Two Golden Triangles: India & Nepal

Welcome to Delhi! You’ll be met immediately off the plane and escorted through fast-track immigration, baggage, and customs formalities, ensuring your arrival in India is as seamless as possible. Then meet your private driver and an Unforgettable Travel local representative and be transferred to your hotel in the heart of New Delhi.

The rest of the day is spent at leisure to recover from the flight. However, should you wish to explore locally, the hotel is within walking distance of the Gandhi Museum (closed on a Monday) and a short auto ride from Khan Market, a local and expat hang-out, which is full of a variety of shops and restaurants, and Lodhi Gardens if you fancy stretching your legs. If you’d prefer to relax, there’s a swimming pool and a choice of restaurants.

Your introduction to Delhi will be a busy but fascinating day. Visit Old Delhi, the beautiful Jama Masjid, one of the biggest mosques in Asia, visit Chandni Chowk and take a cycle rickshaw ride through the labyrinth of packed and seemingly chaotic streets. However, you will come to see that it’s not quite as disorderly as it appears, with streets organized into stores offering stationery, utensils, wedding items, and more.

New Delhi is in complete contrast, known for its colonial architecture and rubbing shoulders with cathedrals, gurudwaras, temples, and Mughal monuments. You’ll be taken to visit Humayun’s Tomb, the soaring Qutb Minar, and then enjoy a drive by India Gate and the New Parliament buildings.

Return to the hotel for the evening at leisure. There are lots of restaurants around to choose from. Or have dinner at the hotel for tomorrow’s early start.

Make an early start today with a transfer to Nizamuddin Station for the onward fast train to Agra. Our representative will see you onto the train for the two-and-a-half-hour journey speeding through rural Uttar Pradesh to Agra Cantanoment Station, where you’ll be met off the train and transferred to the hotel.

There will be an opportunity to freshen up before heading out for your afternoon sightseeing. Visit the extraordinary Agra Fort, which was the primary residence for the Mughal emperors until they shifted from Agra to Delhi in 1638. Afterward, head to the highlight of Agra: the Taj Mahal. Poetry in white marble, watch as the colors are reflected by the setting sun as the birds swoop and fly overhead on their way to roost for the evening. This is a magical time to visit this world-famous monument.

After breakfast, head off by road to the famed pink city of Jaipur, home to one of the most important royal families of the state, the capital of Rajasthan, and the gateway into the rest of this remarkable region. En route you will stop at Fatehpur Sikri a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural marvel built by Emperor Akbar. The finesse in the design and execution of this city shows his passion for fine art and literature and also his tolerant views, as the whole town is a charming blend of Islamic and Hindu elements.

In the afternoon, you can relax at your atmospheric Haveli hotel, or request a walking tour into the fascinating bazaars of the old city. In the evening, enjoy a cooking class at the hotel to learn a little about the unique Rajasthani cuisine, then settle down to an exquisite dinner.

Today, you will be joined by a private local guide to explore the fascinating sights of Jaipur. Begin at the incredible Amber Fort and marvel at its courtyard’s architecture and spectacular views; visit the City Palace, resplendent in artifacts and photos showcasing its royal past, an insight into how life used to be for the royals of Rajasthan. Also, visit the observatory, the largest in the world, which is still accurate to within a couple of minutes.

Drive by and have a photo stop at the Iconic Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. This beautiful facade allowed the ladies of the royal family who used to observe purdah to watch the proceedings and processions in the streets below without being seen. Take some time to explore the bazaars; Jaipur is a fun shopping destination famous for its block printing, blue pottery, jewelry, and much more.

This morning you’ll be dropped at Jaipur Airport for your flight to Kathmandu, via Delhi. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met immediately off the plane and escorted through fast-track immigration, baggage, and customs formalities. You’ll then be introduced to your private guide and local driver in the arrivals hall, then be transferred privately to your central Kathmandu hotel. For most hotels the transfer time is 30-45 minutes at most in typical traffic.

The rest of the day is free to settle in. With its ornate palaces, temples and squares, UNESCO sites, mini kingdoms, extraordinary architecture, and arts and crafts, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating place. Highlights include the courtyards and chambers of the Royal Palace, and Kathmandu Durbar Square with its highly-detailed wooden temples. In the outlying area around Kathmandu, further sights include Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa, and Bhaktapur, an enchanting ancient city with winding alleyways and a stunning palatial complex brimming with architectural gems.

Today you’ll embark on a full-day tour of Kathmandu with your private guide and driver.

Begin with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple thanks to its resident troop of macaques, which from its lofty hilltop position offers panoramic views over Kathmandu Valley. Next, discover Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, spin prayer wheels, and observe religious rituals performed by monks and locals.

Your guide will take you for lunch in a local restaurant and you will then head into the very center of Kathmandu to visit Durbar Square: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ancient royal palace complex and intricately carved temples. You’ll also visit the Kumari Chowk, home of the living goddess Kumari.

Surrounding Durbar Square are numerous cafes housed within converted ancient buildings, so you can stop for further refreshment before heading to your final stop of the day at Pashupathinah. This sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is set on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River – believed by Hindus to be one of the most auspicious cremation sites in the world. Please note that non-Hindus are not permitted within the very inner areas of the temple but you will be able to explore the outer complex and witness the comings and goings of droves of Hindu devotees practicing their traditions, and the preparations for ongoing cremation ceremonies.

Return to the hotel to spend the evening at leisure.

Leave Kathmandu this morning and transfer to Pokhara, a journey of approximately 6-7 hours in usual traffic. Pokhara, Nepal’s second city, is a bustling lakeside town known for its views of the snow-capped Himalayas, including sightings of the fishtailed summit of Mt. Machhapuchhre, and the picturesque Phewa Lake which has its source in the nearby glacial Annapurna Range. It’s also the starting point for many spectacular treks and day walks in the area and, at an elevation of just 884 meters, these walks are mostly very easy-going.

On arrival in Pokhara you will be taken to visit the World Peace Pagoda, situated on a hill far above the lake, which offers a fabulous vista across the city and the high wall of the Himalayas behind. Then check into the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. The hotel is ideally located for you to explore Lakeside the tourist hub of Pokhara which has a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Today you will discover Pokhara in the company of your private guide. There is the option of a very early start to drive to Sarangkot, a hilltop viewpoint north of the city, known for its breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast (or enjoying a lie-in!) discover the city with visits to the Bindabasini Temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga; the vibrant Old Bazaar markets; Seti Gorge, David’s Fall, and the descending staircase of Gupteshwor, all located in the center of town; and finally the interesting Gorkha Museum where you can learn more about the historic culture of this region.

In the afternoon, head to Phewa Lake and enjoy a serene ride across the placid waters, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the magnificent Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak.

This morning you’ll make an early start for a 30-minute transfer into the hills north of Pokhara. A drive of around 30 minutes brings you to the village of Phedi, where the trail to Dhampus begins.

You’ll then set off on the hike to Dhampus. This easy-going trail takes around 3-4 hours at a steady pace, including stops for rest and photography along the way. The trail initially ascends through lush forests and as you climb higher, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.

Arrive in Dhampus: a traditional Gurung village, which offers a great opportunity to learn about the Nepali village culture and interact with the locals. You’ll then continue your hike to Kande village, visiting a small local monastery along the way, before reuniting with your vehicle and returning to Pokhara by road.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Pokhara Airport for the incredibly short flight to Bharatpur (flying time of just 20 minutes, compared to a drive of five hours!). Upon arrival, you’ll be met by representatives of your nature lodge and transferred to your nearby accommodation on the fringes of Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan National Park is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its diverse wildlife, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Later in the afternoon, you will head out on an afternoon jungle safari or evening boat ride to spot such diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.

Today is yours to plan as you wish. A wide variety of activities are included as part of your stay in this lodge, including a further jeep safari, a peaceful boat ride along the river, a nature hike, or a cultural tour into a nearby Tharu village to learn about the local way of life.

Speak to lodge staff locally to help plan out your day. Lunch and dinner are included back at the lodge restaurant and any downtime can be spent relaxing around the pool or on your verandah.

Check out after breakfast and transfer back to Bharatpur Airport for the onward flight back to Kathmandu.

On arrival in Kathmandu you’ll be met by a private guide for a short tour of Bhaktapur: a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its stunningly well-preserved medieval architecture and famed for its arts and crafts. You’ll then be dropped at your hotel in the city and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Sadly, your adventures have come to an end. At the appropriate time your driver will escort you back to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight.

Please speak to your consultant to arrange extensions to this tour or further transport arrangements to facilitate your journey home.