Twin-centre India and Nepal holiday

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Delhi
• 1 night Agra
• 3 nights Jaipur
• 1 night Delhi
• 2 nights Kathmandu
• 2 nights Pokhara
• 2 nights Chitwan National Park 
• 1 night Kathmandu 

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights 

Day 2: Arrive Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for two nights. 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel  

Day 3: Delhi

You’ll spend your first morning in India exploring Old Delhi, a maze of crowded markets and tiny shops, crammed with some of the oldest businesses in the city. You’ll explore with a renowned chef, visiting around 8 different food spots, tasting some of the city’s best street food and learning about the different cultures and traditions that have created such delicious cuisine. 

Spend the afternoon in the contrasting New Delhi, an area designed by the British in the 1920s - it’s home to government buildings set along wide boulevards and green parks and gardens. Visit monuments including the Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, and drive past the impressive India Gate, a popular hangout for locals.

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel     

Day 4: Delhi to Agra 

After breakfast in Delhi, you’ll be driven to Agra where the Taj Mahal awaits. In the afternoon you’ll visit Agra Fort, where you’ll wander through the chambers of this ancient royal residence. The country was once governed from here, as well as containing the largest treasury and mint. Dignitaries and ambassadors from far off lands would be brought here, each one participating in the history of India. 

In the evening you’ll head off on a Mughal Heritage walk, followed by a visit to Mehtab Bagh. You’ll walk though the village and meet the locals who live in the shadow of the Taj Mahal. You’ll chat to one of the village boys, enjoying chai and a pakora on the rooftop of a nearby house overlooking in the monument and learn about how tourism has benefited the local community. The money from this tour all goes to the village, providing education for women, initiatives for children and sanitation for the whole community.

Included: Breakfast, guiding, transfers, 4* hotel                

Day 5: Agra to Jaipur 

An early start this morning will get you to the Taj Mahal for sunrise. Spend the morning exploring this mighty building. As you learnt a lot about the history of the mausoleum last night, today you’ll be free to wander through the complex alone and really soak up this awe-inspiring wonder of the world. Built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen, it took 18 years to complete, with craftsmen working around the clock on the intricate and romantic design. 

With perfect proportions and distinct femininity, legend says that once the construction was completed, Shan Jehan ordered the architect’s hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. 

Leaving Agra behind, you’ll be driven towards Jaipur, stopping to visit Fatehpur Sikri, an incredible imperial city built during the Mughal dynasty. The majestic building is made of red sandstone and is completely abandoned, but in amazing condition considering its age. After exploring, you’ll arrive in the Pink City, checking in for three nights. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, transfers, 4* hotel                

Days 6 & 7: Jaipur 

You’ll have two days to enjoy and explore beautiful Jaipur. On your first morning, you’ll head out to visit the Amber Fort, which you’ve just seen from the sky. This marvellous example of Rajput architecture is made up of terraces and ramparts, all a rich terracotta colour that is reflected beautifully in the lake below. Each room within the royal halls is decorated with intricate ivory artwork and exquisite murals, really showing off the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom that was never conquered.

In the afternoon you’ll take a tour of the city – starting at the City Palace Complex, you’ll learn about the local styles of paintings as well as the royal family that still lives in parts of the palace. In the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, you’ll find the Mubarak Mahal. Built in the nineteenth century, you’ll be able to view a huge range of textiles and costumes, including rare pashmina shawls, Benaras silk saris and folk embroidery. Across the road, you’ll look around the famous Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories in India. Built to indulge the passionate hobby of astronomy by the king, they created complex astronomical instruments made of stone, which still provide accurate information on the heavens above, to this day. It’s a fascinating place to explore and learn about the twinkling skies above.

In the evening you’ll head to the spice market, exploring the narrow lanes and tiny shops, with colourful heaps of spices found round every corner. Stock up on spice mixes to make sure your curries at home are the best around. 

On your second day you’ll explore Jaipur at dawn on an early morning tour, meeting locals as they start their day in the flower and vegetable markets. You’ll taste chai by the roadside, feast on tasty street food and visit a temple to enjoy a morning prayer ceremony, with hundreds of devotees from all walks of life. After breakfast back at the hotel you’ll head off for a block printing experience before spending the rest of the day at your leisure. 

In the evening, you’ll be welcomed by a local family to learn the subtle art of Indian cooking, tasting some delicious specialties and experiencing famous Indian hospitality. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel     

Day 7: Drive to Delhi

Today you’ll head back to Delhi, arriving in the early afternoon. You can spend the rest of your day at leisure in the hotel before your flight to Nepal tomorrow. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, 4* hotel                  

Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu 

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport to catch the short flight to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. On arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel, checking in for two nights. Kathmandu is a beguiling city, with twisting alleys and bustling markets, as many idols as men and as many temples as houses. The concentration of art, culture and tradition that is found in the Kathmandu Valley, is hard to come across anywhere else in the world.  

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, 4* hotel  

Day 9: Kathmandu    

This morning, you’ll head out to explore Kathmandu with your guide. First you’ll visit Durbar Square, full of temples, monuments and ancient palaces in the heart of the city. You’ll see the Taleju Temple, towering over you at over 40m high, Kumari, the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh and the giant pagoda, Kasthamandap, said to have been build from a single tree. Next, you’ll head to the famous monkey temple, Swayambhunath, which sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. The oldest reference to this stupa is from the 5^th Century but it could date back even further. Finally you’ll visit Patan Durbar Square, around 5km from Kathmandu, where you can admire the Newari architecture and various temples, filled with stone carvings, metal statues and dozens of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. 

If you’d like to, we can also book a scenic flight to see Mount Everest. You’ll soar over the Himalayas, looking down upon the tallest peak in the world, as well as the majestic ranges around the famous mountain. It’s a spectacular way to experience the Himalayas if you don’t have time for a trek. If you’d like to add on this experience, just ask!

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel     

Day 10: Fly to Pokhara

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for the short flight to Pokhara. Known as the ‘jewel of the Himalayas’, Pokhara is nestled amongst a backdrop of snowy peaks, serene lakes and lush greenery, with something for every visitor, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. It’s the start point of many of Nepal’s most famous treks and has been luring mountain climbers for decades. 

After checking into your hotel, you’ll head out to visit Tibetan Refugee Camp, to learn about the history of Tibet and their home in Nepal since the 1960s. It’s a wonderful way to interact with the community and learn about their plight. You’ll also take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda, with spectacular views over Phewa Lake. 

In the evening, you’ll take a boat ride on the lake – sit back and soak up the views of colourful boats along the shoreline, clear fresh water and the surrounding mountains. You’ll also have the chance to explore the lakeside souvenir shops and restaurants. 

Included: Breakfast, internal flights, transfers, guiding, 4* hotel                

Day 11: Pokhara

Today you’ll be up early to visit Sarangkot village, a small hill station near Pokhara. With panoramic views of the Himalayas you can enjoy the best sunrise views over the mountains, Pokhara City and Phewa Lake before returning to the hotel for breakfast. 

After a delicious meal, you’ll head off to explore Pokhara, starting at the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Here, you’ll learn about the history of mountain climbing in this area before exploring the Bindabasini Temple with its colourful views over the city below. You’ll be able to explore the traditional bazaar, haggle over pretty bangles and scarves and enjoy friendly interactions with the locals. 

In the afternoon you’ll leave the city and explore Seti River Gorge, where you can stand on the bridge and watch the turbulent river rush through the gap before visit Devi’s Falls, a beautiful waterfall nearby. Across the road, you’ll also see Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, with a huge stalagmite that is worshipped as a Shiva lingam. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel     

Day 12: Pokhara to Chitwan National Park         

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport for the short flight to Chitwan National Park. On arrival you’ll be driven to your accommodation, Bahari Jungle Lodge, where you’ll check in for two nights. This afternoon you’ll head out on a jeep drive to look for wildlife. Set in the foothills of the Churia Ranges, Chitwan is a wilderness of jungle and forest where elephants and rhino wander amongst the lush undergrowth. Tigers are rare but can be spotted if you are lucky!

Included: Breakfast, internal flights, transfers, guiding, dinner, Bahari Jungle Lodge       

Day 13: Chitwan National Park      

You’ll spend the day searching for wildlife and exploring the lush forests of Chitwan. Birdlife is thriving here and bird watchers will have over 450 species to look for in the early mornings and magical twilight times. You’ll be able to enjoy a jungle walk, exploring different areas from the flood plain grasslands to the dense Sal forests. Walking around disturbs the animals less, as well as giving you the opportunity to learn about the plants and herbs in the forest. You’ll also get to go on a dugout canoe along the river, looking for gharials, a type of crocodile, as they float with their babies on their noses.  

Chitwan is famous for its one-horned rhinos, as well as being a protected area for the Bengal tiger. Look out for elephants in the undergrowth, pulling down vines with their trunks while they eat, and hornbills soaring through the air in a rush of flight. 

Included: All meals, guiding, Bahari Jungle Lodge            

Day 14: Chitwan to Kathmandu     

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, you’ll be driven to Bhaktapur, to explore the city. Named as the City of Devotees, this place is a hub oof medieval art and architecture. Around 9 miles away from Kathmandu, it is shaped like a conch shell, with the Durbar Square in the heart of the streets. You’ll visit the Nyatapola Temple, with five terraces making up the pagoda, as well as the 55 window palace that overlooks the square. 

In the evening you’ll head back to Kathmandu for your final night in the city – why not head out for a delicious dinner to celebrate your final night in Nepal. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel                  

Day 15: Depart Nepal          

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight back home. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights        

Day 16: Arrive UK