North India Tour with Nepal

Today, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi, a city with a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC. Begin your tour at Rajghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Next, visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's busiest market. Drive past the Presidential House and India Gate in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi. Explore Humayun's Tomb, built in 1562 by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum. Conclude your day with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, depart for Agra, the city renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to rest and relax. In the afternoon, visit the exquisite Itmad-ud-Daulah and the majestic Agra Fort. Spend the evening exploring the local markets, where you can shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Early morning before sunrise our tour guide will pick you from your hotel and take you for a guided tour of the Taj Mahal and Mehtab Bagh. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Jaipur. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Akbar in the late 16th century. After sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to Jaipur for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Jaipur. Begin your exploration with Rajasthan's iconic attraction, the "Amber Fort and Palace," a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592 using red sandstone and marble. This majestic fort complex is perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Maota Lake and the surrounding landscapes. Explore its extensive palace sections and intricate architecture, which blend seamlessly with the natural terrain. Following your visit to Amber Fort, continue your Jaipur sightseeing with a visit to Jal Mahal, the serene Water Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.

Proceed to City Palace, a magnificent blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture that houses museums showcasing royal artifacts. Next, visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, featuring impressive instruments designed for accurate celestial observations. Continue to Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, renowned for its intricate facade adorned with hundreds of windows that allowed royal ladies to observe street festivities. Explore the Albert Hall Museum, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture housing a diverse collection of artifacts. Conclude your day with a visit to Birla Mandir, a modern Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. After an enriching day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Jaipur airport to board a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, your will warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in Varanasi. Take some time to rest and relax. Later in the evening, attend the Aarti ceremony on the banks of the River Ganges. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Start your morning with a serene boat ride on the River Ganges, witnessing the sunrise and the spiritual activities along the ghats. Next, visit an Akhara to observe the traditional form of martial arts practiced there. Embark on a morning city tour of Varanasi, strolling through the sacred ghats and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, and pay homage at the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. Later, proceed to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Explore the Dhamekha Stupa, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and visit the Archaeological Museum to view ancient artifacts. Continue to the Chaukhandi Stupa, an important historical monument. Return to the hotel in the evening for a restful overnight stay.

Early in the morning, enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges, followed by a visit to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple or a walk through the various sacred Ghats of Varanasi (As per your interest). Later in the afternoon, leave for Bodhgaya. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a full day of exploration in Bodhgaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Next, visit the Bodhi Tree itself, a direct descendant of the original tree, and the Vajrasana or Diamond Throne, the exact spot where Buddha meditated. Continue your tour with a visit to the Great Buddha Statue, an impressive 80-foot tall statue depicting Buddha in meditation pose. Explore the various monasteries and temples in the area, each built by different Buddhist nations and reflecting their unique architectural styles and cultural traditions. Notable ones include the Thai Monastery, Japanese Temple, and the Tibetan Monastery. In the afternoon, visit Sujata Kuti, the house of Sujata, who offered Buddha rice pudding, ending his years of asceticism and leading him on the path to enlightenment. Also, explore the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Buddha meditated before coming to Bodhgaya. After a day filled with spiritual discovery and historical insights, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

After a fortifying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a journey steeped in history and enlightenment. Your first stop is Rajgir, a city steeped in Buddhist significance. Ascend the sacred Gridhrakuta Peak, nestled atop Ratnagiri Hill. Here, Lord Buddha delivered countless inspiring sermons, inspiring generations. Atop the peak stands a majestic Peace Pagoda, built by the Buddhist Sangha of Japan, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Buddha's teachings. Your exploration continues with visits to Venuvan, a tranquil park where Buddha resided, and Bimbisara Prison, where he is said to have spent some time. Next, continue your drive to Nalanda, a historical and religious gem in central Bihar. Here, explore the ruins of the ancient university, once a beacon of knowledge in the ancient world. Established in the 5th century BC, Nalanda attracted scholars and pilgrims from across Asia. Some believe Lord Buddha himself, as well as the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavira, taught here. A monument dedicated to the famed Chinese scholar-monk Xuanzang, who studied at Nalanda in the 7th century AD, stands as a testament to its global influence. Conclude your enriching journey with a drive to Patna, your final destination for the day. Settle into your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

After breakfast at your hotel, set off for Kushinagar, a destination steeped in Buddhist reverence. On your way, delve into the heart of ancient democracy with a stop at Vaishali, believed to be the world's first republic. This historically significant town holds particular importance for Buddhist devotees, as it's here that Lord Buddha delivered the renowned Radha Sutra to a massive gathering of eighty-four thousand followers. After immersing yourself in Vaishali's rich past, continue your drive to Kushinagar. Upon arrival in Kushinagar, check in to your hotel for overnight stay.

Embark on a poignant journey this morning as you visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar. Believed to be the very place where Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana, or final liberation, this sacred site evokes a sense of serenity. Witness the serene remnants of his cremation site at the nearby Rambhar Stupa. Later, prepare to cross the Indo-Nepal border and continue your pilgrimage to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind after your travels. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Perhaps delve deeper into Buddhist history at local museums or simply relax and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred town. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay at your hotel.

Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini. Begin your tour at the Maya Devi Temple, the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. The temple is surrounded by a tranquil garden, and the sacred pond, Puskarini, is where Queen Maya Devi is believed to have bathed before giving birth. Next, visit the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage to Lumbini in 249 BC. The pillar is an important historical monument and bears an inscription marking the birthplace of Buddha. Continue your exploration of the Sacred Garden, which houses several monasteries, stupas, and meditation centers built by Buddhist communities from around the world.

Afterward, head to Kapilvastu, the ancient capital of the Shakya Kingdom, where Prince Siddhartha spent the early years of his life. Visit the Tilaurakot Archaeological Site, believed to be the remains of Kapilvastu, where you can explore the ruins of the palace, ancient walls, and gateways. These remnants offer a glimpse into the early life of Buddha before he renounced his princely life in search of enlightenment. Continue your visit to the Kudan Stupa, where Buddha met his father, King Suddhodana, after attaining enlightenment. The stupa marks the spot where Buddha preached his first sermon after returning to Kapilvastu. After a day of spiritual exploration, return to Lumbini. The evening is free for your own activities, or you can choose to meditate in one of the peaceful monasteries in the Sacred Garden. Overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

After an early breakfast, depart from Lumbini and embark on a scenic drive to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, check in at your jungle lodge or resort and enjoy some leisure time to soak in the natural beauty. In the afternoon, venture into the heart of the park for an exciting jungle safari, where you might spot endangered species such as the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a relaxing evening.

In the evening, experience the vibrant local culture by attending a Tharu Cultural Dance Show, where the indigenous Tharu people showcase their traditional dances and customs. Dinner and overnight stay at a resort in Chitwan.

In the morning, enjoy a canoe ride along the Rapti River, where you can observe crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks and spot other aquatic wildlife. Later, take a guided nature walk through the jungle, learning about the rich flora and fauna that make Chitwan a biodiversity hotspot. Your experienced guide will share insights into the park’s ecology and the conservation efforts being made to protect its unique ecosystem. To wrap up the day, visit the Elephant Breeding Center, where you can learn about the center’s efforts to conserve the endangered Asian elephants and see young calves being nurtured. Later in the afternoon, leave for Kathmandu. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, set out for an engaging day of exploration, starting with Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.

Swayambhunath Stupa: Begin your day with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hillock 2 kilometers west of Kathmandu. This ancient Buddhist stupa, estimated to be around 2000 years old, offers breathtaking views over the valley. While the oldest written references date back to the 5th century, local legends suggest it could be much older, possibly forming during the valley’s creation. The stupa is popularly known as the "Monkey Temple" due to the large population of monkeys that roam the site.

Thamel: Next, hop on a rickshaw for a charming 20-minute ride to Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist district. This lively area is filled with narrow streets lined with a diverse range of shops, budget hotels, and eateries. It’s an excellent spot for souvenir shopping, offering everything from clothing and handicrafts to music CDs and paintings. When hunger strikes, you’ll find a variety of restaurants serving delicious local and international dishes.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Continue your tour at Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the city. This historic square is surrounded by a fascinating array of temples, courtyards, and ancient royal palaces. Highlights include the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar (the residence of the Living Goddess), Ashok Vinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and Kal Bhairav, the fearsome deity. Don’t miss the impressive Kasthamandap pagoda, which is said to have been constructed from a single tree and is the namesake of the city.

Patan Durbar Square: Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Patan, situated 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. Known as the "City of Artisans," Patan Durbar Square is renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture. The square features ornate palaces, artistic courtyards, and elegant pagoda temples, showcasing the peak of Newari craftsmanship from the Malla kings' era. Admire the intricate wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples spread across the square.

After sightseeing at Kathmandu, leave for Nagarkot, a tranquil hill station renowned for its breath-taking sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas. Check-in at a hotel in Nagarkot for an overnight stay.

Start your day with an awe-inspiring sunrise over the Himalayas in Nagarkot. After a hearty breakfast, we will drive to Bhaktapur, a city rich in medieval art and architecture. Explore the ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square, marvel at the exquisite temples, and stroll through its quaint streets. Next, head to Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in Nepal, where you can soak in the spiritual ambiance and watch monks in prayer. Later in the late afternoon, we will drive to Kathmandu, where you will check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the city, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of the day.

In the morning, we will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport, to board a flight to your home or onward destination.