Nepal, Taj & Tigers - 18 Days

Friday. Welcome to Kathmandu and the start of your holiday! You’ll be met and transferred to your hotel where you will receive a welcome drink and a briefing about your trip.

Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Patan - Kathmandu. Nepal's capital Kathmandu is a fascinating blend of old and new and the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Nepal. This morning we visit Bodhnath stupa, a beautiful Buddhist worship site with spinning prayer wheels and prostrating pilgrims.

Our next stop is the ancient city of Bhaktapur, Nepal’s cultural gem which has maintained its traditional lifestyle and is famous for its pottery. We explore Bhaktapur’s beautiful Durbar Square and visit Pottery Square where we can test our pottery-making skills.

Our final stop is Patan, the old Newari city with a historic Durbar Square full of temples. This evening enjoy dinner and a cultural Nepali dance performance.

Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park. On day 3 we travel by road to Chitwan National Park (approx 5 hr drive), arriving in time for lunch. Chitwan is hailed as one of Asia’s finest game parks, home to more than 500 species including the endangered one horned rhino, various types of deer, Indian elephant and the elusive Bengal tiger.

Over the next two days we enjoy a selection of activities offered by the lodge including a jeep safari, hoping to encounter the one horned rhino, various types of deer, boar, monkey, leopard and if we're very fortunate the Bengal tiger. Other activities at the lodge include a local village walk and nature walk in the jungle, a scenic dugout canoe ride down the Rapti River and bird watching. We'll also watch a traditional Tharu dance performance one evening with dinner.

Chitwan National Park – Pokhara. Today we take a short flight from Chitwan to Pokhara. Arriving early afternoon the rest of the day is free to relax and take a stroll around this scenic lakeside town, which is the gateway to the magnificent Annapurna Range.

This morning we watch a beautiful sunrise at the hill top World Peace Pagoda which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. After a short walk, we will take in the panoramic views of mountains and Pokhara valley while we have breakfast at the Raniban Retreat Resort. Then we take a scenic 2 hour walk through Raniban forest back down to Lake Phewa where we enjoy a boat ride across the lake.

Later this morning we will visit Tashiling Tibetan refugee camp, giving an insight into the life of Tibetan refugees in Pokhara. This afternoon we visit the large and tranquil Jangchub Choeling Monastery located in Hemja, where we will watch the monk's daily prayer.

Today is free day for you to explore Pokhara and participate in optional activities such as paragliding, ultra-light flight, zip line, bungy jump, mountain biking, cycling, boating and horse riding, or if you prefer, simply relax down by the lake.

Pokhara - Kathmandu. This morning we take the short flight back to Kathmandu and in the afternoon we explore more of the city. After visiting the beautiful Swayambhunath stupa which offers wonderful views of the city, we walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is home to over 50 stunning temples and shrines. We’ll also enjoy a rickshaw ride from Hanuman Dhoka to Thamel, through the bustling back streets of the city which is a great way to observe the everyday life of the locals. This evening is free for you to wander around the Thamel market, where you can pick up some last minute souvenirs.

Kathmandu (Nepal) - Delhi (India). Saturday. An optional Everest scenic flight is offered on the morning of day 2 or day 9 (subject to availability) so if you’d like to book this please ensure that your flight to Delhi does not depart before midday.

The first portion of our tour comes to an end with a transfer to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India’s capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a welcome meeting.

Please note: The international flight from Kathmandu to Delhi is NOT included. Air India, Nepal Airlines and IndiGo all fly direct. If you provide us with your flight details, we will transfer you to Kathmandu Airport, be there to meet you at Delhi airport and transfer you to our hotel. Some passengers will be ending their tour today, while in Kathmandu.

Delhi - Agra. This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King’s Way’ and see the famous India Gate monument.

This afternoon, we will drive to Agra. After checking into the hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

This morning, we'll visit the legendary Taj Mahal, India's most renowned monument. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a tribute to his beloved wife, this iconic white marble mausoleum is an unparalleled symbol of love and devotion, standing as one of the most extraordinary architectural masterpieces in the world. Be sure to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience with plenty of photos!

Following our visit to the Taj Mahal, we’ll journey to the impressive Agra Fort. This massive red sandstone fortress houses some of India's most exquisite Mughal buildings, all safeguarded behind its towering fortified walls. It’s a site rich with history and grandeur, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Mughal era.

Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. This morning we journey to either Karauli or Dholpur stopping for lunch en route.

In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).

Karauli/Dholpur - Jaipur. This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur. On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments.

Early this morning why not experience an optional hot-air balloon ride (booked and paid locally, see trip notes for further information). Later, enjoy a jeep ride to Amber Fort for a guided tour and visit a cotton weaving house for an authentic demonstration of fabric dyeing. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, why not opt to explore the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City.

Jaipur - Ranthambore National Park. Today we take a 3-4 hour drive to Ranthambore National Park, one of the Project Tiger reserves since 1973. The park plays an important role in the conservation of the iconic Bengal Tiger.

We spend two days in the park and enjoy two included game drives in search of the endangered tigers, which can sometimes be seen pacing along the paths or resting in the sun. With two visits into the reserve, we have a great chance of spotting these incredible animals. Other wildlife in the park includes leopards, sloth bears, sambar, hyenas and crocodiles.

Ranthambore National Park - Delhi. This morning we return to Delhi by train where the rest of the day is free to explore at leisure. You may wish to visit Akshardham, which stands the world’s largest Hindu temple.

Monday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer can be booked for an additional supplement if required.