India and Nepal Holiday

Set off this morning to explore Lutyen’s designed New Delhi and learn about the city’s British heritage. Visit the gracious Humayun’s Tomb and Qutb Minar – one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Then, enjoy a drive through the wide tree-lined avenues with photo-stop visits to India Gate, the War Memorial Arch, the Parliament House, and the Vice Regal Palace, the official residence of the President of India. In the afternoon, visit the 17th century Jama Masjid – one of the largest mosques in Asia and complete your tour of Delhi with an exciting cycle-rickshaw ride that allows you to get under the skin of Old Delhi whilst exploring its bustling alleyways filled with spice merchants and jewellers.

Drive to Agra, once the capital of the Mughal Empire and home to the inimitable Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, visit the striking tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, popularly referred to as ‘Baby Taj’ and then explore the imposing Agra Fort, which provides an insight into 16th century Mughal court. The day concludes with a stroll through Mehtab Bagh, a classic Mughal Garden that offers outstanding views of the Taj Mahal at sunset.

Rise early to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Built as a monument to eternal love and described by poet Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the cheek of time”, this magnificent 17th-century mausoleum made of milk-white makrana marble was created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Next, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s abandoned capital city, and continue to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan.

Set off this morning to explore the yellow-hued Amer Fort. Capital of the Kacchwaha Rajputs until the 18th century, Amer is one of Rajasthan’s finest hill-top forts and is famed for its lavish murals, carvings, and Mughal-style gardens. The most striking feature of this Fort-Palace is the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) with its intricate glass inlaid panels and mirrored ceilings. In the afternoon, visit the splendid City Palace, where the highlight is the royal quarters and the chance to see the private collections of the Jaipur Maharajas. Continue to Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory in the world, and view the magnificent Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), a high-screen façade with nearly 900 jharokhas (latticed windows). Conclude your explorations with an immersive walking tour through the bustling markets in Old Jaipur.

Drive to Samode and discover the simplicity of life in rural Rajasthan. Your guided walking tour will take you through atmospheric streets and alleys, discovering artisans’ workshops where traditional crafts and miniature painting are still practised. Then, enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Samode Palace (payable locally) before proceeding to Delhi

Transfer to Delhi International Airport for your flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. On arrival, transfer to the small village of Kurintar, scenically set on the banks of the Trishuli River and surrounded by forested hills and farmland. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Spend the morning exploring the surrounding countryside on foot and interact with locals. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool.

Set off this morning to Pokhara, a beautiful laidback town set in the shadow of the distinctive Fishtail Mountain and acts as a gateway to the foothills of the Annapurnas. On arrival at Pokhara, meet your experienced mountain guide, who will accompany you during your two-night trek along the foothills of the Annapurnas. Today, your walk will initially take you through small farms dotted around the foothills and follow the course of the Modi Khola River, while the sacred Fishtail Mountain (6,993m) will keep you company throughout. Then, leave the river bank and begin your climb to Ghandruk Village, which will take you across terraced farmlands, oak and rhododendron forests and delightful villages. You will reach Ghandruk village (2,012m) early in the afternoon and just in time for a hot lunch. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure relaxing on the veranda and enjoying the sublime views of the Annapurna massif. [Total trek time: around 5 hours].

Rise early this morning to watch the sunrise of the sublime Annapurna mountain range. Then, after a leisurely breakfast, spend the morning exploring the quaint Ghandruk village and the surrounding countryside. Your walk will allow you to interact with the villagers and observe men working in their fields using traditional tools while women run a local cottage industry where they weave traditional Nepalese rugs. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. [Total trek time: around 4 hours].

Descend through pine forested hills and picturesque terraced paddy fields to the valley floor. On arrival, you will be transferred by car to Pokhara, where you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the scenic Phewa Lake. Next, a scenic afternoon’s drive will bring you to the medieval hilltop town of Bandipur, which was once an important hub along the trade route to Tibet. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Begin your day with an immersive walking tour of Bandipur, a delightful old Newari town that seems to be caught in a time warp. The main square is off-limits to motorised vehicles, while the grand Newari-style townhouses and the numerous temples and shrines dotted around the square offer a superb glimpse into the daily life of the locals. Then, drive to the bustling capital city of Kathmandu. Conclude your day’s explorations with a guided walking tour of Kathmandu’s bustling Durbar Square with its beautiful Newari-style palaces and temples.

Begin your day with a visit to the former royal city of Patan, affectionately known as ‘Lalitpur’ or ‘City of Beauty’ and regarded as the artistic centre of the Kathmandu Valley. Patan has its own distinct identity, and a walk around the less touristy Durbar Square will allow you to observe wood carvers, painters, and metal workers employ time-honoured traditional techniques in this age of 3D printing and digital reproductions. In the afternoon, join the kora and circumambulate the sacred Swayambunath Shrine, visit the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the world’s oldest monasteries and conclude your day’s explorations with a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple Complex, where you will have the chance to witness the lively ‘aarti’ ceremony.

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport and check in for your onward flight.