An insight into Nepal
Much of the initial attraction of Nepal comes from the fact that so many of us do not know much about this mountainous country. Kathmandu is on the air map, and is actually relatively easy to reach from any part of the world. This capital city is conveniently small by metropolitan standards, and an adventure can begin within just an hour of landing in the midst of the splendid foothills of the Himalayas. This does not mean that there aren't things to see and to do in and around Kathmandu, but most people are so eager to get amidst the verdant countryside that the usual sightseeing and shopping is best left for the end of your stay.
Nepal is so blessed with gurgling rivers, luxuriant forests and pristine wildlife easily accommodating a lifetime of adventure. The spectacular views of the legendary mountain, the sense of achievement of reaching the hallowed grounds which have hosted so many record setting expeditions and the heavenly scenery, are all ingredients of a wonderful trip However, it is the friendly, hardy mountain folk living all along the trek path, who make the most indelible impressions on every traveller.
Nepal is not for couch potatoes, but even those who pride themselves on peak fitness levels should prepare for the rigours of high altitude trekking, which a visit to the Everest Base Camp involves.
Nepal sample Itinerary
Duration: 10 days Cultural North India & Nepal - Delhi-Jaipur-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Kathmandu
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi and Sightseeing :
Assistance on arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon guided sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Highlights include: the historic Red Fort, Jama Masjid (the largest Mosque in India), Raj Ghat, (Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial site). Later pass through
Sir Edwin Lutyen's masterpiece city of New Delhi, see the President's House, India Gate, Connaught Place. Evening is at leisure. Overnight Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi-Jaipur :
Early morning drive to Jaipur. On arrival check into hotel and then an afternoon of guided sightseeing of this magnificent "Pink City". See the "Hawa Mahal" (Palace of Winds), the Observatory, City Palace, the Crafts centre & colorful bazaars. Overnight Jaipur.
Day 03 : Jaipur-Agra :
Morning excursion to Amber Fort. Here ride on a decorated Elephant to reach the top of the fort. At Amer fort, visit Jagmandir, the chamber of glittering mirrors; Jai Mahal & the temple of Goddess Kali. Later in the afternoon drive to Agra and on arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight Agra.
Day 04 : Agra :
After breakfast proceed on a guided tour of Agra, visiting the World famous "Taj Mahal" built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 A.D. to enshrine the mortal remains of his Empress Mumtaz, also visit the historic Agra Fort built by Akbar and the Itimad-ud-dulah. In the afternoon take an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri "The abandoned capital of Emperor Akbar". Evening at leisure. Overnight Agra.
Day 05 : Agra-Khajuraho :
Morning transfer to airport for a short flight to Khajuraho. Meet and assist on arrival at Khajuraho airport & transfer to hotel. Afternoon guided tour consists of the World famous "Temples of Erotic Carvings" which represent an astonishing mystery of stone sculptures in art form. Overnight Khajurabo.
Day 06 : Khajuraho-Varanasi :
After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi, the oldest & the holiest city in India. On arrival at Varanasi airport, welcome and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon tour of Varanasi includes: Bharat Mata Temple; Benaras Hindu University; Hindu Temples; Mosque and old city market. Overnight Varanasi
Day 07 : Varanasi-Kathmandu :
Early morning boat ride on the holy river Ganges to view the sunrise & the ghats or steps where the Hindus perform their morning prayers. Later in the afternoon transfer to airport and fly to Kathmandu (Nepal). On arrival transfer to your hotel and at leisure. Overnight Kathmandu
Day 08 : Kathmandu :
After breakfast tour Kathmandu city, visit the "Temples of Darbar Square" and the residence of "Kumari" the virgin goddess. In the afternoon see "Bhadgaon City" visit the Lion Gate, the Palace of 55 windows and the Nyatpola. Overnight Kathmandu
Day 9 : Kathmandu-Delhi :
Morning free to roam on your own. Afternoon transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival transfer to hotel and rest at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 : Departure Delhi : At leisure until time to transfer to International airport for departure flight.
