Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Morning : Arrive New Delhi from Mumbai by Kingfisher Airlines IT 331. Meet on arrival at domestic Airport, garlanding of group members and transfer to the hotel.

               Delhi, India’s capital city, with a thousand years of history is a city of contrasts that combines a unique ambience of the ancient and the modern. An orderly plan of wide roads lined with sturdy colonial buildings, which was established soon after the imperial capital of British India moved here from Calcutta in 1911.

Afternoon : Proceed to Old Delhi area. In Old Delhi drive past Red Fort- Built in 1648, this sprawling fort of red sand stones along the river Yamuna is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 km in circumference and Chandni Chowk- the crowded bazaar (silver street ) of old Delhi. Also Take a rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk in the narrow lanes. Later visit Jama Masjid, Built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, the Jama Masjid is the largest and one of the most magnificent mosques in India.

Welcome dinner and drink at the hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Day 2: In Delhi
Morning : Morning sightseeing of New Delhi. In New Delhi visit and Raj Ghat memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation. Also visit Qutab Minar, Sikh temple and drive past diplomatic enclave, Parliament House, India Gate and President Estate. Thereafter proceed to a city restaurant for Indian Lunch (On direct payment basis). Post lunch visit to the Cottage Industries and later return to hotel. Dinner will be at the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 3:DELHI – KATHMANDU………………………by flight
0345 hrs: Breakfast at the hotel
0415 hrs: Transfer to the international airport
0730 hrs : Depart by Indian Airlines flight IC 413 for Kathmandu.
0910 hrs: Arrive and transfer to hotel.

The Kathmandu Valley, the capital of Nepal is the political, commercial and cultural hub. Spread across an area of 360 square kilometers and at an altitude of 1336 meter above the sea level, Kathmandu is an exotic and fascinating showcase of a very rich culture, art and tradition. The valley, roughly oval bowl measuring 24 km east-west and 19 km north-south, is encircled by a range of green terraced hills and dotted by compact clusters of red tiled-roofed houses.

A remarkable legend speaks that the valley was once covered by a lake until the Bodhisattva Manjushri raised his sword of wisdom and sliced a passage through the mountain walls, draining the water and creating the first settlements.

Afternoon : Sightseeing of Kathmandu city, Durbar Square & Bodhnath

Kathmandu city Known as Kantipur, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kashtamandap the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square are with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the Nepalese Royalty

Durbar Square. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples like Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (Abode of the Living Goddess), Taleju temple, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu.

The stupa of Bodhanath lies 8km east of Kathmandu and is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. This ancient colossal Stupa is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. The Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist.

Evening: Buffet dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 4: IN KATHMANDU
In case some of the group members take the mountain flight then the excursion will start around 1000 hrs.

EVEREST MOUNTAIN FLIGHT There are everyday mountain flights over the Everest region. These flights duration is about 50 minutes and supplies breathtaking views of all the mountain peaks that come under the region of Everest as well as several others. Everest mountain flights are conducted early in the morning between 06.30 and 08.00am. Once the flights take off it can go as high as 25,000 feet! The experience itself is thrilling and worth remembering once you are in the country of the Himalayas. Jetstream-41, the state-of-the art technology based aircraft is used for the flight with guaranteed window seat for all the passengers.

Morning : Half a day excursion to Nagarkot enroute visiting Bhaktapur & Thimi village

Clay pottery is the traditional occupation of Thimi village which is on the way to Bhaktapur. Here, one can witness the making of clay pots, flower vases etc. and buy them very cheaply if they so desire.

Bhaktapur also known as Bhadgaon, meaning city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 kms./9 miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th Century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon, you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 windows built by King Bupatindra Malla. The Nyatapola Temple, also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of Pagoda style and stands on five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures - two famous strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses. Time permitting, a visit to the museum of Thanka painting can also be considered.

NAGARKOT is a hill town situated 35 km east of Kathmandu. It’s a serene environment uphill that provides spectacular views of the Mountains, that’s how Nepal is actually known to the rest of the world. The way to Nagarkot enroutes Bhaktapur, the smallest town. After regular tour within the historic city of Bhaktapur, Nagarkot can prove an additional attraction during your stay in Nepal.

Late afternoon return to Kathmandu.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 5: IN KATHMANDU
Morning: Sightseeing of Patan city and Tibetan handicraft centre.

Patan (The city of beauty) is situated on the southern bank of the holy river Bagamti (a tributary of the Ganges) some five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. Nowadays, it has virtually become part of sub metropolitan Kathmandu. The city is famed for its wealth of Buddhist and Hindu temples with an abundance of fine bronze gateways and wonderful carvings. Patan is known for its expert craftsmen and metal workers.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 6:KATHMANDU- VARANASI…………………………….by flight
In case the group members are not able to take the mountain flight on 21st Day then the same will be done on this day morning

Morning transfer to the airport
1410 hrs: Depart by IC 752 for Varanasi
1450 hrs: Arrive and transfer to the hotel

Varanasi, sprawling along the left bank of the river Ganga is the holiest city. With its array of shrines, temples and palaces rising in several tiers from the waters edge Varanasi is one of the most fascinating cities in the east. It is also a city of fairs and festivals, celebrating about four hundred of them during the year. Since time immemorial, Varanasi has been a centre of learning. The University was founded in 1961.

Evening:visit to the bank of the river Ganges to view the performance of "Aarti" - prayers being offered to the holy river. The sight and sound of the temple bells, chanting of prayers and the light of numerous floating lamps is fascinating!! You will also enjoy a cycle-rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaar.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 7:VARANASI – AGRA………………………………by overnight train
Early morning : Early morning transfer to the ghats for boat ride on the river Ganges to see the sunrise and witness the local people worshipping and bathing on the Ghats.

After boat ride visit the various Hindu Temples. Also walk through the narrow lanes of the city.

Return to hotel for breakfast.

Afternoon visit Sarnath , where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon, after attaining Nirvana. The only institute of its kind in the world, imparting education in the Tibetan language, it was Est. by the Dalai Lama in 1971. Presently located at Sarnath, the institute has a rare collection of Buddhist texts, Tibetan manuscripts and other journals.

Late afternoon: Transfer to the railway station (carry packed dinner from the hotel)
1840 hrs: Depart by overnight train, Poorva Express (Train No. 2381)

Overnight on train

Day 8: ARRIVE AGRA
0335 hrs: Arrive and transfer to the hotel.

Agra, is located on the banks of river Yamuna and is famous world over as “the City of Taj”.
0530 / 0600 hrs: Proceed for sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal one of the seven wonders of the World. Built by Shah Jahan ( Mughal Emperor) for his beloved wife Mumtaz.
0800 hrs: Return to hotel for breakfast.
0930 hrs: Later proceed to the marble inlay factory and carry on to the see the Agra Fort, built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. the fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings. Lunch at a city restaurant or at hotel restaurant on direct payment basis

Shop for Marble in Agra

Evening : Magic Show & dinner at the hotel for the group

Overnight at Hotel

Day 9: AGRA- JAIPUR Via FATEHPUR SIKRI……………….. by surface
Morning : After early breakfast depart by surface for Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (232kms / 7 hrs approx with Fatehpur Sikri sightseeing). Fatehpur Sikri, built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.

Afternoon : Arrive Jaipur and transfer to hotel.

Jaipur, The rose pink capital of Rajasthan is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts. Enclosed by battle scarred walls, the city was built early in the eighteenth century. Jaipur is aptly called the “Pink City of India”. It takes its name from the famous Maharana Sawai Jai Singh, who founded the city in 1728. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen skilled in the art of cutting precious stones and is famed for its garnets and rubies. It is equally well known for brass inlay work, lacquer work and the printing of muslin.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 10: IN JAIPUR
Morning : After early breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing. Visit the Amer Fort, the former capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs on a hillside overlooking Maotha lake, 11 km from Jaipur on the Delhi - Jaipur road. Also have the unique experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated.

Enroute to city palace photo stop at Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

Afternoon : After lunch proceed for sightseeing of City Palace. This is in the heart of the old city and is the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Even today The City Palace is the principal residence of the ruling family. Also Visit Daytar Mantar A stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments, whose setting and shapes. Also visit the local bazaar.

Shop for Carpets, Textiles (including block printing) and Jewelery in Jaipur

Overnight at Hotel

Day 11: JAIPUR- JODHPUR……………………………by surface
Morning : Depart by surface for Jodhpur (332 Kms / 7 hrs)
Afternoon : Arrive and transfer to the hotel.

After lunch proceed for sightseeing of Meharangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Meharangarh Fort is balanced on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most formidable and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha built the fort in 1459 when he shifted his capital from Mandore. It has 68-ft wide and 117-ft high walls, which dominates the surrounding plain. The various palaces and buildings inside the fort now serve as Mehrangarh museum.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 12: JODHPUR – UDAIPUR via Ranakpur temples……………….by surface
Morning : Depart by surface for Ranakpur temples (169 Kms / 3-4 hrs).
Afternoon : Arrive and commence sightseeing. Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. These temples were built in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha. The temples have beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho temples.

Lunch at restaurant in Ranakpur (on direct payment basis). After lunch leave for Udaipur (90 Kms / 2.5-3 hrs).

Evening: Arrive Udaipur and check in at hotel.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 13: IN UDAIPUR
Morning : After breakfast proceed for half-day sightseeing of Udaipur City. Visit the City Palace - The imposing City Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The palace is surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas and there are fine views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The palace stands along the shores of Lake Pichola, Shaelion- Ki- Bari - is small ornamental garden, with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and delightful lotus pool. This garden is laid with extensive lawns, fountains and shady walking lanes. There are four pools and fountains with elephant trunks for spouts, Jagdish Temple - Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh.

Shop for miniature paintings in Udaipur

Thereafter our local guide will take us for a stroll through the local spice and vegetable market, we suggest you buy your spice here.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 14: UDAIPUR-MUMBAI……………………………………..by flight
               MUMBAI-OVERSEAS DESTINATION
Morning at leisure 1130 hrs: Transfer to the airport
1430 hrs: Depart by Kingfisher airlines flight IT 3158 for Mumbai.
1555 hrs: Arrive and transfer to international airport and wait until departure.
Past midnight: Depart for SA 285 for Johannesburg at 0230 hrs on 01st Feb