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Fascinating North India & Nepal Tour

Duration: 14 DAYS

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Day 01 : Delhi

Arrival at Delhi

You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be at Delhi.


Day 02 : Delhi

After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.

Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.

People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.

After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.

Overnight will be at Delhi.


Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur
By Road
Breakfast will be at hotel. Drive to Jaipur.

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.

This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.

Overnight will be in Jaipur.


Day 04 : Jaipur

Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Continue sightseeing.

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.


Day 05 : Jaipur - Agra
By Road
Drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route after breakfast.

Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tenderage of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity wasaroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.

Continue your drive to Agra and on arrival check-in at Hotel.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.

Overnight will be at Agra.


Day 06 : Agra

Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Overnight will be at Agra.


Day 07 : Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
By Train
Breakfast will be at hotel. You will be transferred to station for train to Jhansi.
Reach Jhansi and transfer to Orchha, 12 km away.
It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century - which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.

Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.

Continue drive to Khajuraho.

Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for itsenchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax.

Enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the WESTERN SET OF TEMPLES.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.


Day 08 : Khajuraho - Varanasi

By Air
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a guided tour of the exotic and erotic temples of Khajuraho.

Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi - The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world - renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi's cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector's items across the world today.

Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Enjoy the evening AARTI CEREMONY from the boat - this is a ceremony where the 7 BRAHMINS offer prayers to River ganges and then put her to sleep. Make a wish during the ceremony and float a DIYA in the river.

Overnight will be at Varanasi.


Day 09 : Varanasi

Drive to Daswamedh Ghat very early in the morning and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.

Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast.

Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Roam the streets of the city or take a rickshaw ride today. You could also retire early as this would be a long day.

Overnight will be in Varanasi.


Day 10 : Varanasi - Katmandu

By Air
Enjoy the morning at the hotel.

Have a leisurely breakfast.

Transfer to the airport for flight to Kathmandu.

Reach Katmandu.

The Katmandu Valley, the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is the first for the majority of visitors to Nepal. Once a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities - Katmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Each is an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick paved courtyards and quaint streets. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the valley.

Visit the Katmandu Durbar Square - This complex of places, country yards, and temples built between the 12th and 18th used to be the seat of ancient malla kings of Katmandu. An interesting object here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The durbar square protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. This is the social, religious and urban focal point of city. There are also museums inside the palace building.

Relax for the rest of the day. Overnight will be at Katmandu.


Day 11 : Katmandu

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the three cities and the famous World heritage temple Sites:

DURBAR SQUARE in Kathmandu It is the historic seat of royalty. It, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple.

On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museum. Both the museums remain closed on Sundays, Mondays and government holidays.

Kumari (Vestal virgin), or the Living Goddess, who represent a very ancient Hindu Deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth. The temple of Kumari is situated in the vicinity of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year, during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal sKeeks the Kumari's blessing.

Situated at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or the city of Devotees still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving, the Bhadgaolen topi (cap) and curd. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu and can be reached by public transport.

The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindus temples and Buddhist monuments .The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors.

The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath situated on the top of a hill west of the city is on the most popular and instantly recognisable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially know as the 'monkey templ' after the large tribe of handsome monkeys which guards the hill and amuses visitors and devotees with tricks, including slinding gracefully down the double banisters of the main stairway to the temple. The roving monkeys quickly snatch up any offerings of food made by devotes and will just as quickly grab anything you may be carrying.

The Stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world.

Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindu. It is Top Hindu temple of the world. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River.

Overnight will be at Katmandu.


Day 12 : Katmandu - Pokhra
By local airline (a short flight)

Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to the tranquil valley - Pokhara.

Reach Pokhara, transfer to hotel, refresh & relax with the spectacular panorama of Annapurna range forming the backdrop.

Stretching from the east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I (8091m), it is Machhapuchhre (the fishtail), which dominates all others in this neighborhood. Boastfully levitating in the skyline, the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped, needle-pointed mountain.

Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. The enchanting city with a population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. It is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship. The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius in winter and 35 degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the country.

The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around two districts known as Damside and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, with their strips of hotels and restaurants, are a few kilometers south-west of the main Pokhara bazaar.

Take a HELICOPTER (if weather permits and if not then a small eight seater aircraft which handles the wind better) ride around the Mount Everest.

Overnight will be in Pokhara.


Day 13 : Pokhra

We start our day with the early morning visit to Sarangkot for the fabulous sunrise. After the spectacular sunrise, we drive back to our hotel to start our remaining activities for the day with the breakfast at the hotel.

Today, we take you to the famous Devi's Fall (also known as Devin's or David's) locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall), an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara Airport on the highway to Tansen. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David…) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.

Bindhyabasubu Temple at the old bazaar, Seti Gandaki, the boisterous river running completely underground at the places, Mahendra cave (House of Bats), the natures' wonder at Pokhara & Pokhara Museum.

After lunch, start exploring the city by driving to the Begnas Lake & Rupa Lake located 15 Km from Pokhara divided by a forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, offering the perfect nature retreat with their relative seclusion.

End your trip by visiting the Tibetan Monastery. Overnight will be in Pokhara.


Day 14 : Pokhra - Katmandu

By Local airline
Katmandu - Delhi - Next Destination:
By Air
Leave after a leisurely breakfast and proceed to Katmandu by flight.

Take connecting flight to Delhi. Reach Delhi and take connecting flight home with sweet memories of North India and Everest.

TOUR ENDS

THE TOUR INCLUDES:
a) ACCOMMODATION AT MENTIONED HOTELS,
b) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
c) ALL TRANSFERS FROM STATIONS AND AIRPORTS,
d) PRIVATE AC SUV WITH DRIVER,
e) ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
f) RICKSHAW RIDE AT OLD DELHI,
g) ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
h) ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
i) ASSISTANCE AT STATIONS ON DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL,
j) TRAIN FARE IN AC FIRST CLASS BETWEEN AGRA - JHANSI,
k) SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW AT KHAJURAHO,
l) LUNCH AT ORCHHA,
m) EVENING AARTI AT VARANASI GHATS,
n) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
o) ACTIVITIES IN POKHRA LIKE BOATING, JUNGLE WALK,
p) LOCAL FLIGHTS BETWEEN KATHMANDU AND POKHRA,
q) MOUNT EVEREST FLIGHT / HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE,
r) MINERAL WATER ON LONG DRIVES (BOTTLED WATER),
s) CULTURAL DINNER & DANCE IN KATHMANDU,
t) RECONFIRMATION OF RETURN INTERNATIONAL AIR TICKETS,
u) ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES,
v) BOAT RIDE FOR AN HOUR AT LAKE IN POKHRA,
w) ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT - JAIPUR AND
x) BOAT-RIDE AT RIVER GANGES IN VARANASI.

HOTELS :

City	Deluxe Hotels	Luxury Hotels	Nights
Delhi	Claridges	Imperial / Taj Mahal	02
Jaipur	Jai Mahal Palace	Rajvilas	02
Agra	Taj View	Amarvilas	02
Khajuraho	Radisson	Taj Chandela	01
Varanasi	Radisson	Ramada / Taj Ganges	02
Katmandu	Hyatt Regency	Dwarikas	02
Pokhra	Tiger Mountain	Phulbari Resort	02

FULL TOUR PRICE: (PER PERSON IN US$)

OCCUPANCY	Tour with Deluxe Hotels	Tour with Luxury Hotels	Current Airfare (Y)
Twin Sharing	2666	3999	540

Please note that only lunches and dinners are not included along with personal expenses and camera, etc. fees, tips, porter charges (if any) at places where applicable. All twin sharing prices are for minimum two people traveling together sharing a room while the single person price would be quoted on request. All airfare indicated are in "Y" class, separate to the tour cost and are subject to change. You could opt for "J" class airfare also which is equivalent to international business class and available on request. All hotels mentioned are subject to availability at the time of quotation.