahangir’s Palace; Khas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. The massive Agra fort is considered as the predecessor of the Red fort in Delhi.
Taj Mahal – Muted but Soulful, Taj Mahal popularly known as Crown of Palaces is a white marble mausoleum and a UNESCO world heritage site. As a testament to his love, the magnificent structure was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Situated in the Mughal city of Agra, Taj Mahal looks exactly the same from all the four sides and endorsed as “The Jewel of Muslim art in India”. Commissioned in 1632, it took approximately 22 years in the making of this marvellous structure and an estimated 20,000 workers to build this masterpiece that reflects different colours under the canopy of sun. Purely ecstatic and iconic, it attracts (7 to 8) million annual visitors every year. (It remains closed on Fridays). Note: Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Site and hence requires some maintenance and restoration work routinely.
After the visit, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 Agra / Delhi (Approx. 210 km / 04 hrs)/ Kathmandu (Flight) / Dhulikhel
After an early breakfast, drive to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Kathmandu.
On arrival in Kathmandu drive to Dhulikhel.
Dhulikhel – Popular as a vantage point to view Himalayan ranges—from Cho Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west—Dhulikhel is located at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level in the Kavrepalanchowk District of Nepal. Viewing the Himalayan sunrises and sunsets is one of the main tourist attractions here.
On arrival in Dhulikhel, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08 Dhulikhel / Bhaktapur / Kathmandu
After an early breakfast enjoy a short walk to Kavre Village (if the guests will be enthusiastic enough, they can do this walk or we can skip this easy walk)
- Total Walking Distance: Approx 4 kms
- Total Walking Time: 01 ½ hrs
- Altitude of Starting Point: 1700 mtr
- Highest Altitude during Walk: 1720 mtr
- Walk Grade: Easy
This intriguing 30-minute hike to Kali Temple is famous for its breathtaking mountain views. The temple can be reached by either climbing 1,000 steps or through a forest trail. The esplanade around the temple offers one of the best views of the Himalayas surrounding Dhulikel. We will provide you Tea / Coffee near Kali Temple. A 45-minute walk from Kali Temple brings you to Kavre village and takes you through plantations, village shops and tea houses. Kavre provides for an exciting opportunity to experience the traditional village lifestyle. From village vehicle will take you back to the hotel.
Return to the hotel for some rest.
Later, check out of the hotel and drive to Kathmandu, visiting Bhaktapur on the way.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square – Durbar Square is the royal palace of the ancient kingdom of Bhaktapur, located 1400 m.a.s.l.. It is informally known as Bhaktapur Durbar Square and is a much visited square in Kathmandu valley. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich culture, temples and wooden, metal and stone artworks.
Potters Square – A two-minute walk south of Durbar Square brings you to Potters Square, considered the centre of the pottery industry in Bhaktapur. Many potters can be seen here shaping wet clay into different types of pottery. You can view the fresh pottery laid out to dry in the backyard.
After the sightseeing, continue to Kathmandu.
Kathmandu – Surrounded by four hills— Fulchowki, Chandragiri, Shivapuri, and Nagarjun—Kathmandu Valley has three major cities—Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. Prior to Nepal’s unification in the 18th century, the three cities were sovereign states that were ruled by the Malla kings. The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level and is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Baudhanath Stupa.
On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09 Kathmandu
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Kathmandu including the following:
Kathmandu Durbar Square – Kathmandu is the largest city in Nepal and looks like a living museum. Here you will visit Durbar Square, once the palace of kings. Many buildings with interesting architectural elements, monuments, museums and temples are located here. Kumari Bahal or Temple of the Living Goddess is the most important temple to visit. The worship of the goddess in the form of a young girl represents the worship of the divine consciousness that is spread everywhere. The complex also houses a monolithic idol of Kal Bhairava, which manifests the god Shiva in his role as destroyer. Kal Bhairav is considered the most famous Bhairav in Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath – Located at a distance of approx. 3km from the center of Kathmandu, this Buddist stupa is said to be 2000 years old. This stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth which supports a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of gilt copper. Painted on a four-sided base, below the spire, are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The whole area around the Stupa contains an array of small stupas and temples. As it is situated on the small hillock so it is considered as one of the best places to view Kathmandu valley.
Pashupatinath Tempel – Located at a distance of 6 Km from central Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the sacred and famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst lush green natural setting, on the banks of the sacred River Bagmati, this temple, built in pagoda style, has a gilded roof and beautifully carved silver doors. Visitors can view the temple from the east bank of the Bagmati River, as the entrance into the temple is strictly forbidden for all non-Hindus. One of the major festivals of the temple is Maha Shivaratri which falls in February or March. On this special occasion, over 1 million devotees visit this temple and the cremation ground behind the temple.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 10 Kathmandu
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Kathmandu including the following:
Patan – Patan is also known as Lalitpur and is located 5 km from the city of Kathmandu. It is a city of fine arts. Within the city are four stupas built in the 3rd century AD by Emperor Ashoka. Here you will see Durbar Square, Patan Durbar (palace) which houses a bronze collection, Mahaboudha Temple and Krishna Temple built by King Siddi Narsingh Malla and Hiranya Varna Mahavihar.
Boudhnath – Boudhanath is a stupa located 11 km from Kathmandu city centre. It is one of the world’s largest stupas and one of the most popular sights in Kathmandu. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva on the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini on an octagonal base and contains built-in prayer wheels. The shrine is surrounded by the houses of the lamas or Buddhist priests.
Later, visit the Bamboo School – this school is run by the Samta Committee, whose motto is to provide innovative and affordable education to the poor youth l, at minimal fees. You can interact with the children in the school.in Nepa
Overnight stay at the hotel .
Day 11 Kathmandu Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time to catch your flight to your next destination. (The room is available until 1200 noon).
