North India Tour with Nepal

On the day of arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day sightseeing of Delhi. The National Capital of India, Delhi has been in existence since the 6th century BC. Start your sightseeing from the Rajghat, the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Later, visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi. Afterwards, drive past President House, and India Gate in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi. Thereafter, visit Humayun's Tomb, built in 1562, commissioned by Humayun's wife Hamida Banu Begum. Later in the evening visit the Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Agra "The City Of The Taj Mahal". Upon arrival at Agra, check-in at your hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, and Agra Fort. Evening is free for shopping of handicrafts as souvenirs from the market of Agra. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early morning before sunrise our tour guide will pick you up from the 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. It was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day. After sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to Jaipur for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day guided tour of Jaipur. Start you sightseeing with the iconic attraction of Rajasthan "Amber Fort and Palace", A UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Raja Man Singh in 1592 in red sandstone and marble. The magnificent fort comprises an extensive palace complex, divided into several sections. It stands on top of an easily scalable mountain, which is situated right next to the beautiful Maota Lake. The fort's majestic appearance and its geographical advantages make it a special place to visit. After Amber Fort, visit Jal Mahal (Water Palace), City Palace, Jantar Mantar, The Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds), Albert Hall Museum, and Birla Mandir. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our representative will transfer you to Jaipur airport to board a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in Varanasi. Rest and relax at the hotel, later explore the city of Varanasi, visit various ghats, sacred temples and the local market of Varanasi. Later in the evening attend Aarti on the bank of River Ganges. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges, followed by a visit to Akhara and see the traditional form of martial arts practiced there. Morning city tour of Varanasi, this includes a walk through the various sacred Ghats. Visit the sacred shrine of Kashi- Vishwanath (also known as the Golden Temple), and Bharat Mata Mandir, a simple temple dedicated to 'Mother India'. Later proceed to Sarnath, an important site for the Buddhists, visit the Dhamekha Stupa, the Archeological museum and the Chaukhandi Stupa. In the evening attend aarti on the bank of River Ganges in Varanasi. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Bodh Gaya. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, head out for full day sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya, visit Mahabodhi Temple - The temple, named after the Buddha, is a sacred place for the Buddhists in Bodh Gaya, Maha- bodhi tree - The tree is considered holy since Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under it, after that visit Sujata Village, Niranajana River, various monasteries, etc. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Patna. On the way, halt at Rajgir, to visit Gridhkuta Peak, at the top of Ratnagiri hill, where Lord Buddha preached many inspiring sermons, a Peace Pagoda has been built by the Buddha Sangh of Japan. Also visit Venuvanaram and Bimbisara Prison. Then drive to closely located Nalanda - the historical and religious place in central of bihar. In Nalanda - visit the ruins of ancient university; the site of Nalanda was one of the greatest monastic universities of the ancient world University established in 5th century BC. It is believed that Lord Buddha and also the founder of Jainism religion Lord Mahavir taught at this university for years. There is even a monument to facilitate Chinese traveler monk and writer Hiuen Tsang who studied at this university in the 7th century A.D.   Later, continue your drive to Patna for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kushinagar. Enroute visit Vaishali, which is believed to be the first republic of the world, having an elected body of representatives hold special significance for Buddhist Devotees. The Buddha preached the Radha Sutra to the eighty four thousand faithful gathering here. Later continue your drive to Kushinagar. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day free for own activities or attend religious activities in the temples. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit - Mahaparinirvana temple , this is the place where Buddha passed into Parinirvana, also visit Rambhar Stupa where Lord Buddha was cremated. Later leave for Lumbini, crossing Indo-Nepal border. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day free for own activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel we drive to Chitwan for our next adventure.

For a country known for its beautiful mountains, the gigantic flat lands of Terai that stretches throughout the southern part of Nepal provide a wholly different experience. A visit to Nepal remains incomplete without seeing the beauty of the Terai. The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna. The wildlife and the landscape are not as breathtaking as those found in Africa but still, the experience will stand out. Chitwan is only 150m above the sea level. The place gets steamy from March-June, with peak temperatures reaching 43°C in the shade. Short grass makes Feb-May the best game-viewing season, but the autumn months are gorgeous, with Himalayan views, and in winter (December-January). Chitwan is pleasantly warmer compared to Kathmandu. The monsoon season (July-August) is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant vegetation. While the rain isn't constant, the humidity is all pervasive.

Upon arrival at Chitwan National Park, check-in at the resort. After lunch, enjoy village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu village where you will learn more about the life and lifestyle of the Tharus. Visit to the National Park Visitor's center where you can learn more about the history of the National Park and about wildlife & Sun set view from the bank of Rapti River. Later in the evening, there will be an entertainment through Tharu Stick Dance. You are more than welcome to join the village girls and boys as they move their hips in a local rhythm. Overnight stay at the resort.

The day will keep busy with varieties of wildlife activities spread over the day. In the morning, enjoy a canoe ride along the Rapti River. Let your mind wander and relax as you float on a serene trip down the Rapti River in a traditional dugout canoe. You will be able to spot crocodiles and other reptiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks, or admire the graceful lines of Ibises and other waterfowl as you travel silently and peacefully down the river. Also take an exciting and invigorating walk through the lush sub-tropical jungles of Chitwan. Our trained naturalists take you to prime spots to view deer, rhinos, sloth bears and other wildlife. They will also give you interesting information about the various plants and animals of the jungle throughout your walk, later get back to the resort for lunch. Post lunch enjoy a jeep safari for half day 4-5 hours inside the National Park + visit to crocodile Breeding Center, where you will learn about how they collect crocodile's eggs and hatch them and send them to river. Overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast at the resort, leave for Kathmandu. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel, rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, commence the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar square, Swayambhunath stupa and Patan Durbar square.

SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hillock 02 kilometres west of Kathmandu overlooking the valley. The oldest written reference to the stupa dates from the 5th century, but it could have existed much earlier. Moreover, a legend has it that the stupa evolved spontaneously at the time of the Kathmandu valley's creation. Swayambhunath is famously known as as "the Monkey Temple" owing to the presence of a large number of monkeys around the area.

THAMEL: Later, get on a rickshaw (tricycle) for an interesting 20-minute ride to the tourist hub of Thamel. Travelers and the locals consider it a tourist haven. Its filled with narrow streets, all lined with budget hotels, small shops selling everything from food and provisions to clothes, carpets, walking gears, music CDs, DVDs, handicrafts, paintings which make it an ideal place for souvenir shopping. The area also has some very good restaurants when you need to stop for munching.

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: The durbar square with its arrays of temples, courtyards, monuments and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals is located in Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu city, the country's capital. Chief attractions here include Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; the temple of Ashok Vinayak dedicated to lord Ganesh (elephant headed deity), and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath. There is a giant pagoda of 'Kasthamandap', a structure which is said to have been built out of a single tree. The name of the capital 'Kathmandu' is said to be actually derived from 'Kasthamandap'.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE: Located 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, the Patan city popularly known as 'the city of artisans' accommodates a magnificent square housing the palace buildings of the then royals, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples - a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Malla kings. It is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Nagarkot [1 ½ hours under normal road conditioned] en-route visit Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur.

BOUDHANATH: One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal; Boudhanath is a spherical stupa structure imposing at a height of 36 meters with three massive Mandala style platforms. Located 08 kilometres east of Kathmandu, the stupa with four pairs of eyes at the four cardinal directions is believed to be keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. Built on an octagonal base inset with 108 prayer wheels, the shrine is ringed by the settlement especially of the Tibetan refugees who entered Nepal in the 1950s. They have developed the place into a 'Mini-Tibet' ever since.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO): A former capital of the valley, it was once a flourishing city on the trade route to Tibet. It has preserved its traditional character better than the other two cities, due to its more isolated location. It is regarded today as a classic showcase of medieval Nepalese town life. It is situated in the east of Kathmandu valley about 14 km. away. It today retains much of its beauty in ornate woodcarvings and in the famed Golden Gate.

Special activity - Local hands on pottery experience.

NAGARKOT: A village located about 32 kilometres east of Kathmandu on the north-eastern rim at an elevation close to 6,800 feet above sea level. Nagarkot is famous as one of the most scenic spots in the region, renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise view. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. With a panoramic view of the Valley, it is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round. If luck favours, you can even spot Mount Everest out with its snow-topped peaks on a very clear day from an observation tower at the very top of the village's hills.

Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, Alkof Holidays representative will transfer you to the Kathmandu International Airport to board the flight to your home or onward destination.

YES. We can customize your India Holiday Package, as per your interest, and preferences.

On arrival at New Delhi Airport, India, our local representative will be there at the airport holding a placard of your name for identification. We shall also provide you list of emergency 24 hours contact numbers for any emergency.

Although tipping in India is not compulsory, doing so is a nice gesture. In some circumstances, a small tip is expected. The rules of etiquette for gratuity in India are a little muddled as a colonial past, tourism, and cultural influences clash. We do recommend tipping at various instances, but tip higher only when you are very happy with the service. Tip can given after completion of the services from 5$, 10$ or more as per your choice and depending on how much satisfied & happy you are with the service provider.

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