Golden Triangle with Kathmandu

Following a warm reception at the airport with fresh floral garlands by a representative or guide, guests will be transferred to their hotel. The representative will assist with check-in procedures upon your arrival at hotel. (Check-in times differ by hotel, but are typically between 1400 and 1500 hours.)

Overnight at the hotel in Delhi. 

Breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing of New Delhi. 

The tour begins with a visit to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a serene Sikh temple. Take in the spiritual atmosphere and witness the community kitchen where volunteers selflessly serve meals. Next, embark on a drive past India Gate, a grand war memorial and prominent government buildings, showcasing the city’s modern architecture and historical significance. Stop at Laxmi Nayarayan Temple, also known as Birla Temple, built by the industrialist Sh. J.K. Birla in 1939, dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Proceed to Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the tallest brick minaret in the world. Explore the intricate carvings and the surrounding archaeological complex. Drive to Humayun’s Tomb, the most perfectly proportioned and captivating of Delhi’s mausoleums, the monument that strongly influenced the Taj Mahal. A photography stop at Lotus Temple, a stunning Bahá’í House of Worship known for its distinctive lotus flower-inspired architecture and serves as a place of meditation and prayer for people of all faiths.

Overnight at the hotel in Delhi. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for sightseeing of Old Delhi,

Starting your tour with visit to Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial complex. Visit Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, and immerse yourself in its architectural splendour. Rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, absorbing the lively atmosphere and local life. Chandni Chowk (old Delhi market) one of the oldest and busiest markets, offering a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and cultural diversity, where narrow lanes are lined with shops selling spices, textiles, jewellery, and street food. Steeped in history, this bustling market provides a vibrant glimpse into Delhi’s rich heritage and serves as a delightful maze for exploration. A walk in the aromatic spice market, a sensory delight with its colourful array of spices and herbs. A photography stop at the Red Fort while you drive past the grand monument.

Later, drive to Jaipur (300kms/6hours). On arrival, check in and overnight at the hotel in Jaipur. 

Breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing of Amer & Jaipur City. 

We start with Amber Fort. Uphill & downhill by Jeeps at the fort. Amber (pronounced Amer) is at a distance of about 11 kilometres from Jaipur. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the bastion of the Kachwahas of Amber. The palace is a beautiful melange of Hindu and Mughal styles. The contrast between the harsh exterior and the inviting interior couldn’t be more surprising. During downhill, visit a very heritage structure – Panna-Meena ka kund, which is a square-shaped stepwell, with adjoining stairs on all four sides and a room on the northern wall.
We will make our way back to the city, en-route we will stop at Jal Mahal, Possibly the most serene sight amidst the chaos of Jaipur is the beautiful Jal Mahal Jaipur, the Water Palace. Short stops at the Jewel & Carpet Workshops in Jaipur are must to witness how the local artisans create marvels from raw materials.

Later in the second half of the day, visit Jantar Mantar, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered to be the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. It contains sixteen geometric devices, designed to measure time, track celestial bodies and observe the orbits of the planets around the sun.
City Palace, A beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family which lives in a private section of the palace.  The City Palace Complex includes the Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and the Maharani’s Palace (the palace of the queen).
Before you start exploring the local markets, stop for photography at the one world’s most famous façade Hawa Mahal.

Evening free time for Jaipur local markets. Overnight at the hotel in Jaipur. 

Breakfast at the hotel & drive to Agra (280kms/5 hours). En-route visit the Chand Baori Stepwell at Abhaneri.

Chand Baori is a stepwell situated in the village of Abhaneri in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It extends approximately 30m (100ft) into the ground, making it one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. 

On arrival in Agra, check in and overnight at the hotel in Agra. 

Sunrise visit of the Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal was built by a grief stricken Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in its beauty alone that shines forth, but in the deep planning and design that went into its making, and the ethereal idea of immortalizing love. Delicate carvings in marble vie with gorgeous pietra dura for attention.Lapis-lazuli, Cornelian, Mother of pearl, Agate and Emerald are inlaid in floral and geometrical patterns in the marble itself. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)

Post sightseeing of Taj Mahal, return to hotel for breakfast & daily routine.Later,

Check out and proceed for sighsteeing of Agra.

Agra Fort: Built by Akbar in 1565 A.D, this Fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the Fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas etc. Itmad-ud-daula: Built entirely in white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, this mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna exhibits a strong Persian influence. Marble Workshop; local artisans showcase their skill of Marble Inlay work in these workshops. The artisans in Agra are believed to be the descendants of the artists who were actual workers of Taj Mahal.

Drive to Delhi. On arrival, check in and overnight at the hotel in Delhi. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, meet with our company representative and transfer to hotel. 

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, meet with our company representative and transfer to hotel. 

Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu  Bhaktapur City, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, 

Bhaktapur City: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal.

Boudhanath: Boudhanath is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath. They established many gompas, and the “Little Tibet” of Nepal was born. This “Little Tibet” is still the best place in the Valley to observe Tibetan lifestyle.

Many people believe that Bouddhanath was constructed in the fifth century, but definite proof is lacking. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage who is venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. One legend has it that a woman requested a Valley king for the donation of ground required to build a stupa. She said she needed land covered by one buffalo’s skin and her wish was granted by the King. She cut a buffalo skin into thin strips and circled off a fairly large clearing. The king had no choice but to give her the land.

The Bouddha area is a visual feast. Colorful thangkas, Tibetan jewellery, hand-woven carpets, masks, and khukuri knives are sold in the surrounding stalls. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath. Conveniently situated restaurants with roof-top patios provide good food and excellent views of Bouddhanath.

Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. There are linga images of Shiva along with statues, shrines, and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. A temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this site in AD 879. However, the present temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697. A gold-plated roof, silver doors, and woodcarvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda construction. Guheswari Temple, restored in AD 1653, represents the female “force”. It is dedicated to Satidevi, Shiva’s first wife, who gave up her life in the flames of her father’s fire ritual.

A circuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors past a sixth-century statue of the Buddha, an eighth-century statue of Brahma the creator and numerous other temples. Some other places to visit are Rajrajeswari Temple, built in 1407, Kailas with lingas more than 1,400 years old, Gorakhnath temple, and the courtyard of Biswarup. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over South Asia offering puja worship to Shiva, tile Lord of Destruction.

The Bagmati River flows close by and the Arya Ghat cremation grounds are here. We strongly advise photographers not to take photos of cremations and of bereaved families. Sadhus, sages who follow the lifestyle of Shiva, may be seen covered in ashes and loin-cloths. They ask for money in case you want to take their photos.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. 

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for sightseeing of Patan city with Kathmandu Dubar Square. 

Patan City: Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square is an enchanting mélange of Palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious monuments. One remarkable monument here is 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone.

Swoyambhunath: The four seeing eyes of Swoyambhunath Stupa watch over the valley from the top of 77-m high hillock on western side. This most glorious Stupa in the world, is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu valley out of a primordial lake.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between 12th and 18th Centuries, used to be the seat of ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. It is the place where kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. Kumari Temple: Kumari temple is the residence of the Living Goddess. Kumari, known as Virgin Goddess has got some specialties, she must be chosen from a typical Newari cast with no body marks & injuries & will be replaced by another Kumari after puberty.

Free time in Thamel Market. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. 

Departure transfer to airport for flight back home or onwards destination. (breakfast subject to time availability)