Day 01: ARRIVAL / DELHI
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as
our representatives welcome you and escort you to your van.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative
would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents
to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest
is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity
to serve you!
Overnight at Hotel Justa � The Residency, G.K. (Superior Room)(No Meals)
Day 02: DELHI
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as, Humayun�sTomb (1586), the Qutub Minar 72 meters high and one of the mostperfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which hassurvived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continuewith a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings(1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main shoppingdistrict of the capital.
Later we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old citywith visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through thefabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to MoonlightSquare) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the RedFort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jahan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid andcarved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation,Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles witha sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the frontand two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture thehustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people andpavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ridewould be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers.
Overnight at Hotel Justa � The Residency, G.K. (Superior Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Jaipur (270 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur along one of the India�s finest freeways.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into the Shahpura House, the Traditional Rajput architect, a mixtureof Mughal and Indian, a facade with domes and frescoes. The House is a very fine example ofShekhawati frescos and architecture. Conceived as a traditional Indian palace, The ShahpuraHouse showcases the rich heritage of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan with its ramblingcourtyards, gentle rippling fountains, reflecting pools and gardens. Interiors embellished withdecorative domes, hand painted frescoes, intricate mirror work and beautifully crafted artifactscreate an ambience of regal splendour, the family portraits, which add to the charm of this familyhotel where tradition still runs strong.
After rest & relaxation, we will explore the unending shopping options ofJaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting point for Rajasthancraftwork is block making and block printing and we will be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also existshere to tailor make outfits to your design and sizee.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its jewelry, which offers a variety thatranges from chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art ofstone setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur.The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamelornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold andsilver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious stones make aninexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. Theskilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade,smoky topaz and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are also available.
Overnight at Shahpura House (Suite Room)
Day 04: JAIPUR
Morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Fewfail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltopfortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkledAravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palacestraddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, andits sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant,passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur haveentered for four hundred years. Our guide will elaborate on the history ofthis architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzlingmosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today�s visitors as they didtheir former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstonewith semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the oldcity. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the worldthrough its 593 stone screens.
Later in the afternoon, we proceed on a tour Of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palacein the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani andMughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine vies overthe gardens and the city. The palace lies in the heart of thecity and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wallhas seven gates and was built for protection from invadingarmies and animals that lived in jungles, which surroundedthe wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - anastronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date.
Overnight at Shahpura House (Suite Room)
Day 06: Ranthambhore
Morning & afternoon Jungle excursion in shared Jeep / Canter (Community Safari Vehicle).Ranthambhore is known to have India's Friendliest tigersAssured of protection; these nocturnal creatures are seenoften in the day. Sprawled on the Aravalli and Vindhyaranges of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore National Parkencompasses an area of 410 Sq. km. in which lives ahealthy population of about 40 tigers. A large number ofdeer inhabit the area and leopards are occasionallysighted. The Pandam Taloa lake, located adjacent to theJogi Mahal hunting lodge, is the park's favorite watersource. Smaller pools at Raj Bagh and Milak also attracta variety of wild life The best way to exploreRanthambore is in canter as the park is well connected byarterial roads and tracks. Some of the popular sightingareas are Nal Ghati, Lahpur, Bakuala, Anantpur and theKachida valley. Mammals: Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Jackal,Jungle Cat, Caracal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai,Wild Boar, Chinkara, Indian hare mongoose. Birds:Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, great Indian hornedowl, grey partridge sandgrouse, quail, spurfowl, commonpeafowl, tree pie, paradise flycatcher, pheasant tailedjacana, painted stork, black stork, spoonbill, green pigeon, ducks.
Overnight at Ranthambhore Regency (Standard Room) (B, L &D)
Day 07: Ranthambore / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (270 Kms) (06 Hrs Drive)
Morning jungle excursion in shared Jeep / Canter (Community safari vehicle)
Later, we drive to Agra stopping at deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capitalof the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire�s splendour. The citydivided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here wecontinue riding to Agra.
Upon arrival check into Hotel Radisson.
Overnight at Hotel Radisson (Superior Rooom)
Day 08: Agra / Delhi (205 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world.However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj.Once you hear about a building so much and once yousee so many pictures of a building your expectations arereal high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. Nomatter how many pictures you have seen or no matterhow high your expectations are the Taj never lets youdown - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the buildingsurpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunrise wevisit one of the greatest sights of one�s lifetime - TajMahal. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witnessthe magical effects caused by the reflections of thechanging colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building. Later we return back toour hotel for breakfast.
AAfter breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect aninteresting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. This fort was built byEmperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo thestory of the Mughal Empire.
Later, we will drive to Delhi along with India�s finest freeways
Upon arrival in Delhi, check into Hotel Justa, G.K
Home Visit & A Dinner with an Indian Family : This evening, we would visit an Indian familyfor an Indian home experience in India. The evening is designed to give you a �feel� and insightinto Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and homemade Indian food
Overnight at Hotel Justa � The Residency, G.K. (Superior Room)
Day 9: Delhi / Varanasi (SG 116 � 0905 / 1025 Hrs)
Morrning, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi
Varanasi is quite possibly the world�s oldest living city. Religious artifacts link it to the sixthcentury B.C. Said to be founded by Shiva, Varanasi�s Vedic affiliation goes back to the beginningof time. It is also a city of many names. The present name, Varanasi (derived from the names oftwo nearby rivers) is mentioned in the Mahabharata. The ancient name is Kashi, the City of Light.To the devout it is also called Kashika, the shining one, referring to the light of Shiva. Manyothers prefer the anglicized Benares. Revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jain alike, Varanasi isconsidered the holiest city in all of India. It is presided over by Shiva in his manifestation asVishwanatha, Lord of the Universe. Buddha delivered a sermon in nearby Sarnath and Mahavira,the founder of Jainism, lived in Varanasi. As a result, more Indians will make a pilgrimage toVaranasi in their lifetime than any other place.
Meeting & assistance upon arrival in Varanasi and transfer to Rivatas by Ideal
Evening, we visit the ghats of Varanasi to witness theperformance of Ganges Aarti. We enjoy a special eveningcruise on the Ganges. See the Hindu devotees performingthe "Puja" with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizingand the ambience is spectacular in the backdrop of thebeating of cymbals and bells as well as the incessantchantings. Later return to the hotel.
Overnight at Rivatas by Ideal (Deluxe Room)
Day 10: Varanasi
After breakfast, we will visit several temples and the Hindu University at Benares. First stopwould be the Bharat Mata (temple of Mother India). Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, it featuresa huge marble map of India on the ground floor. Next up, the Durga Temple. Known for its brightred color and the playful, if sometimes aggressive, monkeysthat run amok there, the Durga Temple is one of the mostimposing architectural monuments in Varanasi
The university, which occupies a large piece of land at thesouthern end of town, is also home to the New VishwanathaTemple. The New Temple is modern in design and open toHindus and non-Hindus alike. Surrounded by palm trees, it is asplendid white marble structure that shines in the afternoon sunagainst a pale blue sky. Inside, the temple is spacious and airy.The interior walls are covered with Vedic art aboveinscriptions from the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. In the center of the first floor is the Shivalinga.
Evening, we take a short trip to the Buddhist city of Sarnath .It is here that the Buddha preachedhis first sermons after attaining enlightenment.
Overnight at Rivatas by Ideal (Deluxe Room)
Day 11: Varanasi / Kathmandu (AI 251 � 1230 / 1340 Hrs)
At dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride. Every morning at dawn hundreds ofworshippers can be seen bathing in the sacred waters.The great river banks are lined with an endless chain ofstone steps�the ghats�that stretch from one end of thecity to the other. The Ghats form an impressive part ofthe religious landscape of the city. Proceedingdownstream at a leisurely pace, you would be pointedout the significant temples and buildings as well as thechanging architectural style. Life and death go hand inhand in Varanasi. While young people seek prosperityand protection from harmful influences, the oldergeneration comes to Varanasi to cleanse their souls in the forgiving waters in preparation for their ultimate dissolution. Believing that anyone who dies in the river of life in Varanasi gains freedomfrom the cycle of birth and death, the City of Light has become a haven for the sick and agedwaiting out their final days. The smoke that billows from the crematoriums on the edge of theriver gives testimony to their final release from life�s earthly confines. We would dock our boat atManikarnika (Cremation) Ghat. On any given day, anywhere from a few dozen to a few hundredcorpses are crremated here; the ghat is assiduous with activity as the cremated bodies threw upsmoke and fire.
Following the boat ride we set off on foot to explore the inner city. Through a twisted maze ofnarrow alleys, home to numerous shrines and pilgrim shops, we walk back a few centuries. Lifehere has stood still for years. The homes, the shops and even the cattle have not changed over thecenturies. It is a brilliant nostalgic experience of timelessness!
Later, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Kathmandu.
The Kathmandu Valley has an exotic setting. It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wallabove, which tower mighty snow-capped peaks. It consists of. Three main towns of great historic,artistic and cultural interest: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The Kathmandu Valley covers anarea of 2148 sq. miles. It is situated at 4,423 ft. above sea level.
Meeting & assistance upon arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel De L� Annapurna.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Hotel De L� Annapurna (Deluxe Room)
Day 12: Kathmandu
After a leisurely breakfast we will proceed for half-day sightseeing tour of Swoyambhu NathStupa & Kathmandu Durbar Squire.
We visit first Swoyambhunath: this is one of the world�s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It issaid to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire bases are the all-seeing eyes ofLord Buddha. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77 m. abovethe level of the Kathmandu valley.
Then we proceed to Kathmandu city visiting old Durbar Square with its medley of temple andshrines. Durbar Square where many monuments of historic interest such as the old palace � thehistoric seat of present royalty, Jagannath temple with erotic figures carved on its strut, Big Bell,Big Drum, Kal Bhairav the god of destruction, Kumari Ghar � the temple of only living goddessKumari and Kasthamandap the wooden rest house believed to be built from the wood of a singletree.
Later we will visit Patan Durbar Squire. The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast ofKathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhistmonuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed Both Hinduism and Buddhism toflourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's Visitors. PatanDurbar Square: Situated in the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. TheSquare is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. ThePatan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the Central Mul Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Krishna Mandir: Built in the 17th century, the temple of Lord Krishnaholds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the firstspecimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spiresand is completely made of stone.
Overnight at Hotel De L� Annapurna (Deluxe Room)
Day 13: Kathmandu
After breakfast we will visit Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon), Pashupati Nath temple & Bouddhanath :-
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of55 Windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carvedspecimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters withmarvelous intricacy. The Palace of 55 Windows was built in the 17 th century. Among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 Windows. This balcony isa masterpiece of woodcarving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi, which is also located in theDurbar Square, is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets beautiful example of Shikharastyle architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple, which is alsoknown as the � Bell of Barking Dogs�. This colossal bell, placed in 1737 AD, was rung to signalcurfew during those days.
The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces likethe Lion Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Batsala temple, etc.A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed in the columnfacing the palace of the many.
Then we proceed to PASHUPATI NATH TEMPLE & BAUDHA NATH STUPAPashupatinath Temple: Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva,Pashupatinath, with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrinesfor the Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see thetemple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the BagmatiRiver & Stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one ofthe biggest in the world, and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world and known as �LITTLETIBET�.
Overnight at Hotel De L� Annapurna (Deluxe Room)
Day 15: Zhangmu / Xegar (New Tingri) (2300 metres)
From Zhangmu check post it takes about 2 hours to reach pleatue of Thingri and another 2 hoursto reach Lalung Leh (5050m). From this pass a very long range of mountains may be visible �Langtang (7245m), Xixapangma (8013m), and Dorje Lakpa (6980m) in the west. And in theeast, Makalu (8463m), Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Chou Oyu (8210m) and Gauri Shanker(7134m) can be seen. So five peaks of more than 8000 metres high can be seen from here. Theroad follows the valley passing some Tibetan villages where we often stop. After a brief driveNielmu is reached � the starting point of Xixapangma Trek, and then onto Nielmu Pass (3800m)from where there are views of the Jugal Himal. After another 2 � hour�s drive along the deepvalley of the Bhote Kosi on a spectacular road with lots of waterfalls on both sides of the valley,we reach Zhangmu. On reaching Zhangmu check-in to hotel.
Overnight at Everest Hotel
Day 17: Xigaste / Gyangtse (3900 metres)
Morning, tour of Gyangste. The famous Tashi Lumpo monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama untilhis death in 1989, with its huge thangka wall lies clearly visible on the north side of the road. Thehotel is large and inefficeintly run and alternatives to the hotel restaurant can be found the hotelmain gate.
We visit the Tashi Lumpu Monastery in the afternoon. The tour includes the temple of the largefuture Buddha which is 26 metres high and is gilded with gold and decorated with valuablejewels. The main and biggest monastery has prayer halls, printing blocks and alters of differentgods and goddesses. Below often monks and Lamas can be found studying and debating.Afterwards it is interesting to visit the market and old town.
Later, we start for Gyangste. The drive to Gyangste is a pleasant 2 hour�s drive.
Overnight at Gyangste Hotel (B)
Day 18: Gyangste / Lhasa (3950 metres)
TGyyangtse is small bustling town steeped in history. It lies 264 km southwest of Lhasa on thenorthern bank of the Nyang Chu river. In the 15 th century it served as the capital of a small kingdom. The beautiful Kumbum Chorten, built around 1400 AD, and the huge ruined castlebear witness to the powers that ruled then. It later became the main center for trade with BritishIndia and the focal point of Younghusband�s British Expedition to Tibet in 1904 when hissoldiers defeated some 5000 Tibetans and destroyed the fort by cannon fire.
The Gyantse hotel has two styles of rooms � Tibetan and Chinese and usually immediately afterarriving, a tour of the Kumbum and Pelkor Chode monastery is made. Then it can be veryrewarding to have a look aroung the fascinating typically Tibetan town or even climb to the top ofthe fort (but first the gate must be opened). There are restaurants and shops in the main-street andcloser to the hotel, as well as the usual hotel restaurant. Try eating traditional momos, balls ofmeat encased in dough, and chang, a �beer� made from barley.
It takes about 8 hours to drive from Gyangste to Lhasa crossing the and Kamba La (4794m) KaroLa (5010m). After ten kilometer the road meets the1165 km highway that crosses the Qhinghai plateauen-route to Golmud. From here you can see the lastglimpses of Pottala Palace, you bid farewell to ithere. After an hour�s driving along the north bankof Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahamaputra river) you willcome to the non-metalled road, from here it will takeabout one and half hour of twist and turns to reach tothe Kamba La from where Lhasa valley can be seenin the north. After a steep descend you will meet theYamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake) followed by onehour a beautiful drive around the lake. Then onwardan ascend begins till you cross Karo La (5010m) which climbs between two lofty mountains,Nozin Khang Sa (7223 m) and Ralung (6236m). Look out for Nozin Kang�s big hanging glacieron the left side 300 metres away. Then the road descend away until you reach Gyangste/
Overnight at Bramhaputra Hotel
Day 19: Lhasa
Two full days will be spent in Lhasa, the religious, cultural and economic centre of Tibet.
We will start our tour with Potala Palace. It�s a fortress built atop Red Hill in the seventh centurywhich over the years became 13 storied, 1000 room�s citadel to the primary of Buddhism ofTibet.
Our next stop will be Jokhang Temple its an oldest Buddhist temple in Tibet (1,300 years old)contains Tibet�s most precious religious replica golden Shyuakamuni Buddha, a gift of theChinese princess Wen Cheng. This relic is displayed in the Great Hall and is still sought out bythe religious pilgrims.
We have a Barkhor Market in our tour. This is Lhasa�s inner pilgrim circuit shaped roughly likean octagon which runs around the Jokhang Temple and a typical Tibetan market place.
Overnight at Bramhaputra Hotel
Day 20: Lhasa
Today we will visit monasteries
Our first monastery will be Drepung Monastery: This ancient structure is said to be the largestmonastery in the world which once housed 10,000 Lamas.And perhaps, if the time permits.
We will also visit Sera Monastery which is located outsideof Lhasa city proper is the home of 155 monks. Itcommands a spectacular view of Lhasa from its location atthe foot of the Wudu Mountain. Several Buddha of theNepalese/Indian School are on display in the great meetinghall. Or,
In the afternoon we will visit Norbhulinkha as the name suggest �Jewelled Garden� a fitting titlefor this 200 years old park, stretching over 360,000 m2 . The 370 rooms summer palace of Dalai Lama is located inside the park.
Overnight at Bramhaputra Hotel
Day 22: Delhi / Departure
Transfer to the International airport to board your onward flight
END OF SERVICES�
Tour Cost Based On 02 People Traveling Together Sharing 01 Room
� Cost valid for period till 30th September, 2014: - INR 279,450* Per Person
� Cost valid from 01st October till 31st March, 2015: - INR 333,800* Per Person
Additional Cost For Suggested Upgrades To Hotels In Various Cities Per Room / Per Night
