Embark on a 12-day journey through the spiritual and cultural heart of India and Nepal. Begin in Delhi, fly to Kathmandu to explore its ancient temples and the panoramic heights of Nagarkot, then continue to Varanasi's sacred ghats, Agra's timeless Taj Mahal, and Jaipur's royal palaces — returning to Delhi for your departure.
This carefully crafted itinerary blends two nations united by shared spiritual traditions, witnessing ancient ceremonies, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the living culture that continues to inspire seekers from around the world.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Delhi
Arrival at Delhi International Airport. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met in the arrivals terminal by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Upon arrival, check-in will be completed (standard check-in time is 14:00 hrs).
Delhi, the capital of India, is the main gateway to the country. Contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis that successfully blends the ancient and the modern. Amidst towering skyscrapers stand historic buildings and monuments that silently reflect the region's rich heritage. The first impression begins on the drive from the airport, as Delhi appears like a garden city, surrounded by trees and beautiful parks.
Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a morning exploring Old Delhi, discovering some of the capital's most important historical and cultural attractions. Drive through Chandni Chowk, the lively and rustic old quarter of Delhi. Visit the impressive Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, followed by a visit to the majestic Red Fort.
Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Proceed through the Rashtrapati Bhavan area, home to the President's residence, government buildings, Parliament House, and India Gate — monumental reminders of British imperial power. Visit the Salt March memorial and later the Qutub Minar, the tallest minaret in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Connaught Place, the commercial heart of the capital, and later visit the serene Sikh temple, Bangla Sahib, where one feels deep peace and inner connection.
Delhi – Nepal (Arrival in Kathmandu)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, after collecting your luggage and exiting the airport, our representative will be waiting to welcome you, holding a placard with your name.
Kathmandu is a perfect blend of ancient traditional Nepal and modern life. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, this city is home to countless temples and a rich cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu, walk through charming narrow streets lined with old brick houses, and experience the true beauty and soul of the country.
Transfer to the hotel. The afternoon is free at leisure.
Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the city of Patan.
Swayambhunath (the "Monkey Temple") is one of the most ancient and sacred sites in Nepal, dating back to 460 A.D. Located on a hilltop, it offers magnificent panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. The four sides of the stupa are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha, symbolising awareness and wisdom. This sacred site is perhaps the best place to observe the religious harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism.
Kathmandu Durbar Square lies at the heart of the old city and was once the royal residence of Nepal's ruling family. The square is surrounded by numerous ancient temples and shrines, richly decorated with wood carvings and remarkable architecture. A heritage walk through Makhan, Indrachowk, and Asan offers an authentic experience of local life, spice shops, traditional houses, bronze workshops, and bustling markets. A short walk away stands the Temple of the Living Goddess (Kumari).
Patan (Lalitpur — "The City of a Thousand Golden Roofs") is renowned throughout Nepal for its metalwork and craftsmanship. The historic heart is a maze of narrow streets, brick houses with carved wooden balconies, bronze decorations, courtyards, and small temples. Patan is home to more than 50 major temples and numerous ancient Buddhist monasteries. At its heart is Durbar Square, a masterpiece of traditional architecture with the 16th-century Royal Palace and the famous Patan Museum.
Kathmandu – Nagarkot
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Bhaktapur, located approximately 20 km east of Kathmandu (about 30 minutes' drive). Bhaktapur is a Newar city founded in the 9th century and feels like an open-air museum preserved through the centuries. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most charming architectural masterpieces of the Kathmandu Valley, featuring some of the finest medieval art in Nepal. Notable sites include the Lion Gate, Golden Gate, the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, and the five-story Nyatapola Temple. Bhaktapur Durbar Square was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
After lunch, drive to Nagarkot (18 km / approximately 1 hour). Nagarkot is a village located 32 km east of Kathmandu, at an altitude of 2,195 meters. It offers one of the widest Himalayan views in the Kathmandu Valley. On clear days, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views ranging from the Annapurna range in the west to Mount Everest and Numbur in the east. It is especially famous for its spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.
Nagarkot – Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Nepalese Buddhism and the Tibetan Buddhist world. The enormous white stupa, nearly 40 meters high, is adorned with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha. Built in the 14th century, it is considered one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The base is surrounded by 108 images of Dhyani Buddha Amitabha and approximately 650 prayer wheels inscribed with the sacred mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum." Nearby, more than fifteen richly decorated monasteries allow visitors to observe monks chanting sacred texts.
Visit Pashupatinath Temple, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. It is one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Shiva Lingam. Thousands of pilgrims visit from around the world to worship here. Only Hindus are permitted inside the temple, while others may observe rituals from outside.
Departure from Kathmandu – Varanasi
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time until hotel check-out. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Varanasi via Delhi. Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel.
In the evening, proceed to the banks of the Ganges River to witness the sacred Ganga Aarti ceremony. Observed from a boat, this deeply spiritual ritual connects faith with the holy river, accompanied by chants, lamps, and devotion. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride along the ghats.
Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the sacred Ganges to witness ritual bathing, prayers, and cremation ghats. This is one of the most profound spiritual experiences in India. Walk through the narrow lanes of the old city to observe daily religious life.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple, and museum.
Varanasi – Agra (Luxury Train)
Breakfast at the hotel. Board the Vande Bharat luxury train to Agra, with lunch and dinner served onboard. Arrival in Agra in the evening, transfer to the hotel, and rest.
Agra
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), a timeless monument of love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This white marble masterpiece is renowned for its perfect symmetry and intricate inlay work.
Later, visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in red sandstone along the Yamuna River. Explore its palaces and courtyards that once served as the seat of Mughal power.
Agra – Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the "Pink City." Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur is famous for its palaces, forts, and rich royal heritage.
Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
Jaipur – Amber – Jaipur
Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Optional participation in a Hawan ceremony, a Hindu ritual performed to bring positive energy and cleanse negative energy.
Morning visit to Amber Fort. Explore the palace complex including Jagmandir, Jai Mahal, and the Kali Temple with its gardens. Amber Fort, overlooking Maotha Lake, was begun in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I and completed by Jai Singh I. Its impressive exterior hides a magnificent blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture.
In the afternoon, visit local markets and textile workshops producing traditional Jaipur designs. Later, attend the Aarti ceremony at Birla Temple, a peaceful and sacred experience. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner with folk dances of Jaipur.
Jaipur – Delhi – Departure
After breakfast, check-out and drive to Delhi. Arrival in time for your international flight. Farewell with warm wishes and memories to cherish.
Have a wonderful journey!
Hotels (4★)
| City | Nights | Hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 02 | Park Plaza or similar |
| Kathmandu | 03 | Shambala or similar |
| Nagarkot | 01 | Club Himalaya or similar |
| Varanasi | 02 | Alokah or similar |
| Agra | 01 | Elinor or similar |
| Jaipur | 02 | Sarovar Premiere or similar |
Note: The base category is planned for all hotels. Room confirmation is subject to availability at the time of booking. In the event that the quoted hotels are not available, alternative hotels of the same category will be provided.
What's Included
- Airport assistance with traditional garland welcome
- Luxury private transportation with chauffeur
- Train journey Varanasi to Agra (lunch & dinner onboard)
- Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
- 11 nights in 4-star hotels in a double room
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Dinner with traditional Indian folk dances in Jaipur
- Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges in Varanasi
- All entrance fees as per the itinerary
- English-speaking escort guide & local guide in Varanasi
- Indian cooking class
- Visit to a traditional Hindu family
- Visit to rural villages
- Mineral water provided throughout
- 24/7 English-speaking telephone assistance
Nepal Extension Includes
- 3 nights in Kathmandu + 1 night in Nagarkot (with breakfast)
- All transfers & guided sightseeing in air-conditioned vehicle
- Airport pick-up by local representative
- Local English-speaking guide during sightseeing
- Entrance fees to monuments
What's Not Included
- • Nepal visa fee (USD 30 per person)
- • Personal expenses (tips, laundry, telephone, alcohol, camera fees, medical)
- • Meals not specified in the itinerary
- • Any travel or medical insurance
Things to Keep in Mind
- • Taj Mahal — closed on Fridays
- • Red Fort (Delhi) — closed on Mondays
- • Akshardham Temple — closed on Mondays
- • Hawa Mahal — closed on Fridays
- • Boat ride on the Ganges subject to river conditions
- • Check-in at 14:00 and check-out at 12:00 at all hotels
- • Hotels subject to availability; classification based on Indian standards
- • Travel times are approximate
Visa Information
Indian Visa: Apply at least 20 days prior to arrival.
Apply for Indian e-Visa →
Nepal Visa: Obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport.
USD 30 for a 15-day visa.