Day 1 (late) & 2 - Travel to Delhi and cross the International Deadline. Arrive after midnight and transfer to hotel for immediate occupancy.

Day 3 - 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. 

Day 4 – 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.

Day 5 –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. 

Day 6 – 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). 

Day 7– 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. 

Day 8– 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. 

Day 9–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. 

Day 10- Enjoy a free morning. Then, fly to Delhi.

Day 11 - Depart for the United States. Welcome home. **Extension - fly to Kathmandu.

Day 12-Kick off the day with an early flight offering a mesmerizing view of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. This one-hour journey over the Eastern Himalayan Ranges is an unforgettable encounter with the world's tallest and most captivating mountains. Explore the "Bamboo School," established in 1999 in Kamal Binayak, Bhaktapur. It's renowned for providing quality education at minimal fees to underprivileged children, embodying hope and progress. Note: Visits are subject to the school's operational schedule and any unforeseen circumstances.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Exploration. Discover Bhaktapur, known as "the City of Devotees," featuring the Palace of 55 Carved Windows, the Golden Gate, and numerous temples and architectural marvels from the 15th century that showcase Nepal's rich heritage.

Day 13-Visit to Boudhanath Stupa Experience the spiritual ambiance of one of Nepal's largest Buddhist stupas, symbolizing watchfulness and prosperity. The surrounding Tibetan settlements offer a vibrant cultural experience.

Meeting with a High Lama A serene meeting with a High Lama offers insights into Buddhism and a chance for personal reflection and blessings. An interactive session with an Everest summiteer provides a firsthand account of climbing the world's highest peak, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of such an adventurous endeavor.

​

Day 14 - Begin your flights back home.

 

Day 15- Welcome Home!

​