Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (NEPAL)

Namaste – Welcome to Nepal! As one of the most enchanting travel destinations in the world, Nepal offers a heady mixture of unique culture proudly preserved, mind-boggling adventure and remarkable natural beauty. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel and have the balance of the day free.

Overnight: Hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu (3 nights)

Day 02: Kathmandu

Today we explore the Kathmandu Valley*, a highlight of tours to Nepal. We start at the Durbar Square located in the heart of old city of Kathmandu. There are an incredible 50 temples in this area. We will visit the 17th century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, the Paravati Temple, the Great Bell and Drum, Bhairav, the Taleju Temple and an array of temples grouped around it, as well as the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Kumari. We then head to the stupa of Swayambhunath, located on a green hillock west of Kathmandu. Over 2,500 years old, this huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu. We conclude our exploration in Patan, the oldest city in the valley, said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley and a great center of the Newari traditional arts and crafts, with 136 courtyards and 55 major temples. In the evening, we enjoy our Nepali-style welcome dinner. (B, D)

Please Note: In the early morning you may take an optional scenic flight over the breathtaking Himalayas to see Mount Everest and other peaks.

Day 03: Kathmandu

Today we visit Bhaktapur¸ also known as Bhadgaon and home to exquisite examples of medieval art and architecture. A city of farmers, Bhaktapur is also known for its pottery and weaving. It is the best preserved of the valley’s three cities. We then head to Pashupatinath, considered to be one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world. This temple of Lord Shiva is famous for its superb architecture, with a tiered golden roof and silver. We will only be able to view it from the eastern bank of Bagmati River overlooking the cremation grounds, as it is open solely to Hindus. We then explore Boudhanath, also known as `Little Tibet’ because of its unique atmosphere resembling old Barkhor marketplace in Lhasa. It features the biggest stupa in Nepal, encircled by houses and monasteries. Evening is free to explore the bazaars and meet the many different ethnic groups who call Kathmandu home. (B, D)

Day 04: Kathmandu/Delhi (Flight) (INDIA)

Today we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Delhi. The capital of India is a fusion of ancient and modern. It paints a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries and gardens. On arrival in Delhi, we are met by our local representative and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

Overnight: The Grand New Delhi, New Delhi (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05: Delhi

The capital of India is truly a tantalizing mixture of old and new. We start our morning tour with an exploration of New Delhi and a visit to Birla House, the last residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, take in the famous India Gate, followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun’s Tomb*, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb in India. Humayan’s Tomb inspired several major architectural innovations, including the Taj Mahal. Experience the stunning ancient minaret of Qutb Minar* before venturing into Old Delhi where we visit the historical Red Fort* built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jehan. Most of the Moghul forts were “Palace Forts“ as these were also the official residences of the royalty. We then embark on a walking tour through the bazaars at Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s oldest and busiest market. We then drive to the monumental Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. End the day at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local Indian restaurant. (B, D)

Please Note: Red Fort and Birla House are closed on Mondays and Chandni Chowk is closed on Sundays.

Day 06: Delhi/Varanasi (Flight)

A short flight gets us to Varanasi, the oldest living city in India. Varanasi was earlier called Banaras. On arrival, we are transferred to our hotel.

In the afternoon we visit Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Formerly known as Isipatana, it is here where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma in his first sermon and It is also here that the original Sangha (Buddhist monastic order) was formed. We will see silk weaving before returning to our hotel.

Later we experience a joyful rickshaw ride (India’s famous 3 wheeler vehicle) to the banks of the River Ganges – the holy river for the Hindus. Here we witness the colourful Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual of worship. Aarti is the waving of lighted wicks before the deities in a spirit of humility and gratitude, wherein faithful followers become immersed in god's divine form. This is usually done at sunset. You may sit and watch and even participate with the devotees.

Overnight: Radisson Hotel Varanasi (1 night) (B, D)

Day 07: Varanasi/Khajuraho (Flight)

Early morning, we take a serene sunrise cruise on the River Ganges, soaking in the unique scenes along the river bank. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. From our boat we will see scores of pilgrims and priests bathe in the river’s holy waters and performing various other rituals. This unique experience will make us feel as if we’re looking through a window to another world.  After our boat ride, we explore old Varanasi, visiting the Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a huge marble relief map of India; Durga Temple, the Tulsi Manas Mandir besides the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb.

After breakfast we are transferred to airport for our flight to Khajuraho. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Chandela, Khajuraho (1 night) (B, D)

Day 08: Khajuraho/Agra (Train)

In the morning, we explore the Khajuraho Group of Monuments* The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Today only 20 temples remain and they fall into three distinct groups and belonging to the religions of Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temples are decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.

In the afternoon we are transferred to railway station to board our express train to Agra. Agra is amongst the few privileged cities in the world to house 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Dinner on board train. On arrival, we are transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Grand Mercure / Hotel Taj View, Agra (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 09: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Agra

We start our day with a sunrise visit to one of the most well-known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648. Built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired masterpiece of world heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Moghul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After visiting the Taj Mahal, we return to our hotel for breakfast. Following some rest time, we visit Agra Fort*. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses the spectacular imperial city of the Moghul rulers. Explore fairy-tale palaces, audience halls and two very beautiful mosques.

Afternoon, we visit Fatehpur Sikri*. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, this stunning complex was once the capital of the Moghul Empire. Just 10 years after its construction, the city with its beautiful temples, mosques and monuments were abandoned due to lack of water.  Surprisingly, many structures are still in existence and used even today including one of the largest mosques in India and the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Salim Chisty. We will learn of a very interesting historical fact associated with Salim Chishty and the Moghuls. Evening is free to explore this small town, Agra, home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (B, D)

Please Note: On nights with a full moon, the Taj Mahal's pure white marble shimmers silver in the moonlight. Bestway Tours & Safaris can arrange an optional tour to enjoy this very special occasion.

Day 10: Agra/Ranthambore (Drive 290 km/6 hrs)

A countryside drive takes us to Ranthambore, the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Ranthambore National Park lies at the edge of a plateau and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore Fort*, which lies within the national park. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. In the afternoon we take a safari through the National Park, where we encounter a variety of mammals, including tigers. About 150 bird species have their habitat here and in winter a variety of migratory birds can be seen.

Overnight: The Pugmark, Ranthambore (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 11: Ranthambore/Jaipur (Drive 180 km/4 hrs)

An early morning safari in time when animals are looking out for their prey. We try and spot nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar, muntjac, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, rhesus macaque and black-faced langur. Ranthambhore was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973 and spotting the big cat in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. After our morning safari, we drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan called the Pink City, since most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. In the evening we enjoy our dinner followed by Rajasthani Cultural dance show.

Overnight: Brij Castle, Jaipur (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 12: Jaipur

This morning, we are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with a journey to the Amber Fort, located in a picturesque valley among the Kalikho Hills. Known as the gem of Jaipur, this imposing fort dating from the late 16th century was never attacked or invaded. Built from a combination of yellow and pink sandstone and white marble, the fort includes distinguished halls, intricate carvings and ornate gardens. Next we return to Jaipur to visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art. We also stop at the stunning Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved façade, and the Jantar Mantar*, a historic astronomical observation site boasting instruments used to star-gaze with the naked eye. The evening is free to enjoy the one-of-a-kind shopping of the bazaars. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. (B, D)

Day 13: Jaipur/Depart Delhi (Drive)

After an incredible tour of the Exotic Nepal & India, we are driven to Delhi. Here we are met and transferred to the Holiday Inn Express Transit hotel for day room usage till 8:00 PM. After a farewell dinner, we are transferred to the international terminal for our flight home. We bid farewell after a memorable journey into the history, culture, art and architecture of incredible India. Or extend our adventure with India holiday tour packages to other regions of the country. (B, D)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 15 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
Email us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

Inquire About this Trip

Tour Application Form