Best of India and Nepal Tour - 14 days

You will be picked up by one of our representatives with a warm welcome and be transferred to the hotel for check-in. You may then take rest for the day or stroll around for some self-discovery around the hotel street. 

Overnight in Delhi.

To begin with, you visit Jama Masjid- one of the largest mosques in India. You may do a rickshaw ride to reach there through the narrow streets of vibrant Delhi for a different experience. Observe India Gate- the gate built in the memory of more than 70,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Then drive past Parliament and President House to visit Akshardham Temple that portrays millennia of traditional and modern Hindu architecture and spirituality.

Then you head to other famous sites like Qutub Minar- the tallest minaret in the world made of bricks and a 16th-century Red Fort where Mughal Emperors resided. The historical fort is the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Also, visit Raj Ghat- the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. 

Also, sightsee at Humayun’s Tomb- a UNESCO world heritage site with 100 smaller tombs inside the complex. The tomb is the first garden-tomb in India and took 8 years to build completely. Observe Lotus Temple, also called Bahai Temple, constructed in a lotus-like architecture. Many Bahai people across the globe come here for prayers, meditation and study.

Overnight in Delhi. 

You drive from Delhi to the beautiful pink city, Jaipur. On the way, visit a UNESCO world heritage site, Amber Fort and view its primary water source, Maota Lake. The 9th-century Fort served as a palace for Rajput rulers and signifies the Mughal style architecture.

Upon reaching Jaipur, you visit the 17th-century City Palace located in the city’s central-northeast part. The palace design looks unique combined with Rajput, Mughal and European style architecture. The City Palace history is as old as the Jaipur city that was built when King Sawai Jai Singh II moved his court to Jaipur from Amber.

The palace complex comprises of various buildings, courtyards, pavilions, gardens, galleries, temples, restaurants and Museum Trust. The major attractions in the complex are City Palace Museum, Shri Govind Dev Temple, Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Enjoy a smooth road trip to Agra from Jaipur with the beautiful sceneries from the vehicle window. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri- a UNESCO world heritage site dating back to the 16th century. The royal fortress influenced by Indo-Islamic architecture and was founded by the Mughal Empire.

After reaching Agra, you visit a UNESCO world heritage site-Agra Fort, popularly known as a walled city. The Fort is a gem that symbolizes the Mughal era’s power, strength, and resilience. It represents Islamic architecture but also has a separate division for Hindus to worship in the temples. A Mughal King Akbar made the fort equally accessible to the Hindus because his wife, Jodha Bai was a Hindu.

Your sightseeing in Agra ends with a visit to the Taj Mahal- the world famous Mausoleum. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had it built with white marbles in remembrance of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal in 1630. The design of this epitome combines architectures from India and other countries like Islam, Persia, Otto and Turkey.

Overnight in Agra.

Jhansi is a transit point for the tourists heading to Khajuraho. So, to arrive at beautiful Khajuraho, you first need to take a train ride to Jhansi and then take a road ride. Jhansi junction comprises of 4 broad gauge routes linking with more than 15 cities of India. 

After arriving at Jhansi, your journey again follows the road ride to Khajuraho. During the drive, you will find many temples on the way. Upon reaching Khajuraho, you check- in and then may step out of the hotel for some refreshments. In the evening, you can attend the sound and light show in the Western temples. 

Sound and light show is the most popular tourist activity to do in the evening that is organized in two languages; Hindi and English. Learn and be awed by temple art, carvings, and historical stories from the show. This event illustrates Khajuraho’s ancient times religious facts and cultures. While the western temples are already beautiful, illuminated lights in the show decorates those temples more gracefully.

Overnight in Khajuraho.

Early in the morning, you head for sightseeing of the Khajuraho Group of monuments, a UNESCO world heritage site and also one among the seven wonders of India. The 9th-century monuments include the largest group of medieval age Hindu and Jain temples. The heritage made during the Chandal dynasty reign looks attractive with nagara style architecture and creative erotic sculptures.

Take an afternoon flight to Varanasi and visit the Banaras Hindu University- the largest residential university in Asia. Do not miss visiting the Indian art museum Bharat Kala Bhawan located inside the university. The museum perfectly disseminates knowledge on Indian art and culture.

Attend a resonant spiritual Aarti in the evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Aarti is a ritual performed with holy songs and lamp offerings to praise god. Hindu priests practice the Aarti with Sanskrit mantras, bell sounds, cymbals, drums and certain dance forms. 

Overnight in Varanasi.

Start your day with a morning boat ride and descend by the Ganges River before the sunrise. From the riverbank, you can observe Hindu purification rituals and a panoramic view of the temples.

There are several Ghats along the banks where dead body cremation takes place. Some of the Ghats to name are the Dasaswamedh Ghat, Harischandra Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Shivala Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat and Kedar Ghat. Many people even travel to Varanasi and stay in the ashrams nearby during the last days of their life. They do so out of the belief that taking last breaths in Varanasi- the holiest place in the world brings them salvation after death. 

After finishing the boat ride, walk through an old and narrow street to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple (Golden Temple) area. Then spend your day sightseeing in Sarnath, the place where the Buddha preached his first lecture in a Deer Park. Sarnath houses many Buddhist monuments like Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Dharmarajika Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhammek Stupa and Ashoka Pillar (Ashokan Lion Pillar). 

Overnight in Varanasi.

Most of the day is going to be occupied by a long road ride from Varanasi, India to Lumbini, Nepal. The birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Lumbini is one of the greatest pilgrimages for Buddhists. Lumbini consists of several temples, monasteries, monuments and a museum- the Lumbini International Research Institute. 

A holy pond named Puskarini also rests inside the heritage’s territory. Buddhist history states that Buddha’s mother, Queen Mayadevi, took a ritual dip in the pond before his birth. The holy Lumbini also has remains of a sacred Bodhi tree, the Ashoka pillar and ancient monasteries. Upon reaching Lumbini, you may relax for the day. If you want, you may also walk around the nearby settlements and observe the local environment.

Overnight in Lumbini.

You start your sightseeing in the morning with a visit to Sacred Pond (Puskarini) placed between a Pipal (Bodhi) tree and Mayadevi Temple. You take a close look at the 2nd-century Ashoka Pillar established by Emperor Ashok that weighs approximately 50-60 tons. The pillar contains a written evidence of Lord Buddha’s birth in the Pali language.

Also, visit Mayadevi Temple with a marker stone inside a bulletproof glass that exactly represents Lord Buddha’s birthplace. In this temple, Hindus and Buddhists celebrate Buddha’s birth anniversary on first full moon day of every Nepali year. 

Then, walk past the world peace lamp and reach the monastic zone with 42 plots. Many countries like Germany, Thailand, Burma, China and Mahabodhi Society have built traditional Vajrayana and Theravada Buddhism monasteries in the zone. The 59 m diameter and 41.5 m high Lumbini Peace pagoda is quite an appealing monument. Nipponjan Myohoji constructed the monument in 2001 with a budget of 1 million US dollars.

Later drive to Chitwan, rest at the hotel and enjoy Nepali cuisine dinner. 

Overnight in Chitwan. 

Your day starts with a Jungle Safari in a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chitwan National Park. The first National Park of Nepal shelters the endangered One-horned Rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger, several other endangered flora and fauna. For safari, you may either enjoy an elephant ride or go on a jeep safari to observe the park's offerings.

While on safari, you may have the chance of spotting adult rhinos taking care of their babies. Spotted deer may also be visible playing under the trees. You will spot peacocks and marsh muggers near the river relaxing in the sun. However, the sight of sloth bears or leopards is a rare chance. You also visit the Elephant Breeding Centre, where you meet up with mother elephants and their calves.

If time permits, you may also do a jungle walk and do bird watching. Canoe Ride is also a popular activity to view the riverside scenery, crocodiles and many other aquatic animals. Stand by Narayani Riverbank in the evening and watch the appealing sunrays cheering up the sky. Tharu cultural center offers a cultural program to entertain you in the evening with their Tharu songs and dances. They also warmly welcome you to join the cultural group on the stage and dance along.

Overnight in Chitwan.

Your day starts with a road drive towards beautiful Pokhara, the city of lakes. As Pokhara looks lively at all seasons, it is also called Amsterdam of Nepal. The road route to Pokhara is filled with beautiful sights, mountains, rivers and green hills full of trees.

Upon arrival, your sightseeing starts as soon as you check in the hotel and get yourself refreshed. Firstly, you will be taken to visit Tal Barahi Temple with pleasant boating in Phewa Lake. Be pleased when you see Macchapuchhre (Fish Tail) shadow reflecting in the Lake. Pokhara sightseeing again proceeds with a visit to other famous places like Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Davis falls and Seti George.

Davis Falls is a mysterious waterfall flowing into an underground tunnel. Enter into the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, walk to the cave’s bottom and see Davis falls disappear down. You also visit the International Mountain Museum that displays several types of equipment and gears used by the mountaineers in various Himalayan expeditions.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Early morning we drive to Sarangkot hill to watch a sunrise view radiating the snowcapped mountains. Sarangkot is a popular hill station that offers panoramic Himalayan views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Pokhara city and Phewa Lake. Sarangkot is also very famous for doing short hikes and adventures like paragliding and zip flyer. 

After immersing in the golden sunrise, you drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara via Prithivi Highway. En route, you can view the lovely sight of the mountains, villages, green hill landscapes and river gorges. 

Once you reach Kathmandu, you can relax in the hotel. If you want, you may wander around nearby markets like Thamel and Ason to do some souvenir shopping. In Thamel, you can find many restaurants and bars that offer night live music for entertainment.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you go for sightseeing in UNESCO world heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley. Firstly, you visit a religious Buddhist monument; Swayambhunath Stupa also called the monkey temple. Swayambhunath stands on a hilltop that provides a panoramic view of Kathmandu valley and Patan.

Then you head to Pashupatinath- the holiest Hindu Shrine located in the Bagmati riverbank. Though you do not get to enter the main temple, you can walk around and observe the temple surrounding. Again you move towards Boudhanath Stupa- one of the famous Buddhist monuments. The incense’s aroma and Tibetan music playing around the Stupa makes Boudhanath environment peaceful.

Your last sightseeing is at Patan Durbar Square-a medieval royal square. The 16th-century heritage is full of temples, architectural pieces, courtyards and numerous idols. The art and crafts made during the Malla regime are truly mesmerizing.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Your farewell day has arrived today. One representative from Third Rock Adventures will drive you to the airport as per your flight schedule.

If you want, we can also have your tour extended to other neighboring countries, Tibet and Bhutan. You may go through more of our India and Nepal tour itineraries.