Discover India & Nepal

Day 1: UK/Delhi
You’ll depart on your scheduled flight to Delhi today.

Day 2: Delhi
You will arrive in Delhi this morning and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. There will be time to freshen up before an afternoon of included sightseeing in New Delhi. This spacious open imperial city was created by the British in 1911. Drive through elegant boulevards and lush green parks where the iconic India Gate and imposing Parliament House are both reminders of a colonial past. Step back in time at the ancient Qtub Minar, a soaring tower of sandstone, and visit Humayan’s Tomb.

Day 3: Jaipur
A morning included sightseeing tour will introduce you to the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi. Delve into a maze of crowded narrow streets and thronging markets and stroll through the fabled street bazaar of vibrant Chadni Chowk. Admire the impressive marble domes of Jama Masjid Mosque and visit Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

This afternoon you will travel south-west by road to Jaipur. Sandstone buildings tinged with pink and ochre and set amongst barren hills will greet you as you arrive in the capital of Rajasthan. Here India is arguably at its most colourful and exotic. Under the British, Rajasthan continued as a collection of princely states, each with its own Maharaja. You will spend two nights in Jaipur. En route visit the magnificent step wells, an architectural gem giving you an insight into how water was sourced in ancient times.

Day 4: Jaipur
This morning you will take a short drive to the spectacular Amber Fort, a 17th century battle-scarred stronghold that commands a hilltop setting high above the parched desert and surrounding valley. Step inside the eerie Temple of Kali, the jewel-like Palace of Mirrors and experience the Hall of Pleasures.

Get to know the old city of Jaipur on an included tour this afternoon. All the buildings here are painted pink by Maharaja’s decree. Explore the City Palace, still the official residence of the Maharajah and discover Mughal treasures in the museum. Linger at the elaborate facade of the Palace of the Winds, from where ladies of the court watched unseen. You will also visit Jantar Mantar, home to an incredibly accurate observatory that was built in 1726.

Day 5: Agra
You’ll journey east this morning to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by an emperor to celebrate the birth of his son. Stroll through the pink and red sandstone pavilions and palaces which were designed to catch the cooling breezes. Continue by road to Agra for a two-night stay.

Day 6: Agra
Today you will experience the highlight of your holiday, an included visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal. You will travel to the banks of the Yamuna River where this magnificent mausoleum built by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife is located. Nothing quite prepares you for the reality of this glorious building. Set in classical gardens with shimmering mirror pools, its white marble walls inlaid with semi-precious stones are truly breathtaking – and you’ll see why it took 20,000 men 20 years to complete the world’s most extravagant and beautiful expression of one man’s love of a woman. A visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son has also been included. Wander through the chambers and capture glimpses of the shimmering white Taj Mahal, framed by a perfect archway.

Day 7: Khajuraho
This morning you’ll transfer to the station for a ride aboard the Shatabdi Express between Agra and Jhansi. Join the throng of travellers and soak up the atmosphere as you board the train. Local vendors sell spicy samosas and small boys lug huge silver kettles of chai. Sit back and enjoy the constantly changing scenery and engaging company of your fellow passengers – an Indian rail journey is always a memorable experience. In Jhansi you will rejoin your coach and continue south to Khajuraho for an overnight stay. Typical Indian rural life continues here and you will be charmed by the peace and tranquillity.

Day 8: Varanasi
We have included a morning tour of Khajuraho. The medieval temples embody the golden age of the 11th century Chandela dynasty and are famed for their erotic and explicit sculptures which leave little to the imagination. As you wander through these intricately carved masterpieces of sandstone architecture imagine the shock of an officer of the British Raj who rediscovered the deserted temples in the 19th century during a rather more restrained era.

Later today you will take the short flight to the ‘eternal city’ of Varanasi on the banks of the sacred River Ganges where you will stay for one night. Known until recently as Benares, Varanasi is the most important pilgrimage site in India. Here, on the ghat of the Ganges, you will witness an Aarti ceremony – a sacred ritual during which lamps and flowers are offered to the deities.

Day 9: Kathmandu
As dawn breaks you will take an early morning boat ride along the Ganges as Varanasi comes alive at sunrise. Drift past the tumbling ghats where a different crowd gathers at each brightly painted staircase. Devout Hindus bathe and pray, chattering women in brightly coloured saris pound their laundry and bare-chested men twist into mind boggling yoga positions. You may even witness an elaborate funeral ceremony. Step ashore and follow the narrow streets close to the river. Remember to watch out for wandering sacred cows as you turn each corner for another fascinating glimpse of local life.

You will leave Varanasi later today and take a flight to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. Transfer on arrival to your hotel, where a three-night stay has been arranged. This ancient kingdom lies in the Himalayan Mountains between India and Tibet. The scenery is stupendous from the highest point on earth, Mount Everest, to the fertile jungle lowland. A vibrant mix of religion, Hindu and Buddhism, and cultures characterise the allure of Nepal.

Day 10: Kathmandu
A sightseeing tour of Patan, the ancient City of Golden roofs is included this morning, while this afternoon’s included tour will take you to Bhaktapur, city of devotees. You’ll also see the temple of Pashupatinath, which is set in a verdant green valley. Its magnificent gilded roof can be seen from afar, and today this is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Asia.

Day 11: Kathmandu
After breakfast join our included morning tour of Kathmandu and discover why this is the ‘city of temples’. The busy streets throng with bicycles and cattle, traders jostle with pilgrims, and packed buses weave their way through the noisy traffic. Visit the Temple of the Living Goddess and gaze in wonder at the golden gates and palaces that surround the ‘outdoor theatre’ that is Durbar Square. With its hypnotic staring eyes Swayambhunath stands high above the city. This afternoon is free for you to explore Kathmandu further at your own leisurely pace. Dinner will be taken in a local restaurant tonight.

Day 12: Dhulikhel
This morning, weather permitting, you can take an optional early-morning flight over the Himalayas (skies are often clearer between October and April). Later today you will take the short drive to Dhulikhel. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. A gentle walk will help you discover more of the superb countryside, alternatively, just relax and take in the splendid surroundings. Overnight accommodation has been arranged for you.

Day 13: Delhi/Gurgaon
You’ll leave Dhulikhel this morning for the return drive to Kathmandu and your flight back to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in the satellite city of Gurgaon, for an overnight stay. Gurgaon boasts great connections into Delhi.

Day 14: Delhi/UK
This morning you will transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. As you are travelling westwards, arrival will be later the same day.

Please note
We want you to get the most from your holiday with us so please be advised that this tour is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.

During this tour you will travel to altitudes of over 5,500ft. If you suffer from heart or respiratory conditions or have any other concerns please consult your doctor.

Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotels you will stay in are:

5 star Vasant Continental in Delhi
5-star Fortune Select Metropolitan in Jaipur
5-star Jaypee Palace Hotel in Agra
5-star Ramada Hotel in Khajuraho
5-star Gateway Ganges Hotel in Varanasi
4-star Hotel Himalaya in Kathmandu
Dhulikhel Mountain Resort in Dhulikhel
4-star Country Inn and Suites in Delhi
All guest rooms have en suite facilities and air-conditioning although this cannot be guaranteed at the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort. Hotel facilities include restaurant and bar and with the exception of Dhulikhel Mountain Resort all hotels feature a swimming pool.

All hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Old Delhi (half day)
New Delhi (half day)
Amber Fort (half day)
Jaipur (half day)
Fatehpur Sikri
Taj Mahal and Agra Fort (half day)
Khajuraho Temples (half day)
Varanasi (half day)
Patan
Bhaktapur and Pashupatinath (half day)
Kathmandu (half day)

Optional excursions

Early morning flight over the Himalayas

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights and internal flights
Overseas transfers and other transportation
12 nights’ accommodation
Half-board basis
The services of a Travelsphere Tour manager and Local Guide
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”