13 Days – North India with Nepal Tour

Depart on a regular flight to Delhi, with stopovers at intermediate connection points. Delhi, the capital and third-largest city of the country, awaits you. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in and accommodation.

Enjoy breakfast in the morning, followed by a visit to Old Delhi. The tour includes a visit to the Jama Masjid, with its vast courtyard and marble domes. Explore the area around the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, a maze of narrow alleys. You’ll also visit Raj Ghat, the symbolic memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

In the afternoon, take a tour of New Delhi, a modern section of the city built by the British in 1911 as the administrative center of the British Raj. The tour includes stops at the Gateway of India, Qutub Minar, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the former residence of the Viceroy, now the Presidential Palace), the embassy area, and the main streets and avenues. The day will conclude with visits to the Sikh Temple “Bangla Sahib” and the Birla Temple.

Overnight accommodation in Delhi.

After breakfast, we will depart by road for Jaipur, a journey of approximately 5 hours. During the trip, we will stop for lunch at the Samode Palace. Jaipur, famously known as the “Pink City” due to the distinct color of many of its buildings, is the capital of Rajasthan. It was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, we will attend an Aarti ceremony at the Birla Temple.

Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we will head out early to visit Amber Fort, a stunning example of Rajasthani architecture from the Kachwaha dynasty, who ruled the region for five centuries, from the 8th to the 12th century. We will ascend the fort on the back of an elephant (*).

After lunch, we will explore the Maharaja Palace, which beautifully blends Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. We will also stop for photos at the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. Its lattice windows allowed royal women to observe celebrations without being seen.

Finally, we will visit the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory.

Dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we will depart for Agra, arriving in the afternoon. Along the way, we will make several interesting stops. Our first stop will be in the small town of Abhaneri, where we will visit the Chand Baori Stepwell, which is about 20 meters deep and has 13 levels.

Next, we will stop at the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, constructed in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar.

We will have lunch en route. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Agra, where we will enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we will begin our day by visiting the iconic symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. This magnificent complex was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The main structure, the mausoleum, was created in honor of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during the birth of their fourteenth son.

The entire complex is renowned for its perfect symmetry, which is only interrupted by the placement of the emperor’s tomb, located beside that of his wife.

Next, we will explore Agra Fort, where, according to legend, the emperor spent his final years watching the Taj Mahal from a distance.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we will depart by train to Jhansi. Upon arrival, we will continue our journey by road to Orchha, a historic princely capital known for its palaces and temples built by the Bundela Rajput family between the 16th and 18th centuries. Highlights include the Raj Mahal Palace and the Lakshminarayan Temple, both featuring well-preserved paintings.

After lunch, we will proceed to Khajuraho, famous for its Hindu temples and the intricate erotic sculptures that adorn them.

Dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we will begin our visit to this “cathedral city,” which was built between the 10th and 11th centuries. It is a remarkable collection of Hindu temples, perfectly harmonized and unmatched anywhere else in the country. The temples, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, were constructed in the Nagara style, typical of North India.

While the temples are famous for their well-preserved erotic sculptures, their significance goes beyond that. The temples are celebrated for their excellent state of preservation, the exceptional sculptural quality of each one, and their idyllic setting, making it a perfect place to explore on foot.

Afterward, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, dedicated to Shiva, and the most important pilgrimage site in the country. In the afternoon, we will take a rickshaw ride and witness the Aarti ceremony along the Ganges river ghats.

Dinner and overnight accommodation.

We begin our day very early, before sunrise, heading to the ghats for a boat ride on the Ganges. During the ride, we will witness purification rituals and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the temples lining the ghats.

Afterward, we will return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, we will visit Sarnath, the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. We will explore the ruins and visit the local museum.

Later, we will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, you will have free time until it’s time to transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi. From there, you’ll connect to your next destination: Nepal, home to the highest peaks in the world. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will complete customs procedures, collect your luggage, and transfer you to the hotel for check-in and accommodation.

After breakfast, we will begin our day with a visit to Durbar Square, home to the residence of the Kumari, the living goddess. The Kumari is a young girl selected through a strict process, and she continues as the goddess until she reaches puberty. We will also see the Kal Bhairav, one of the fiercest depictions of Shiva, the Temple of Taleju, and the great bell and drum, which were once sounded to announce royal decrees. These are just a few of the countless monuments that will leave you in awe.

Next, we will take a rickshaw ride through the vibrant Tamil neighborhood, a maze of streets that winds through traditional markets like Indra Chowk and Ason.

Afterward, we will ascend the hill to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple or Stupa of Swayambhunath. From here, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city while sharing a moment with the eyes of Buddha.

After lunch, we will visit Bhaktapur, known as “the city of culture,” a true cultural gem of Nepal. We will explore the 55-window palace, the Great Bell, the Temple of Siddhi Laxmi, and in Tamaudhi Square, the Nyatapola Temple, which dates back to 1702 AD.

We will then return to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we will head to the city of Patán, renowned for its rich tradition of fine arts and exceptional craftsmanship. Founded in the 3rd century BC as a Buddhist town, we will visit a Tibetan refuge while exploring the city’s artistic heritage.

After lunch, we will visit the Tibetan district of Kathmandu, where we will see the iconic Bodnath Stupa, one of the largest in the world. Surrounded by Buddhist temples, it features the all-seeing eyes of Buddha.

Dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, you will have free time until it’s time to transfer to the airport for your flight back to your country, with stopovers at intermediate connection points. Overnight flight.

The services of Tusk Travel conclude here…