Himalayan Trails

Day 01: Delhi (Saturday)

Arrive in Delhi Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel. Late afternoon (18:00hrs) we meet our guide for a welcome meeting. Overnight in Delhi (Meals: No Meals)

Day 02: Delhi

Explore the historic city of Old Delhi including the magnificent Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, Rajghat and a rickshaw ride through the silver street in Chandani Chowk. We have an afternoon visit to New Delhi and stroll down Rajpath and visit the India Gate monument, and in the evening, we enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Delhi (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Days 3: Delhi – Jaipur (269 kms)

This morning after breakfast, we drive to Jaipur the “Pink City”, where we enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful City Palace and the Jantar Mantar space observatory with its impressive collection of astrological instruments. Overnight in Jaipur (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4: Jaipur

What a better way to see the city from high above in a hot air balloon! So why not opt for an optional experience and sail over the city’s temples, its palaces, and fortresses!

After breakfast we visit Amber Fort and on our return back to the hotel we at a local cotton weaving house and a tailor shop! And if you fancy any traditional Rajasthani garments, well, you are the master fashion designer, and all done to your taste and specification and very competitively priced! And delivered to our hotel before we leave. How is that for a service an Overnight in Jaipur (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5: Jaipur – Abhaneri – Bharaptur (184 kms)

We leave Jaipur after breakfast and set off for Abhaneri to see the famous Chand Baori step well. This well is a 13-storey structure with some 3,500 narrow steps leading down to the water, and it’s the deepest “well” of its kind in the world. Fame also precedes Chand Baori as it was featured on the Batman film “The Dark Knight Rises”! Not only it enjoys its “antiquity” reputation by a Hollywood one too! And of course, one of the greatest experiences of these tours is the engage with the locals and get a glimpse of the daily life and routines. So, time permitting, we pay a visit to a local school where we can interact with pupil and teachers! And if any of us wish to bring some little educational gifts (even used books, children’s story books with lots of pictures, pencils and pencil cases are very popular), we are more than welcome to do so! On arrival in Bharatpur, we visit the Keoladeo Ghana National Park where we enjoy a rickshaw ride around the reserve for a bit of “bird watching”.  Overnight in Bharatpur (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 6: Bharaptur – Agra (55.7 Kms)

No visit to India is complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal. So this morning after breakfast we get on our way to Agra and enroute, we explore the former Mughal capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was abandoned more than 400 years ago due to a lack of water and remains beautifully preserved today! On arrival at Agra, we visit the imposing Agra Fort and we then go on the admire the iconic Taj Mahal, this famous mausoleum and expression of ”undying love”, and what a better way to finish our day than a romantic and touching sunset at this magnificent dedication to love! Overnight in Agra (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7: Agra – Lucknow (335 kms)

This morning after breakfast we travel to for Lucknow, capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow is steeped in history and gained prominence in 1528 as it was captured by Babur, the first Mughal ruler of India. The city showcases some beautiful British Raj architecture along with some fine and intricate Islamic art and designs. This afternoon we enjoy a tour to get to know the city and visit some of its prime sites and includes the Chota Imambara, one of the most exquisite buildings in Lucknow. Originally built as a congregation hall for Shia Muslims, it now houses the tombs of Muhammed Ali Shah and his family. We visit Rumi Darwaza, also known as the Turkish Gate and Bara Imambara, an impressive complex which houses the Asfi Mosque, and contains a step well too. Overnight in Lucknow (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8: Lucknow

This morning we have another tour to explore the city a little bit more as we visit, what remains of Dilkusha Palace and the British Residency. Both building are examples of typical British Raj-era architecture and they were heavily shelled during the 1857 siege of Lucknow. Our tour also takes us to the “La Martiniere college”, established in 1845 on the instructions of Major General Claude Martin who left a considerable amount of money for its maintenance. The Constantia building is renowned as one of the best-preserved colonial building in Lucknow. The rest of the day is left at leisure for you to relax or further explore Lucknow. Overnight in Lucknow (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 9: Lucknow – Varanassi (306 km)

This morning after breakfast we head to Varanasi, one of the oldest and holiest cities in existence, and one of the most important and revered sites for Hindu. Also known as the city of Shiva, Varanasi is on the banks of the River Ganges and has always been an important Hindu pilgrimage site. Rest of the day is left at leisure. Overnight in Varanasi (Meals:  Breakfast)

Day 10: Varanassi

An early start for a dawn boat cruise on river Ganges to experience the daily religious rituals and ceremonies. Situated along the west bank of the Ganges devout Hindus believe that death at this place ensures certain entry into heaven. We then enjoy a tour of Varanassi and visits include the Bharat Mata Temple dedicated to the Indian nation, unique in that instead of deities it enshrines the map of India carved in marble, the Durga Temple commonly known a monkey temple dedicated to goddess Durga, the Thulasi Manas temples and Benaras Hindu university. Rest of the day is left at leisure. Overnight in Varanasi (Meals:  Breakfast)

Day 11: Varanassi – Delhi – Kathmandu

Today we leave Varanassi and fly back to Delhi to catch our flight to Kathmandu, where we transfer to our hotel for a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Kathmandu (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 12: Kathmandu

Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, and this morning we visit the riverside Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath Pagoda, nestled on a hill and boasting some spectacular views of the city of Kathmandu below. We continue our tour to Boudhanath stupa, one of largest spherical stupas in Nepal and characterised the many spinning prayer wheels, and of course the “eyes of Buddha”, and Durbar Square renowned for its many temples and shines, and also its art and architecture. Rest of the day is left at leisure to relax or discover more of this vibrant city. Perhaps a rickshaw ride Thamel Market or the Ason and Mangal bazaars to savour some street food or just shop for some gifts. Overnight in Kathmandu (Meals:  Breakfast)

Days 13 & 14: Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park

Straight after breakfast we set off for Chitwan National Park (5hrs drive approx.). National Park is recognised as one of Asia’s finest game parks and is home to more than 500 species including the vulnerable one horned rhinoceros, gharial crocodile, Indian elephant, sambar deer, bison, striped hyenas and vultures and the elusive Bengal. Both our days are full of activities, including a jeep safari, a visit to a local village, nature walks in the jungle, bird watching, a scenic dugout canoe ride down the Rapti River and a visit to the Crocodile Breeding Centre. We also enjoy a traditional Tharu dance performance accompanied by dinner. Overnight in Chitwan National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 15: Chitwan National Park – Kathmandu

Today we enjoy our last wildlife spotting in the park before we make our way back to Kathmandu. Rest of the day is left at leisure to relax or explore or explore the city further. Overnight in Kathmandu (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 16: Kathmandu – Departure

It’s time to say goodbye and we transfer to the airport for onward journey.