Compare Highlights of Northern India & Nepal by Exodus Travels vs Magnificent India and Nepal by Payless Tours India

Day 1 Arrive Delhi; afternoon sightseeing of Humayun's Tomb and New Delhi

We meet as a group for the first time at the hotel. In the afternoon, we start to explore the city beginning with New Delhi, visiting the tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun, which was built by his widow Hamida Banu Begam and is now a Unesco World Heritage site. We then drive past fine colonial buildings in New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhawan, a 320-acre (130ha) estate built by British architect Edwin Lutyens in 1931, which comprises the official residence of the President of India; Parliament House; and India Gate, a memorial dedicated to soldiers who died during the First World War. We return to the hotel for a free evening. Accommodation: Hotel Pooja Palace (or similar)

Day 2 Morning tour of Old Delhi before drive to Jaipur

After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the capital. We start outside the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) before being guided through the narrow streets of old Delhi, through the Kinari Bazzar (or we can explore by rickshaw – additional cost). We finish the Old Delhi tour at Jama Masjid and learn about the history of the building. If interested, you can enter the mosque (fees may be applicable). In the early afternoon, we drive (approximately five to seven hours, depending on traffic) to the pink city of Jaipur. Accommodation: Lilypool - The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar)

Day 3 Full-day sightseeing in Jaipur, including City Palace and Amber Fort; evening free

Enjoy a full day to explore Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Built in the late 18th century, it is a planned city of broad sandstone avenues that were later painted pink. First, we visit the City Palace, once a Maharaja residence and now a museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sites in India, Jantar Mantar (Jaipur Observatory), an assembly of immense marble-and-brass astronomical instruments in a pleasant garden. We will also see the impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). We then travel just outside the main city to the Amber Palace, an imposing hilltop fort above a lake with large courtyards, finely decorated interiors and a Chamber of Mirrors. The evening is free for you to explore. You could take this opportunity to pick up a gift or two for home: Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear. Accommodation: Lilypool - The Heritage Jal Mahal (or similar)

Day 4 Drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri

We begin by driving to Agra via the deserted ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri. Formally the capital of the Mughal Empire, this wonderfully preserved ghost town was constructed by Emperor Akbar between 1570 and 1585 and reflects his ideals in art, religion and architecture. This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son, his successor the Emperor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold 10,000 worshippers, the palaces, residences and halls of audience, are built in decorative red sandstone. Akbar soon left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today. The site is one of the most atmospheric in northern India and its position on a ridge overlooking the modern village below, and its wonderful state of preservation, give us a taste of this city's majestic past. Accommodation: Taj Vilas (or similar)

Day 5 Sunrise at Taj Mahal; visit the Red Fort; overnight train to Varanasi

We rise very early to see the incredible spectacle of sunrise over the Taj Mahal. The Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built the landmark in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The New World Wonder is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze; the white-marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is made even more beautiful by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the white-marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. Agra is also a hub for a wide variety of handicrafts including jewellery, inlaid and carved marble, carpets and clothes and there should be time for shopping. In the evening, we head to Tundla station to catch our overnight train to Varanasi. Accommodation: Sleeper train

Day 6 Arrive Varanasi; afternoon visit to Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon

On arrival in Varanasi, we transfer to our hotel. Please note, rooms may not be available until midday but efforts are made to make it earlier if possible. In the afternoon, we visit the nearby Sarnath Temple. Sarnath is as sacred to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. The main monument at Saranath is the Dhamekh Stupa, the very spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. The evening free. Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)

Day 7 Dawn boat ride on Ganges visiting bathing 'ghats'; free afternoon; witness an evening aarti ceremony

Varanasi, on the Ganges, is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of Hinduism: there are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious leaders and casual visitors. Immerse yourself by exploring the narrow lanes and many temples or watching the Hindu ceremonies that take place around the clock. Just before dawn, we take a boat onto the Ganges to see the extraordinary ghats (the steps leading down to the river). Every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this 3mi (5km) stretch to submerge themselves in the holy waters of the river. In the evening, you can witness an aarti ceremony from the banks. Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)

Day 8 Cross border to Nepal; to the Unesco World Heritage site of Lumbini

We board our private bus and make an early departure for Nepal. We drive across the northern plains, passing through a few towns and lots of villages. At the border, we leave our bus and walk (approximately 1,640ft/500m) through customs and immigration to Nepal. In Nepal, we enter the terai, the narrow plain running along the southern breadth of the country. We drive (approximately one hour) to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, where we spend the night. The total driving time today is approximately 12 hours. Accommodation: Buddha Maya hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Drive to Chitwan National Park

Early this morning there is a short (optional) rickshaw ride around Lumbini gardens. Buddha was born here and the area is being developed into a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world. Travelling east and parallel to the mountains, we reach Chitwan (approximately a four-hour drive), where we spend two nights. The park, with jungle and thick forest, was once a royal hunting ground and was made a conservation area in 1973. During your stay, you can enjoy an optional ox-cart ride in Tharu village or an evening dance performance; both providing a glimpse into the fascinating lives of the local people. Accommodation: Green Mansions Jungle Resort (or similar)

Day 10 Chitwan National park; jeep safari and dug-out canoe excursion

Chitwan National Park and the surrounding forest cover 356sqmi (923sqkm) of the terai and afford excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities. Here you have an excellent chance of seeing Indian one-horned rhinos, sambar and chital deer, langur and rhesus monkeys, mongooses, jackals, otters and crocodiles. The more elusive animals include tigers, leopards, sloth bears and Indian bison. More than 500 bird species have also been recorded in this area. Wildlife activities are managed and escorted by experienced naturalist guides and included in your stay is a jeep safari and dug-out canoe excursion. Birdwatching outings can also be organised. Accommodation: Green Mansions Jungle Resort (or similar)

Day 11 Drive to Pokhara with views of the Annapurna range en route

Today, our journey to Pokhara is only 87mi (140km) but will take four to five hours. We follow the gorge of the Narayani River and soon we are in the Himalaya foothills. The scenery changes dramatically from the forests and farmlands of the terai to steep, terraced hills. As we near Pokhara, we begin to see the formidable Annapurna range. At only 3,280ft (1,000m), among semi-tropical plants and with a delightfully warm climate, it is actually much closer to the main Himalaya peaks than Kathmandu. Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Peak) dominates the skyline, especially on a clear morning. We stay in a simple hotel near Lake Phewa, with a wide choice of restaurants and other facilities close by. Accommodation: Dahlia Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Sunrise over mountains; morning walk from Sarangkot to Pame

After breakfast, we head into the hills for even better views of the peaks. An early morning start is required for the clearest view, but once there, the whole Annapurna range can be seen with virtually no intervening hills. We start by driving (approximately 40 minutes) to Sarangkot; from there, it's a short walk to the remains of a hilltop fort that overlooks the lake – one of the best viewpoints for Machhapuchhare, most people's favourite mountain in the region. After enjoying our time here, we walk back towards Pokhara, descending down steps and trail paths, finishing just before at Pame (approximately 2hr 30min walk), where you can stop for lunch before a short transfer back to our hotel. For many, Pokhara is a place to relax, enjoying a spot beside the beautiful lake. This afternoon, you can sit back and take in the surroundings or perhaps rent a rowboat or bicycle for a few hours exploring the lake at a leisurely pace. Accommodation: Dahlia Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Follow Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers to Kathmandu

We leave early for the long drive to Kathmandu, along the Chinese-built road running parallel to the main Himalaya range. The distance is only 125mi (200km) but it is a slow climb through the mountains and ongoing road widening construction along the route as well as some bumpy conditions in places mean the journey will take most of the day (10 to 12 hours). The views, however, are stunning as we follow the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers, passing numerous villages and terraces stretching up the hillside. We arrive in Kathmandu in this evening and check into our centrally located hotel. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Optional Everest flight; visit Pashupatinath and Bodnath; free time

We have today to explore Kathmandu and the valley. In the early morning, you could take a scenic flight to see Mount Everest (this can be booked and paid for on arrival in Kathmandu; see the 'Extra Expenses and Spending Money' section of the Trip Notes for costs). Today there will be a half-day sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu temple in the valley, and Bodnath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The rest of the time is free for individual exploration. You may like to visit Durbar Square with its old royal palace and intricately carved temples, or Swayambhunath, a hilltop stupa that's home to hundreds of macaques. Kathmandu also offers many souvenir shopping opportunities: clothes, trinkets, Tibetan and Nepalese handicrafts and superb bookshops. It also has a wide variety of restaurants serving some of the best food from the sub-continent and you can also find wonderful pizzas and apple pie. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 End Kathmandu

Those on the flight-inclusive package will depart for the airport this morning for the daytime flight back to London. If you are on land only arrangements the adventure comes to an end this morning at check-out. Unless, of course, you'd like to join our exciting extension, in which you spend four days hiking in the Annapurna region, taking in magnificent mountain views as you pass through Gurung villages. This extension would commence from day 13, starting in Pokhara. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Day 1: Delhi

Meet our representative at Delhi Airport and transfer to hotel at arrival in Delhi. After breakfast and some relaxation, discover Delhi. Morning visit to the 400-years-old Jama Mosque (the largest in India) and local market. Later visit Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). In the afternoon enjoy driving through Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's Palace) and India Gate (a war memorial arch built in honor of Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War –I). Explore the famous Humayun's Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site- the tallest brick minaret in the world, at 238 feet). Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Jaipur

After breakfast, travel to the Pink City called Jaipur. Check-in the hotel. Local sightseeing of Jaipur. Visit Galta Ji - monkey temple beautifully situated among the hills. You will be taking cooking classes to learn how to cook Indian food. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Jaipur

After breakfast meets the guide and does local sightseeing in the city. Visit places like Amber fort - a magnificent fort and palace complex situated among hills, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar - Astronomic Observatory, Gaitor tombs - Royal tombs of the Jaipur Kings, Jal Mahal - the Water palace and Hawa Mahal -  the most characteristic and amazing Pink Wall in Jaipur with 1000 small windows. Shopping at the local market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Agra with Fatehpur Sikri

After breakfast journey to Agra. On the way stop at Fatehpur Sikri – sightseeing of an amazing city complex.

Later on travel to Agra, which is home to one of the seven wonders of the world the symbol of eternal love-The Taj Mahal. The monument was built by the emperor Shahjahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is located on the banks of Yamuna and brings huge tourism to Agra. Meet the guide and do local sightseeing in Agra. First, you will do sightseeing at the monument on the UNESCO list - Agra Fort which is one of the most wonderful forts in India. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Delhi to Varanasi by air

Visit the symbol of love Taj Mahal with the guide down. After breakfast drive to Delhi – the domestic airport to catch a plane from Delhi to Varanasi. Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Varanasi. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Varanasi

After breakfast a boat ride on the Ganges River with a great opportunity to see all the ghats and cremation places. Come back to the hotel for breakfast. Leave for Sarnath (6 km away). Sarnath in the northeast of Varanasi is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. A highly sacred Buddhist religious place, Sarnath lies at two rivers-Ganga and Gomati. Popular attractions here are Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath Museum, and Chaukhandi Stupa. Post that return back to Varanasi. In Varanasi, you would be visiting the Alamgir mosque, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Bharat Mata temple. In the evening enjoy a boat cruise on the Ganga River watching "Aarti" - a spectacular ceremony of offering fire to the Gods. Overnight stay at Varanasi.

Day 7: Lumbini

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Lumbini. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Chitwan

After breakfast visit the site where Buddha was born and many temples. Later on, travel to Chitwan national park which is the biggest in Asia. Chitwan National Park is the most famous national park in Nepal which offers 450 species of birds including four species of deer, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, and many other wildlife. This park is well known for one-horned Rhinoceros and it is a shelter for a few Royal Bengal Tigers. Besides this Chitwan also supports a great variety of flora and fauna. Overnight at the Lodge at Chitwan.

Day 9: Pokhara

Morning safari in the park, you can choose an elephant ride or a jeep safari. Admire the beauty of nature and animal species. Later on breakfast in the hotel. Travel to Pokhara. Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas. The Pokhara valley is the second biggest valley in the central hilly region of Nepal after Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Pokhara - Kathmandu

Leisure time in Pokhara which you can spend having a boat ride on the Phewa lake with a stopover at Varahi temple, do some shopping and sightseeing - local temples and the Devi waterfall. You will also see the Bindhyabasini Temple is the oldest temple in the city of Pokhara. It regularly attracts a large number of locals, Nepalis from across the country, and foreigners alike. The main temple is devoted to the goddess Bindhyabasini, a Bhagawati who is the incarnation of Kali.

On your request, early morning trekking to the viewpoint of Sarangkot can be organized. You can also try helicopter flight or paragliding in the valley. After all the leisure activities and sightseeing drive to Kathmandu. The evening is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Kathmandu

In the morning we start our sightseeing by visiting Durbar Square. Durbar Square is the spiritual heart of Kathmandu. The old royal palace at the center of the city was surrounded by temples and other important buildings. After Durbar Square we will visit Swayambhunath. The stupa at Swayambhunath is the most important and oldest site of Buddhist worship in Nepal. Swayambhunath Stupa is famous for the eyes of Buddha which seem to observe the world from all 4 directions. After Swayambhunath we visit Boudhanath. Boudhanath is the largest Stupa in Nepal. Now we proceed to the temple city of Pashupatinath which is Nepal's most important Hindu pilgrim site on the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple of Pashupatinath is dedicated to the god Shiva. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Kathmandu

Morning flight over the Himalayas on request (200 USD per person). After breakfast travel to Patan. Patan was the second largest town in the valley. The famous King Ashoka built the Stupas at four corners in 250 BC. The temple architecture here gave this city fame to be unique and most beautiful. After Patan, we proceed to Bhaktapur, the third biggest city in the valley. Bhaktapur has preserved its medieval character better than Patan. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Delhi

Transfer to the airport to catch an international flight to Delhi. Transfer to the hotel or another location in Delhi.