Compare Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Kathmandu by Globus vs India & Nepal in 18 days - Golden Triangle & Kathmandu Valley - LUXURY by Exoticca
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5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 12 days | 18 days |
| Price From | $ 3,589 | $ 4,399 |
| Price Per Day | $ 299 | $ 244 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 17 breakfasts and full board in Chitwan. |
| Description | How do you express your eternal devotion to the love of your life? Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan enlisted the help of more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to erect a towering white marble mausoleum dedicated to his wife who died during childbirth. A sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the New7Wonders of the World, is just the beginning of your love affair with India. Beyond India’s most sparkling jewel lies a priceless gem mine of experiences you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Hop in a rickshaw for a ride through Delhi’s centuries old Chandni Chowk bazaar, sit down for traditional Indian cuisine in the home of a noble family in Jaipur, and embark on three thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Next, you’ll travel to fascinating Kathmandu, Nepal. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Nepal’s iconic capital city, including a visit to the historic seat of royalty at Hanuman Dhoka. Visit the residence of the Living Goddess at Temple of Kumari, and travel to Bouddhanath—one of the world’s largest stupas and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Marvel at the Hindu and Buddhist sites in Patan’s Durbar Square. A mosaic of memories awaits on this radiant tour of India and Nepal. |
From the bustling streets of Delhi to the pink city of Jaipur and the historic, romantic Agra, your time in India will be awe-inspiring. Head to Nepal and Kathmandu, to discover the ancient history and bustling atmosphere of the capital, before heading to the hills for the breathtaking temples and views of Patan and Pokhara. Finally, explore the wild side of Nepal in Chitwan. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN DELHI, INDIA
Hello, Delhi! Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital city. Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon.
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Day 2: DELHI
Delhi Delights Today’s sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and take a [LF] rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITEMARKET HIGH Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling a variety of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics.
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Day 3: DELHI–AGRA
Remembrance & Worship This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTA RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE As Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has religious significance and splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome.
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Day 4: AGRA
Moghul Monuments Start your day with a sunrise visit to the captivating Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOVE REMEMBERED Explore the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth.
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Day 5: AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK AREA
By Road & Rail Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for merely 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: RANTHAMBORE AREA
The Game is Afoot Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on guided game drives today.
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Day 7: RANTHAMBORE AREA–JAIPUR
Jaunt to Jaipur Today, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and known as the “Pink City” ever since. After lunch, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, consisting of 19 astronomical instruments used for measuring time and dates back to 1728. Next, visit the City Palace Museum, once the royal residence and now showcases a collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes from the past. (Breakfast,Lunch)
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Day 8: JAIPUR
Jewels of Jaipur Today, visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. Lastly, visit a [LF] local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITECHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE Ladli is a training program teaching orphaned children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here, learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills.TOUR HIGHLIGHTFORMIDABLE FORTRESS Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan,” built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors.
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Day 9: JAIPUR–KATHMANDU, NEPAL
You’re Going to Kathmandu Today, fly to Kathmandu (via Delhi), Nepal’s capital city. (Breakfast)
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Day 10: KATHMANDU
City Sights Join your Local Guide for morning sightseeing starting with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLIVING FAITH Discover the mysteries of the Temple of Kumari where the Living Goddess resides. Here, the manifestation of the Divine Mother is believed to live in the young girl who embodies The Energy – all riches, strength, beauty, and knowledge of the creator of the Universe. The temple is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree, featuring a 4-pillar hall from which sounds emanate from string and percussion instruments. A mysteriously beautiful sight!
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Day 11: KATHMANDU PATAN EXCURSION
Powerful Patan Today, travel with your Local Guide to Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty). Here, stop in Durbar Square, the city’s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. (Breakfast,Lunch)
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Day 12: KATHMANDU
Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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Day 1: US - Nignt on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Delhi. Night on board.
Day 2: Delhi
Arrive in the capital of India and transfer to the hotel. Delhi is a city with an impressive architectural legacy of its Islamic conquerors along with a spectacular historical center. The rest of the day is free to rest or to get to know this lively, fascinating city. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit Old Delhi including the Jama Masjid Royal Mosque and the lively Chandi Chow Street. Ride a tricycle around the Red Fort, the former residence of the Imperial Family and admire the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi, passing through the India Gate, the Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, the majestic government buildings and the Presidential Palace. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 4: Delhi - Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave by road to Jaipur, the Pink City of India. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur was built in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its architecture is a magnificent confluence of Hindu, Jain and Mughal architectural styles. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to get to know this vibrant city. In the evening light, the pink and the orange buildings exude a magical glow, which is complemented by the vibrantly attired Rajasthanis. Camel drawn carts are characteristic of Jaipur's passing street scene. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for the Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, on your way to the Amber Fort. Explore the majestic Amber Fort with a Jeep transfer. In the interior, cross the grounds of the palace Jag Mandir and the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room embedded with beautifully bright pieces of mirror. Continue to tour the city of Jaipur including a visit to the Palace of the Maharaja, former royal residence, have converted parts of the palace into a museum. Also experience the wonder of the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory in the world, made of marble. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 6: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Agra and along the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town. Next, pass by Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Arrive in Agra and enjoy a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Agra Fort. Inside the fort, discover the picturesque Pearl Mosque. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Agra.
Day 7: Agra - Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, experience the legendary splendor of the Taj Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river and a universal symbol of love. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his beloved wife. Afterward, enjoy an afternoon drive back to Delhi. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 8: Delhi - Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning you will be transfered to the airport to board the flight to Kathmandu. Arrival to the capital of Nepal, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free. The largest urban agglomeration in Nepal, with 2.5 million inhabitants, consists of the core of the metropolitan city of Kathmandu. Its sister cities are Patan, Kirtipur, Thimi and Bhaktapur, including recently the urban areas of Shankhapur, Karyabinayak, Champapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti. The capital of the country is located at 1,400 meters in a bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal.
Day 9: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit "the city of the devotees", Bhaktapur, to admire the great architectural beauty of the third of the three royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley. A World Heritage Site and where Durbar Square is the best preserved in the valley. The Royal Palace stands out, whose entrance door is a masterpiece in embossed art, as does the Nyatapola Temple, known as the Temple of the Five Roofs, which is a pagoda of five magnificently sculpted floors and one of the highest in the country. Later, continue to the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, the Changu Narayan Temple located in the Changu village and dedicated to the god Vishnu. From here there is a beautiful view of the surroundings. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 10: Kathmandu - Patan - Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we recommend an optional Mount Everest flight-seeing excursion.* Head to the Kathmandu Valley through Asan Tole, the main street of the capital's oldest shopping area, which offers a vivid display of local Nepalese life. Discover the rich Nepalese culture and everyday life through the bustling and narrow streets and courtyards. Visit Durbar Square in Kathmandu, where you can see the Kumari Temple, which houses the living Goddess and the exteriors of the Taleju Temple and Kala Bhairav. In the afternoon, explore Swayambhunath Stupa, located at the top of a hill, to contemplate the beautiful landscape of the Kathmandu Valley. Later, discover the old city of Patan and visit it's Durbar Square, the oldest of the three in the valley. See the Royal Palace, home to beautiful patios and ornate windows and sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva, Ganesh, and Vishnu. Also visit the Temple of the living goddess Kumari, who looks out onto the balcony to receive the greetings of the devotees. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. * Optional Mount Everest Flight-seeing Excursion: One-hour long sightseeing on a fixed-wing aircraft for an experience of a lifetime. All the spectacular glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and gorges glide below as you fly towards Mt. Everest. Includes a flight certificate awarded at the end of the excursion. Return to Kathmandu to begin the rest of the days sightseeing.
Day 11: Kathmandu - Chitwan
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off by road to Chitwan, passing by scenic landscapes during the approx. 4-hour journey. Arrive in time for lunch and get settled at the hotel. In the afternoon, head out on a 1-hour nature walk to explore the beautiful surrounding area, scattered with cabins inhabited by the indigenous Tharu tribe, who have lived in the forests surrounding Chitwan for hundreds of years. After a delicious dinner, enjoy a Tharu Stick Dance Show, performed by local farmers, for an insight into Chitwan’s cultural roots. Overnight stay in Chitwan.
Day 12: Chitwan
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for magical Chitwan National Park, one of the richest national parks in Asia, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Enjoy an exciting photographic jeep safari in the heart of the jungle to discover a lost world of towering prehistoric trees, rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, brightly coloured birds and, of course, the majestic Bengal Tiger. Inside the park, visit the Gavial Crocodile Breeding Centre, dedicated to the breeding of this species in order to boost the local population. Lunch included. Afterwards, enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the river to soak up the views of the sunset. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Chitwan.
Day 13: Chitwan - Pokhara
Awake early to enjoy a quiet walk through the village to soak up the sights and watch as the village comes to life in the morning. Return to the hotel for breakfast before setting off for Pokhara, a journey of around 3.5-hours long. En route, visit Bandipur Village, a small hilltop settlement and an amazing example of Newar culture. This charming village is home to precious 18th-century architecture, a number of small cafes and shops. Continue to Pokhara, nestled in a quiet, forest-covered valley. Arrive, get settled at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the fantastic views of the Himalayas and the five Annapurna peaks. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Day 14: Pokhara
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Sarangkot to see the sunrise over the Himalayas if weather conditions permit. Located at 1592 meters high, it is the most popular spot to enjoy the magnificent views of the Pokhara valley and the mountains. Afterwards, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake and see the beautiful Devi Waterfall and explore the Sacred Cave of Gupteshwor, almost 1.8 miles long. Continue to the traditional Old Bazaar of Pokhara, a pleasant traditional place, which is full of merchants of diverse ethnicities that sell fabrics, food and gold among many other products. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 15: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to Kathmandu and enjoy the scenery along the way. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Overnight stay.
Day 16: Kathmandu - Nagarkot
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Nagarkot, a village nestled in the beautiful mountains which is famed for its amazing views of the Himalayas. Arrive at the hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Nagarkot.
Day 17: Nagarkot
Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy guided walks through the hills surrounding Nagarkot. It is the best way to explore and experience the spectacular natural landscape, countryside and terraced farmland and also understand the lifestyle of local people. Overnight in Nagarkot.
Day 18: Nagarkot - Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Kathmandu. Take a guided tour of Bouddhanath and Pashupatinath. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, one of the largest in the world and icon of Nepal, sits on an octagonal base and is surrounded by the houses of the Lamas. Discover Pashupatinath Hindu Temple from the east bank of the river, the most important and oldest of the Kathmandu Valley, which is dedicated to Shiva and built-in an exuberant natural environment. Free afternoon to stroll through the city or make last-minute souvenir purchases. Overnight stay.
Day 19: Kathmandu - Night on board
Breakfast * at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport and check-in for your return flight back to the US overnight flight. (Dependant on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US today). * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
Day 20: US
Arrive back in the US and end of your trip.
