SOLO OFFER: 11-day Golden Triangle of India Tour with Nepal - Flights Included

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for India

Welcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone.

Overnight: New Delhi

DAY 2, Tuesday - Old & New Delhi City Tour

Begin in the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Travel along the winding streets to Jama Masjid, the largest and best known mosque in India. On a cycle rickshaw, continue along the lanes of Chandi Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. After lunch, on to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Visit the Sikh Temple and drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Enjoy a visit to the Gandhi Smriti, the official residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where he spent the last 144 days of his life, that is now a museum. The tour continues with a visit to Humayun's Tomb set in stunning gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, meet with your fellow travelers and Tour Manager for an orientation meeting on the incredible journey in India and Nepal that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Travel to Jaipur
Depart New Delhi to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. En route, stop for some photos at the graceful sandstone Qutab Minar Victory Tower, the world's tallest brick minaret, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in glorious Jaipur, with its stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you'll understand why it is nicknamed the "Pink City." The city was painted its unique color in 1876 to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces on the way to a bargain-filled bazaar. Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday - Amber Fort, Jaipur

Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. Ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep. From here, see the panoramic views of Jaipur's original city walls and the lake below. Stop for refreshments before shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at Jaipur Handicrafts, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery and paintings. Fabrics in all colors and texture are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. Spend the afternoon at leisure strolling through the city's delightful gardens, or, join the optional tour to view the well-preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory and drive past Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds" with its lacy ornamental façade. Later, the tour continues to the opulent City Palace, former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory. Tonight's optional evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighborhood restaurant, while you're entertained by performers in traditional attire as they execute various dance moves on the rhythm of the accompanying musical instruments

Optional: Half Day Jaipur Tour (PM)
Optional: Dinner at Local Jaipur Restaurant with Cultural Performance
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Friday - Travel to Agra via Abhaneri

Depart Jaipur to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Begin at Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. This unique idea was conceived by the early natives to work as a water reservoir, located adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, goddess of joy and happiness - an architectural jewel. Then after lunch, continue on to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural delights. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the delights of this splendid city. Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Taj Mahal

A memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen. Perhaps, this is the most perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22 year period - considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. Afterwards, stop at Kalakriti Marble. The Taj Mahal inspired the Kalakriti family to become the manufacturer of fine inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the timely process of marble carvings, filigree and stone inlay. Then browse Kalakriti’s home furnishings and decorative items. In the afternoon, participate in the not to be missed optional tour to the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire; this monument has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semiprecious stones. Enjoy the evening at leisure

Optional: Half Day Agra Tour (PM)
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Sunday - Travel to New Delhi

Depart Agra this morning and return to New Delhi on your last day in India. Upon arrival, time to freshen up before tonight's festivities. Tonight, attend a festive Farewell-to-India Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Flight to Kathmandu

Today, depart India for Kathmandu, Nepal, "The Roof of the World". Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with a traditional flower garland and transferred to your hotel. Time to rest, relax or explore the city for the remainder of the day.

Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Tuesday - Dhulikhel, Temple Complex in Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath

Join the optional Mt Everest Flightseeing and enjoy an hour of spectacular scenery over Mt Everest, during an early morning flight. The day starts with a visit to Dhulikhel, a Newari town, known for having spectacular views of the Himalayas. Afterward, depart for the medieval city of Bhaktapur, known as the "City of Devotees", named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the maze of winding streets lined with homes and temples dating back to the 13th century. Marvel at the intricately carved deities of the richly molded Golden Gate and the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, with its exquisite wood carvings. View the Golden Sprout, the Taleju temple complex, and Nyatapola, the five storied temple in Taumadhi Square. Later, embark upon a spiritual journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath. One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year. The Temple, on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a tributary of the Ganges, is renowned for its beautiful architecture. Home to Kathmandu's funeral ghats, a series of cremation platforms are spread along the river. You'll experience throngs of devotees, meditating and praying on the steps throughout the temple. Next, you visit Boudhanath, the largest Stupa of its kind in the world. The unique aspect of this extraordinary Buddhist monument, is the hundreds of prayer wheels and 108 images of Buddha set into the niches around this mesmerizing structure from the 5th century. Afterward, return back to the hotel. Tonight, do not miss out on the opportunity to partake in the optional dinner of traditional Nepalese cuisine.

Optional: Mount Everest Flightseeing (AM)
Optional: Traditional Nepalese Dinner
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Wednesday - Kathmandu City Tour

Begin the day with a tour of Kathmandu City, capital of Nepal. Visit Durbar Square, an amazing cluster of ancient temples and palaces epitomizing the religious and cultural life of the people. Stop at sprawling Hanuman Dhoka, ancient palace of Nepalese Royalty and the Temple of Kumari, home to Nepal's most important living goddess. See the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, a colorful memorial to the Hindu God of destruction, followed by a visit to the magnificent Temple of the Goddess Taleju. Later continue to Swayambhunath, a 2,000 year old Buddhist Stupa, celebrated as the oldest Buddhist shrine in the world, with its lofty copper spires adorned with fluttering prayer flags. This majestic ancient structure crowns the hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley - the four sides painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha. Swayambhunath is one of the most recognizable symbols in Nepal, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, return to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Thursday - Depart India

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Book by 20 Nov 2019 to waive the single supplement!

Advertised per-person pricing based on 17 Feb 2020 tour with return airfares from Sydney. Please note prices may vary and are subject to availability at time of booking. Multiple departure dates available.

Land only prices available on request.

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 for more details or to book your tour.

Accommodation will vary depending on departure day. Please enquire for more information on your preferred date. Hotels are subject to change.

• The Park, New Delhi
• Four Points by Sheraton Jaipur, City Square
• Trident Agra Hotel
• Novotel New Delhi Aerocity
• Soalree Crowne Plaza Hotel Kathmandu

Is this trip right for me?

This program is a comprehensive fast-paced tour featuring the highlights of India and Nepal. Several days require long driving distances between cities, 6-8 hours driving. Some tours will require walking for extended periods of time, walking over uneven terrain, travel in 4x4 vehicles over rough terrain. The optional flight to Mt Everest will be subject to weather conditions and an early wake up will be required. Air pollution is a problem in many of India's major cities. Please see the CDC website and/or consult with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations. The usage of a bandana or, light scarf might help screen out some of the pollutants in the air.