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.

Day 4 Kathmandu/Varanasi

Morning after breakfast you are free till it is time to transfer to the airport to connect flight to Varanasi. On arrival in Varanasi transfer to the hotel.

Varanasi derives its name from the two streams – Varuna in the north and Assi in the south, the British corrupted the name Varanasi to Banaras. The oldest name is Kashi, which means `the City of Light’. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the holiest city for the Hindus, also for the Jains, because the three tirthankars, 7^th, 11^th & 23^rd were born here. It is believed that anyone who dies here goes straight to heaven The city draws pilgrims from all over the world, to worship, meditate and above all to bathe.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 Varanasi/Khajuraho

Today early morning you experience the life of this ancient city. See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges Boat Ride. The boat ride passes along some of the 100 ghats, with numerous palaces built by Hindu kings. Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy river believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. After some time excursion to Sarnath, 9 km from Varanasi, one of Buddhism’s major centers in India. It was here that Buddha gave his first Sermon after attaining Nirvana. In the complex is the Dhamekh Stupa (5^th-6^th AD) or Dharma Chakra, the most imposing monument at Sarnath built to commemorate the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five disciples. Also visit Dharmarajika Stupa that was built by Emperor Ashoka (273-326 BC). From this stupa a green marble casket containing human bones and pearls was found, said to be the relics of Buddha. It was the seat for Buddha’s meditation. To the rear is the 5m lower portion polished sandstone Asokan Column (3^rd century). The Deer Park on the south – west, has several species of deer. On the way back to the Hotel visit a modern Buddhist temple which has beautiful life size frescos of Buddhas life. In the vicinity is the sapling of the Bodhi tree brought from Sri Lanka, under which Buddha sat and attained enlightenment.

In time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Khajuraho. On arrival in Khajuraho transfer to the hotel.

Khajuraho, home to the most famous erotic temples built in the 10 & 11th century by the Chandella Rulers, with the Vindhyan Hills as a backdrop. Of 85 temples only 20 survive. This is a world heritage site. Morning after breakfast visit the Eastern and Western Group of temples.

Overnight in hotel at Khajuraho.

Day 6 Khajuraho/Agra

After breakfast visit the Eastern and Western Group of temples.

The Eastern Group of temples are mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers - tirthankaras - The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple. There is a 4.5m statue of Adinatha in the main place of Jain worship. The temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses.

The Western Group consists of a group of artistic temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive any time. We will visit the Varaha Temple dedicated to Vishnu, and also the Lakshmana Temple also dedicated to Vishnu. It is one of the earliest of the western enclosure temples dating from 930 to 950 AD. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is not only the largest of the temples, it is also artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Built between 1025 and 1050 it represents Chandella art at its most finely developed phase.

After sightseeing, in time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Agra. On arrival in Agra transfer to the hotel.

Agra stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the Mughal rulers, the zenith of art and an enshrined romance. A town famous for its beautiful medieval monuments. The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 Agra

After breakfast sightseeing of Agra. Visit the world famous monument of India, the Taj Mahal (1631-1653), a poem in white marble, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. It employed 20,000 workers from the Central Asia and Europe for 22 years to construct this extravagant monument of love, inlaying the white marble edifice with precious and semi precious stones. After Taj Mahal visit Agra Fort (Fort and Palace) situated on the west bank of the river Jamuna, made by the Mughal King Akbar in the 16^th century and completed by his grandson Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for 8 years in this fort, before his death. The fort is crescent - shaped and the perimeter is 2.4 km long. Finally visit the stunning tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah or the `Baby Taj’- a marble memorial with exquisite inlay work built by Nur Jahan, queen of Jehangir, for her father in 1628.

Rest of the time free.

Overnight at the hotel.

IMP: TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAY.

Day 8 Agra/Jaipur (232 km)

After breakfast drive to Jaipur.

En-route sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri. 40 km (1 hour) from Agra, lies the beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar the Great in the 16^th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. It was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. Today, it is perfectly preserved as a ghost city built at the height of the empire’s splendor.

Further drive to Jaipur. After arrival check-in to hotel. Jaipur was built in the 18^th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. It was made attractive with the pink wash - a traditional colour of welcome in 1853 in honour of the visit of Prince Albert.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 9 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 10 Jaipur/Mandawa (170 km)

Today drive to Mandawa in the Shekhavati Region, the 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 laden with spices, precious stones and silks and made huge profits 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’. Due to the bandits in the 19^th century, the rich merchants moved to other areas, and Shekhavati was neglected. Many of the haveli’s now stand as mute examples of a rich art, long forgotten.

Afternoon arrive Mandawa where you stay at the Maharaja’s Castle Mandawa an old rugged handsome fortress towering above the city, features war-scarred turrets, lofty domes and ancient cannons. Step into the verandah and relax over exotic refreshments, or admire the high ceilings and walls adorned with ancient portraits of the Mandawa family, recalling a bygone era, of the royalty, rich and resplendent. The architechture and atmosphere in the fort transports you to the 18^th century.

In the late afternoon walk around the village to see the painting and frescos on the walls of havelies.

Overnight at the hotel in Mandawa.

Day 11 Mandawa/Delhi (280 km)

Drive to Delhi. On arrival in Agra check in at your hotel.

Overnight in the hotel.

Day 12 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 13 Delhi/Home

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