INDIA & NEPAL SPLENDOURS – TAJ MAHAL, VARANASI & KATHMANDU VALLEY

Full-day guided discovery of Old & New Delhi. Explore Jama Masjid and enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar. Stop at Raj Ghat and marvel at the majestic Red Fort (outside). Afternoon panoramic drive in New Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House and India Gate. Visit Humayun’s Tomb and end at the elegant Qutub Minar complex.

Drive to Jaipur, the flamboyant “Pink City”. Optional stop in Samode to see traditional crafts and heritage architecture. Afternoon orientation tour of Jaipur and free time in its lively bazaars.

Excursion to Amber Fort — a masterpiece of Rajput elegance with its famous Hall of Mirrors. Visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory (UNESCO). Photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal and time for shopping artisanal crafts: blue pottery, jewellery and block-prints.

Drive to Agra with a visit to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO), once the grand capital of Akbar. Arrive in Agra and check in at your hotel. Evening at leisure.

At sunrise, visit the enchanting Taj Mahal — the world’s greatest tribute to love (closed Fridays). Visit Agra Fort (UNESCO) and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, a jewel-like monument on the Yamuna riverbank.

Train to Jhansi then short drive to Orchha, a serene village of palaces and temples. Visit Jahangir Mahal and the beautifully frescoed Lakshmi Temple.

Drive to Khajuraho, famed for its exquisite temples. Visit the Western Group of Temples (UNESCO), including the grand Kandariya Mahadev.

Visit the Jain temples of the Eastern Group. Flight to Varanasi and transfer directly to Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the archaeological museum.

Boat ride at dawn to observe ancient rituals on the Ghats of the sacred Ganges. Walking tour of the old city’s alleyways. This evening witness the spectacular Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to Nagarkot, a peaceful hill station renowned for its panoramic Himalayan views including Mount Everest on clear days.

Sunrise over the Himalayas. Leisurely downhill walk to Changu Narayan, Nepal’s oldest temple. Continue to Bhaktapur, a mediaeval gem (UNESCO). Return to Kathmandu.

Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) overlooking the city. Explore the historic city of Patan, famous for its exquisite temples and metal craftsmen. Optional visit to a Tibetan craft centre.

Visit Pashupatinath, sacred Hindu temple complex along the Bagmati. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square and its lively markets.

Free time in Thamel for last-minute shopping. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.