INDIA WITH VARANASI AND NEPAL 12 Days / 11 Nights

Arrival at Delhi International Airport. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met in the arrivals terminal by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Upon arrival, check-in will be completed (standard check-in time is 14:00 hrs).

Delhi, the capital of India, is the main gateway to the country. Contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis that successfully blends the ancient and the modern. Amidst towering skyscrapers stand historic buildings and monuments that silently reflect the region’s rich heritage. The first impression begins on the drive from the airport, as Delhi appears like a garden city, surrounded by trees and beautiful parks.

Arrival at the hotel and rest. Overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a morning exploring Old Delhi, discovering some of the capital’s most important historical and cultural attractions. Drive through Chandni Chowk, the lively and rustic old quarter of Delhi. Visit the impressive Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, followed by a visit to the majestic Red Fort.

Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Proceed through the Rashtrapati Bhavan area, home to the President’s residence, government buildings, Parliament House, and India Gate—monumental reminders of British imperial power. Visit the Salt March memorial and later the Qutub Minar, the tallest minaret in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Connaught Place, the commercial heart of the capital, and later visit the serene Sikh temple, Bangla Sahib, where one feels deep peace and inner connection.

Return to the hotel and rest. Overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, after collecting your luggage and exiting the airport, our representative will be waiting to welcome you, holding a placard with your name.

Kathmandu is a perfect blend of ancient traditional Nepal and modern life. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, this city is home to countless temples and a rich cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu, walk through charming narrow streets lined with old brick houses, and experience the true beauty and soul of the country.

Transfer to the hotel. The afternoon is free at leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the city of Patan.

Swayambhunath, also known among visitors as the “Monkey Temple,” is one of the most ancient and sacred sites in Nepal. The name Swayambhunath means “self-existent,” and the stupa dates back to 460 A.D., with an age of more than 2,000 years. Located on a hilltop, it offers magnificent panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. The four sides of the stupa are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha, symbolizing awareness and wisdom. Between the eyes appears a mystical third eye, representing true insight, while the nose, shaped like an incomplete question mark, is actually the Nepali numeral for one, symbolizing unity.

This sacred site is perhaps the best place to observe the religious harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism. Devotees circle the stupa clockwise in the morning and evening, spinning prayer wheels as they walk. From the hill, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square with a heritage walk through the inner city areas of Makhan, Indrachowk, and Asan. This walk offers an authentic experience of local life, spice shops, traditional houses with ornate decorations, bronze workshops, and bustling local markets selling fruits and vegetables. It provides deep insight into the daily life of the local population.

Kathmandu Durbar Square lies at the heart of the old city and was once the royal residence of Nepal’s ruling family. The square is surrounded by numerous ancient temples and shrines, richly decorated with wood carvings and remarkable architecture. Amid the historic monuments, the lively market atmosphere thrives with vegetable sellers, flute vendors, street hawkers, souvenir stalls, and small shops selling imported goods. Hidden in quieter corners is a vibrant bead market where handcrafted necklaces are made to order.

A short walk away stands the Temple of the Living Goddess, where visitors may catch a glimpse of the Kumari appearing briefly at one of the palace windows overlooking the inner courtyard.

Patan, also known as “The City of a Thousand Golden Roofs,” was once a separate city but is now connected to Kathmandu by a bridge over the Bagmati River. Patan has reclaimed its original name, Lalitpur. The historic heart of the city is a maze of narrow streets, brick houses with carved wooden balconies, bronze decorations, courtyards, and small temples. The city is renowned throughout Nepal for its metalwork and craftsmanship. Artisans skillfully create images of Hindu and Buddhist deities.

Patan is home to more than 50 major temples, some of which were damaged during the April 2015 earthquake. Numerous stupas, chaityas, and bahals (ancient Buddhist monasteries) testify to the city’s long Buddhist history, making it a stronghold of Newar Buddhism in the Kathmandu Valley. Four ancient stupas, originally defining the city’s boundaries, were erected during the reign of Emperor Ashoka around 250 years before Christ.

Located at the heart of Patan is Durbar Square, a masterpiece of traditional architecture, blending multi-roofed temples with former administrative buildings now converted into museums. The main attraction is the 16th-century Royal Palace with its internal courtyards. Sundari Chowk houses Tusha Hiti, a stone bathing pool once used for royal rituals and considered a masterpiece of stone architecture. Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk is home to the famous Patan Museum, showcasing Hindu and Buddhist art. In front of the palace complex stand remarkable 17th-century temples, including Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Shiva and Bhimsen Temple, devoted to the god of merchants. Nearby streets lead into residential neighborhoods formed around courtyards, creating a fascinating labyrinth. To the north of the square stands the sublime Kwa Bahal Monastery (Golden Temple), the most important Buddhist sanctuary in the city.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure for Bhaktapur, located approximately 20 km east of Kathmandu (about 30 minutes’ drive). Bhaktapur is another Newar city founded in the 9th century. Bhaktapur Durbar Square lies at the center of the city and is one of the most charming architectural masterpieces of the Kathmandu Valley, featuring some of the finest medieval art in Nepal. The city is renowned for its exquisite wood, stone, and metal craftsmanship and feels like an open-air museum preserved through the centuries.

Within the square, notable sites include the Lion Gate, Golden Gate, the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, and the five-story Nyatapola Temple. The Golden Gate was built by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows. The palace was originally constructed in 1427 A.D. during the reign of King Yakshya Malla and later remodeled in the 17th century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Bhaktapur Durbar Square was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

After lunch, drive to Nagarkot (18 km / approximately 1 hour).

Nagarkot is a village located 32 km east of Kathmandu, at an altitude of 2,195 meters. It is considered one of the most scenic spots in the Bhaktapur district. Strategically positioned, Nagarkot was once a fortress built to monitor external threats to the Kathmandu Valley. Later, it became a summer retreat for the royal family and eventually evolved into an international hill station.

Nagarkot offers one of the widest Himalayan views in the Kathmandu Valley. On clear days, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views ranging from the Annapurna range in the west to Mount Everest and Numbur in the east, along with views of the Kathmandu Valley and Shivapuri National Park. It is especially famous for its spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.

For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Nagarkot offers excellent opportunities for hiking and scenic walks. Its natural beauty makes it a highly popular trekking route for visitors.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Nepalese Buddhism and the Tibetan Buddhist world. This sacred site attracts millions of pilgrims from across Asia. The enormous white stupa, nearly 40 meters high, is adorned with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha. Built in the 14th century, Boudhanath is considered one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and serves as a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. Its structure symbolically represents the path of Buddha toward enlightenment.

The base of the stupa is surrounded by 108 images of Dhyani Buddha Amitabha and numerous prayer wheels. Around the stupa stand several monasteries belonging to different Tibetan Buddhist sects, including one on the western side that houses a magnificent seated statue of Maitreya Buddha. Bright prayer flags flutter overhead, and approximately 650 prayer wheels inscribed with the sacred mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” surround the stupa, symbolizing purification and compassion. Nearby, more than fifteen richly decorated monasteries (gompas) allow visitors to observe monks chanting sacred texts.

Visit Pashupatinath Temple, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, about 8 km from the city center. It is one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. Although the exact founding date is unknown, references in ancient texts suggest the deity gained prominence here as Pasupati, the Lord of Animals. The existence of the temple dates back to 400 A.D. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Shiva Lingam. Thousands of pilgrims visit from around the world to worship here. Only Hindus are permitted inside the temple, while others may observe rituals from outside.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time until hotel check-out.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Varanasi via Delhi. Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel.

In the evening, proceed to the banks of the Ganges River to witness the sacred Ganga Aarti ceremony. Observed from a boat, this deeply spiritual ritual connects faith with the holy river, accompanied by chants, lamps, and devotion. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride along the ghats.

Overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast

Early morning boat ride on the sacred Ganges to witness ritual bathing, prayers, and cremation ghats. This is one of the most profound spiritual experiences in India. Walk through the narrow lanes of the old city to observe daily religious life.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple, and museum.

Overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast

(Luxury Train) Breakfast at the hotel. Board the Vande Bharat train to Agra, with lunch and dinner served onboard. Arrival in Agra in the evening, transfer to the hotel, and rest.

Overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), a timeless monument of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This white marble masterpiece is renowned for its perfect symmetry and intricate inlay work.

Later, visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in red sandstone along the Yamuna River. Explore its palaces and courtyards that once served as the seat of Mughal power.

Overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the “Pink City.” Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur is famous for its palaces, forts, and rich royal heritage. Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Optional participation in a Hawan ceremony, a Hindu ritual performed to bring positive energy and cleanse negative energy.

Morning visit to Amber Fort. Explore the palace complex including Jagmandir, Jai Mahal, and the Kali Temple with its gardens. Amber Fort, overlooking Maotha Lake, was begun in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I and completed by Jai Singh I. Its impressive exterior hides a magnificent blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture.

In the afternoon, visit local markets and textile workshops producing traditional Jaipur designs. Later, attend the Aarti ceremony at Birla Temple, a peaceful and sacred experience. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner with folk dances of Jaipur.

Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check-out and drive to Delhi. Arrival in time for your international flight. Farewell with warm wishes and memories to cherish.

Have a wonderful journey!