Travel Notices

Best of India

Delhi, Agra & the Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur, two jungle safaris in Ranthambore & Varanasi; optional extension to Nepal

Overview

from$3099Tour + Flights from$2199Tour Only 12days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on Apr 8, 2025 departure from NYC
$500 Instant Savings. Expires Dec 26, 2024.*   All prices reflect savings.
Piggy bank
$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
Traveling with friends or family? Claim a departure as a private trip for you and your crew (minimum 10 travelers). Call us to learn more.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures March 2025 – April 2026 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & CultureGrand ToursNature & Wildlife
Activity Level Moderate
What to Expect This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking. On the extension to Nepal, the tour reaches high altitudes requiring that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops.
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Join us and discover India's most significant cities, including New Delhi, the nation's capital and third-largest city; Jaipur, known as the "Pink City" for its unusual rose-colored sandstone architecture; Agra, site of the Taj Mahal, the world's most famous monument to love; and Varanasi, the holiest site in India, where thousands of Hindu pilgrims tour its temples and bathe in the Ganges River to gain religious merit. 

Plus, experience the wilds of Ranthambore National Park, an amazing destination you won't find on some other India itineraries. This former maharajas' hunting ground turned wild sanctuary of jungle and dramatic rocky outcrops shelters a 10th-century fort, ruined temples and old hunting pavilions, overgrown tombs, and wildlife including crocodiles, pythons, monkeys, sloth bears, and more. Oh, and it's also one of the best places in India to potentially see tigers! 

Want more? Choose to take our optional post-tour extension to Nepal. You'll base your adventure in the intoxicating and heritage-filled capital of Kathmandu and journey out into the Kathmandu Valley to charming places like Patan City and Bhaktapur. Of course, when in Nepal, it's impossible to forget that you are traveling in the shadow of Everest, and on this tour, we offer a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience: an optional early morning sightseeing flight over the tallest mountain on our planet.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK or EWR) including taxes & fees
  • Intra-India ground transportation and flight Jaipur to Varanasi
  • 10 nights in superior & deluxe hotels with private bath
  • 17 Meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 5 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
  • Comprehensive guided touring program including all entrance fees to places visited
  • Experienced, English-speaking tour director

Optional add-ons

  • Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
  • Optional cultural show in Agra
  • Optional Nepal post-tour extension
  • Optional morning flight over Mt. Everest

Why you'll love it

  • Experience the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
  • Ride by bicycle rickshaw in Delhi to India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid.
  • Share High Tea with a local Indian family.
  • Embark on two safari drives at Ranthambore National Park in search of tigers and other wildlife.
  • Visit the Amber Fort, a vast complex comprised of numerous courtyards and elegantly decorated halls.
  • Discover Jaipur’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar followed by a private dinner with a local family.
  • Immerse yourself in the chanting mantras and fragrant incense of a traditional Aarti ceremony.
  • Enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the rituals of Hindu pilgrims at a bathing ghat.

Videos

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $500 off if you book by Dec. 26, 2024!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 3, 2024
Finishes: Sat, Dec 14, 2024
Dec 3 – Dec 14
$4199 Departed
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Tue, Jan 28, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Feb 8, 2025
Jan 28 – Feb 8
$4049 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Feb 11, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Feb 22, 2025
Feb 11 – Feb 22
$4199 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Mar 4, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Mar 15, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 4 – Mar 15
$4099 –$500 $3599 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Mar 25, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Apr 5, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 25 – Apr 5
$4099 –$500 $3599 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Apr 8, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Apr 19, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 8 – Apr 19
$3599 –$500 $3099 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Oct 7, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Oct 18, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 7 – Oct 18
$4499 –$500 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Nov 11, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Nov 22, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 11 – Nov 22
$4549 –$500 $4049 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 2, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Dec 13, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 2 – Dec 13
$4599 –$500 $4099 Select
2026 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Tue, Jan 27, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Feb 7, 2026
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 27 – Feb 7
$4599 –$500 $4099 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Feb 10, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Feb 10 – Feb 21
$4549 –$500 $4049 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Mar 3, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Mar 14, 2026
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 3 – Mar 14
$4549 –$500 $4049 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Mar 24, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Apr 4, 2026
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 24 – Apr 4
$4499 –$500 $3999 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Apr 7, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Apr 18, 2026
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 7 – Apr 18
$4149 –$500 $3649 Select
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Wed, Dec 4, 2024
Finishes: Sat, Dec 14, 2024
Dec 4 – Dec 14
$3299 Departed
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Wed, Jan 29, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Feb 8, 2025
Jan 29 – Feb 8
$3149 Sold Out
Starts: Wed, Feb 12, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Feb 22, 2025
Feb 12 – Feb 22
$3299 Sold Out
Starts: Wed, Mar 5, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Mar 15, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 5 – Mar 15
$3199 –$500 $2699 Select
Starts: Wed, Mar 26, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Apr 5, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 26 – Apr 5
$3199 –$500 $2699 Select
Starts: Wed, Apr 9, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Apr 19, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 9 – Apr 19
$2699 –$500 $2199 Select
Starts: Wed, Oct 8, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Oct 18, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 8 – Oct 18
$3599 –$500 $3099 Select
Starts: Wed, Nov 12, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Nov 22, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 12 – Nov 22
$3649 –$500 $3149 Select
Starts: Wed, Dec 3, 2025
Finishes: Sat, Dec 13, 2025
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 3 – Dec 13
$3699 –$500 $3199 Select
2026 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Wed, Jan 28, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Feb 7, 2026
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jan 28 – Feb 7
$3699 –$500 $3199 Select
Starts: Wed, Feb 11, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Feb 11 – Feb 21
$3649 –$500 $3149 Select
Starts: Wed, Mar 4, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Mar 14, 2026
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 4 – Mar 14
$3649 –$500 $3149 Select
Starts: Wed, Mar 25, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Apr 4, 2026
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 25 – Apr 4
$3599 –$500 $3099 Select
Starts: Tue, Apr 7, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Apr 18, 2026
Book by Thu, Dec 26, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 7 – Apr 18
$3249 –$500 $2749 Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Best of India
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
Apr 7, 2026 $949
Feb 11, 2025;  Mar 25, 2025 $1069
Mar 4, 2025;  Apr 8, 2025;  Oct 7, 2025;  Jan 27, 2026;  Feb 10, 2026 unavailable
All other dates $1149
Separately Paid Taxes & Fees
India Visa & Processing Fee1 (paid separately) $45.65

1. All visitors to India must obtain their own visa before departure. This price is approximate, based on a single-entry visa from Sherpa. Price includes $25 Government fee + $20.65 Convenience fee. Actual price varies depending on the type of service you request.

TRANSFERS FOR PASSENGERS BOOKING TOUR ONLY
OPTIONAL AIRPORT TRANSFERS1
Arrival Transfer: Airport to Delhi $30

1. Price based on a minimum of two passengers.

Nepal Optional Post-Tour Extension
Nepal Post-Tour Extension
Dec 3, 2024 $999
Jan 28, 2025 $1049
Feb 11, 2025;  Apr 7, 2026 $1099
Mar 4, 2025;  Mar 25, 2025;  Apr 8, 2025 $1149
All other dates $1549
Nepal Visa Fee1 (paid separately) $30
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
Apr 7, 2026 $249
All other dates $329

1. Can be obtained upon entry or purchased in advance to avoid the long lines.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York City (NYC)1 included

1. NYC departures will be from either JFK or EWR based upon availability.

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

  • Your exotic journey to India begins today as you depart from the USA

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

  • Arrive in Delhi, India's capital. Following customs and immigration formalities, meet our representatives and transfer to your hotel

Shangri-La Eros Hotel or similar

Day 3 Old & New Delhi

  • Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi
  • Ride by bicycle rickshaw to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque

Shangri-La Eros Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Laxmi Narayan Temple, New Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, board your coach to explore Old and New Delhi, a city full of fascinating contrasts. By day, temples are packed with the devout, and by night, hotel discos are filled with the affluent. Begin at the modern Laxmi Narayan Temple, which enshrines Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity.

Continue to Gandhi Smriti, a museum and memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Then, drive past the Red Fort and continue by bicycle rickshaw to the Jama Masjid, the site of an exquisite mosque in red sandstone and marble. Completed in 1656 after six years of work by 5,000 laborers, it is considered one of the loveliest houses of worship in the world.

This afternoon, visit New Delhi, the city reflecting the British's legacy. Whereas the walled old city is all tradition in all its facets, New Delhi is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st-century standards. Your tour to New Delhi begins with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the 234-foot high tower made of sandstone, known as the seventh wonder of Hindustan, the tallest stone tower in India, and an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Continue past the India Gate, the Parliament building, and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant where you can enjoy sumptuous Indian food.

Day 4 Delhi & Agra

  • Transfer to the city of Agra
  • This evening, visit Sheroes Hangout

ITC Mughal or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Panoramic view of Agra

This morning, make your way to the city of Agra. In terms of ambiance, Agra is still associated with the Mughal period. Besides being great rulers, the Mughals were also great builders and preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra and its neighborhoods. There are many beautiful monuments, and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces, and aesthetically laid-out gardens, each a silent witness to the grand style of a golden era. Proceed to your deluxe, centrally located hotel for check-in.

This evening, visit Sheroes Hangout, a café that employs women who have suffered from debilitating acid attacks. To regain their self-esteem and livelihoods, this café is solely run by these survivors.

Day 5 Agra

  • Rise early for a breathtaking morning tour of the Taj Mahal
  • Discover the Agra Fort
  • Enjoy afternoon excursions in the local markets
  • Join a local family this evening for High Tea

ITC Mughal or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Sunrise over the Taj Mahal

Rise early before sunrise to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal. Built in the mid-17th Century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to express his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the world's wonders. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations and another example of impressive Mughal architecture.

This afternoon, explore the local markets where you should do your best to bargain for marble products and high-quality leather wallets, shoes, and belts. Later, visit the "Petra Dura Workshop," where you'll find beautiful marble inlay that is among the most renowned of India's handicrafts. During your visit, enjoy an opportunity to watch as artisans create fine-quality marble inlay pieces.

This evening, you are a guest for High Tea. This special treat, arranged exclusively for Friendly Planet travelers, allows you to meet and interact with an Indian family and learn more about life in India.

Day 6 Agra & Ranthambore

  • This morning, visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, known as the “Baby Taj”
  • Transfer to Bharatpur to board the train for Sawai Madhopur
  • Transfer from Sawai Modhopur to Ranthambore National Park

The Tigress Spa & Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Bengal tiger, Ranthambore

After breakfast, visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the “Baby Taj,” the first Mughal structure entirely built from marble. Transfer to Bharatpur to board the train for Sawai Madhopur. Sawai Madhopur and the Ranthambore National Park was originally the hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1972, the park was acquired by Project Tiger, a tiger conservation program, and became a National Park in 1980. Now, the park is one of the best locations in India to get a close view of tigers and other wildlife. Upon arrival, board your touring coach and drive the short distance to your hotel for check-in.

Day 7 Ranthambore

  • Embark on an early morning jungle safari to spot wildlife
  • Get a second chance to spot wildlife on an evening jungle safari

The Tigress Spa & Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Gray langur, Ranthambore

Rise early for the best opportunity to spot wildlife in Ranthambore National Park in open-air vehicles. Return to the hotel for breakfast and relaxation. Enjoy another chance to see wildlife on the evening jungle safari.

Day 8 Ranthambore & Jaipur

  • This morning, travel to Jaipur, the magnificent Pink City
  • The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure

ITC Rajputana or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
City Palace, Jaipur

After breakfast, board your touring coach for Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City due to its pink stucco buildings in imitation of sandstone. Here, you will find invincible forts, magnificent palaces and gardens, waves of dunes, and serene lakes. Little has changed except for the heavy traffic of bicycles, cars, and buses. After check-in, enjoy a stroll through the colorful streets and bazaars.

Day 9 Jaipur

  • Discover the ancient capital of Amber
  • En route, make a brief stop at the Palace of Winds
  • Enjoy an afternoon city tour of Jaipur
  • This evening, join a private dinner with a local family in Jaipur

ITC Rajputana or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Hawa Mahal

This morning, visit the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. En route, take a brief photo stop at the Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal. Famous for its beehive-like structure, the Mahal is an interplay of red and pink sandstone, from which the cloistered ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings-on in the street below.

Continue to the Amber Fort, which began in the 17th century and was built by Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful General. Ascend to the fortress by jeep to view the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls, many of them hung with magnificent wall paintings and some inlaid with precious stones and mirrors.

This afternoon, embark on a tour of Jaipur, including the City Palace, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens, courtyards, decorative art, and carved doorways. The City Palace Museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armories, costumes, carpets, and miniature paintings.

Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory), a collection of architectural astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then-new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1733. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a private dinner with a local family in Jaipur that is held exclusively for Friendly Planet.

Kindly note: You will see elephant rides offered around the Amber Fort. However, Friendly Planet Travel has made the compassionate decision not to include elephant rides in our itineraries, as the process of training these brilliant animals is not up to our ethical standards. In addition, elephant backbones are delicate and not meant to carry the weight of saddles and people. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Day 10 Jaipur & Varanasi

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi
  • Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers

Taj Ganges Varanasi or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Varanasi

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, the sacred heart of Hindu India. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. It is probably the oldest inhabited city in India and one of the world’s most ancient. As a place of devotion and worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims yearly, and many Hindus wish to retire here in the latter part of their lives.

Tonight, enjoy dinner with fellow travelers.

Day 11 Varanasi

  • Embark on an early morning boat ride on the river Ganges
  • Join an exciting city tour of Varanasi
  • Enjoy an evening aarti ceremony

Taj Ganges Varanasi or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Aarti ceremony Photo by Willem Proos

This morning at dawn, depart for an unforgettable experience on a boat ride on the river Ganges, stopping at the most important bathing ghats. From your boat, you will witness the rituals of Hindu pilgrims, which follow centuries-old tradition and the belief that those who die in Varanasi or whose mortal remains are immersed in the holy Ganges will be incarnated into human life in the next birth.

After your early morning tour of the bathing ghats, return to your hotel for breakfast. Later, board your touring coach to visit Varanasi, including Vishwanath Temple, Benaras Hindu University, and the Bharat Mata Temple. Explore Vishwanath Temple from the outside; dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. Continue to Benares Hindu University, considered Asia's largest residential university.

This evening, enjoy an aarti ceremony at the Assi Ghat. This ceremony celebrates Varanasi's religious significance and history, replete with tales of plunder and destruction by conquerors and religious zealots.

Day 12 Varanasi, Sarnath & Depart Delhi

  • This morning, explore Sarnath, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists
  • Visit the Sarai Mohana weaving village
  • Transfer to the airport for your return flight via Delhi
  • Your memorable journey ends tomorrow when you arrive in the USA

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath

Before your flight, drive to Sarnath, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Enjoy free time independently exploring the many stupas and temples or visiting the Sarnath Museum, whose most famous exhibit is the “Lion Capital of Ashoka”. This statue of four lions guarding the four cardinal directions has become an emblem of modern India and a symbol on the Indian flag. Next, make your way to Sarai Mohana, a village well-known for its silk weaving. Meet with a local and discover the hard work and craftsmanship that goes into weaving a traditional saree, which can take from 15 days to 6 months to complete.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving next morning.

Nepal Extension

Take advantage of your already included airfare and add an optional extension to mysterious Nepal. The Nepal Extension includes 1 night in Delhi, flight from Delhi to Kathmandu and onwards from Kathmandu, 3 nights in Kathmandu with a complete touring program, transfers, breakfast daily, and a farewell dinner and performance. Passengers taking the Nepal Extension will return to the U.S. 4 days later than the return dates shown. 

Day 12 Varanasi & Delhi

  • Transfer to the airport for your return flight via Delhi
  • Spend overnight in New Delhi at the Novotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar

Novotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar Breakfast

Day 13 Delhi & Kathmandu, Nepal

  • Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel
  • Visit Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Having cleared immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Upon exiting the terminal, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, and a welcome drink will be served upon arrival. After check-in, take a walk with your guide to Boudhanath, possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa.

Day 14 Kathmandu, Patan City & Swoyambhunath

  • Join an optional morning flight over Mt. Everest
  • Travel to Patan City south of Kathmandu
  • In the afternoon, visit the National Museum and Swoyambhunath, the ‘monkey temple’

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Swoyambhunath, Kathmandu

This morning, you will have an opportunity to experience an optional early morning scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas. After breakfast, visit Patan City, located just south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley. Walk from Kumaripati through the narrow streets, shops, and bazaars. On the way, visit the Golden Temple and then Patan Durbar Square, where you will see the sky-piercing temple of Taleju.

In the afternoon, drive to Swoyambhunath. En route, stop at the National Museum to see a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval, and modern Nepal. Continue to Swoyambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple," which is said to be over 2,000 years old and one of the world's most fabulous Buddhist temples.

Optional Excursion: Mt. Everest Flyover (purchased locally), $250
Prayer flags, Mt. Everest

Early this morning, have an opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas, weather permitting. This optional excursion must be purchased locally.

Day 15 Kathmandu & Bhaktapur

  • Enjoy a morning visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  • This afternoon, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square at the heart of the old city
  • In the evening, enjoy a Nepalese farewell dinner and performance

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Shiva Temple, Durbar Square

In the morning, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located in the center of Bhaktapur. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley and is home to some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. Here, you’ll see the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, the Nyatapola Temple, and statues of the kings of Nepal.

In the afternoon, drive back to Kathmandu and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, in the heart of the old city. Visit Kumari Temple, Taleju Temple, Shiv Parvati Temple, and Kaal Bhairav. On a walk through a local bazaar, discover the true heart of Kathmandu in the sights, sounds, and smells. Join your fellow travelers for a Nepalese farewell dinner and dance performance this evening.

Day 16 Kathmandu & Depart Delhi

  • Enjoy the morning at leisure in Kathmandu to shop and explore independently
  • Transfer to the airport for your return flight
  • Bid farewell to India & Nepal as you transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the USA
  • Your memorable journey ends tomorrow when you arrive in the USA

Breakfast

Hotels

Shangri-La Eros Hotel
Shangri-La Eros Hotel
Deluxe

The deluxe Shangri-La Eros Hotel is centrally located amid landscaped gardens in New Delhi's historic government district. It is an elegant oasis nestled within the heart of a bustling metropolis. Travelers around the world are offered a relaxing place to rest and recharge after a day of exploring this fascinating city.

More information

ITC Mughal
ITC Mughal
Deluxe

Sprawled over 35 acres of lush gardens, the ITC Mughal is in close proximity to the Taj Mahal. This 5-star hotel is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past.

More information

The Tigress Spa & Resort
The Tigress Spa & Resort
Superior First Class

The Tigress Ranthambore resort is located next to Ranthambore National Park, a vast wildlife sanctuary known for spotting tigers and other wildlife. The hotel offers an elegant and welcoming ambiance with close access to the Park.

More information

ITC Rajputana
ITC Rajputana
Deluxe

ITC Rajputana is located less than a mile from the center of Jaipur. The regal-influenced design and gardens echo Jaipur’s history.

More information

Taj Ganges Varanasi
Taj Ganges Varanasi
Deluxe

Taj Ganges Varanasi is a modern first class hotel nestled amidst 42 acres of lush gardens. The hotel is an oasis of greenery and a haven of peace and tranquility. Located in the bustling temple city of Varanasi, the hotel offers a fine mix of comfort, culture and cuisine in a 5-star ambiance. A visit to the on-site spa, swimming pool, or fitness center will refresh and invigorate.

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Novotel New Delhi Aerocity
Novotel New Delhi Aerocity
Deluxe

The Novotel New Delhi Aerocity is a five-star rated hotel that is ideally located at Aerocity, just minutes away from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and the Delhi Aerocity Metro Station. The hotel provides guests in transit with an excellent option for a comfortable overnight stay with first class amenities. The facilities include a fitness center, sauna and outdoor pool. A full service spa and beauty salon offer guests various services and treatments.

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Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Deluxe

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a five-star luxury hotel and resort in Kathmandu, set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds and created in the traditional Newari-style of Nepalese architecture. This beautiful hotel and resort is located within a short walk to Boudhanath Stupa: the most holy of all Tibetan Buddhist shrines outside of Tibet, and a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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