Grand Nepal & India Trip

After breakfast, Rest of the day at leisure to explore Kathmandu at your own. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is a melting pot of cultures and a rich mix of the east and west, the old and the new, where tradition jostles with modernity.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple & Boudhanath Stupa & Patan city. Visit Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath & Boudhanath Stupa Pashupatinath Temple is the most important Hindu Shrine in Nepal dedicated to Lord Shiva, on the banks of Bagmati River. The temple is shaped like a pagoda with a gold-plated roof, four silver doors, and wood carvings. Raised platforms on the banks of Bagmati are cremation sites for Hindus. Only Hindus are allowed inside the Pashupatinath courtyard. Next, visit the Boudhanath Stupa (or Bodnath Stupa) which is one of the largest stupas in the world, most important and largest Buddhist shrine in Nepal. It is a World Heritage Site.This Stupa, set in a pattern of a "Mandala" is encircled by houses and monasteries where Buddhist monks reside. Around the base is a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets containing prayer wheels. Bhaktapur City (or City of Devotees): Bhaktapur City (or City of Devotees): Located about 20 km east of Kathmandu, it is referred to as City of Devotees, or the 'City of Culture'. The city is full of heritage buildings, monuments, palaces, pagodas and temples. Lying along the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, Bhaktapur is surrounded by mountains and provides a magnificent view of the Himalayas. Later, drive to Nagarkot Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati River Valley.

Early morning Sunrise over the Himalayas. After breakfast at your hotel, drive back to Kathmandu. Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Patan city, Kathmandu City & Swayambhunath Stupa. Patan Durbar Square is also known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts. Patan Durbar Square is a concentrated mass of temples, a classic example of Newari architecture to be seen in Nepal. Listed in World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. Later, drive to Kathmandu. On arrival start sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City & Swayambhunath Stupa & Kathmandu Durbar Square: Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City. The Palace Complex was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and is the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels an. It houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum. Later visit Swoyambhunath stupa located at hilltop overlooking Kathmandu valley. Swoyambhunath stupa is also known as “Monkey temple” and is popular for view of Himalayas and entire valley floor. The history of Kathmandu Valley is said to have started with the beginning of Swoyambhu. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa. Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri of Saraswati - the goddess of learning. Statues and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities dot the stupa complex.

After breakfast, check out from the hotela and drive to Pokhara.Pokhara valley to the west of Kathmandu, is the second biggest city of Nepal. An unplugged view of lofty peaks from Pokhara, with snow fed lakes, make it a tourist's favorite. Pokhara’s bewitching beauty has been the subject of many travel writers. With the magnificent Annapurna range forming the backdrop and the serenity of three major lakes – Phewa, Rupa and Begnas. Pokhara his valley is the most famous trekking starting gateway for world famous trekking areas such as to Fishtail, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri area.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be escorted to your hotel by our representative. Rest of the day at leisure.

Early morning excursion to Sarangkot for Sunrise over Himalayas. Sarangkot offers you panoramic views of the Annapurna Mountain Range. Situated close to Pokhara town, it is a semi developed village located on a hilltop. It is a two hour walk up the staircase, or you can avail a car to reach the viewpoint. The landscape endowed with Nature's bounty will be etched in the mind forever. Later drive back to Pokhara. After having breakfast, proceed for the half day sightseeing of Pokhara city (including Bindhyabasini Temple, Davis Fall, Gupteshwor cave, Seti river gorge, Tibetan Village) An hour's boating on Phewa Lake in the evening.

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Nayapul. On arrival, start trek to Tikhedhunga. Tikhedhunga is a small mountain village north-west of Pokhara, and is a common place for trekkers in the Annapurna region to stop overnight. It's often the first overnight stop on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

After breakfast, you will start trek to Ghorepani. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an easy to moderate level trek that is considered one of the best treks in Nepal. This trek offers striking views of some of the most majestic Himalayan Mountains like Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiuchuli. During the trek, you walk amongst lush green forests blazing with beautiful red rhododendron. You will get a chance to observe the lives of the local Gurung tribe when you stay amidst the beautiful hamlet that you cross on your way. On the way, you will be tracing the ancient trade routes used by Nepalese people. Poon Hill is a place known for its beautiful views of the rising sun. Here you can see the sun dawning on some of the highest Himalayan Mountain ranges. This trek route is famous for its alternating gradient between forests, plain fields, and hills. 

Eary morning proceed for the Sunrise excursion to Poonhill (3210m). Later, proceed back for the breakfast. After breakfast, start trek to Tadapani. Tadhapani which literally means 'Far Water' in Nepali got its name as the water source was once a long distance from the village. Don't worry they have got it figured now. There are a couple of trails that meet at Tadhapani. There is a trail to Chhomrong through Chuile and Gurjung to the north. Also, towards the north is another trail that goes to Khopra and Hidden Lake. This is a camping trek and is one of the hidden secrets of the region. To the west is the trail to Ghorepani while to the east you will find Ghandruk. At Tadhapani chances are very high that you will wake up to the eerie call of the threatened Satyr Tragopan.

After breakfast, start trek to Ghandruk. The beautiful village of Ghandruk is located in western Nepal and inhabited by Gurung community. Spectacular panorama of the Himalayas in the Annapurans can be spotted from Ghandruk such as Annapurna south, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. There’s also an old Gurung museum at the village.

After breakfast, trek back to Nayapul. Meet our representative on arrival at Nayapul and proceed to Pokhara. On arrival, check in to the hotel and relax. Evening is at leisure. 

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Chitwan. The Chitwan National park is one of the finest national parks in Asia, and a World Heritage site since 1984. The park shelters some endangered species such as The Royal Bengal Tiger, One horned Rhinoceros, Leopard, Gaurs, as well as Sloth Bear. Upon arrival in Chitwan, you will be escorted to a pre-booked resort. Evening free for Jungle activities as per resorts program Tharu Cultural Show. 

After breakfast, proceed for the elephant back safari through the jungle to see the Nepali wildlife such as; the great Asian one-horned Rhinoceros, sloth Bear, wild Boar, several species of Deer, rhesus Monkey, the black-faced Langur, the Gaur (wild cattle) and Spotted Himalayan Leopard/Royal Bengal Tiger if you are lucky. Afternoon, jungle activities including nature walk to see birds and smaller animals, dugout canoe ride to see crocodiles and water-birds etc. Evening, enjoy Tharu Stick dance or slide presentation on wildlife of Nepal.

After breakfast, check out from the resort and proceed to Sunauli (Nepal-India border). On arrival, cross the border & drive to Gorakhpur railway station to board the train to Agra. (Dep 1320 hrs, Arr 0400 hrs). 

Upon arrival at the Agra you will be transferred to the hotel. Check the hotel and freshen up. The city of Agra is home to Taj Mahal which perhaps the world’s most photographed monument. Pay a visit to this beautiful edifice commissioned in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his loving wife. Then, visit the massive Agra Fort, an elegant building that reflects a perfect fusion of the Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles with massive courtyards, mosques & private chambers.

Next, visit the Mehtab Bagh, an extension of the Taj Mahal Garden, located on the other side of the river.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Agra railway station to board the train for onward destination Jaipur. Upon arrival at the Agra you will be transferred to the hotel. Check the hotel and freshen up.  Later, explore the unending shopping options in Jaipur. As part of the tour, we will start off from the essential point of the Rajasthani craftwork i.e., block making and block printing and visit some of the local stores. We will also explore some of the famous places for a variety of jewelry including chunky tribal jewelry, gold and diamond jewelry as well as colorful lac bangles.

After breakfast set off for a day of exploration in Jaipur. Ride to the top of the hilltop fortress - the Amber Fort on an elephant’s back. Get to know the dramatic grandeur of the fort perched on the Aravalli Hills and surrounded by fortified battlements. Then, pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, the five storied structure featuring 953 small windows called jharokhas, decorated with intricate latticework. Made using red sandstone, the towering structure resembles a honeycomb and was initially built to allow the royal ladies to peer down without being seen. Next, visit the City Palace. Built-in the 18th century, the City Palace is a perfect example of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles and fortified walls, built for protection from invading armies. Also, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, an astronomy site that was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century with 13 architectural astronomy instruments. In the evening, our representative will transfer you to Jaipur railway station to board the train for onward destination Udaipur.

Upon arrival at the Udaipur you will be transferred to the hotel. Check the hotel and freshen up. Later, take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting City Palace built in 1559, a small palace over looking at the Lake Pichola, the additions were made to it by successive Kings of Udaipur gradually evolved become the largest place in Rajasthan, Main attraction of Place are Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple.Later visit Saheli Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honor of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose and visit Lok Kala Mandal collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening from 1800 to 1900 in an adjacent open-air theatre. Evening you will be taken to Lake Pichola for Boat Ride.

After breakfast, experience the horse ride in Aravali hills for 2-3 hrs. Later, our representative will transfer you to Udaipur railway station to board the train for onward destination Delhi. Delhi is the city that may surprise you at first but will soon engulf you in a string of new experiences, leaving you entwined with its culture and people. Ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in the history of India, Delhi has transformed into a soulful city embracing each culture with open arms.  The capital of world’s largest democracy, Delhi as a city that bridges two contrasting worlds. While Old Delhi is a labyrinth of mysterious narrow lanes, haveli’s and majestic mosques, the imperial city of New Delhi is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. The city has gradually evolved to become a window to India’s unique cultures and ethnicities. 

Upon arrival at the Delhi you will be transferred to the hotel. Check the hotel and freshen up. Later, set off for a sightseeing tour of Delhi city. You’ll first go for Old Delhi sightseeing, starting with Jama Masjid, the country's largest mosque, built-in 1656. The mosque's courtyard is capable of holding 25,000 devotees at once. Next, visit Old Delhi’s oldest and biggest market Chandni Chowk. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride from Fatehpuri Masjid to the impressive red sandstone monument of Red Fort. Here, our driver will pick you up and drive you to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi - Father of the Nation. Afterward, proceed to Humayun’s Tomb, an early example of fine Mughal architecture in India, built-in 1565. Humayun's Tomb is often said to be the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal.  Later, drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House), Parliament House, and India Gate - a war memorial constructed in the memory of 70,000 Indian soldiers who fought in World War I. Lastly visit Qutub Minar, a soaring tower of victory. Its construction was commenced in 1193 under the supervision of Islamic ruler Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom in Delhi. The marble and red sandstone-built structure is nearly 73 meters tall and tapers from a 15-meter-diameter base to just 2.5 meters at the top.

After breakfast, rest of the day at leisure for shopping or individual activities. In the evening, you will be visiting Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship in Delhi, India and is known for its association with the Eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar." 

After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Delhi airport for your onward flight. Our services terminate here leaving you with sweet & unforgettable memories.