Golden Triangle, Tigers & Himalayas - 16 Days

Welcome to India! Upon arrival in Delhi, you’ll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your first day is at leisure.

After breakfast, we begin our Delhi sightseeing. Our first stop is the Red Fort, its red sandstone walls standing as a reminder of Mughal authority and artistry. We then take a rickshaw through the busy lanes of Old Delhi to explore Chandni Chowk and the Khari Baoli spice market, a lively introduction to the city's flavours and everyday life. We also visit the Sis Ganj Sahib Sikh Temple, where you can observe the community kitchen and, if you wish, take part in this important tradition of service.

Our tour continues at Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques and a striking example of Mughal design. From here, we explore Humayun's Tomb, an early masterpiece that helped shape later Mughal architecture. We then drive past the government buildings of New Delhi, including Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan, before stopping for photos at India Gate, a memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers.

We end the day at the colourful Lodhi Art District, where vibrant street art offers a modern contrast to the city's historic landmarks.

Delhi - Agra. Leaving the capital, we drive to Agra, a city celebrated for the Taj Mahal and its remarkable Mughal heritage. Agra’s history is anchored by landmarks such as Agra Fort, begun by Emperor Akbar in 1666 A.D., where elegant buildings like Moti Masjid and the Diwan-i-Am reflect the power and refinement of the Mughal court.

On arrival, you transfer to your hotel before we set out to explore Agra’s historic highlights, including a visit to a marble inlay workshop to see this traditional craft first-hand.

At sunset, we visit the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most magical time to visit. After taking in this legendary landmark.

Agra - Ranthambore National Park. Leaving Agra, we head towards Ranthambore, stopping along the way for a countryside excursion aboard a village Mercedes, locally known as a jugaad. This inventive vehicle carries us through open grazing land and fields of wheat, mustard, coriander, and chillies, with the chance to visit local homes and meet villagers dressed in traditional attire as they go about their daily routines.

We then continue to Ranthambore, home to one of North India’s largest and best-known national parks. Spanning 392 sq km and dominated by the ancient Ranthambore Fort, the park is renowned for its tiger population and diverse wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, deer, sloth bears, and wild boar. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel.

Early this morning, we set out on a safari in Ranthambore National Park, known for its varied wildlife and healthy tiger population. Named after the nearby Ranthambore Fort, the park covers 392 sq km between the Banas and Chambal rivers. Alongside the possibility of spotting tigers, the landscape supports leopards, hyenas, deer, langurs, civets, macaques, sloth bears, and many other species. After the safari, we return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later, we visit a women's cooperative where you can see locally made handicrafts and learn how these initiatives support communities in the region. In the afternoon, we head back into the park for a second safari, giving us another chance to observe its wildlife in the changing light. Dinner is included at the hotel.

Ranthambore National Park - Jaipur. After breakfast, we visit the Dastkar Project in Ranthambore, an inspiring initiative that supports local artisans and helps resettle communities displaced by the creation of Ranthambore National Park. Established in the late 1980s with the Ranthambore Foundation, it focuses on empowering women and restoring traditional craft skills.

Later, we drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the Pink City for its distinctive architecture. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it was one of India’s earliest planned cities. On arrival, transfer to your hotel before we take a Pink Rickshaw ride through the city. You then have time to explore the bazaars at your own pace, with optional evening activities such as a Bollywood film, palm reading, or a henna tattoo.

After an early breakfast, we visit the lively Doodh Mandi milk market at Subhash Chowk, where you can meet farmers in traditional dress and see this long-standing trade in action. We then stop for photos at the iconic Hawa Mahal before pausing for a cup of tea at one of Jaipur’s best chai shops.

Next, we take a jeep up to the scenic Amber Fort to explore its blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, set against the hills that overlook the city. In the evening, we tour the Old Bazaar, a chance to absorb Jaipur’s atmosphere as day turns to dusk.

Later, we enjoy dinner with a local family at Suroth House, offering a warm introduction to Indian hospitality and culture. Your meal includes one glass of rum with cola.

Jaipur - Delhi. We drive from Jaipur back to Delhi, a journey of around five to six hours that takes us from Rajasthan’s countryside back into the bustle of the capital. On arrival in Delhi, we transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Delhi - Kathmandu (Nepal) - Dhulikhel. This morning, you are transferred to Delhi Airport to board your included flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, you are greeted by a representative and assisted before we continue by road to Dhulikhel.

Dhulikhel, set at 1,600 metres in the Kavrepalanchowk District, is known for its sweeping Himalayan views, stretching from Cho Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west, along with its striking sunrises and sunsets. On arrival, you transfer to your hotel and settle in. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner at the hotel, accompanied by a pint of beer, before spending the night in Dhulikhel.

Dhulikhel - Kavre - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu. We set out on a gentle 4 km walk to Kavre Village. The route takes around one and a half hours with only a slight altitude gain, making it an easy-grade walk. We begin with a 30-minute ascent to Kali Temple, reached either by 1,000 stone steps or a forest trail. From the temple’s esplanade, we enjoy wide Himalayan views surrounding Dhulikhel and pause for tea or coffee.

We then continue with a 45-minute walk through plantations, village shops, and small tea houses before arriving in Kavre Village, where you can experience everyday rural life. A vehicle returns us to the hotel for a short rest before check-out.

On the drive back to Kathmandu, we stop at Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval architecture, temples, and craft traditions. We explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square with its 55-window palace, admire the elegant Nyatapola Temple, and try traditional pottery at Pottery Square. After lunch, we continue to Kathmandu for check-in and an overnight stay.

Kathmandu - Patan - Kathmandu. Choose to begin your day with an optional early morning scenic flight over the Everest region, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers striking views of Mt Everest and its surrounding peaks from remarkably close range (weather permitting).

After breakfast, we explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, once the seat of the royal palace complex and home to an array of temples, courtyards, and historic monuments. We visit the Kumari Bahal, residence of the Living Goddess who embodies divine energy, and see the dramatic idol of Kal Bhairava, carved from a single stone and representing Lord Shiva in his fierce form.

We then continue to Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its 17th-century temples, royal courtyards, and statues that highlight the city’s artistic legacy. After lunch at a local restaurant, we enjoy a rare cultural interaction with an Ex-Kumari, who shares her personal insights into the unique tradition of being revered as a living goddess in Nepalese culture.

This morning, we visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River about 6 km from central Kathmandu, it is known for its pagoda-style architecture, gilded roof, and ornate silver doors. As non-Hindus are not permitted inside the main temple, we observe the complex and the riverside rituals from the designated areas.

We then continue to Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas and an important centre of Buddhist pilgrimage. Later, we visit the Bamboo School, run by the Samta committee to provide affordable education for underprivileged youth, where you can meet the children and learn about the project’s work.

The afternoon is at leisure, with an optional excursion to Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa set on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, known for its golden spire and the painted all-seeing eyes of the Buddha.

Kathmandu - Pokhara. After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your included flight to Pokhara. Set about 210 km west of Kathmandu, the Pokhara Valley lies between 780 and 1,350 metres and is known for its remarkable blend of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, tranquil lakes, and green landscapes. On arrival, you transfer to your hotel.

In the evening, we enjoy a gentle boat ride on Phewa Lake, the city’s main attraction and Nepal’s second largest lake. Its calm waters mirror the surrounding mountains, creating a peaceful setting for boating. The lively Lakeside area, lined with shops, restaurants, and handicraft stalls, offers a welcoming atmosphere and is a favourite meeting place for travellers.

Enjoy a three-hour walk to the World Peace Pagoda, set on a hill above the southern shore of Phewa Lake. This monument features four Buddha statues facing the cardinal directions and offers broad views over the Annapurna range and the city of Pokhara below.

We then visit Davis Falls, a dramatic cascade that drops into a deep, narrow channel and takes its name from a tourist who tragically fell there many years ago. Our next stop is the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where you can learn about the history and culture of the Tibetan community and browse handmade jewellery, ornaments, and carpets, as well as visit a local monastery.

We end the day at the International Mountain Museum, which explores the region’s mountaineering heritage and shares fascinating insights into the history of climbing in the Himalayas, including stories linked to Mount Everest.

Pokhara - Kathmandu. You'll be transferred back to the airport after breakfast and check-out for your included return flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, you check in at your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure.

In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at a traditional local restaurant, accompanied by a cultural performance and a pint of beer. It is a fitting way to celebrate the highlights of our journey and enjoy the local atmosphere one last time.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check-out. An included transfer takes you to the airport in Kathmandu for your onward flight.