11 Day North India with Nepal

Your exploration of India will commence at Old Delhi, the former citadel of the Mughal Empire during the 17th and 19th centuries. You will visit the magnificent Red Fort, constructed in 1648 and serving as the seat of the Mughal Empire. The fort’s imposing 1.24-mile-long red sandstone walls will leave you in awe. Next, you will embark on a thrilling cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling alleys of Chandni Chowk. This experience will immerse you in the vibrant culture, past sacred temples, and historic dwellings adorned with captivating architecture.

Your itinerary will also include a visit to the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque built by Shah Jahan in 1658. This architectural marvel is both a testament to Islamic artistry and a sacred place of worship.

Concluding your visit, you will pay your respects at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. A humble black marble monument amidst lush greenery marks the solemn spot where Gandhi was laid to rest on the banks of the Yamuna River.

Afternoon: Following the Old Delhi tour, you will be transported to New Delhi, a regal capital constructed by the British. The distinction between Old and New Delhi lies in the division between the two capitals: Mughal and British. You will visit the Qutab Minar, a 234-foot sandstone Victory Tower erected in 1193. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, a 138-foot stone arch of triumph commemorating 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various conflicts worldwide. It houses an eternal flame in honor of the Unknown Soldier. Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful Mughal red sandstone structure, will also be visited. Subsequently, you will traverse Lutyen’s New Delhi, which encompasses the Diplomatic enclave, numerous spectacular Victorian-era government buildings, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (a magnificent temple dedicated to Sikhs), and the impressive and ornate Hindu Birla Temple. Your tour of New Delhi will culminate at Connaught Place, the primary shopping, business, and tourist hub of the city.

After breakfast, proceed to check out of your hotel and be driven to Agra (approximately four hours) via North India’s newest highway.

Upon arrival in Agra, check-in to your hotel.

Afternoon: You will visit the massive red sandstone Agra Fort which was built by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, primarily as a military structure. During Shah Jahan’s reign it was converted into a palace. It finally became a prison for Shah Jahan after his son came to power in 1658. The fort has numerous courtyards, private chambers and a marble mosque. On the opposite side of the Yamuna River is the exquisite Itmad-ud daulah built in 1628 by Mughal Emperor’s queen, Nur Jahan in memory of her father. The tomb is the first monument that was constructed entirely of marble inlaid in Pietra Dura.

Late afternoon: A sunset visit to the magnificent white marble mausoleum, one of the world’s seven wonders, the Taj Mahal, is a must-do experience for tourists worldwide. This exquisite monument, dedicated to the enduring love of Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, attracts visitors from distant corners of the globe year-round. Constructed between 1653 and 1675 AD, the Taj Mahal required the labor of 22,000 skilled craftsmen over a period of 22 years. The white marble is intricately inlaid with semi-precious stones in captivating patterns, a technique known as pietra dura. The symmetrical design of the Taj is further enhanced by minarets at each corner. The basement of the Taj houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, serving as a testament to their enduring legacy.

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and drive to Ranthambore.
Enroute stop to visit the Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri. The Chand Baori is one of the oldest, deepest and largest baoris (stepwells) in Rajasthan. The oldest parts of the structure date back to the 8th century. This colossal step well has a depth of 20 meters, with 13 levels. Despite being so huge, the well still has delicate and intricate carvings which are a visual treat. Arrive at Ranthambore and check in to your resort. Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and located near the fringes of the Thar desert, Ranthambore National Park is one of the finest tiger reserves in India. It is a prime example of Project Tiger’s effort to conserve wildlife.

Enjoy the wildlife safaris' into the sanctuary early morning and late afternoon. Covering an area of 410 sq km, the park has a huge population of tigers. It is also a home to leopard, chital, nilgai, jackal, wild boar, hyena, sloth bear, jungle cat and a wide selection of birds like crested serpent eagle, paradise flycatchers and the more common painted stock. Ranthambore is also one of the most filmed reserves of the world as the tigers roam around fearlessly, used to being stared at by human beings. Dry deciduous dense forest, open bush land, lakes and rivers form a perfect picturesque combination to admire.

Enjoy another wildlife safari to the park for game viewing in the morning.
Check out of your hotel in the late-morning and drive to Jaipur.

Afternoon: Arrive at Jaipur and check in to your hotel. Jaipur is the vibrant capital of Rajasthan also known as the 'Pink city'.

You will be at leisure on this day.

After breakfast drive 7 miles north of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort and Palace. This was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Mount your caparisoned elephant to ascend up (an option to use a jeep is available) to the main gate of the splendid Amber fort situated on a hillock overlooking a lake. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Rajput rulers, a clan which was famous for its military heroism. In sharp contrast to the rugged exteriors of the soaring fort is the opulent ambience of the interiors, especially the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Mirrors which is a result of the intricate and delicate use of mirrors.

Afternoon: Continue your tour of Jaipur city; visit the City Palace Complex, a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture consisting of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The royal family of Jaipur still resides in a part of the Palace. You will then visit the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory. Enjoy your visit to the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. Located in the heart of the old city’s bustling market place, the Hawa Mahal is a pink sandstone five storey building that has a fascinating façade of numerous intricately designed and embellished windows. It was originally built to enable the royal ladies to look at the bustling city without being seen.

Check out from hotel and you will be driven Jaipur airport to board your flight to Delhi. Arrive at Delhi and connect with your flight to Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at Kathmandu airport by our travel facilitator and chauffeur and then driven to Nagarkot, just a few kilometers east of Kathmandu.
Nagarkot is at an elevation level of 7135 feet and offers panoramic views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan ranges. From here you can enjoy the spectacular Himalayan vistas during sunrise and sunset.
Check in at your hotel.

Awaken before sunrise to view the Himalayan peaks at dawn – they are a magnificent sight to behold.
Check out from your resort after breakfast. Hereafter, you will be driven to Kathmandu and assisted with your check-in at your hotel.

Afternoon: Start you guided tour with a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the largest stupa in Nepal and a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Next you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which dates back to 400 A.D and is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world.
Continue your exploration of Kathmandu city with a visit to the Durbar Square, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. View stunning structural design that vividly showcases the skilled Newar craftsmanship. Several buildings in the Square were damaged due to a major earthquake in 2015, but much of it remains intact.

You have the option of experiencing the Everest flight this morning to view the spectacular beauty of the mountains. Your hotel travel desk can arrange this. If you decide to take this flight, on your return you will freshen up and have breakfast.
Experience a tour of `Patan City` which is a sub-metropolitan city and one of the three queen cities of the valley. Patan is a city of fine arts and rich cultural heritage. Visit the museum to view the impressive collection of bronzes and ancient religious objects. You will also visit the 17th century Krishna Mandir and Mahavihar, and the 12th century Golden Temple of Lord Buddha.

Late afternoon: Visit ancient religious complex of Swayambhunath Temple and Stupa, atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. The complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back 2500 years. These religious monuments are visible from most of Kathmandu Valley, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After breakfast, or at any time before noon on this day, as your flight requires, you are driven to Kathmandu airport in time for your outbound flight.

Our services end at Kathmandu airport.