Delhi - Agra -Jaipur - Delhi - Kathmandu - Pokhara – Kathmandu - Patan
09 Nights / 10 Days
This itinerary is customizable according to your need.
Arrive Delhi. Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to hotel. (Hotel check-in 1400 hrs ). Overnight
Following breakfast at hotel,
proceed for sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi including a rickshaw ride (pedi cab) in Chandni Chowk [Red Fort is closed on Mondays] Old Delhi – Situated in a strategic position on the west bank of the Yamuna River, between the Himalayas and the Aravalli Hills, Delhi is the gateway to the rich alluvial soils of the Ganges plain and has, according to Indian folklore, been occupied since 2500 BC. The original city,
Indraprastha was the first of nine. Shahjahanabad or Old Delhi, the 7 th city, was built when the Mughal Emperor moved his capital back to Delhi from Agra in 1638. Planned out in blocks with wide roads,
residential areas and bazaars, Chandi Chowk, now thought to be Asia’s busiest street, was the main artery. Literally translated as ‘Silver Street’ this bustling market area of Old Delhi is good for hunting down new and antique gold and silver jewellery from craftsmen whose forefathers served the emperor.
At the 1911 Delhi Durbar, King George V announced that the capital of India was to move from Calcutta to Delhi. Inaugurated in 1931, the ambitious work of British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, New Delhi is an audacious statement of Imperial British control over India. Today the difference between bustling Old Delhi and the calmer, tree lined avenues of New Delhi is striking. New Delhi – Was planned and built by the British in the 1920’s and is characterized by Sir Edwin Lutyens’ monumental architecture.
Driving through the city, with its wide tree lined avenues discover India Gate and the Diplomatic Enclave, the Central Secretariat and the President's House.
Finally, see the 12 th century Qutab Minar, considered one of the most perfect towers in the world, measuring 72m high. Continue to Connaught Place, New Delhi's main shopping area and central hub. Rest of the day at leisure Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi [B]. Late afternoon drive to Agra and check-in at hotel. Overnight
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit Taj Mahal , Agra Fort . [Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays] Taj Mahal – Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1631, the Taj Mahal is described by the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore as ‘a tear drop on the face of eternity’. Heartbroken by her death, legend has it that Shah Jahan’s hair turned grey overnight and that he turned his back on running the empire, concentrating instead on the construction of this monument to love. Construction took 22 years and the Taj was completed in 1653 at a speculated cost of 3 million rupees, equivalent to around 70 million US Dollars today. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra [B]. Later drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and check-in at Hotel.overnight Hotel.
Following breakfast at hotel,
excursion to Amber to visit Amber Fort with Elephant ride uphill and jeep ride downhill Amber – Originally the ancient capital of the Kachawahas clan from 1037 the ancient town of Amber, 12km from Jaipur, is dotted with ancient temples, Havelis, and step wells. High above the town and surrounded with defensive fortification walls sits the impressive Amber Palace.
Built by Raja Man Singh in the early 17 th century it houses mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions and gardens. Amber Palace is a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture and once at the top the Palace affords excellent views of the surrounding countryside and town below. The 10-minute walk though a series of five defensive gates will bring you to the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), the main entry to the Palace. As an alternative it is possible to arrive at the Palace on the back of an elephant or drive up by jeep. Having visited the fort it is also possible to take a guided heritage walk of the often over-looked Amber village. This walk takes in seldom-visited temples, havelis, step wells and a fascinating museum of textiles.
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Observatory Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur (City of Victory) is the state capital and largest city of Rajasthan. It was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 and was planned according to Indian ‘Vastu Shastra’ principles.
The city was divided into 9 blocks representing the ancient Hindu map of the universe; 2 blocks housed the state buildings and palaces, the other 7 allotted to various public buildings. A fortification wall was built around the city with 7 gates for entry. Originally, the buildings were painted in a variety of colours but in 1853 when Prince Albert visited, the old city was painted pink, a traditional colour of welcome.
It has remained pink ever since. The City Palace in the centre of Jaipur took 4 years to complete. Tour the Palace by passing through the main entrance and begin by visiting the Mubarak Mahal, built in 1890 it houses the Textile and Costume Museum. Visit the Armoury then proceed through the Rajendra Pol gate into the main complex. Here the Diwan-i-Khas is home to 2 giant silver urns used by Sawai Madho Singh to carry Ganges water to England when he attended Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. After visiting the Chandra Mahal and the museums proceed to the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Built between 1728 and 1734 on a grand scale, the 17 astronomical instruments were built in stone and marble. The collection, built by Jai Singh includes the large Samrat, a 27.4m high sundial accurate to 2 seconds! Rest of the day at leisure with car and driver at disposal.
Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur [B].
Breakfast at hotel and drive back to Delhi. Arrive and check-in at hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight
Flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met with our representative and transfer to your hotel.
Later visit to Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Pashupatinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for all the Hindus of the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the trinity and the guardian (patron) deity of Nepal. This is one of the oldest temples, situated on the banks of the Holy Bagmati River. It is a double – roofed golden temple with four triple silver doorways. Pashupatinath covers an area of 281 hectares, which is one of the biggest temple complexes in Nepal. Although Pashupatinath Temple was only built in the fifth century and later renovated by Malla kings, the holy site is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium.
Then we will visit the Great Stupa of Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage Site) a vast dome- shaped monument representing the Mind of the Buddha. It is the primary pilgrimage destination for Tantric Buddhists of the Himalayas and a major draw for Tibetan Buddhists from all over the planet.
Lastly drive to the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is one of the major attractions in Kathmandu Valley. The word Durbar Square translated in English as Palace Complex. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Interesting things to see here are Kumari Ghar (The Living Goddess House). At the West end of the square, is a beautiful house full of woodcarving of different Gods and Goddesses. This Palace is three storied and in this palace, lives the very famous living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists equally venerate her. For Hindus she is the reincarnation of Hindu Goddess Kali. She is equally worshiped by Buddhists because she is chosen from a Buddhist family. This shows the harmony between Buddhist and Hindus in Nepal.
Lastly we will be visiting Swoyambhunath Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage Site), also known as "Monkey temple” The temple charms with its great dazzling Stupa, while at the same time, offering a view of Kathmandu city. The two-thousand years-old Stupa is the most profound expression of Buddhist symbolism in Nepal. There’s evidence to believe the hill was used for animist rites even before Buddhism arrived in the valley two thousand years ago.
After breakfast, drive to Patan Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Patan Durbar Square complex is perhaps the most photographed of the three durbar squares. Located in the heart of Patan city, this was once the palace of the kings of Patan. The square is a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of Malla kings who were great builders and patrons of the arts.
Breakfast at hotel and drive to Pokhara. Evening visit Manokamna Devi Temple
1.Sarangkot for Sunrise
2. Half day sightseeing of Pokhara city (including Bindhyabasini Temple, Tal Barahi Temple, Seti River Gorge, Davis Fall,
Gupteshwor Cave, Tibetan Village)
Evening boating on Phewa Lake
Drive back to Kathmandu + Late afternoon visit Patan city
Optional: Early morning Everest Mountain Flight
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport
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