India Nepal Holidays

Duration : 18 Nights / 19 Days
Destinations : Kathmandu - Pokhra - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi

Day 1 : Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu, assistance on arrival with garland welcome and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. Morning free to re-charge. Kathmandu, the capital of the ancient mountain kingdom of Nepal, has the air of a medieval city explore the a maze of narrow streets, wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces. In the background there is often the gentle sound of ringing bells and jangling cymbals and the markets offer a rich blend of activity, colours and aromas. Only in the 1950s was Nepal opened up to visitors and today the contrast between 2151 century technology and traditional lifestyles help to make Kathmandu one of the world's most fascinating cities. Afternoon city tour (half day) : includes Durbar Square; the Temple of Kumari - the residence of the living Goddess with its carved wooden balconies and windows; Kasthamanda-a pagoda believed to have been built from the timbers of a single tree by King Laxmi Narsingh Malia; the National Museum, Swayambunath - which is said to be over 2,000 years old and is one of the world's most magnificent Buddhist Stupas and the Machendranath Temple, situated on a wide, spacious quadrangle on the outside of the main marketplace.
Overnight hotel.

Day 2 : Kathmandu-pokhra (Fly)
Morning transfer to airport to board flight to Pokhra. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free to relax.
Overnight Hotel.

Day 3: Pokhra
A day at leisure visiting the villages, boating in the lake and enjoy splendid views of the mountains, looming over the horizon. Pokhra stands at 884mts, while Phokra valley is mostly inhabited by high caste Hindus (Bahuns and Chhetris), the hills around Pokhra are predominantly inhabited by ethnic Gurungs. These sturdy tribal people continue to play an important part in the Gurkha regiments in India and overseas and their earnings have a major impact on the local economy. Breakfast/lunch/ dinner and overnight in hotel, with nice garden and fine views of the lake and mountains.

Day 4 : Trekking
After breakfast start trek after 4 hrs in the foothills of Annapurna, the route then drops to the Modi river valley, where we will stay overnight in Lodge/tents. Afternoon free to explore the surrounding or relax.

Day 5 : Trekking
After breakfast follow the Modi River Valley, before climbing out of the valley and on towards the mountains. Arrive and stay overnight in Himalaya Lodge/tents.

Day 6 : Trekking
Today, trek to the Basanta Lodge in Dhampus where you will stay overnight. The route passes through Sub-tropical forests and small mountain villages.

Day 7 : Trek to Pokhra
After breakfast trek along the ridge and descend to the valley floor. Arrive and transfer to hotel for overnight. Overnight Hotel.

Day 8 : Pokhra - Kathmandu
After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu. Arrive and stay overnight. Afternoon free. O/n Hotel.

Day 9 : Kathmandu - Varanasi. (fly)
Morning at leisure or visit the bazaar. Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to the holy city of Varanasi. Known to devout Hindus as Kashi, it is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It's name derives from its location on the banks of the Ganges, at the confluence of two legendry rivers, Varuna and Assi. It is said that the city rests on the trident of Lord Shiva thus imparting an incomparable energy to it. It is the aspiration of every devout Hindu to die at Kashi, thus ensuring a direct passage to heaven. Overnight Hotel.

Day 10 : Varanasi- Sightseeing
Dawn Ghat Boat ride: Take an early morning boat ride along the River Ganges and see the famous bathing 'ghats', the stone steps which lead down to the river where you can watch the gathered faithful, ritually cleansing themselves. Return to hotel for wash and breakfast. After breakfast we take a guided tour to Sarnath, ten kilometers from Varanasi. Sarnath is the site where Lord Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon, setting in motion the Wheel of Law. Pilgrims travel from around the world to Sarnath and there are monasteries constructed by Buddhists from several countries including China, Burma, Tibet and Japan. Afternoon time to visit Tulsi Manas temple, Benares Hindu University and ashrams on the ghats. Overnight Hotel.

Day 11 : Varanasi - Khajuraho (fly)
Morning free. Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to the erotic city of Khajuraho. A thousand years ago, in the heart of India, artisans of the Chandela dynasty built the spectacular temples at Khajuraho, which were to become famed for their exquisite carvings and erotic sculptures. The sculptures, which were rediscovered by an English soldier in 1839, are said to portray the rite of creation in which both body and soul are involved. Of the original 85 temples only 22 now survive. Arrive and transfer to the hotel for 2 nights. Overnight Hotel.

Day 12 : Khajuraho - Sightseeing
After breakfast visit to the Chandela Hindu temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in northern India. The remaining temples have been beautifully restored and are in excellent condition. Visit the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai temples, each remarkable for its beautiful design and architecture. Overnight Hotel.

Day 13 : Khajuraho - Orchha (drive 170kms/4hrs)
After breakfast drive to Orchha, an interesting drive giving you a glimpse of the rural life of India. Orchha is a wonderful example of a medieval fort palace. Within the turreted walls are gardens, gateways, pavilions and temples. Arrive and stay overnight in hotel. Afternoon visit to the Raj Mahal a fine example of Bundala Rajput architecture, also visit the most impressive Jahangir Mahal, built in stylish Hindu and Islamic architecture. Overnight Hotel.

Day 14 : Orchha - Agra (drive 247kms/6hrs)
After early breakfast, we drive to Agra, where the stunning Taj Mahal epitomizes the outstanding architecture of the Mughals. Overnight Hotel.

Day l5 : Agra- sightseeing
Today we visit India's most celebrated monument the Taj Mahal, built as a monument of eternal love by Shah Jahan to his bride Mumtaz. Also visit the Red Fort, which Akbar began in 1565, with additions of the citadel being made through to the time of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan (King of the World). The forts have fine views of the Taj across the River Yamuna. Overnight Hotel.

Day 16 : Agra - Jaipur (240kms/5hrs)
After breakfast drive through the Rajasthani villages. The Journey brings us first to the deserted sand stone building of Faterpur Sikiri and the Sufi shrine of Sheikh Salim Chisti. Arrive in Jaipur, which was built in 1727, as the dream of the brilliant ruler Jai Singh. Overnight in hotel. Evening free. Overnight Hotel.

Day 17 : Jaipur
This morning we drive to nearby Amber, ascending by elephant to see the 16th century hilltop fortress, palace and its richly decorated apartments. In the afternoon we visit City Palace, still inhabited by Jai Singh's descendants, it is a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. On the periphery of the Palace stands the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, an elaborate pink sandstone facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. Overnight Hotel.

Day 18 : Jaipur - Delhi (250kms/5hrs)
After breakfast drive to Delhi. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital, Delhi. It was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and finally the British, all of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent history. Old Delhi Tour (half day) : Shah Jahan founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. The famous Red Fort in the heart of Old Delhi was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire and it boasts the Diwan-i-Am, Hall of Private Audience. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Afternoon sightseeing to Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque and Humayuns tomb. Overnight Hotel.

Day 19 : Delhi Departure
Early morning fly back to your home country.

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