Best of Nepal & India

Welcome to Nepal! At the terminal keep your eyes open for the Travel Talk sign, as we pick you up from the airport and take you to our Kathmandu hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby at 6:30pm for an informal meeting with tour guide and group. After the meeting, you can join us for an optional group dinner.

• Accommodation
  Truly Asia Boutique Hotel – 3 Star
• Included Activities
  Welcome Meeting
• Optional Activities
   Group Dinner

We start the day by exploring Kathmandu City, Swyambhunath and Patan. Our first stop will be Swayambhunath, an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley where the Buddhist stupa is said to be more than 2000 years old. This hill also has a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. Our second stop will be Kathmandu City known as Kantipur. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, Kasthamandap temple, the source of the name Kathmandu and the Durbar Square, which has an array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the Ex Nepalese Royalty. In the afternoon we visit the ancient city of Patan, once a kingdom in itself. Patan Durbar Square offers the finest display of Newari urban architecture in Nepal and there are temples devoted to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh and Vishnu all actively visited.

• Accommodation
  Truly Asia Boutique Hotel – 3 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Sightseeing of Kathmandu
  Sightseeing of Swayambhunath
  Sightseeing of Kantipur
  Sightseeing of Patan
• Optional Activities
   Group Dinner
• Entrance Fees
  Kathmandu Durbarsquire – USD 11
  Patan Durbar Squire – USD 8

Today, we drive for about 6 hours to reach the Pokhara which is the second largest city in Nepal. Once we’ve reached Pokhara you’ll be able to wander around the beautiful lake city known for its superb mountain views. It is an enchanting city nestled beneath the snow-crested Annapurna Massif in a tranquil valley and is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations. The atmosphere on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu and generally a few degrees warmer, Pokhara has a tropical feel to it and has the diversity of beautiful subtropical flora.

• Accommodation
  Ustab Himalaya Hotel- 3 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Optional Activities
   Group Dinner

It is the first day of our trekking adventure where we start our journey by private transport to Nayapul to reach the Australian Camp. This camp offers a spectacular view of the snow-clad mountains of the Annapuran ranges, Hiunchuli, Fish Tail, Lamjung Himal and Manasla. We gradually descend up to Pothana then will stop at Deurali where we have lunch. After lunch, we progressively incline to Tolka where we stop for the night and stay in a local lodge. Here, you’ll see a spectacular view of Annapurna South and Himchuli mountains.

• Accommodation
  Local Lodge
• Meals
  Breakfast, Dinner
• Included Activities
  Trekking to Tolka

Today, the trek begins downhill and offers views of the Annapurna mountain range. You will pass more Gurung villages allowing you to see the huge farming communities in which they live in. Passing on, you will reach the villages of Pothana and Dhampus. Dhampus is one of the most famous touristic villages of western Nepal and offers visitors breath-taking panoramic views the Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayan mountain ranges. Tonight you’ll have dinner and stay overnight at a local lodge.

• Accommodation
  Local Lodge
• Meals
  Breakfast, Dinner
• Included Activities
  Trekking to Dhampus

It’s an early morning start so you can enjoy the colourful sunrise over the Himalayas and then you’ll take an easy downhill trek to Phedi where you will pass rice fields and small cottages. When you reach the village of Phedi our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara and then to continue our drive to Chitwan.

• Accommodation
  Hotel Wildlife Camp – 3 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast, Dinner
• Included Activities
  Trekking to Phedi

We have full day of exciting jungle activities today. The best way to reach the national park is by a safari where you’ll end up at Chitwan National Park. This is considered one of the richest wildlife areas in Asia and boasts the last and largest remaining area of tall grassland habitat. Not to be compared with the wide open spaces of Africa, the intimacy of the search and discovery of Asian wildlife in its dense habitat is considered by many travellers to be equally rewarding and exciting.

• Accommodation
  Hotel Wildlife Camp – 3 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Included Activities
  Visit of Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to airport for our flight to Delhi. Enjoy some personal leisure time and get ready for the second leg of your discovery!

• Accommodation
  Mantra Amaltas Hotel – 4 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Optional Activities
   Group Dinner

Get ready for a big day ahead on your first day of tour exploring the bustling city of Delhi! We’ll begin the day by visiting Old Delhi, marvelling at the impressive Red Fort, The Raj Ghat and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Then get ready for some chaotic fun as we visit the jam-packed lanes of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw. Experience the busiest commercial area of the city and atmosphere of an oriental bazaar. In the afternoon we will head to the modern New Delhi, where you’ll find many historic monuments such as the 12th Century Qutab Minar and Humayuns’ Tomb, and in contrast wander the colourful and modern Lakshimi Narayan Temple. Before we end the day, we will drive past the India Gate, the President’s Residence & the Parliament House.

• Accommodation
  Mantra Amaltas Hotel – 4 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Sightseeing of Delhi
  Sightseeing of Red Fort & Raj Ghat
  Sightseeing of Jama Masjid
  Sightseeing of Chandni Chowk
  Sightseeing of Qutab Minar
  Sightseeing of Humayun’s Tomb
• Entrance Fees
  Humayun’s Tomb – USD 8
  Qutab Minar – USD 8
  Red Fort – USD 8

Hit the road and depart Delhi in the morning to drive 6 hours to Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’ due to the vibrant peachy colours of the buildings. Offering incredible architecture and raw natural beauty, Jaipur is a vibrant and bustling city spread out over the old and new, and is almost equidistant from Delhi and Agra forming part of the famed Golden Triangle. In the evening, prepare to be mesmerised by a traditional Hindu prayer ritual, Aarti at Birla Temple.

• Accommodation
  Golden Tulip Hotel – 4 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Visit of Birla Temple

Begin the day with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal or ‘Palace of the Winds’ before you start exploring all Jaipur has to offer with a city tour. Check out Amber Fort where you’ll be able to explore this traditional Rajasthani Fort. In the afternoon, stop by City Palace, a huge sprawling complex which is still home to the former royal family who live in one section. Check off another UNESCO World Heritage site from your list at Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory featuring the world’s largest stone sundial.

• Accommodation
  Golden Tulip Hotel – 4 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Sightseeing of Jaipur
  Sightseeing of Amber Fort
  Sightseeing of City Palace & Hawa Mahal
  Sightseeing of Jantar Mantar
• Entrance Fees
  Jantar Mantar – USD 3
  Amber Fort – USD 8
  City Palace – USD 8
  Hawa Mahal – USD 3

After breakfast depart for Galta Temple, also known as Monkey Temple and Abhaneri Stepwell, an impressive 9th century well. Later, The Golden Triangle journey continues as we head to Agra. En-route we will visit the Ghost City of Fatehpur Sikri, including the visit to the Jama Masjid & the tomb of the sufi saint Salim Chisti.

• Accommodation
  Howard Plaza – 4 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Sightseeing of Galta Temple
  Sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri
• Entrance Fees
  Sikandra – USD 3

Our day starts with a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra Fort. Then be sure to get your cameras ready! We’re heading to the iconic Taj Mahal for sunset! A trip to India isn’t complete without visiting this beautiful marble monument and learning why Emperor Shah Jahan laboured for over 22 years to build this impressive masterpiece.

• Accommodation
  Howard Plaza Hotel – 4 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Sightseeing of Taj Mahal
  Sightseeing of Agra Fort
• Entrance Fees
  Agra Fort – USD 8
  Taj Mahal – USD 23

Enjoy a free morning to explore the bustling city of Agra at your own pace and try the variety of tasty food the city has to offer. Freshen up before you get ready for a big travel stint as we leave Agra at 7.45pm to board an overnight train to Varanasi.

• Accommodation
  Overnight Train
• Meals
  Breakfast

Wake up in Varanasi, a pilgrim-drawing spiritual capital of India and one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Full of shrines and temples, it’s the ultimate destination to experience India’s spirituality. In the morning you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.Later, we will tour the sites of Varanasi, including the Bharat Mata Temple & Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and the Bhu, the biggest residential university in Asia. In the evening you’re in for a treat, as you witness Aarti, a highly choreographed ritual prayer ceremony honouring the Ganges River.

• Accommodation
  Hotel Amayaa – 4 Star
• Included Activities
  Sightseeing of Bharat Mata Temple
  Sightseeing of Durga Temple
  Sightseeing of Tulsi Manas Temple
  Sightseeing of Bhu

Early bird catches the worm as we embark before sunrise to Daswamedh Ghat. Take in a memorable sunrise as you journey via boat along the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest religions. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of “Ganga” and take in the bustling atmosphere as it becomes a beehive of activity. Check out Kashi Vishwanath Temple and return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, discover Sarnath, the premier centre for Buddhism with a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques. The afternoon is yours to enjoy before we get ready to embark an overnight train to Delhi late in the evening.

• Accommodation
  Overnight Train
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Sightseeing of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

What a trip! Enjoy your last breakfast and start seeing off your new-found friends before checkout at 11am. Luckily it’s not a final goodbye, but only until next time! Don’t forget to arrange your departure transfer to the airport with your guide. Time to start counting down the days until your next Travel Talk adventure.

• Meals
  Breakfast