This trip takes you to two strongly contrasting countries, India and Nepal. They are also dominated by two major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. The Indian part of this trip gives you insight into the world’s most populous country, with over a billion inhabitants that make up an incredible mix of cultures, languages, traditions and different religions. India is the world’s largest democracy, a millennial civilization that still charms us today with its priceless palaces, magnificent temples and colorful crowds. We visit the so-called Golden Triangle, and starting in the capital New Delhi, we go on an exciting journey via, among other places, Agra, which is known for one of the world’s great architectural wonders, the tomb monument Taj Mahal. But before that, we visit Jaipur “The Pink City”, which with its houses and walls in pink sandstone, is a beautiful sight to the eye. After Jaipur on our way to the Taj Mahal, we visit a so-called step spring and the abandoned city of Fathepur Sikri. After returning to Delhi, we fly on to Nepal, the country with the highest mountains in the world. Here we get to enjoy fresh air and beautiful mountain massifs. There are also beautiful Buddhist temples and huge Buddha stupas.
Day 1: Travel to India
We fly from Scandinavia to India’s capital New Delhi. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.
Day 2: New Delhi
Arrival in New Delhi early in the morning. We have come to the world’s second most populous country, with over a billion people! India is one of the oldest cultures in the world, and here in Delhi, for millennia, Mongols, Persians, Turks and Englishmen have traded and ruled. The capital is actually two pieces, New Delhi and Old Delhi. After having breakfast, it’s time for a first tour of Delhi where we visit Jama Masjid – India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat – the place where Mahatma Gandh was cremated. We pass India Gate and on to two World Heritage Sites, Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Overnight in New Delhi. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 3: Delhi – Jaipur
We travel by bus to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s lively capital. After checking into the hotel, we visit the City Palace, the home of the young Maharadjan. The City Palace complex is spread over a large area and occupies one seventh of the city of Jaipur’s area. . There are a number of gardens, buildings and courtyards, temples and museums to show how important Jaipur and its Maharajah have been over the years. Overnight in Jaipur. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 4: Jaipur
First we visit the famous Amber Fort, located 11 kilometers outside Jaipur. The fort is a striking sight, with its mighty ramparts reflected in the waters of Lake Moala below. We travel up to the fort by jeep. In the fort, we enjoy the beautiful interior, adorned with high-class murals, ivory inlays and spectacular mirror compositions. On the way we also visit the observatory Jantar Mantar and the palace of the Hawa Mahal winds. Overnight in Jaipur. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 5: Jaipur – Abhaneri-Agra
After breakfast we leave for the village of Abhaneri. Abhaneri is a finer word for Baoris’, spring sources, a number of steeply sloping steps down to a basin. These step sources were used by the locals to collect rainwater. Chand Baori is the region’s most popular spring and one of India’s deepest and largest. Then we come to Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned city of the great Mughal emperor Akbar, who he had intended to become the capital of his kingdom. The city was built between 1569 and 1585, and has been abandoned for more than four centuries due to lack of water. We then continue towards Agra. Overnight in Agra. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 6: Agra
This morning we visit the Taj Mahal, India’s most famous building and one of the seven wonders of the world. We get the opportunity to enjoy the ancient architecture that is so important to the history of India including the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah´ (Baby Taj). Then we visit Agra Fort, a mighty fort from the 16th century and one of the Mughal kingdom’s most important buildings. Overnight in Agra. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 7: Agra – Delhi
After breakfast we make a bus journey of about five hours back to New Delhi. After arrival in Delhi, free time. Ask your local guide about what you can come up with to discover this fantastic city on your own for a few hours. Overnight in New Delhi. (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 8: Travel to Nepal (Kathmandu)
Transfer to the airport and flight departure from New Delhi to Kathmandu. Travel time about 1.5 hours. After arrival at Tribhuwans International Airport, Kathmandu, transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Breakfast)
Day 9: Kathmandu
Today we start to discover the Kathmandu Valley. We first come to the Pashupatinath temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal. We continue with a walk and visit the Buddha Stupa, also known as the Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal. Afterwards we take a trip to Bhaktapur, Bhaktapur has the best preserved palace courtyard and ancient city of Nepal inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its rich culture, its temples and wood, metal and stonework. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 10: Kathmandu – Nagarkot
After breakfast, we do a full day trip when we visit Kathmandu Durbar place, the place of Malla and then the Shah kings of Nepal, we visit the temple of the Kumari, which is the home of the Virgin goddess, then Swoyambhunath (temple of the temple), a stupa on top of the mountain, from here you can see beyond the entire Kathmandu Valley, We then visit the city of Patan, the second largest city in the valley, Krishna Mandir, the Golden Temple and more. Late in the afternoon we go to Nagarkot to see breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Nagarkot is one of the best places to enjoy the sunrise, and outstanding mountain views of eastern Nepal including Mount Everest. Overnight in Nagarkot. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 11: Kathmandu
We enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas early in the morning. After breakfast we head back to Kathmandu. All afternoon we can enjoy free time in Kathmandu and stroll around Thamel in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 12: We leave Nepal for Sweden
Transfer to the airport to leave Nepal and Kathmandu. Food is included on the long-haul flight. (Breakfast).
