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Days
23
Price from
6290USD
Map of India & Nepal Heritage including India and Nepal

Capture the essence of Nepal and northern India on a journey to the Golden Triangle and beyond

Experience India’s Golden Triangle and Nepal’s magnificent mountain peaks on this adventure from New Delhi to Kathmandu. Discover the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, safari through Ranthambhore National Park in search of tigers, and soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi. Continue to Kathmandu, where a scenic Everest flight provides an unforgettable introduction to Nepal. Cruise across Fewa Lake, explore the rural beauty around Tansen, find spirituality in Lumbini, and search for big game in Chitwan National Park. Awash with highlights, from lavish palaces and vibrant bazaars to small villages nestled in the foothills of snow-capped peaks, this is an eclectic adventure not to be missed.

Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Kathmandu, Nepal
Destinations
India, Nepal
Style
Peregrine
Code
PINHC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the man-made beauty that lies across the north of India, from Jaipur’s ‘Palace of the Winds’ and Royal City Palace to Agra’s Red Fort and famous Taj Mahal

  • A trip to India wouldn’t be complete without a Bollywood film. Sit back and enjoy one in one of Jaipur’s magnificent cinemas

  • Embark on a safari through Ranthambore National Park in search of antelope, sloth bears, leopards and tigers

  • Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Rajput royalty during your India feature stay in rural Rajasthan at Castle Kanota

  • Begin a morning in Varanasi with a sunrise cruise down the Ganges – the perfect way to experience the spiritual magic of the ultimate Hindu pilgrimage destination

  • As well as an unforgettable scenic Everest flight, experience Nepal's stunning natural beauty from many angles – hiking, driving or canoeing

  • Uncover the rural beauty around Nepal’s lesser known villages and immerse yourself in the wilderness of Chitwan National Park

  • Surround yourself with lush forest and serene luxury during your two night Nepal feature stay at Barahi Jungle Lodge

Is this trip right for you?

  • In India, it can get foggy between December and February, which can put a new spin on already spectacular scenery. However, it may cause trains to be delayed.

  • In the summer months Rajasthan can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use adequate skin protection.

  • Nepali infrastructure is still returning to normal after the 2015 earthquake, so some delays are inevitable. Embracing the slow pace and meditative atmosphere will go a long way toward your enjoyment of this beautiful country.

  • The Everest scenic flight is subject to weather conditions – cross your fingers for clear skies that give way to unforgettable views.

  • The drive from Pokhara to Tansen is on very windy roads, so be prepared for a lot of corners and don't forget to buckle up.

  • The hotel in Tansen is in an unbeatable location with breathtaking panoramic views, though not quite of the same standard as the other accommodation on this trip.

  • Exploring Chitwan National Park's beautiful trails on foot requires a reasonable level fitness.

  • An overnight train may replace the flight from Khajuraho due to continued airport construction.

nepal pokhara
india varanasi
india taj mahal
nepal kathmandu

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020.
 View the 2019 itinerary

Welcome to India. On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to the hotel. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel, to organise the transfer. There will be a Welcome Meeting in the hotel at 6pm on Day 1. Please ask reception to confirm the time and place of your meeting. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. You can use any free time before the meeting to explore this excitingly chaotic capital city. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to see.
Accommodation
  • Jaypee Siddharth Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Get your first experience of Indian rail travel with an express train into Rajasthan and on to its capital, Jaipur (approximately 5 hours). Then take a walking tour through the crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles, past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Walk to the city's crowded bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local specialty of semi-precious stones, then make a photo stop at India's most photographed building (after the Taj Mahal), the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds'. There’s also the option to visit one of India’s finest palaces – Jaipur's Royal City Palace – or the astronomical instrument sculptures of the Observatory. This evening, continue to indulge in the wonders of Indian culture by watching a Bollywood blockbuster.
Accommodation
  • Lemon Tree Premier or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Walking & market tour
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
  • Jaipur - City Palace - INR600
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Visit the opulent Amber Fort, the jewel of Jaipur. It is quite a sight, with its soft shades of red sandstone and white marble, and elaborate Hindu style flourishes. Explore the legacy of a fallen empire – ornate rooms of lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. After spending some time here, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore parts of Jaipur that you might have missed yesterday.
Accommodation
  • Lemon Tree Premier or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD260
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Drifting high over the pink city while it’s bathed in early morning sunlight is a highlight for many visitors to Jaipur, so consider a hot air balloon ride this morning. This can be done between Septermber and June. For additional information see the Important Notes section of your trip notes. Today you drive to Kanota (approximately 1 hour). Your accommodation here is the beautiful Castle Kanota feature stay. Set on 8 acres and built in 1972, this heritage hotel is one of Rajasthan's finest.
Accommodation
  • Castle Kanota 'feature stay' or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Drive from Castle Kanota to Ranthambhore National Park (approximately 5 hours). In the evening enjoy a safari through the park. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves, a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples, and that is teeming with wildlife. In 4WD safari vehicles take game drives to search for animals and the majestic tigers which stalk through the jungle. You may also have the chance to explore the 1000 year old Ranthambore Fort, where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time - Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court - give an idea of its old grandeur.

Notes: Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On those trips affected, we'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is located approx. 16 km from Ranthambhore and, due to its hilly terrain, isn't as affected by the monsoon. Tigers inhabit this area also and spottings are more favourable at this time of year as they move away from flooded areas of Ranthambore.
Accommodation
  • Pugmarks Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Peregrine requires a scanned copy of your passport bio page at time of booking to secure a permit for your Ranthambore National Park visit. Authorities at Ranthambhore NP follow a strict booking process whereby permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive correct passport details in time we cannot guarantee you on the tiger safari.

Awake early for a morning safari, a second chance to spot tigers. Even if the tigers are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for. Afterwards, enjoy free time at the resort. Later, in the afternoon, spend some time relaxing or take a stroll around town.



Accommodation
  • Pugmarks Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Drive to Agra (approximately 5 hours). Here you visit Agra Fort, and India's most famous icon – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Agra is also home to one of the finest looking forts in India. Stop at the nearby Agra Fort, a fortress, palace and prison built of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565 and partially converted into a palace during the time of Shah Jahan.
Accommodation
  • Jaypee Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Agra Fort
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel from Agra to Delhi. Explore the bustling city streets on a walking tour. Also travel in the local style, by cycle rickshaw, to get another perspective on this frantic metropolis. Visit the Sisganj Gurudwara, one of the nine historic gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in Delhi, first constructed in 1783. Stop in at the awe-inspiring Red Fort, which is considered to be the peak of Mughal creativity. Also pay a visit to the 73 metre high Qutab Minar and about learn some of its history.
Accommodation
  • Jaypee Siddharth or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Old Delhi tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Optional Activities
  • Delhi - Red Fort - INR500
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR500
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR500
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Fly from Delhi to Varanasi. Awash with shrines and temples, this is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience such a spiritual city. Varanasi is not known for its cleanliness, but it is recognised as one of India’s most inspiring cities. Take a walking tour of the old city, through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. Witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as your first day in this sacred city comes to an end.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hindustan International or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Varanasi - Old City tour
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle ceremony
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
.

Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where you can watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river as you pass. There is an option to take a trip to nearby Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Alternatively the day can be spent exploring the laneways and alleys behind the ghats, or picking up some examples of the excellent local silk industry. Perhaps finish the day with an optional Ganges river cruise at sunset.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hindustan International or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Varanasi - Sunrise boat trip
Optional Activities
  • Varanasi - Sarnath day trip (entry only) - INR250
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning will be free for you to soak up the atmosphere of Varanasi during your final time here. Maybe brows through the incredible bazaars or merely wander through the ghats. Then you return to Delhi by plane (approximately 1.5 hours). Enjoy a bit of free time before saying farewell to those in your group who are finishing their trip today. Share an (optional) group dinner organised for those interested.
Accommodation
  • Jaypee Siddharth Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Delhi - City Food Crawl Urban Adventure - INR3500
  • Delhi - Home-Cooked Experience Urban Adventure - INR4000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Return to the airport and fly to Kathmandu today. You will be met at the airport by a Peregrine representative who will transfer you to your hotel. There will be a group briefing with your new tour leader in the late afternoon. Usually the meeting is followed by an optional group dinner at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Annapurna Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
1360m

In the early morning you will make an attempt at the Mount Everest scenic flight. This amazing experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park, through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, climaxing by getting up close to Mount Everest. Later in the morning you will explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. You will visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. You will also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration.
Accommodation
  • Annapurna Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight
  • Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
  • Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the Everest scenic flight is completely weather dependent. In cases of bad weather, the scenic flight will be attempted at the end of the trip.

Travel to Nagarkot in a private vehicle. On the three hour journey, there's two stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way, starting with Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is revered as one of the world’s few well preserved ancient cities, playing host to a wondrous range of exotically designed temples and statues. Then wander to the ancient temple of Changu Narayan, erected in dedication to the Lord Vishnu and site of numerous legends. Upon arrival to Nagarkot, prepare for an overnight stay at Club Himalaya, renowned for its 360 degree unrestricted view of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and the surrounding areas.
Accommodation
  • Club Himalaya or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bhaktapur - Guided walk
  • Bhaktapur - Changu Narayan Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Wake up and witness an early morning 180-degree sunrise view before travelling to Kathmandu airport by chartered coach. From here, you will fly to Pokhara with an estimated flight time of 30 minutes – if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan mountain chain to the north. On arrival, take a boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal, the second largest lake in Nepal. The visit to the Peace Pagoda afterwards grants excellent views of the mountains including the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and a glimpse back across to Pokhara. Next comes a visit to the International Mountain Museum, which is full of fascinating tales and exploits from climbing expeditions of the past – some ending in triumph and others in tragedy. After this, you have the day free to explore peaceful Pohkara and its surrounds.
Accommodation
  • Fishtail Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a free day for further exploration of the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. Your group leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities – maybe take a boat for a row out on the lake, explore the Hindu temple or Buddhist monastery, or simply pick up some souvenirs and email your family from a local internet café.
Accommodation
  • Fishtail Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel by private vehicle to Tansen on a five hour drive. Formerly known as the capital of the Magar kingdom Tanahun, Tansen is now known as the home of the United Mission Hospital, a partnership between 20 Christian organisations and Nepal that sees over 100,000 patients per year. During your stay, visit Tansen town, the palace museum, a dhaka topi (traditional hat) and brass bottle workshop and experience an interaction with the locals.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Shrinagar or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

An optional hike to the Rani Mahal is available today. Rani Mahal translates to ‘Queens Palace’, as the site was built as a monument of love to the deceased youngest wife of former general Khadga Samsher Rana, Tej Kumari Devi. Your other option is to travel to Tansen Hill station where panoramic views of Annapurna and Tansen valley can be seen, and Tansen town lies nearby should you wish to continue exploring it. Later this afternoon drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hokke or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning head out of Lumbini to Tilaurakot, which houses the ruins of ancient Kapilvastu – the capital of the Sakya kingdom and where Buddha spent his youth as Prince Siddhartha. Also, explore Nighlihawa and Gotihawa, which are closeby to Tilaurakot and have broken Ashoka pillars and other relics. Enjoy lunch and then return to Lumbini in the afternoon. There’s also the option to explore Lumbini’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lumbini is known as the holiest place of one of the world’s great religions and the area contains important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from as early as third century BC. Discover the serenity of the Maya Devi Temple, the statue of Little Buddha, and the Bodhi Tree, which is very close by your accommodation.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Hokke or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lumbini - Heritage Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, prepare to be picked up and driven to Chitwan National Park (approx. drive time 4 hours). After arriving and settling in, meet the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss the park’s habitat conservation program. There’s some flexibility with activities in this area, which may vary depending on the time of year and known wildlife movements and locations. A late afternoon safari is an experience like none other, showing the varied and exciting flora and fauna of the park. Enjoy a dinner with your group and relax at your accommodation’s bar while discussing the day’s sightings or listening to the song of the jungle.
Accommodation
  • Barahi Jungle Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chitwan NP - Village tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, leave the lodge for an early morning trip to begin a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This exhilarating ride offers chances to spot marsh mugger crocodiles along with the various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but the magnificent creatures inhabit the park so it’s not to be ruled out. Upon your return to dry land, an organised program will help fill the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.
Accommodation
  • Barahi Jungle Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chitwan - Canoe safari, bird watching walk or jeep safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Drive to Chitwan Airport on an hour drive before flying back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, so perhaps engage in some shopping before the tour ends tomorrow. A farewell dinner will be held at the Utsav Restaurant, featuring an authentic night of local cultural food and dance.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Annapurna or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your Nepalese adventure comes to a close after breakfast today. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with any onward travel arrangements. Dont forget to check out the great range of Urban Adventures if you have some extra time in Kathmandu.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

20 breakfasts, 4 dinners

Transport

Bus, Plane, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (17 nights), Jungle Lodge Feature Stay (2 nights), Heritage Property (1 night), Resort (2 nights)

Included Activities

  • Jaipur - Walking & market tour
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
  • Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Safari
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Agra Fort
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Old Delhi tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Varanasi - Old City tour
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle ceremony
  • Varanasi - Sunrise boat trip
  • Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight
  • Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
  • Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
  • Bhaktapur - Guided walk
  • Bhaktapur - Changu Narayan Temple
  • Lumbini - Heritage Park
  • Chitwan NP - Village tour
  • Chitwan - Canoe safari, bird watching walk or jeep safari

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available for purchase and is available for all nights of the trip.

KHAJURAHO AIRPORT:
Please note that due to ongoing construction works at Khajuraho Airport, many airlines have reduced the number of flights into and out of this airport. As a result we have had to reroute some trips between Khajuraho and Varanasi to an overnight train replacing the flight. Please be aware that while we will continue to do all we can to secure tickets on the limited flights available, this change may need to be made last minute to your itinerary. Your leader will notify you at the Group Meeting of any changes. All activities will continue to be included.

TAJ MAHAL
Using mud pack therapy the Archaeological Survey of India is planning to clean the four small canopies around the main dome of the Taj Mahal from the start of April 2018. This will be followed by the cleaning of the main dome but that could take some time as ASI is yet to calculate its load bearing capacity. The ASI’s science branch officials have stated that cleaning the four canopies will take approximately 2 months while main dome cleaning will be completed in phases. We will continue to update as information becomes available.

HOT AIR BALLOONING JAIPUR
Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate from September 1st to April 31st and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP only and is USD$260pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).

Essential trip information

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