India and Nepal

11 Nights and 12 Days
(Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Kathmandu – Delhi)

Day 01 – ARRIVAL IN DELHI
Arrival in Delhi. Reception and assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel. (Check-in time: 14:00 hrs.)
Check-in and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 02 – DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel.
Later, depart for a visit to the points of interest in Old Delhi, including the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia, built in Hindu and Mongolian architecture. Then, visit Chandni Chowk, the largest market in Asia, including a fascinating rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Delhi and a panoramic view of the Red Fort (exterior). Before lunch (not included), visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. In the afternoon, visit New Delhi, which reflects British heritage in the Indian capital. Panoramic view of India Gate, the Parliament building, and Rastrapathi Bhawan, the Presidential Palace. Continue the tour to South Delhi to visit Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Next, visit Agrasen ki Baori, a 14th-century traditional well built during the Tughalq period of the Delhi Sultanate. Free time to visit Connaught Market. The day ends with a visit to the Sikh Temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Accommodation.

Day 03 – DELHI / SAMODE / JAIPUR
After breakfast, depart for the magnificent city of Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan. On the way, visit the Samode Palace, located on an ancient caravan route. Lunch at the palace (included). The palace is fabulously decorated with murals dating back 300 years, most of which have religious motifs. Arrival in Jaipur and participation in an Aarti ceremony at the Birla Temple. Accommodation.

Day 04 – JAIPUR
After breakfast, visit the Amber Fort, built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I. Ride to the fort on an elephant or alternatively by jeep. Then, visit the Galta Ji Temple, home to hundreds of monkeys and dedicated to Ganesh, the elephant god. After lunch (not included), visit the City Palace, an impressive complex of palaces, exquisite gardens, courtyards, decorative art, and carved doors. The palace houses several structures, such as Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and Diwan-I-Khas. Followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar or the Astronomical Observatory with the largest stone sundial in the world, where observations are still made today. We pass by the Baldev Ji Temple where we can observe local traditions and culture and stop at the Nahargarh Fort restaurant, located in the Araveli Hills, offering a magnificent view of the city of Jaipur. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore local markets. Accommodation.

Day 05 – JAIPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA
After breakfast, depart for Agra, visiting the city of Fatehpur Sikri on the way, built in the 16th century and abandoned shortly after due to lack of water. The city has well-preserved palaces and mosques from 400 years ago. After lunch (not included), continue towards Agra. In the late afternoon, visit Mehtab Bagh, the Moonlight Garden, which was an extension of the Taj Mahal Garden across the river and used at night to observe the reflection of the Taj Mahal in the lake and octagonal river. Accommodation.

Day 06 – AGRA
Early morning visit to the famous Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century over 22 years by 20,000 men, this magnificent marble mausoleum, richly decorated with semi-precious stones, was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for Queen Mumtaz. Its interior displays splendid harmony based on Hindu and Muslim architecture. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Next, visit the old Agra, a prosperous commercial city during the last Mughal era and the British Raj days. Also, visit the Agra Fort, built on the banks of the Yamuna River, which served as the seat of the Mughal Empire for several generations. After lunch (not included), the afternoon is free for optional visits or shopping. Accommodation.

Day 07 – AGRA / JHANSI / ORCHHA / KHAJURAHO
After breakfast, board the train to Jhansi. Upon arrival, visit Orchha, famous for its temples built by the Bundelas. Notable sites include Raj Mahal Palace and Lakshminarayan Temple, which is decorated with well-preserved paintings. After lunch (not included), continue by road to Khajuraho. After arrival, depart to visit the group of temples on the east and west sides. The Khajuraho tour focuses on visiting the famous Erotic Temples of the Chandela dynasty. Also visit Kandariya Mahadeva, Chatrabhui, Parswanath, and the Ghantai Temple. Free afternoon. In the evening, enjoy the “Sound and Light” show. Accommodation.

Day 08 – KHAJURAHO / VARANASI BY ROAD (8 HRS)
After breakfast, depart for Varanasi (approximately 8 hours of travel). Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Free day for rest. Accommodation.

Day 09 – VARANASI / SARNATH / VARANASI
Early morning, take a boat ride on the Ganges River to witness Hindu purification rituals and pilgrims’ sacred baths at the Ghats. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, made of white marble, planned by Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University. The temple’s key feature is that it is open to people of all castes and religions.
After breakfast, depart for Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the ruins and museum. In the afternoon, take a rickshaw ride through the city. Optionally, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the banks of the Ganges, where prayers and chants are offered to the river gods. Accommodation.

Day 10 – VARANASI / KATHMANDU BY FLIGHT U4 162 – 0830/0910 HRS
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free for leisure activities. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Boudhanath Stupa, located about 11 km from the city center. Its massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world. Accommodation.

Day 11 – KATHMANDU
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an ancient royal palace complex located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It was home to the Malla kings of Nepal from the 14th to 15th centuries and the kings of the Kingdom of Bhaktapur from the 15th century until the late 18th century. At its peak, Bhaktapur Durbar Square contained 99 courtyards, but only 15 remain today. In the afternoon, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Basantpur Palace Square, home to “Kumari Devi” (the only living goddess in the world). It is one of the most visited places in the capital. Kathmandu Durbar Square faces the Old Royal Palace of the ancient Kathmandu Kingdom and is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, a golden tower atop a forested hill. It is the oldest and most enigmatic sacred sanctuary in the Kathmandu Valley. Evening at the hotel.

Day 12 – KATHMANDU / DELHI BY FLIGHT 6E1154 – 1405/1545 HRS
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free for leisure activities. At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for the departure flight.