18 Day Incredible India & Nepal

• Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
• Flights Montreal-New Delhi, Kathmandu-Montreal
• Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
• All intra-flights: New Delhi-Kathmandu, Kathmandu-Chitwan, Chitwan-Pokhara & Pokhara-Kathmandu
• 16 nights accommodations
  • 3 nights New Delhi
  • 2 nights Agra
  • 2 nights Jaipur
  • 1 night Jhunjhunu
  • 4 nights Kathmandu
  • 2 nights Chitwan National Park
  • 2 nights Pokhara
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
• 38 meals: 16 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 12 dinners with wine (including a home hosted dinner)
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
• Services of English-speaking tour managers throughout
• Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
• Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
• Active itinerary with unique cultural features

• Drive past the India Gate War Memorial in New Delhi
• See the sandstone Qutab Minar Victory Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s rich history
• Ascend to spectacular Amber Fort with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors
• Attend an elegant gala dinner in Jhunjhunu, filled with delectable local specialties and great entertainment
• Enjoy a visit to the Gandhi Smriti, the official residence and a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi
• Stand at the Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath, the oldest shrine in the world
• Learn more about the rich culture of the Nepalese people at a village themed lunch with traditional favorites from a local farm
• Spiritual journey to Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world
• Special prayer ceremony and blessing from the Holy Lama in Boudhanath
• Tour the Pokhara Valley with its natural wonders including cascading Devi’s Fall

DAY 1, Sunday – Depart for India
Depart for India

DAY 2, Monday – Arrive in New Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: New Delhi

DAY 3, Tuesday – Discover New Delhi
Begin your discovery of Delhi at the Gandhi Smriti (formerly Birla House), a museum dedicated to Gandhi, Father of the Nation. Then, drive past the imposing India Gate war memorial, Presidential Palace, and Parliament House. Understand more about Sikh culture on your visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a prominent Sikh house of worship, with its shining golden dome dominating the skyline. After lunch at a popular restaurant, visit Old Delhi. Travel on a cycle rickshaw along the bustling main street of Chandni Chowk. Stop to photograph the imposing Red Fort before your visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, with a courtyard capable of holding over 25,000 devotees. After the city tour, visit the National Museum, the largest in India, with over 200,000 works of art, covering over 5,000 years. Afterward, a “tuk-tuk” (auto-rickshaw) ride before returning to your hotel. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Wednesday – Travel to Agra
Depart New Delhi to Agra, with its enchanting past, rich heritage and architectural masterpieces. En route, visit the graceful Qutab Minar Victory Tower, the world’s tallest minaret, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Agra, the tour continues to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semi-precious stones. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy all of the delights of this splendid city. Tonight, celebrate “love” at an optional evening performance of Mohabbat-e-Taj a series of plays that portray the intense love of the Shah Jahan for his wife and depicts the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era
Optional: Mohabbat-e-Taj Show (PM)
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Thursday – Visit the Amazing Taj Mahal
A memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen. This is perhaps the perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22 year period – considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. Afterwards, stop a handicraft gallery and showroom displaying a unique collection of sculptures, and intricate inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the timely process of marble carvings, filigree and stone inlay. In the afternoon, discover the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire; this monument has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, spend an evening with a local Indian family in their home. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked Indian dinner, along with conversation about life in India today
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Friday – Travel to Jaipur, Abhaneri Village
Depart Agra to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Begin at Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. This unique idea, conceived by the early natives to function as a water reservoir, is located adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, goddess of joy and happiness. Then, stop for an unforgettable experience, an authentic camel cart ride with lunch. Afterward, continue to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. Arrive in this glorious city, with its stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you’ll understand why it is nicknamed the “Pink City.” The city was painted its unique color in 1876 to celebrate the first visit of the Prince of Wales to Jaipur. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces en route to the hotel. Time to explore the bargain-filled bazaars bursting with treasures and jewelry shops galore. Jaipur’s centuries-old craft community offers a spectacular array of gems, available loose or uniquely set in gold and silver, plus local handicrafts, stone and marble carvings, and paintings. Shop to your heart’s content, linger on your own or return to the hotel. Tonight, share a flavorful Jaipur dinner together with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Saturday – Amber Fort and the Palace of Mirrors
This morning, an excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors, incredible maze of courtyards, and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Drive past the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of the Winds” with its lacy ornamental façade. Arrive at the Amber Fort and ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep. From here, you can view the breathtaking panorama of Jaipur’s original city walls and the lake below. Stop for refreshments before shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at a store, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery, and paintings. Fabrics in all colors and texture are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. Later the tour continues to the opulent City Palace, a former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of miniature paintings, costumes, and armory. Continue to be impressed while you stop at the beautifully preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory with its ingenious instruments. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Sunday – Nawalgarh en route to Jhunjhunu, Gala Dinner
This morning, check out of your hotel and depart for Jhunjhunu. Stop in Nawalgarh and visit the havelis, exquisite mansions showcasing the architectural heritage of India. After lunch, continue your drive towards Jhunjhunu. Check into the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, attend an elegant gala dinner, where a royal welcome awaits you. This evening is filled with delectable food and entertainment featuring local dancers and musicians
Overnight: Jhunjhunu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Monday – Travel to New Delhi
Morning departure from Jhunjhunu to New Delhi. Along the way, make a stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, continue to New Delhi. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Say goodbye to your India Tour Manager tonight as you prepare to embark on your next adventure
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Tuesday – Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
This morning, meet the representative who will transfer you to the airport for your flight from Delhi to Kathmandu, “The Roof of the World,” in the shadow of the Himalayas. You’ll be warmly welcomed and greeted with a traditional flower garland. Time to rest before this afternoon’s orientation meeting with your new Tour Manager, describing the sensational experiences that await you in Nepal
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Wednesday – Swayambhunath, Cooking Demonstration, Boudhanath
Rise early this morning to join the one hour optional flightseeing of Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Then, on to 1st-century Swayambhunath, crowning a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley with its golden spire adorned with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. This World Heritage Site is one of the most recognizable symbols of Nepal; the painted eyes of Buddha follow all who ascend the worn stone steps. Crowds of pilgrims and red-clad monks circle the complex, spinning the prayer wheels. Continue to Durbar Square, an amazing cluster of ancient temples and palaces that symbolize the country’s religious and cultural life, including sprawling Hanuman Dhoka, ancient palace of Nepalese royalty and the Temple of Kumari, home to the Living Goddess. See the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, a colorful memorial to the Hindu God of Destruction and the Temple of the Goddess Taleju. A change of pace as you arrive at a popular restaurant for lunch and a specially arranged cooking demonstration of MoMo, one of Nepal’s national dishes. Afternoon visit to Boudhanath, the largest stupa of its kind in the world. Participate in a prayer ceremony and receive blessings from the Holy Lama at this extraordinary Buddhist monument. After an outstanding day, return to the hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a Nepalese restaurant. Afterward, we suggest a Rickshaw ride to see the city’s astonishing night lit temples and palaces
Optional: Mount Everest Flightseeing (AM)
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Thursday – Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath, Mt. Everest Mountaineer
An excursion takes you this morning to the medieval city of Bhaktapur, called the “City of Devotees,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lined with palaces, temples, statues and squares connected by a maze of pedestrianized streets. The 14th century Dattatreya Temple and the world-famous Peacock Window at Tachapal keep visitors spellbound. Marvel at the intricately carved deities of the richly molded Golden Gate and enter the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows with its exquisite wood carvings. See the Lion’s Gate with its guarding statues, Nyatapola, the five-storied temple in Taumadhi Square and the astonishing Bhairab Temple, dedicated to Lord Buddha. Then, visit the Pottery Center where you watch a demonstration of this fine craft by skilled potters. After a village inspired lunch, you embark upon a journey to the World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. On the banks of the holy Bagmati River, this temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture along with its cremation platforms spread along the river. You’ll see throngs of devotees meditating and praying on the steps throughout this sacred temple. At dinner tonight, an evening lecture and one-to-one conversation with a Nepalese woman mountaineer who has climbed Mt Everest — you’ll be inspired by her determination and courage
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Friday – Chitwan National Park, Jungle Resort
Board a flight this morning to the village of Bharatpur, with its ochre-colored thatched roof houses. Continue past small villages and terraced rice fields to the Tharu villages of Chitwan. Arrive at Temple Tiger Green Jungle Resort, nestled on the banks of the Narayani River and Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet your naturalist guide for a refreshing drink and briefing about the park and the many different activities available during your stay. The resort, within its own surrounding forest, is designed to adjust to the natural harmony. No doubt you’ll enjoy this memorable experience in the midst of one of the world’s most beautiful nature centers. Time to settle in and savor a leisurely lunch before this afternoon’s very special adventure. Begin with an exciting Jungle Safari that penetrates the dense grasslands to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Tonight, a slide presentation on the local wildlife by a senior naturalist is followed by dinner at the resort’s Round House. Share stories of today’s adventure with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Chitwan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14, Saturday – Chitwan National Park, Jungle Resort
Your day is filled with wonderful adventures starting with a morning Jeep Safari. Afterward, you can choose to board a boat or paddle a canoe down the Narayani River. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to view the Gharial or Mugger crocodiles as well as a variety of water birds. Then, travel a short distance by jeep inside the park stopping for a picnic lunch in this lush natural oasis. A nature walk with a trained naturalist introduces you to some of the wildlife and the huge species of birds. You’ll learn more about Chitwan and its conservation efforts during your discussion with the guides. Later, an ox-cart ride to an authentic Tharu Village where you visit the museum and the homes of some of the indigenous people. In the evening, enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner accompanied by a performance by the local Tharu dance group
Overnight: Chitwan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15, Sunday – Pokhara’s Natural Wonders
Depart the National Park and transfer to the Bharatpur Airport for your flight to Pokhara, the second largest city of Nepal. Arrive in scenic Pokhara, home to three of the highest mountains in the world. Lunch is at the hotel. Afternoon tour of some of the Pokhara Valley’s natural wonders including cascading Devi’s Falls, (Hell’s Falls) which drops out of sight and is hidden in an underground gorge and the Seti Gandaki River, that flows throughout the city. Visit Gorkha Memorial Museum before continuing to the diverse Old Bazaar with its ethnic traders and stalls selling everything from edibles to gold — it’s definitely an interesting place to stroll. Here, you also see the white domed Bindhyabasini Mandir, one of Pokhara’s most important shrines, dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati. The rest of the day is at leisure in Pokhara. Dinner is on your own
Overnight: Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 16, Monday – Pokhara and the Annapurna Mountains
Early morning hike to the viewpoint at the Peace Pagoda; see the unforgettable sunrise over the mountain peaks. The Annapurna mountain range dominates your northern view while the sweeping expanse of the Pokhara Valley looms over the south and east. This is a not-to-be-missed experience! Return to the hotel for breakfast, followed by a visit to the International Mountain Museum. View the many exhibits focused on technique, equipment, and materials for hiking, of great interest in a country that is dominated by hikers and trekkers. The museum is in a perfect location, surrounded by the stunning Annapurna mountain range — a favorite place for adventurers. Afterward, lunch together is at a local restaurant in Pokhara. This evening, you’re invited to a local family’s home for dinner. There will be lots of opportunities to share great stories, local legends and delicious home cooked food
Overnight: Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 17, Tuesday – Return to Kathmandu, Ancient Patan
Upon your return flight to Kathmandu, take an excursion to the ancient city of Patan, known as the “City of Fine Arts.” Your tour begins at the main square, filled with breathtaking Hindu temples and striking Buddhist monuments. See the old Royal Palace, dominating all others in grace and grandeur and the 16th century stone Krishna Mandir, with its 21 pinnacles dedicated to Lord Krishna. Other landmarks include the Golden Temple, and the terracotta temple of Mahabouddha. While in Patan, attend a lecture on Patan’s restoration process. Afterwards, time to rest and freshen up before tonight’s festivities. Tonight at a home hosted dinner, bid goodbye to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 18, Wednesday – Depart Nepal
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast