NEPAL ADVENTURE

From time immemorial the Indian Subcontinent has caught the imagination of travellers, drawn to its fabled wealth, its diversity of cultures and religion, its courtly life and, above all, its enduring sense of mystery, This classical journey unravels some of the major influences that have shaped this remarkable region. This journey begins in the mountain kingdom of Nepal, to explore Kathmandu and three day trek through rural landscapes and hillside villages, with the Annapurna Range as a dramatic backdrop, you then take a flight to the shores of the sacred river Ganges to visit the holy city of Varanasi, continue to Orchha and the magnificent Chhandela temples at Khajuraho, famed for the beautiful erotic carvings. Heading west, the journey encompasses all the most important sights, including the Taj Mahal, Love story in marble. The sand stone buildings at Fatehpur Sikiri. The "Pink City" of Jaipur, before ending your journey in the historic capital of Delhi.

Route: Kathmandu- Pokhra- Trekking in Annuparnas- Varanasi- Khajaroh- Orchha- Agra- Jaipur - Delhi.
High Lights:
» 3 day trek in foothills of the Annapurnas.
» Mountain views.
» Bathing Ghatas of Varanasi.
» Erotic temples of Khajaroh.
» Taj Mahal.
» Elephant ride in Jaipur.

Best time: October to April.

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu:
Arrive Kathmandu, assistance on arrival with garland welcome and transfer to the pre-booked hotel . Morning free to re-charge. Kathmandu, the capital of the ancient mountain kingdom of Nepal, has the air of a medieval city, a maze of narrow streets, wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces. In the background there is often the gentle sound of jangling cymbals and the markets are a rich blend of colours and aromas. Only in the 1950s was Nepal opened up to visitors and today the contrast between 21st century technology and traditional lifestyles help to make Kathmandu one of the World's most fascinating cities.

Afternoon city tour (half day) : The tour of Kathmandu includes Durbar Square, the Temple of Kumari, the residence of the living Goddess with its carved wooden balconies and windows, Kasthamandap, a pagoda believed to have been built from the timbers of a single tree by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla, the National Museum, Swayambunath, which is said to be over 2,000 years old and one of the world's most magnificent Buddhist Stupas, and the Machendranath Temple, situated on a wide, spacious quadrangle on the outside of the main marketplace.
Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu- Pokhra (drive 206kms/ 7hrs). After breakfast drive through the foothills of himalaya , along the crushing rivers, rocky gorges and villages to the lake resort of Pokhra. Arrive and stay in hotel for two nights. (enroute we will have ample time for photograps/lucnc and chai). Breakfast, and overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Pokhra:
A day at Leaisure visit the villages, boat in the lake and enjoy splindid views of the mountains, looming over the horizons. Pokhra stands at 884mts, Phokra valley is inhabited by Bahuns and Chhetris, the hills around Pokhra are predominantly inhabited by Gurings. These sturdy tribal people continue to play an important part in the Gurkha regiments in India nd overseas and their earnings have a major impact on the local economy. Breakfast/linch/ dinner and overnight in hotel, with nice garden and fine views of the lake and mountains. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 4; Trekking
After breakfats start trek 4 hrs in the foothills of the Annapurnas. The route then drops to the Modi river valley, where we will stay for overnight in Lodge/tents. Afternoon free to explore the surrounding or relax. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 5: Trekking:
After breakfast follow the Modi River Valley, before climbing out of the valley and towards the mountains. Arrive and stay overnight in Himalaya Lodge/tents. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 6: Trekking:
Today, trek to the Basanta Lodge in Dhampus where you will stay for overnight, the route passes through Sub-tropical forests and small mountain villages. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 7: Trek to Pokhra.
After breakfast trek along the ridge and descend to the valley floor. Arrive and transfer to hotel for overnight. Breakfast, lunch and overnight in hotel.

Day 8: Pokhra- Kathmandu:
After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu. Arrive and stay overnight. Afternoon free. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 9: Kathmandu - Varanasi. (fly).
Morning At leasure or visit to the bazaar. Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to the holy city of Varanasi, known to devout Hindus as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Its name derived from its situation on the banks of the Ganges., at the confluence of two legendry rivers, Varuna and Assi. It is said that the city rests on the trident of Lord Shiva thus imparting an incomparable energy to it. It is the aspiration of every devout Hindu to die at Kashi, thus ensuring a direct passage to heaven. Breakfast and overnight in hotel

Day 10: Varanasi- Sightseeing.
Dawn Ghat Boat ride : Take an early morning boat ride along the River Ganges and see the famous bathing 'ghats', the stone steps which lead down to the river where you can watch the gathered faithful, ritually cleansing themselves. We will return to hotel for wash and breakfast, after.breakfast we take a guided tour to vist Sarnath, ten kilometers from Varanasi lies the site of Sarnath where it is said Buddha preached his first sermon, setting in motion the Wheel of Law. Pilgrims travel from around the world to Sarnath and there are monasteries constructed by Buddhists from several countries including China, Burma, Tibet and Japan.Afternoon time to visit Tulsi Manas temple, Hindu University and Aashrams on the ghats. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 11: Varanasi - Khajuroho (fly).
Morning free. Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to the Erotic city of Khajuraho, a thousand years ago, in the heart of India, artisans of the Chandela dynasty built the spectacular temples at Khajuraho, which were to become famed for their exquisite carvings and erotic sculptures. The sculptures, which were rediscovered by an English soldier in 1839, are said to portray the rite of creation in which both body and soul are involved. Of the original 85 temples only 22 now survive. Arrive and trannfer to the hotel for 2 nights. Khujaroh is home to the meginificent and remarkable erotic temple, with a backdrop of Vindhyan hills. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 12: Khajuraho - Sightseeing.
After breakfast visit to the Chandela Hindu temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in northern India. The remaining temples have been beautifully restored and are in excellent condition. Visit the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai temples, each remarkable for its beautiful design and architecture. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 13: Khajaroh - Orchha (drive 170kms/4hrs).
After breakfast drive to Orchha, quite intresting drive to see the rural life of India. Orchha ia a wonderful example of a medieval fort palace. Within the turreted walls are gardens, gateways, pavilions and temples. Arrive and stay overnight in hote. Afternoon visit to the Raj mahal a fine example of Bundala Rahput architecture also visit the most impressive Jahangir Mahal, built in stylish Hindhu and Islamic arcticture. Breakfat and overnight in hotel.

Day 14: Orchha - Agra (drive 247kms/6hrs).
After early breakfast, we drive to Agra, with the stunning Taj Mahal epitomizing the outstanding architecture of the Mughals. The earliest reference to Agra can be found in the epic Mahabharata where it is referred to as the Agravana. It was in the medieval period, however, that Agra rose to prominence as the capital of the Mughals when the city was beautified with gardens, water falls, bathhouses and canals. Today, the bustling streets of Agra boast a thriving carpet industry, leather workers and of course marble and sandstone sculptors, some of whom claim to be descendants of the craftsmen who helped build the great Taj Mahal. Afternoon at relax by the pool side. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 15: Agra- sightseeing.
Today we visit India's most celebrated monument the Taj Mahal, built as a monument of eternal love by Shah Jahan to the bride Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal looks amazingly graceful from almost any angle. It was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000 laborers and craftsmen and displays superb craftsmanship. The close up details of the Taj Mahal is as exquisite as the overall architectural design, with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface. RED Fort, Akbar began Agra Fort in 1565, with additions of the citadel being made through to the time of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan (Kind of the World). The forts have fine views of the Taj across the River Yamuna, and consists of Deewani - Aam(hall of public ordnances) and Deewan- Khass (the hall of Private ordnances), it also has a nice grape garden, beautiful fountain ways. Evening free, to relax by the pool. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 16: Agra- Jaipur (240kms/5hrs).
After breakfast drive throught the Rajasthani villages, Journey bringins us first to the Deserted sand stone building of Fater Pur Sikiri and the Sufi shrine of Sallem Chesti. Arrive Jaipur, built in 1727, was the dream of the brillian ruler Jai Singh. It has retained its reputation as one of the formost cities in India planned and executed in a manner that draws accolades from modern town planners. Jaipur is known as the pink city, because many buildings are still washed pink, the traditional colour of welcome, which was originally introduced to honor the visit of the Prince Albert in 1856. Overnight in hotel. Evening free. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 17, Jaipur
This morning we drive to nearby Amber, ascending by elephant to see the 16th century hilltop fortress - Palace and its richly decorated apartments. Ascend to the ancient Rajput capital of Amber, this fort palace was begun by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to the newly created Jaipur. You will visit the palace and its many intricate chambers and hallways, which has breathtaking views of the Jal Mahal (Water palace) below. In the afternoon we visit City Palace, still inhabited by Jai Singh's descendants is a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. A city within a city, it includes the Govind Deo Temple, the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory and the Maharaja's museum with his personal collection of weaponry, miniature paintings, royal attire and jewellery. On the periphery of the Palace stands the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, an elaborate pink sandstone façade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. Breakfast & Overnight in Hotel.

Day 18: Jaipur - Delhi (250kms/ 5hrs).
After breakfast drive to Delhi. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital, Delhi. It was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and Finally the British. All of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent history. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it at least seven times. Old Delhi Tour (half day) : Shah Jahan founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. The famous Red Fort in the heart of Old Delhi was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire and it boasts the Diwan-I-Am, Hall of Private Audience. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Afternoon sightseeing to Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque & Humayuns tomb. Breakfast & Overnight in Hotel.

Day 19: Delhi Departure.
Early morning fly back to your home country.