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Mountains, Forts & The Taj (Family)
A magical journey of discovery through Nepal and India
We begin our travels in the hustle and bustle of colourful Kathmandu before taking a spectacular flight alongside the Himalayan range to the lakeside town of Pokhara. After exploring the area and taking a trip to Sarangkot to view the sunrise over the Annapurna mountains, we continue with an exciting safari at Royal Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal, where we ride on elephant back in search of rhino and tiger. We then fly to the Indian capital, New Delhi, and head to the magnificent Taj Mahal and the famous Agra Fort. The beauty of the Mughal architecture in Rajasthan is showcased at our next stop, Jaipur. Exploring the ‘Pink City’ we immerse ourselves in bustling and colourful local markets and discover the famous Palace of the Winds as well as the impressive Amber Fort. The final leg of our journey takes us back to New Delhi, where we end our amazing adventure.
Gallery View map
We begin our travels in the hustle and bustle of colourful Kathmandu before taking a spectacular flight alongside the Himalayan range to the lakeside town of Pokhara. After exploring the area and taking a trip to Sarangkot to view the sunrise over the Annapurna mountains, we continue with an exciting safari at Royal Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal, where we ride on elephant back in search of rhino and tiger. We then fly to the Indian capital, New Delhi, and head to the magnificent Taj Mahal and the famous Agra Fort. The beauty of the Mughal architecture in Rajasthan is showcased at our next stop, Jaipur. Exploring the ‘Pink City’ we immerse ourselves in bustling and colourful local markets and discover the famous Palace of the Winds as well as the impressive Amber Fort. The final leg of our journey takes us back to New Delhi, where we end our amazing adventure.
Gallery View map
Tour Highlights
- Jaipur’s Amber Fort
- UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taj Mahal
- Delhi
- The wildlife of Chitwan National Park
- Kathmandu’s hidden old town
- Pokhara's lake and panoramic views
- Bodhnath Stupa of Kathmandu - one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world
Inclusions
- Local tour leader in each country, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
- Canoe
- Elephant
- Plane
- Private vehicle
- 12 breakfasts
Mountains, Forts & The Taj (Family)
Day 1
Kathmandu
Meals Privided:
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative will be waiting for you in the arrival hall, located after passing out of the customs area. Look out for the note on the hotel signboard. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes. A briefing given by our group leader is scheduled for the late afternoon. The evening is free, but usually our tour leader will organise an evening meal (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants. Alternatively you can enjoy a dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
Kathmandu
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. We visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. We also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration. You may wish to take the option of wandering into the centre of town and exploring the Durbar Square area or just relaxing in the spacious hotel gardens. Alternatively you may wish to arrange for a taxi to take you out to Bhaktapur, probably the most fascinating of the medieval towns in the Kathmandu Valley. A visit to Thamel gives you a chance to do some last-minute shopping.
Day 3
Pokhara
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Our flight to Pokhara leaves in the mid morning, although please be aware that delays can occur if fog lies in the valley. The flight time is approximately 45 minutes and given a clear day there are superb views of the Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna mountain ranges on the northern horizon. Upon arrival at Pokhara we transfer to our hotel in town in time for lunch. Lying at the foot of the Annapurnas, Pokhara is located in a beautiful position with views of the fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare (6693m), and other peaks of the Annapurna range visible from the hotel. In the afternoon we can relax in the large hotel gardens, enjoy the swimming pool or visit the lakeside area of Phewa Tal, where we can browse through the tourist shops or enjoy boating on the lake. The evening is free and our tour leader will organise an optional dinner at either the hotel or in one of Pokhara’s many lakeside restaurants.
Day 4
Pokhara
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
We enjoy a full day in Pokhara to explore the valley. An early morning drive to Sarangkot enables us to enjoy a sunrise panorama over the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Both peaks are above eight thousand metres and the view here can simply be described as awe-inspiring. We return to the hotel for breakfast and for the rest of the day we are free to relax in the beautiful grounds of the Shangri La Resort or join your tour leader in exploring more of the sights of the Pokhara Valley. Options include visiting the mountaineering museum and the caves at Devin's Falls or wandering down to the lakeside and hiring a boat for a row on the lake. The adventurous can even hire bicycles to get around. The evening is free and our leader can organise another meal (optional) at either the hotel or we can visit another of the great lakeside restaurants.
Day 5
Chitwan National Park
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 4 hours)
We leave Pokhara In the morning and drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, we are introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss our program at Royal Park Wildlife Resort. There is some flexibility and activities may vary with the time of the year and known wildlife movements and locations. We may visit the elephant camp to see how their handlers, known as phanits, care for these beautiful animals. A late afternoon safari riding on elephants takes us into the forest and grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. In the early evening the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. We then enjoy dinner and afterwards we are free to relax in the bar and discuss the day’s sightings or listen to the exotic sounds of the jungle at night.
Day 6
Chitwan National Park
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
An early morning excursion could include either another elephant safari to different parts of the park in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic bird life or joining one of several other activities including a visit to the elephant breeding centre. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park. After breakfast we leave the lodge for a trip by dugout canoe on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program is organised for us for the rest of the day that may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.
Day 7
Kathmandu
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 5 hours)
There is an early morning safari and a final chance to catch a glimpse of more of the exotic wildlife of the area. This is also our last chance to spot some of the animals that we may not have previously seen. After breakfast we drive on to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. The evening is free but usually our group leader will organise another evening meal (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.
Day 8
Delhi
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Flight time: approx 1 hour)
Today we say goodbye to our Nepalese tour leader and catch a flight from Kathmandu to New Delhi (please note that you will be unescorted on this flight). On arrival at Delhi Airport we are greeted by our Indian tour leader who will transfer us to our hotel, located close to the city centre. After a short briefing about our program in India, the rest of the day is free to explore the city. The narrow streets of Old Delhi are worth exploring, with the highlights being Red Fort and the impressive Jama Masjid (Great Mosque). Raj Ghat is a monument that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
Day 9
Agra
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 5 hours)
After breakfast there is a briefing to outline the holiday itinerary and also cover many aspects of travelling in India. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting. Around mid morning we leave for Agra, home to India’s most famous site - the majestic Taj Mahal. This amazing 17th century marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife, who died giving birth. Started in 1631 the project was completed in 1648 and employed a workforce of over 20,000 people. Construction materials were brought from all over India with the marble from Rajasthan transported by over 1000 elephants. We also visit the nearby Agra Fort - a huge complex built of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565 and partially converted into a palace during the time of Shah Jahan.
Day 10-11
Jaipur
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 6 hours)
From Agra we make our first stop at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This magnificent ghost town was capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbhar it was abandoned shortly after his death due to a lack of available water. We continue by road to Jaipur, the colourful capital of the state of Rajasthan as well as a vibrant and exciting town. Here, traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches make their way through crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. On our second day in Jaipur we travel 11 kilometres out to the stunning medieval Amber Fort. This fort was built in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Several hours are needed to explore this huge fortification. Our guide will also take us to the Old Bazaar and Hawa Mahal, better known as The Palace of the Wind. This five-storey façade with its pink, honeycombed sandstone windows is one of Jaipur's best-known landmarks. In the evening we can dine at one of the many fine restaurants in the city (optional).
Day 12-13
Delhi
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: 4 hours)
On Day 12 we drive to Delhi - our final destination. Our tour ends after breakfast on Day 13. If you wish to spend some more time in Delhi we recommend you book additional accommodation for this day. If you are leaving on this day as most flights leave Delhi in the late evening we would also suggest you consider booking accommodation for this day. Your leader will be on hand to assist with transfers to the airport. These are not included, but can be booked through us or your travel agent.
If you are spending extra time in Delhi, there is still plenty to see. Humayun's Tomb and Safdarjang's Tomb are other great examples of Mughal architecture and design. The narrow streets of Old Delhi are worth exploring, with the highlights being Red Fort and the impressive Jama Masjid (Great Mosque). Raj Ghat is a monument that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Hauz Khas Village is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown - a chic artistic enclave set right next to the remnants of a historical site.
IN A NUTSHELL
13 days
Please call
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