Meeting Nepal/Rajasthan

Kathmandu (03 Nights) | Chitwan (02 Nights) | Pokhara (02 Nights) | Kathmandu (01 Night) | Delhi (02 Nights) | Jaipur (02 Nights) | Mukundgarh (01 Night) | Bikaner (01 Night) | Jaisalmer (02 Nights) | Jodhpur (01 Night) | Udaipur (02 Nights) | Mumbai (01 Night)

Day 1 Kathmandu

Flight to Kathmandu. Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Check in time is 1200 hrs.

Day 2  Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, nestled in the cradle of the Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world. It is the world’s only Hindu Kingdom, unified by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the late 18^th century. Nepal is known as the kingdom where deities mingle with mortals. It is a blend of the best of China, Tibet and India, squeezed between the vastness of China to the north and India to the south, east and west, and the staircase to the forzen heights of “the roof of the world. Nepalese people are perhaps the friendliest in the world, with kind and spiritual nature. The scenery is simply without parallel.

After breakfast visit Kathmandu city, a city which looks like a living museum. Visit the Durbar Square, the highest concentration of at least 48 buildings of unique architecture, palaces, monuments and temples are found here. We continue to the Kumari Bhal, or the Temple of the Living Goddess. A young Buddhist girl whom the locals believe is a living goddess appears in a window of the temple courtyard. However, you will not be allowed to come any closer to this deity, as only Hindus are allowed an audience with her. Overlooking the Durbar Square is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, built by King Pratap Mall in the 17^th century, which means the “gate of the Monkey God”. At the entrance there is a huge statue of the Monkey God Hanuman from the Ramayan epic. Shiva-Parvati Temple, a three storey temple famous for its erotic stone carvings. visit to the world’s most glorious Buddhist Also visit stupa of Swayambunath. It is said to be 2000 years old and is situated 70 m above the level of valley. Often referred to as the `Monkey Temple’. This temple is believed to be famous in the tantric cult.

Afternoon visit the ancient town of Patan also known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty and Fine Art) .It was an important Buddhist centre, that flourished under the Malla kings. Patan is an ancient city filled with exotic pagodas, intricate gateways, fabulous deities, and endless carvings. Stroll through the city, visiting Durbar Square with the Old King’s Palace. Visit Krishna Temple with its depictions of ancient Hindu epics and the Ashoka Stupa, and the mythological bird Garuda with spread wings on the peak of a pillar sits. Also visit Taleju Temple (17 century), the 3 storey Bhimsen Temple. Further you see the Shiva Temple with two stone elephants and artistic, erotic stone cutting work, and the Mahabuddha Temple (14th century), the temple of 1000 Buddhas, similar to the one in Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained Nirvana. Next we visit the Tibetan Refugee Settlement. This is an interesting slice of culture and history contained in a relatively small area. In 1957 the Chinese invaded Tibet, causing thousands of Tibetans to flee their country. The Tibetans crossed the Himalayan Mountains on foot and many settled in Nepal. This camp was formed with the help of the United Nations and provides a place for the people of Tibet to work and live self-sufficiently, while they await the opportunity to return to their homeland.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 Kathmandu

Today we visit the second sister city of the capital, Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), which means “the City of Devotees”. It is the 3^rd largest in the valley, which has preserved its medieval character, said to have been founded by King Ananda Deva in the 9^th century. The houses with artistic stone cutting work, as well as the beautiful wood carving date back to the time of King Bhupatindra Mallas (17^th century). The city was constructed in the shape of a conch shell – an object of religious significance to Hindus and Buddhist. Visit Durbar Square with King Palace specially its golden gate and 55-Windows-Palace (15^th century), the 5 storey Nyatopala-Temple, the highest and probably the finest temple in Kathmandu Valley, built by King Bhupatindra. The 2 storey Bhairabnath-Temple (18^th century) as well as the Dattatraya Temple dedicated to God Vishnu and the Pujahari Math with its famous Peacock Window. Apart from the usual temples and palaces, the added attractions are the Big Bell, the bell of the Barking Dog, the lion gate, and the picture gallery.

Afternoon visit Bodhnath. One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, Bodhnath Stupa is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style platform surrounded by colorful private family houses. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century AD. At the Pashupatinath Temple view the most sacred of Nepal’s Shiva shrines, located near the holy river Bagmati. This Hindu temple’s twin-roofed pagoda is of gold-gilt-brass; the gateways are silver-plated. Dinner and overnight in Kathmandu.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 4 Kathmandu/Chitwan

After breakfast drive to Chitwan.

Chitwan National Park : One of Nepal’s largest jungle and forest regions, is atop trained elephants. Thrilling game-runs provide a chance to photograph rhino, deer, wild boar and other animals inhabiting the tall grasses. If lucky, you might sight the big jungle cats – tiger and leopard. You can view some of the 400 species of birds

Overnight in the Chitwan.

Day 5 Chitwan

Morning and evening jungle safari at reserve.

Overnight in Chitwan.

Day 6 Chitwan/Pokhara (140 km)

Early morning, a scenic drive to Pokhara which lies 200 kms west of Kathmandu, at an altitude of (819 m) surrounded by huge mountains like the Annapurna and Machhapuchare. Pokhara lies around 700 m deeper than than Kathmandu. En route, you see the typical Nepali landscapes with small villages. The highway passes along a highly picturesque region between the midland valleys and the Terai belt of the kingdom. It is also the second most-visited spot in Nepal after Kathmandu. Pokhara is known for its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa, which have their source in the glacial Annapurna Range of the Himalayas. Pokhara also offers splendid views of the fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre which rises from behind the Phewa Lake. It is home to thick forests, gushing rivers and emerald lakes.

Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. The rest of the day if free for independent activities.

Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.

Day 7 Pokhara

Morning at leisure.

Afternoon you have option to visit Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the country. You can go sailing on the lake, row a hired boat across the water, fish or visit the island temple in the middle.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 Pokhara/Kathmandu

After breakfast drive to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Kathmandu/Delhi

In time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel.

Day 10 Delhi

In Delhi’s 3000 years of existence, seven cities stood where the present capital of India stands. Here you’ll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary - where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist besides a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

After breakfast sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.

Visit the 7^th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Red Fort – the 17^th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India’s largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. Visit Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words “Hey Ram”. An eternal flame burns 24 hours.

Afternoon visit New Delhi.

Visit the Humayun’s Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The Qutub Minar – the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles – the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chattris Hindu and the graceful colonnades very British. It has 340 rooms. The Government Buildings designed by Baker, are topped by baroque domes and decorated with lotus motifs and elephants, while the north and south gateways are Mughal in design. The northern building has an inscription with “Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty. It is a blessing which must be earned before it can be enjoyed”. The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter. Inside is the library and chambers for the council of state, chamber of princes and legislative assembly. The India Gate (42m), commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1^st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.

IMP: RED FORT IS CLOSED ON MONDAY.

Day 11 Delhi/Jaipur (261 km)

After breakfast drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City” capital of Rajasthan. On arrival in Jaipur check in at your hotel. Rest of the day is free.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Jaipur

After breakfast, half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort. En route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 stored building with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people. Proceed to the Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an Elephant ride to the top of the Palace fort.

Return to Jaipur.

Afternoon visit the “Pink City” of Jaipur. The City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings etc.

Also visit Jantar Mantar (1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments are built of stone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Each instrument serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 13 Jaipur/Mukundgarh

After breakfast, your road journey to Mukundgarh via Nawalgarh, takes you through the beautiful country side, with small village hamlets, herds of cattle, sheep and goats, camel caravans and the village folk with colorful dresses that brighten the atmosphere of the desert. You find yourself in Shekavati province. It got its recognition in 1471 by Rao Shekhaji. Homeland of many Marwari merchants, it became rich because of its strategic positioning on the East-West silk route. Camel caravans of rich Marwari merchants who made huge profits passed this region, carrying spices, precious stones, silks and carpets passed this region. The region is known for its Puhka Havelis, lavishly painted with frescos of religious stories, folk and historical themes. The whole area is an `open art gallery’. Many of the haveli’s now stand as mute examples of a rich art, long forgotten.

Overnight in hotel in Mukundgarh.

Day 14 Mukundgarh/Bikaner

Early morning leave for Bikaner. Drive through typical desert country to Bikaner in the middle of the Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. After arrival check-in to the hotel at Bikaner.

Bikaner founded by Rao Bika in 1488. An oasis town among scrub and sand dunes. The walled city retains a medieval air and sandstone architecture. Afternoon tour of Bikaner takes you to visit the Junagarh Fort which is unusual, because other major forts of Rajasthan were built on hilltops, but this fort is built on the desert plain, surrounded by a moat.

Proceed to the Camel Breeding Farm 9 km southeast of Bikaner. It claims to be the only one in Asia. A great sight in the afternoon, to see hundreds of camels as they return from grazing. The British army had a camel corps drawn from Bikaner during WWI

Evening free.

Overnight at the hotel in Bikaner.

Day 15 Bikaner/Jaisalmer

A full day’s drive to Jaisalmer, in the midst of the Thar desert. The drive passes by dry vegetation, with villages of colorfully dressed people. Plenty of camels, camel-carts, sheep and goats pass you by.

Before you arrive Jaisalmer, which would be late evening, on the way from a distance, you can experience the unique view of the fort and the beautiful city Jaisalmer. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaiselmer.

Day 16 Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer across the hot barren desert is magical as the city shimmers like a mirage. The golden sandstone town walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings, through which camel carts trundge leisurely, has an extraordinarily medieval feel and an incredible atmosphere. The fort inside perched on its hilltop contains some gems of Jain temple building, while beautifully decorated merchants’ havelis are scattered through the town.

The Havelis (mansions of the rich merchants) have beautifully carved facades, jali screens and oriel windows overhanging the streets below. Visit Salim Singh Haveli (17 century) which is especially attractive with peacock brackets. Nathumal Haveli (1885) was built for the prime minister. Patwon Haveli (1805) is a group of five, built for five brothers. Possibly the finest in town. They have fine murals and carved pillars. A profusion of balconies cover the front wall.

Afternoon is free.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17 Jaisalmer/Jodhpur

After early breakfast set out for on the drive to Jodhpur. Jodhpur the second largest city of Rajasthan, once the capital of Marwar, sprawls around the massively impressive cliff top Meherangarh Fort. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel.

Late afternoon, visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort on a 37 m low sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459. From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses referred to as Brahmin houses - the colour being associated with the high caste. Proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. At the end of the tour enjoy a short walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 18 Jodhpur/Udaipur

After breakfast drive to Udaipur. En-route visit Ranakpur, the wonderful 3 temples of the Jain sect dating back to the 14th/15th century. The unforgettable main Temple dedicated to Adinatha the first Tirthankar (1439) built in marble took 65 years to complete. It is one of the five holy Jain pilgrimage centres, and has one of the best temple complexes. One can enjoy a good lunch (on direct payment) amid the 19^th century walled orchard the Maharani Bagh Orchard belonging to the Royal family. The orchard is full of bougainvillea and fruit trees predominantly mangoes.

A beautiful two hours drive will bring you to Udaipur. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day free.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

Day 19 Udaipur

The city of Udaipur lies in the Girwa valley amidst the Aravali hills of south Rajasthan. It is considered a romantic city - with its lakes, gardens, temples and palaces - an Oasis in the Thar desert. The old city is a traditionally planned fortified walled city, a maze of narrow winding lanes flanked by houses with doorways decorated with Mewar folk art, windows with stained glass or jali screens, massive havelis with large inner courtyards and shops. The legendary Ranas who ruled, traced their ancestry to the Sun Dynasty.

This morning visit the City Palace built on the bank of the Pichola Lake, by Maharana Udai Singh in 1570. The impressive complex of several palaces is a blend of Rajput and Mughul influences. Half of it is still occupied by the Royal family, and part converted into a museum. The Jagdish Temple – (1651) was built by Maharana Jagat Singh. A fine example of the Nagara style of temple architecture. A brass Garuda stands outside and stone elephants flank the entrance steps. Inside is a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. Sahelion-ki Bari an ornamental pleasure garden specially made for the ladies of the palace in the 18^th century. It has beautiful fountains, trees and flowers.

Afternoon boat ride on the Pichola Lake

Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

Day 20 Udaipur/Mumbai

Transfer to the airport to connect flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai transfer to hotel.

Mumbai is India’s most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading centre. This palm- fringed shore of the Arabian Sea was the British Empire’s entrance to its `Crown Jewel’. Mumbai is also the centre for Hindi films. It is called Bollywood, with a credit of almost 900 films a year.

This afternoon a short tour Mumbai city, rich blend of East and West. The tour includes the 26 mtr high British-built Arch “Gateway of India”, Mumbai’s landmark built to honour the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Marine Drive dubbed as the Queen’s Necklace is Mumbai’s most popular promenades and a favourite sunset watching spot. The Kamla Nehru Park from where you have a picturesque view of the city, Hanging Gardens are so named since they are located on top of a series of tanks that supply water to Mumbai. Pass by the `towers of silence’ the crematorium of the Parsis. Also visit Mani Bhawan a private house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay when he visited Mumbai. It is now a museum and research library with 20,000 volumes.

Day 21 Mumbai/Home

Early morning transfer to the airport to connect the flight back home.