Desert, Forts & Mountains - Independent Adventure
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.
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel. |
| 2 | Travel to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal. |
| 3 | Visit Fatehpur Sikri en route to Karauli and stay in Rajput palace. |
| 4 | Explore 600-year-old Karauli including palace and countryside farms. |
| 5 | Drive to Jaipur and visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), Jantar Mantar and City Palace. |
| 6 | Morning visit to Amber Fort, free time to shop and explore in Jaipur in the afternoon. |
| 7 | Drive to fort at Sawarda. Enjoy village walk and indulge in the timeless splendour of the countryside. |
| 8 | Drive to Mandawa and discover markets and frescoed 'havelis', then spend the night in a luxury desert resort. |
| 9 | Drive to Delhi. |
| 10 | Fly towards the Himalaya to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. |
| 11 | Kathmandu sightseeing – Pashupatinath Temple and Bodhnath Stupa. |
| 12-13 | Fly to Pokhara. Visit the Peace Pagoda and Mountaineering Museum. Free time to explore in the afternoon. Relaxing by Phewa Lake is not a bad start! |
| 14 | Drive to Chitwan National Park. |
| 15 | Safari on elephant-back and in dugout canoes. Partake in bathing elephants. |
| 16 | Morning safari before driving to Kathmandu. |
| 17 | Trip ends in Kathmandu this morning. |
Trip Highlights
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At A Glance
Trip Length |
17 days |
Trip Code |
PIID |
Activities |
|
| Culture (Easy), Walking (Moderate), Wildlife (Easy) | |
Minimum Passengers |
|
| 2 people | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 6 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Nepal, India | |
Start City |
|
| Delhi | |
End City |
|
| Kathmandu | |
