India & Nepal

Upon arrival in Delhi, our representative will greet you at the airport, who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Delhi has been the center of power for numerous empires over the past millennium, witnessing cycles of destruction and rebirth. A fascinating blend of history and modernity, the city is divided into two distinct cultural realms—Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi, once the heart of Islamic India, is a maze of bustling streets, ancient Havelis, and grand mosques. In contrast, New Delhi, meticulously designed by the British Raj, showcases broad avenues, colonial-era architecture, and open green spaces.

Accommodation: Le Meridien, New Delhi (Executive room)

After breakfast, embark on a guided exploration of Delhi, beginning with a photo stop at the iconic Red Fort, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as his royal residence. Continue to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, featuring grand gateways, towering minarets, and a vast courtyard that can hold 25,000 worshippers. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi's colonial-era landmarks, driving past the Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India. Stop at India Gate, a 137-foot-high war memorial honoring soldiers who fought in World War I, and visit Humayun's Tomb, a stunning 16th-century Mughal mausoleum set within a beautifully landscaped Charbagh garden.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Le Meridien, New Delhi (Executive room)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Agra (136 miles, approximately 4.5 hours drive), a historic city on the banks of the Yamuna River, best known as the home of the Taj Mahal. Once the political center of the Mughal Empire, Agra remains a treasure trove of architectural marvels, with its grand forts, mausoleums, and intricate marble inlay work. In the afternoon, visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the Mughal emperors' primary residence until 1638. Its imposing red sandstone walls lie exquisite structures such as Moti Masjid, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Musamman Burj, Jahangir's Palace, and the opulent Sheesh Mahal. Later, experience the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunset, when its white marble façade glows in soft hues. Commissioned in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this UNESCO-listed masterpiece took 22 years and 20,000 artisans to complete, earning its place as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: ITC Mughal (Mughal Chamber)

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (155 miles, around 5.5 hours drive), stopping en route at Abhaneri, a small village renowned for its remarkable Chand Baori Stepwell and Harshat Mata Temple. Built for rainwater harvesting, Chand Baori is an architectural marvel with 13 levels descending 65 feet into the ground, adorned with intricate carvings that showcase the craftsmanship of the era. Located opposite the temple, this colossal step well is one of India's deepest and most visually striking. We continue the journey to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, famously known as the Pink City for its terracotta-hued buildings. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727 CE, meticulously planning it according to ancient Shilpa Shastra architectural principles, thus creating India's first grid-based city. A captivating blend of tradition, culture, and grandeur, Jaipur enchants visitors with its majestic palaces, bustling bazaars, and timeless heritage. On arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Jai Mahal Palace (Luxury room)

After breakfast, begin with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, Jaipur's iconic landmark features 953 intricately carved windows that allow royal ladies to observe city life unseen. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort, a stunning Hindu and Mughal architecture blend. Inside, admire the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where Belgian-imported mirrors create a dazzling play of light. In the afternoon, visit Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, showcasing advanced Mughal-era astronomical knowledge. End the day with a rickshaw ride through Old Jaipur, exploring bustling bazaars and historic sites, guided by women from low-income communities in eco-friendly rickshaws.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Jai Mahal Palace (Luxury room)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu via Delhi.

Nestled in a valley surrounded by Phulchowki,, Chandragiri, Shivapuri, and Nagarjuna hills, Kathmandu is Nepal's capital and cultural heart. Once a collection of independent city-states ruled by the Malla kings, it is now home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Deluxe room)

After breakfast, explore Kathmandu's cultural and historical landmarks, beginning with Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite carvings, metal statues, and pagoda temples. Continue to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a 2,000-year-old Buddhist site perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views and featuring the iconic all-seeing eyes of Buddha. Conclude at Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to the former royal Palace, the revered Kumari Bahal (Temple of the Living Goddess), and Kal Bhairav, a striking stone image of Lord Shiva in his fierce form.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Deluxe room)

After breakfast, visit Bhaktapur, a UNESCO-listed medieval city renowned for its rich culture of intricate wood, metal, and stone artwork. Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, home to the 55-Window Palace, and admire the Nyatapola Temple, a stunning five-tiered pagoda guarded by symbolic figures. In the afternoon, visit Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is set along the Bagmati River, where only Hindus may enter while others observe from across the river. Conclude the day at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, surrounded by prayer wheels and monasteries, offering a serene insight into Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, fly to Pokhara, a scenic lakeside city 2,713 feet above sea level and the gateway to Annapurna trekking routes. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel before enjoying a boat ride on Phewa Lake, Nepal's second-largest lake, where the serene waters reflect the stunning Himalayan peaks. Later, explore the vibrant Lakeside area, the heart of Pokhara's tourism scene, lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort & Spa (Deluxe room)

Start the day with an early morning excursion to Sarangkot, a hilltop village at 5,249 feet, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu (weather permitting). The hill also features a sacred Lord Shiva Temple and offers glimpses of local village life and diverse bird species. Return to the hotel for breakfast before exploring Pokhara's highlights: the Seti River Gorge, known for its deep chasm and milky white waters; the Gurkha Memorial Museum, showcasing the bravery and traditions of the Gurkha soldiers; and Tashi Palkhiel Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery where visitors can observe monks' daily prayers and interact with the local Tibetan community.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort & Spa (Deluxe room)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Enjoy a local dinner at a traditional restaurant in the evening, accompanied by a vibrant cultural dance performance.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Deluxe room)