Day 1: Kathmandu

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.

• Complimentary airport transfer*

*Complimentary airport transfer is available on the first day of the tour for flights arriving between 05:00am until 23:30pm. Please forward your flight details to info@traveltalktours.com to book it.

Day 2: Kathmandu City Tour

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.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Kathmandu, Pokhara

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.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Pokhara, Nayapul, Trek Tolka

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.

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Trek to Dhampus

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.

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Trek to Phedi, Chitwan

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.

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Chitwan National Park

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.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Kathmandu, Delhi

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to airport for our flight to Delhi.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Delhi City Tour

After breakfast, we begin to explore Delhi, a colourful and chaotic city. Our first stop will be Old Delhi which includes visiting the magnificent Red Fort, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, as well as seeing Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Ghandi and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Once finished we will visit the jam-packed lanes of Chandni Chowk in a Rickshaw. This is the busiest commercial area of the city and brings to life the atmosphere of an oriental bazaar. In the afternoon we will head to modern New Delhi where you’ll be able to see many historic monuments such as the 12th century Qutab Minar which famous for the Ashokan iron pillar, Hjmayuns’ Tomb which is a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture, and in contrast, visit the modern Lakshimi Narayan Temple. Lastly, we’ll drive past India Gate, the city’s World War I memorial, the President’s residence, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, all designed by Lutyens.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Delhi, Jaipur

Today, we leave early at around 8:00am from Delhi for Jaipur with the drive taking about 6 hours. Jaipur is a city of history and tradition which dates back to its foundation in the 17th century by Sawai Jai Singh, from whom it derives its name. Jaipur is almost equidistant from Delhi and Agra and forms part of the famed Golden Triangle, which so many travellers to North India embark on. In the evening we will visit Birla temple for evening Aarti.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Jaipur

In the morning we start the Jaipur city tour where you get to visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Afterwards we drive out of town to visit Amber Fort where you’ll be able to walk to the entrance of this traditional Rajasthani Fort and once inside the walls, you’ll see precious stones and mirrors embellishing the plasterwork walls. In the afternoon, we will visit the historic City Palace, a huge sprawling complex which is still home to the former royal family who live in one section. The rest has been converted into a museum which holds an impressive collection of royal weapons and the Hawa Mahal. Lastly, we visit the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features the world’s largest stone sundial.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Jaipur, Dausa

We drive to Dausa after breakfast and visiting Galta Temple (also know as Monkey Temple) and Abhaneri Stepwell. It’s a 100ft well made in 9^th Century and is an architectural marvel. Visit a local family for tea or just for a visit (Tipping is expected) to experience a local house. In the afternoon we'll check-in to our hotel and you can enjoy kite flying or play a cricket match with hotel staff. Later visit their organic farm, dairy & poultry farm followed by cooking demonstration by hotel staff.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Dausa, Agra, Taj Mahal

After breakfast leave for Agra, En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri. The abandoned, ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri lies some 40 km from Agra. The city was built by the Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, who prophesied that Akbar would have three sons. For 14 years Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar’s capital until a lack of water forced the city to be abandoned. The city is remarkably well-preserved, and visitors can see the Jama Masjid, the tomb of Salim Chisti, and several palaces Afternoon visit the Agra Fort and later during sunset visit the Taj Mahal. If there is one image that sums up India to the world, it is the Taj Mahal. This beautiful monument in Agra is an absolute must for every visitor. Taj Mahal, the white marble tomb built in 22 years (1631 – 1653) by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved Queen Mumtaz. Over 20,000 craftsman from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy laboured for 22 years to build this masterpiece. The Taj is closed on Fridays.   Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Agra, Varanasi ( Overnight Train )

Today, you have free time to explore Agra on your own. In the evening transfer to railway station to board overnight train to Varanasi. (Depart at 07:45 pm / Arrive to Varanasi (next day) at 08:50 am )

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Varanasi

Arrive to  Varanasi Railway station and transfer to hotel for check in. In the afternoon, we join tour of Varanasi visiting the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marbleand the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Visit the Bhu, considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. Witness AARTI ceremony at the Ghats in the evening.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 16: Varanasi, Delhi ( Overnight Train )

Early morning we drive (before the sun rise) to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and return to the hotel for breakfast. Discover Sarnath, the premier centre for Buddhism with a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques. Late in the evening transfer to railway station for the overnight train to Delhi.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Delhi

In the morning we arrive at Delhi railway station and transfer to hotel( no accommodation) for breakfast. Our trip will end today after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels. There is a departure airport transfer available, please book your transfer with your guide.

• Meals: Breakfast