***Nepal extension is Days 1-5, to meet up with the India Only group arriving on Day 6 - March 20.***

Day 1 (late)& 2 – Travel to Nepal and cross the International Dateline.

Day 3- Today you will arrive in Kathmandu. Kathmandu International Airport offers a breathtaking arrival experience, particularly on a clear day. The sight of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks beneath you is truly awe-inspiring and sets the stage for an unforgettable journey. The Kathmandu Valley encompasses the ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, each with its own rich history as independent states ruled by the Malla kings. These cities are home to seven UNESCO World Heritage shrines and numerous other remarkable monuments, sculptures, temples, and artwork, showcasing Nepal's golden era of architecture. (D)

Day 4-Embark on a city tour after breakfast to explore some of Kathmandu's notable attractions. Begin with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, a significant Buddhist shrine perched on a hill. Legend has it that the stupa emerged from a lotus flower after the valley was drained by Saint Manjushree. Next, proceed to Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to a collection of temples and the former palace of the Nepali Royals. Marvel at the Hanumandhoka palace and the unique Kumari Chowk, where a young girl is chosen to embody the Hindu mother goddess. Don't miss Kastamandap, which was rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake. Enjoy a delightful rickshaw ride through the lively streets, making your way to Thamel, the vibrant tourist hub. In Patan, one of the three royal cities in the valley, explore Patan Durbar Square, renowned for its intricate wood and stone carvings, ancient temples, and over 1200 monuments. The square showcases a blend of palace buildings, artistic courtyards, and elegant pagoda temples, reflecting the city's rich history influenced by the Kirat, Lichchhavi, and Malla dynasties. (B,L,D)

Day 5- Early this morning, you take a 1-hour flight with views of Mount Everest! This flight takes you deep into the Himalayas, flying into valleys close to the rock face, as close as five nautical miles from the Everest itself. Now you can see the stunning beauty of nature;  raw, undiluted and truly majestic. Mountain flight offers a panoramic view of the Himalaya in a just one hour. Even those visitors who like the rigors of a trek still don’t miss the opportunity to “conquer” the mountains in one fell swoop. This one-hour flight takes you the Eastern
Himalayan Ranges of Nepal, some of the highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest. The flight is an altogether different feeling as one comes face to face with the world’s tallest and most enigmatic of Mountains.

Then, continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located 12 km east of Kathmandu. Known as the City of Devotees, Bhaktapur showcases the impressive Palace of 55 Carved Windows from the 15th century, adorned with the Golden Gate as a regal entrance. Explore the square adorned with numerous temples and architectural gems, such as the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, and the beautiful Shikhara-style stone temple of Vatsala Devi. Don't miss the bronze bell on the temple's terrace, known as the Bell of Barking Dogs, which was erected in 1737. Afterwards, visit Boudhanath, one of Nepal's oldest and largest Buddhist monuments. The majestic spherical stupa stands at a height of 36 meters, featuring four pairs of eyes that symbolize vigilance and prosperity. Surrounding the shrine are Tibetan refugee settlements, creating a vibrant "Mini-Tibet." Lastly, explore Pashupatinath Temple, a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu, the temple is known for its two-story pagoda design, gilded roof, and intricately carved silver doors. It holds great religious significance, particularly during the annual pilgrimage of Maha Shivaratri. Take the opportunity to witness the cremation grounds by the sacred Bagmati River behind the temple. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Free morning today in Nepal. This afternnon, fly to Delhi! (or arrive in Delhi from the States if you are not doing the extension.)

Day 7 - Delhi is a city steeped in history and cultural heritage, and today offers the perfect introduction to its rich legacy. The tour includes visits to four iconic landmarks: Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and offers stunning views of Old Delhi. Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture. Qutab Minar is a towering 73-meter tall monument that tells the story of Delhi's rich history. Lastly, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a beautiful Sikh temple known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Sit back and enjoy a drive through India to Jaipur. Along the way visit the 475 year old Samode Palace which combines classic Mughal and Indian styles. Upon arrival in Jaipur check-in to your hotel and then go visit a local bazaar where you will be able to stroll around and take in the sights and smells and try your hand at bartering. Jaipur, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, the city today has a population of 3.1 million. (B,L,D)

Day 9 –Morning visit Amber Fort with photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). The fort is set in picturesque and rugged hills and is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior surrounds an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. In the afternoon proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city visiting City Palace, a beautiful palace complex full of treasures now housed in the museum area. City Palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. Also visit Jantar Mantar or Royal Astronomical Observatory. This observatory is an collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734.Tonight visit the Chokhi Dhani ethnic village where dinner will be held. Showcased here is the rich and vibrant culture of Rajasthan. (B,L,D)

Day 10 – Leave from Jaipur to Agra and stop on the way and visit the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri enroute. Fatehpur Sikri: Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. Fatehpur Sikri bears exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilization at the end of the 16th century. It offers a unique example of architectural ensembles of very high quality constructed between 1571 and 1585. Its form and layout strongly influenced the evolution of Indian town planning, notably at Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). (B,L,D)

Day 11– Morning sightseeing of Taj Mahal: Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried from 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his
wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Later visit the Agra Fort – the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Also visit Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb & Mehtab Bagh Park. (B,L,D)

Day 12– Today, you will fly to Varanasi. Varanasi (Benares, Kashi) is the oldest living city in the world. It is the most sought after pilgrimage town for Hindus. It is believed, if anyone dies in Varanasi they attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. For centuries, the mystic of this place has been attracting pilgrims from across India as well as abroad. A dwelling of ancient domes, muths, ashrams, priests, narrow lanes with shops filled with Benaresi sarees, Varanasi represents the colorful and fascinating India of your dreams. With intimate rituals of life and death being parallelly performed on the Ghats, you’ll find it exhilarating to explore the religious geography of this city. (B,L,D)

Day 13–Early morning you will be driven to the banks of river Ganges. Enjoy the boat ride on holy river Ganges– to see the ritual bathing and cremation is worth the effort of waking up before sunrise, a direct contact with life on the banks of the Ganges. Hindu pilgrims come to bath in the sacred Ganges, facing the rising sun, or at dusk, when leaf-boat lamps are floated down the river. Later proceed to visit famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple (from outside) as non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple. After lunch proceed to an excursion tour of Sarnath. Sarnath is the spot where Lord Buddha delivered his sermon after getting enlightenment. Top attractions visited in Sarnath are archaeological museum, Buddha temples, stupas etc. In the evening proceed to witness Ganga Aarti ceremony (prayer for holy river Ganges) at the main Ghat “Dashaswamedh Ghat”. Ganga Aarti is an iconic ritual process done on the banks of the river, every evening to please the River Ganges and God of Fire. The Ghat will be very crowded during this ritual so you will be watching the ritual on the river on a boat. (B,L,D)

Day 14- Enjoy a free morning. Then, proceed to the airport to fly back to the States. (B)

Day 15 - Welcome Home!