Wonders of India & Nepal

On arrival into Amritsar, we transfer to the Courtyard Amritsar Hotel, where an early check-in has been arranged for those arriving this morning. After a relaxing day at leisure, this evening we enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Manager and fellow travellers. Following dinner, our adventure begins as we visit the breathtaking Golden Temple. Seeing the temple at night, when numerous lights illuminate its beauty, is a sight to remember. We will also witness the sacred and much revered Palki Sahib ceremony.

This morning, we begin the scenic drive from Amritsar to Dharamshala. Recharge as you take in the views of lush cedar forests and rolling hills as we approach Dharamshala, at the edge of the Himalayas. En route, we visit the magnificent rock-cut temples of Masrur, located in the Kangra Valley. Upon arrival, we check into Hyatt Regency Dharamshala, where we spend the next two nights. Later, we learn about Himachal wines before dining together at our hotel.

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to Amb Andaura railway station, passing through the lush Kangra Valley with its terraced fields and rural villages, to board our afternoon train to Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi railway station, we transfer to our hotel for the next two nights, The Leela Ambience.

Delhi is a city combining the very best of old and modern India. Following breakfast, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, passing the Red Fort – the palace of the Mughal Empire in the 1500s, famed for its opulence. We visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, as well as taking a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk, the lively old-city market. Later, we continue to New Delhi, seeing the iconic India Gate and celebrated Parliament House. We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Humayun’s Tomb, where the 16th-century Mughal Emperor lies, before discovering the National Rail Museum, a vast site dedicated to the rich heritage of the Indian Railway.

An early start today as we board the Shatabdi Express train to Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh state. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Renaissance Lucknow Hotel, our home for the next two nights. This evening, we embark on a food walking tour of Lucknow, a culinary paradise renowned for its flavourful kebabs.

Today we delve into Lucknow’s historic charm. We begin by discovering the Bara Imambara, a stunning architectural marvel, and its labyrinthine maze, the Bhul Bhulaiya. Next, we explore the Rumi Darwaza, a grand Mughal gateway, before heading to the beautiful mausoleum of Chhota Imambara, adorned with intricate chandeliers and glasswork. We visit the Residency, the location of the infamous Indian Uprising in 1857, today home to a poignant graveyard and small museum, and view the picturesque La Martiniere College, whose architecture is an elegant fusion of European and Mughal styles.

This morning is free to relax, or you may choose to start your day taking part in a complimentary yoga class. Alternatively, you can opt to enjoy a heritage walking tour through the old lanes of Lucknow (additional cost), uncovering more of the city’s hidden treasures. This afternoon, we transfer to the railway station to board the Vande Bharat Express train to Varanasi. Upon arrival, we check in to the Radisson Hotel, our home for the next three nights.

We explore the spiritual heart of Varanasi this morning, beginning with the sprawling Banaras Hindu University campus, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India. Here we visit the New Vishwanath Temple – a modern marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva, before heading to the Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This afternoon, we join a historian to learn more about Hinduism alongside the history and cultural significance of this ancient city.

We fly on an early morning flight via Delhi to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital surrounded by the stunning Himalayan mountains. On arrival, our sightseeing tour takes us to visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in Nepal, before visiting a thangka painting studio to learn about the significance of these hand-painted religious scrolls. Later this afternoon, we transfer to our hotel for the next two nights, Hotel Yak and Yeti. Tonight, enjoy an authentic Nepali dinner accompanied by a colourful cultural show featuring traditional music and dance.

This morning, we visit historic Swayambhunath Stupa, with its numerous shrines and prayer wheels. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. We drive to historic Gorkha and our accommodation for the night, Gorkha Gaun. This charming rural retreat is surrounded by lush green hills with views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world. Following lunch, we explore the village and learn more about life here, before trying our hand at making traditional plates and bowls from Sal leaves. Later, we join Gorkha Gaun’s chef to learn about local culinary techniques and flavours as we prepare authentic Nepali dishes together.

Enjoy sunrise over Mount Manaslu and explore Gorkha’s local market before we continue to Pokhara. Our hotel for the next two nights is the Fish Tail Lodge, uniquely located on a peninsula across Phewa Lake. This afternoon, we visit the Gorkha Memorial Museum, celebrating the rich history of the legendary Gorkha soldiers and their contribution to military history, particularly in the British and Indian armies.

An early morning journey to Sarangkot, rewards us with sun rise over the Annapurna mountain range. After returning to our hotel for breakfast, we explore Pokhara. We visit the Gupteshwor Cave and Bindhavasini Temple before visiting the Tibetan Refugee Camp to learn about the community here. We soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the historic Old Bazaar and visit the International Mountain Museum, to learn about the mountains of Nepal, the people, flora and fauna that call them home, and the mountaineers who climb them. Later, we enjoy a scenic boat ride on Phewa Lake before finishing the day with a traditional Aarti ceremony.

We make the scenic drive to Chitwan, the first National Park of Nepal and home to an abundant array of wildlife. Arriving at our resort, Jagatpur Lodge or Kasara Resort, we enjoy lunch and settle in for our three-night stay. Later, we head out for a walk around a Tharu village, home to a traditional community indigenous to the Chitwan area. This evening, we join an expert naturalist to learn more about the rich variety of wildlife and bird species found in the national park.

Today, we embark on an exhilarating jeep safari in Chitwan National Park with the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including the Indian One-Horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, countless bird species, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Later, we visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre for a unique opportunity to observe Mugger crocodiles and the rare Gharials, as we learn about the centre’s conservation efforts. This afternoon, we head out in a traditional hand-rowed canoe on the Rapti River, taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes as we keep an eye out for the fascinating wildlife that inhabits its shores. Before dinner this evening, enjoy the vibrant culture of the Tharu people with a dynamic dance performance, from this traditional community.

We join our naturalist guide for a morning nature walk - a great opportunity to further explore the park's rich biodiversity. Our afternoon is at leisure, but should you wish, you can join a further jeep safari at no additional cost.

Departing Chitwan this morning, we return towards Kathmandu and make our way to Nagarkot, a scenic village sitting on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, and check in to our hotel for the night, Club Himalaya. Enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayas from its terrace – the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

If you wish, rise early to watch the majestic sunrise over the mountains from the hotel terrace. After breakfast, get a glimpse into local life as we walk through the nearby village surrounded by verdant landscapes and far-reaching views. Then it’s time to bid farewell to Nepal as we transfer back to Kathmandu Airport for our flight home.

After 24 amazing days travelling through India and Nepal, filled with memories that will last a lifetime, we arrive back into our chosen UK airport this morning.