Meeting and greetings on arrival and Delhi’s international airport and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay. Your first day of 16 Days India and Nepal Tour.

Monring after breakfast at the hotel proceed for combined tour of Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi visiting Red Fort - The red sand stone walls of Lal Quila, the Red Fort extend for 2 km and vary in height from 18m on the river side to 33m on the city side. Shah Jahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. The Red Fort dates from the peak of Mughal power. The Mughal reign from Delhi was a short one. Aurangzeb was the first and the last emperor to rule from here. Jama Masjid- the Great Mosque of Old Delhi was both the largest and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644, the mosque was not completed until 1658. It has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m (133ft) high constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. The courtyard of the mosque can hold 25,000 people. Take a rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk - the main street of Old Delhi - the colourful shopping bazaar just opposite the Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi after his assassination in 1948. New Delhi visiting Laxmi Narayan Temple also known as Birla Mandir, Qutab Minar – 234 feet high tower. The Qutab Minar itself is a soaring tower of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. It is nearly 73m(243ft) high and tapers from a 15m(50ft) diameter base to just 2.5m(9ft) at the top. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and the fifth of marble & sandstone. Also visit the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. Built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, the Persian-born senior wife of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, this is a wonderful early example of Mughal architecture. The elements in its design – a squat building, high arched entrances that let in light, topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens – were to be refined over the years to the magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Drive past India Gate (War Memorial), President’s House, which was once the Viceroy’s Palace, Parliament House and Secretariat buildings. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after relaxed breakfast at the hotel proceed to Jaipur in around 5 hours time. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax or explore the narrow streets of old part of the city. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast at the hotel visit Amber Fort - the ancient capital of the state until 1728. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake, which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Visit the Jagmandir the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors, Jal Mahal and the Temple of Kali. You ride up to the ramp of this 11th Century Bastion atop a gaily decorated elephant. City sightseeing tour includes Maharaja’s City Palace - which occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh, but other additions are much more recent, some dating from the start of this century. Today, the palace is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace now houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings and weapons. Also visit Jantar Mantar- an observatory, next to the entrance of the City Palace, begun by Jai Singh in 1728. Jai Singh’s passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as warrior and before commencing construction, he sent scholars abroad to study foreign observatories. Jantar Mantar appears to be just a curious collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a specific purpose, such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and azimuths and calculating eclipses. Evening dinner at city restaurant with live folk music. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri. Check in at the hotel on arrival in Agra. Abhaneri means “The City of brightness”, is a small town village famous for its amazing Baoris (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. The village of Abhaneri was established by Maharaja Chand. These deep and delicately carved step wells are a unique invention of the natives who used its structure for harvesting rainwater. Lunch enroute and local restaurant. Fatehpur Sikri 40 kms (25 miles) before Agra - a cultural and imperial capital conceived and built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and later abandoned due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings within the city including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti and Panch Mahal. Evening visit visit Taj Mahal at Sunset - built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the Emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned gray overnight. Construction of the Taj, begun in the same year, was not completed until 1653. In total 20,000 people from India and Central Asia worked on the building. The Taj Mahal is like a silent rhapsody that you will carry in your heart Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning proceed to first visit Mehtab Bagh - a 25 acre garden plot constructed during 1631 to 1635 AD, is the moonlight garden located along the western side of bank of the river Yamuna. It is laid just across the Yamuna, aligned with the world famous Taj in a symmetrical style. This is the ideal location from where one can view the perfect beauty of Taj Mahal under the romantic glossy moon light. This garden is one of the most attractive gardens in Agra and it replenish the grandeur era of Mughal dynasty in the minds of the traveler. This picturesque area is now converted into the epic centre of the eco-friendly environment developing around Taj Mahal. The soft cool breeze from Yamuna and the fragrance of the colored flowers in the garden are sure to attract all visitors to this romantic place. Return to the hotel via visiting Itimad-ud-daula's Tomb - on the bank of River Yamuna was built by the queen Noor Jahan, the queen of Jahangir, for her parents. It is an architectural marvel located in Agra. It is situated at the middle of the well known and scenic Persian Garden. The tomb was superbly designed and elegantly finished in marvelous architectural styles. This tomb is sometimes referred as baby Taj as it was the precursor of the architectural marvel the TajMahal. The tomb is fully laid by yellow marble with black and white marble inlay bringing the glorious days of the Mughal rule. This tomb is placed itself in picturesque surroundings of a beautiful garden. It is a main attraction in Agra. Return to the hotel for late breakfast. After breakfast time free for some rest. Afternoon leisurely visit the world famous Agra Fort, constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1695 on the banks of the Yamuna River. Initially the fort was a military structure, but during Shah Jahan’s reign it had partially become a palace. Evening “Mohabbat-the- Taj live Drama show” – a series of play depicting the saga of love. The true and immortal love of Shajahan for Mumtaj Mahal- his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of mughal era; emaculate hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after an early breakfast at the hotel transfer to Agra Railway Station to board Shatabdi Express train for Jhansi at 8.15 AM. Meeting on arrival at Jhansi Railway and proceed to Khajuraho via visiting Medieval town of Orchha - Orchha which has hardly been touched by the hands of Time. Orchha is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 17th and 18th century. The four main and important temples worth a visit are The Chaturbhuj, Janaki, Laxmi and The Raja Ram temples. After visiting continue on to Khajuraho and check in at hotel for overnight stay.

Morning tour of Khajuraho Temples. The small village of Khajuraho is in the Chattarpur district that housed the Chandella dynasty in the 11th Century. Khajuraho is famous for the temples here which have some of the most exotic and breathtaking carving ever to be done by a Human hand. The temples classified as Indo-Aryan architect are in three groups covering an area of about 08 square miles. The western Group is the largest and most important. The whole afternoon is spent visiting these temples. Afternoon transfer to airport to board flight to Varanasi at 1.30 PM. Meeting on arrival Varanasi airport at 2.10 PM and transfer to the hotel Evening excursion to River Ganges to witness life Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh ghat, close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is one of the prime attractions of Varanasi. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges, where you can see hundreds of devotees offering prayers to the sun god, and rinsing them selves of all their sins in this holy river. After breakfast, the morning is spent in looking around the city. Varanasi or Kashi as it was called in the 7th century B.C has been the religious capital of the Hindu faith since recorded time and is one of the oldest cities in the world and a hub of firmly rooted traditions. The old city of Varanasi is a maze of small streets and alleyways, hiding in disorderly array no less than 2000 temples and shrines. Domes, minarets, pinnacles and towers, and derelict 18th century palaces dominate the sacred left bank of the river Ganges. Lunch at city restaurant. Afternoon visit SARNATH : 10 kms from the centre of the city, Sarnath symbolises the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Lord Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The Museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles - Archaic, the covering work of sculptors from 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. You will also see Ashoka Pillar as part of the museum here. Overnight at the hotel.

Late morning after relaxed breakfast at the hotel transfer to the Airport to board flight for Kathmandu. Meeting on arrival at Kathmandu airport on arrival at 1.45 PM and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day free to relax or walk through the city. Overnight at the hotel.

(Optional) Early morning leave for airport for Mountain flight to view Everest and other peaks. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast Sightseeing tour of KATHMANDU CITY - The Hanumandhoka - Kathmandu's Durbar Square is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square with its old temples and palaces, epitomises the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Also visit the Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav - the God of destruction and the temple of Kumari (Vestal Virgin) or the Living Goddess - represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju is Buddhist by birth. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessing. Kasthamandap -- Located near the Kumari Temple is said to be built from the wood of a single tree from the city. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple. The Kathmandu Durbar Square was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. SWOYBHUMBHUNATH STUPA - the oldest Buddhist shrine. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire’s base are the all - seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu City and is situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of Kathmandu Valley and commands an excellent view of the Valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Afternoon excursion to PATAN CITY - This city of architecture and fine arts was founded in 250 AD, previously called Lalitpur. It is also known as the "Town with a Thousand Golden Roofs." This ancient city lies about 5 kms southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Interesting places to visit here include the Durbar Square, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hirayana Mahabihar Temple (The Golden Temple). Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast leave for Pokhara by car in around 5 to 6 hours time. Check in at hotel on arrival. Pokhara is a legendary lake valley of Nepal lying quite relaxed on the lap of the most magnificent range of Annapurna range of Mountains. On arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon free to enjoy the surroundings. Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast at the hotel proceed to visit Pokhara and its surroundings. You may like to enjoy at boat ride at Phewa lake. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast leave for Kathamndu by car in around 5 hours time, on arrival check into hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Evening Traditional Nepale’s dinner and city restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

Morning after leisurely breakfast at the hotel proceed for full day tour to visit Pashupatinath - one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for Shiva devotees. The Pashupatinath Temple is the largest Hindu temple and is considered to be the holiest of all Hindu Temples. This is a two-tiered golden temple with four silver doorways, hundreds of Shiva linga's shrines and holy symbols. It is located on the holy river Bagmati, 6 km east of Kathmandu . Non- Hindus are not allowed into this temple, but there is a lot to see out side. It is believed that this temple was built long before the Christian era begin. The Pashupati Temple was built in the fifth century and later renovated by Malla kings, Its original beauty still remains with the beautifully sculpted stone sculptures found here. Thousands of Hindus come each year on Shivaratri This is a huge Buddhist stupa located about 7 km east of Kathmandu. It stands on a massive mandala style platform and has features similar to the Swayambhunath. It is said that this stupa was built during the 5th century A.D. Every year, in winter, thousands of pilgrims from neighboring countries come to visit this place. Overnight at the hotel.

Traansfer to Airport intme to board flight for next destination. End of your 16 Days India and Nepal Tour Package with memories to cheer for long time !