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Desert, Forts & Mountains

Trip Length

Trip Code
17 days PIDM

Countries Visited
Nepal, India

Start City

End City
Delhi Kathmandu
Desert, Forts & Mountains

From the former Mughal city and present-day capital of Delhi to the high spiritual climes of Nepal, this trip encompasses the full spectrum of Northern Indian and Himalayan highlights. No Mughal monument is more famous than the Taj Mahal in Agra – arguably the most beautiful building ever constructed. Rajasthan is India’s most regal state, with its elaborate forts and palaces standing in testimony to centuries of Rajput rule. Jaipur is a unique and bustling capital, but the heart and soul of the region is best discovered in the small rural centres of Karauli, Sawarda, Khairwa and Mandawa, and the Rajput hospitality of its heritage palace hotels. Nepal meanwhile offers endlessly beguiling experiences, from exploring the ancient city of Bhaktapur, to gazing upon the parade of mountains reflected in Pokhara’s beautiful lake and the lush beauty of Chitwan National Park where we go on elephant-back and canoe safari.
Desert, Forts & Mountains

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi

Upon arrival we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Our airport representative will be waiting for us in the arrival hall, located after passing out of the customs area and beyond the travel desks and exchange counters. Look out for the Peregrine signboard. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 45 minutes. Most flights arrive in Delhi in the late evening, so there is nothing arranged for this day. If you arrive early, you can avail yourself to many sightseeing options. Humayun's Tomb and Safdarjang's Tomb are other great examples of Mughal architecture and design. The narrow streets of Old Delhi are worth exploring, with the highlights being Red Fort and the impressive Jama Masjid (Great Mosque). Raj Ghat is a monument that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Hauz Khas Village is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown - a chic artistic enclave set right next to the remnants of a historical site.

Day 2: Agra

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Travel time: approx 5 hours) Around breakfast time we have a briefing to outline our holiday itinerary and also cover many aspects of travelling in India. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting. After our briefing we travel to the city of Agra to visit India's most famous sight - the majestic Taj Mahal. This amazing 17th century marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife, who died giving birth. Started in 1631 the project was completed in 1648 and employed a workforce of over 20,000 people. Construction materials were brought from all over India with the marble from Rajasthan transported by over 1000 elephants. The rest of our time in Agra is free, but we have the option to also visit the nearby Agra Fort - a huge complex built of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565 and partially converted into a palace during the time of Shah Jahan.

Day 3: Karauli

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) From Agra we make our first stop at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This magnificent ghost town was capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbhar it was abandoned shortly after his death due to a lack of available water. Our final destination today is Karauli, a 600-year-old city founded by Yaduvanshi Rajput kings - descendents of Lord Krishna. The main temple of Karauli is dedicated to Lord Krishna. We stay for two nights at a sprawling palace belonging to the family that once ruled Karauli. Bhanwar Vilas Palace was built as a royal residence in 1938 by Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo Bahadur when he was the ruler of Karauli. The palace is designed in a colonial style and the interiors are furnished in Art Deco period furniture. Our stay here is sure to be a memorable one.

Day 4: Karauli

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today we explore the City Palace, which dates back 500 years. The fort and the palace was the official residence of the royal family of Karauli till 1938. This amazing structure features impressive archways and interconnecting rooms, many of them colourfully painted with frescoes. Many of the buildings in Karauli feature distinctive pale red sandstone in their construction. We then enjoy a camel cart ride to the step well, the old city and surrounding countryside. Along the way we are sure to be greeted by hordes of local kids, waving at us as we ride by. We also explore an organic dairy, various farms and a campus school being run by the former royal family. It is a memorable experience being in a part of the country that sees very few tourists. Everything seems to have an air of authenticity about it as we join in with the local people as they go by with their everyday life.

Day 5-6: Jaipur

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) After breakfast we travel by road to Jaipur - the colourful capital of the state of Rajasthan as well as being a vibrant and exciting town on its own right. Here, traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches make their way through crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. The City Palace is an amazing complex with various courtyards and connecting buildings as well as fascinating museums displaying royal costumes and weaponry. Part of the palace is closed to visitors as it is still the residence of the royal family. The most memorable features of our visit are sure to include the impressively colourful gates the courtyard known as Pitan Niwas Chowk and the incredible moustaches worn by the palace guards. Our guide will also take us to the Old Bazaar and Hawa Mahal, better known as the Palace of the Wind. This five-storey façade with its pink, honeycombed sandstone windows is one of Jaipur's best-known landmarks. In the evening we can dine at one of the many fine restaurants in the city (optional). On our second day in Jaipur we travel 11 kilometres out to the stunning medieval Amber Fort. This fort was built in 1592 by Maharajah Man Singh and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Several hours are needed to explore this huge fortification.

Day 7: Sawarda

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Driving time: approx 1 hour) We continue our journey and drive for one hour to Sawarda, a small fort that is still residence to the nobles of Sawarda, who belong to the Khangarot clan - an offshoot of the Jaipur royal family. The fort houses two small temples, gardens and interesting frescoed rooms. In the evening we have the opportunity to participate in an 'aarti' (prayer session) in the family temple. The expression ‘hidden gem’ has become a cliché in the world of travel today but it is very much true of Sawarda. Until we discovered it, it saw no tourists and even now, it’s virtually only Peregrine groups that visit Sawarda. Exploring the village is a great deal of fun, and we have been very careful to ensure that tourism does not have a negative effect on the village. There is an ancient step well, a Sikh temple with an extremely rare scripture and many other highlights. After the aarti, it’s wonderful to wander through the alley ways and soak up the ambience.

Day 8: Mandawa

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) In the morning we take walk into the village and visit the homes of 'Gujjars' (traditionally a shepherd tribe), as well as an interesting old Sikh temple where one of the manuscripts of Gurbani, written by the founder of the Sikh religion, is still kept. We also stop at a beautiful Jain temple and a Hindu temple in the village, before visiting the families of village workers such as potters and ironsmiths. At a local home-based oil mill, we get to observe the way in which an ordinary Indian village can be economically self-sufficient. We also get to meet members of the 'village panchayat' (governing body) and understand the way they run things, as well as visit the local schools and health centre. After lunch we drive to Mandawa. Mandawa lies in the semi-arid region in the northern part of Rajasthan known as Shekhawati - a region known as an 'open-air art gallery' with forts, palaces and ornate traditional merchant houses known as 'havelis', which are often decorated with colourful frescoes. Here we stay in one of the 'havelis' built by the renowned business community of this region. Some of the frescoes on the walls and ceilings here date back 150 years. We spend the evening in a wonderfully atmospheric luxury desert camp.

Day 9: Delhi

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) After breakfast we are driven back to Delhi, where we arrive around lunch time. We enjoy an orientation drive around the city that takes us to India Gate and past the President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan), before heading off to do some last-minute shopping at colourful Janpath Bazaar. We then have the chance to enjoy pre-dinner drinks before heading out to one of Delhi's great restaurants for dinner (optional).

Day 10: Kathmandu

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Flight time: approx 1 hour and 45 minutes) Today we are transferred to New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport to catch a flight from New Delhi to Kathmandu (please note that you will be unescorted on this flight). On arrival, we are met by our Nepalese tour leader and transferred to our hotel located not far from the main shopping and cafe area of Thamel. You may also wish to take a walk down to Durbar Square, which is the historical and spiritual heart of the city. Kathmandu is located at 1360 metres above sea level. If you are interested in doing a Mt Everest scenic flight, please ask your leader. A briefing on your Nepal section of the trip will be held by your leader this afternoon.

Day 11: Kathmandu

Meals included: 1 breakfast

In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. We visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. We also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration. After a break for lunch, we head out to Bhaktapur. Traffic-free, this wonderful ancient Newar town is ripe for exploration. Cobblestone streets link a series of temples and squares, and you can see potters and various craftspeople at work. It is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and is a must-see for visitors to Nepal. We arrive back at the hotel late in the afternoon.

Day 12-13: Pokhara

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

(Flight time: approx 1 hour) An early departure from the hotel this morning as we are transferred to the domestic terminal at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport. From here we fly to Pokhara, with a flight time of about 30 minutes and often spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. On arrival we check in to our hotel, then take a boat ride across the lake to the Peace Pagoda, where we enjoy excellent views of the mountains and across Pokhara. The town of Pokhara is located at 850 metres above sea level. It is certainly worthwhile taking a boat for a row out on the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. In the afternoon, we visit the International Mountaineering Museum. A fascinating collection of equipment from many Himalayan expeditions, plus maps and displays on flora and fauna give you a great insight into mountaineering. The following day has been allocated for further exploration in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities and internet cafes. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery.

Day 14: Chitwan National Park

Meals included: 1 breakfast

We drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, we are introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss our program at Royal Park Wildlife Resort. There is some flexibility and activities may vary with the time of the year and known wildlife movements and locations. We may visit the elephant camp to see how their handlers, known as phanits, care for these beautiful animals. A late afternoon safari riding on elephants takes us into the forest and grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. In the early evening the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. We then enjoy dinner and afterwards we are free to relax in the bar and discuss the day's sightings or listen to the exotic sounds of the jungle at night.

Day 15: Chitwan National Park

Meals included: 1 breakfast

An early morning excursion could include either another elephant safari to different parts of the park in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic bird life or joining one of several other activities including a visit to the elephant breeding centre. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park. After breakfast we leave the lodge for a trip by dugout canoe on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program is organised for us for the rest of the day that may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

Day 16: Kathmandu

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) There is an early morning safari and a final chance to catch a glimpse of more of the exotic wildlife of the area. This is also our last chance to spot some of the animals that we may not have previously seen. After breakfast we drive on to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. The evening is free but usually our tour leader can help organise an evening meal (optional) at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants to commemorate the last night of our journey.

Day 17: Kathmandu

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Our trip ends today after breakfast. If you wish to stay on in Kathmandu, please pre-book your post-tour accommodation before you commence your travels.

Your Trip

What's Included

Peregrine tour leaders, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

Accommodation

Meals

Not Included

International flights, airport departure taxes, airport departure transfer, visas, insurance, other meals including all lunches and dinners, any optional tours and activities during free time, excess baggage charges, tips, items of a personal nature and camera fees (some places that we visit charge additional fees if you are entering with a camera or camcorder - your guide will advise on these and they can be paid for locally).

Optional Extras

We have chosen some great optional activities to enhance your travel experience. You will need to cover any additional costs yourself. For group trips, speak to your leader if you are interested in any of the following:

What to know

Vaccinations

Vaccinations may be required for this trip. Talk to your doctor about the up-to-date information for this region.

Visas and Permits

It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.

Nepal
Australians, Americans, British, Canadians currently require a visa for Nepal. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. You may prefer to apply for your visa prior to arrival in Nepal (there are consulates in many countries), however you can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport for $US40 for a Single Entry, and $US45 for a Double Entry. You must have USD, Euro, GBP, JPY or AUD cash to the exact amount and one passport photo. Expect some delays in processing the visa application at the airport. Passengers then travelling to Tibet or Sikkim (these trips start and finish in Nepal) should obtain a Double Entry Nepal visa.

India
Please note that visa requirements can and do change. It is essential that you confirm requirements with the nearest relevant embassy or check with your travel agent before you travel. At the time of writing, a visa is required by most travellers visiting India including Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, British and Canadians. You must obtain an Indian visa prior to leaving home as it cannot be obtained on arrival. Please note that visa requirements can and do change. It is essential that you confirm requirements with the nearest relevant embassy or check with your travel agent before you travel. At the time of writing, a visa is required by most travellers visiting India including Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, British and Canadians. You must obtain an Indian visa prior to leaving home as it cannot be obtained on arrival. An Indian tourist visa is available for six months from the date of issue and you should apply for a multiple entry one, as the cost is the same as for single/double entry. Your travel agent can assist you in the applying for your visa if required. Recent change to visa rules: as of January 2010, the Indian Government is in the process of implementing a new visa rule which means tourists can’t visit India twice within the space of 2 months. However, it does state that people who have documentation proving that they are using India as a base to explore neighbouring countries can enter India up to three times within 2 months.

Insurance

You are required to have travel insurance before heading off on a Peregrine trip. Insurance can be organised by your Peregrine representative or your travel agent.

Responsible Travel

Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities, to our staff’s fundraising efforts and offsetting our carbon emissions.
Please visit our Responsible Travel (http://www.peregrineadventures.com/rt) page for more information.

Customs and Culture

Our Pre Departure Information or Travel Dossier (provided upon booking a trip) provides tips on how you can show respect for the local customs and culture in the country you are travelling in.

The information listed above is a brief description of some things you may need to consider when booking a trip. Once a tour is booked you will be provided with a link to your Travel Dossier which will contain detailed Pre Departure information.

Further Reading

Nepal

For good general guides to Nepal, India, Tibet and Bhutan, the Lonely Planet guide-books are very helpful. (They even have phrase-books which are very handy.) There are numerous books written about the Himalaya. Check your local library, new and old book-shops, and also the Internet can provide useful information on books to read. Kathmandu has many excellent bookshops where many of the books below can be found. Travellers Tales and Guides Nepal Lonely Planet Guide: - (Hugh Finlay, Richard Everist, Tony Wheeler) Tiger for Breakfast-Peissel-1966 Schoolhouse in the Sky-Hillary-1968 When Men and Mountains Meet-Keay-1977 Kathmandu-Kelly-1989 Many People Come, Looking, Looking Rowell-1980 Natural History Birds of Nepal-Fleming-1976 Forests of Nepal-Stainton-1972 Stones of Silence-Schaller-1980 Heart of the Jungle-Gurung Himalayan Flowers and Trees-Meirow/Shreshta-1978 Mountaineering Into Thin Air-Krakauer-1997 Everest the Hard Way-Bonnington-1976 White Limbo-Hall-1985 Annapurna-Herzog-1952 Ascent of Everest-Hunt-1953 The Climb-Anatoli Boukreev Left for Dead-Beck Weathers

India

India Lonely Planet-Sarina Singh A Passage to India-EM Forster A Suitable Boy-Vikram Seth Chasing the Monsoon-Alexander Frater

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version.  If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

13 March 2012