DESCRIPTION:

Let's talk adventure, shall we?? Brilliant colors, pungent curries, the Taj Majal, rickshaw rides and that infectious Indian musical beat! Explore the deep Indian Jungle on a tiger safari with an English-speaking naturalist, Drape a colorful saree.  Add a flight over Mt. Everest to complete this multi-sensory extravaganza. This sensational multi-country trek will be one for the memory book!
We'll visit:

INDIA
 

Day 01 / 24 November 2020: Arrive Mumbai

Upon arrival at the airport, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) the in-country representative will assist & transfer you to your luxurious hotel for check in. Mumbai, previously known as Bombay, is the 'Business capital of India' and the country's principal financial and communications center.  Here you’ll also find Bollywood, India’s film industry known worldwide, which churns out hundreds of Hindi block-busters each year.  This afternoon visit Malabar Hill.  Hanging Gardens, perched at the top of Malabar Hill on its western side, are also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens.  They provide lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea and panoramic views of Bombay Bay and the colorful Chowpatty Beach immediately below.  Mumbai's famous beach in the evening develops a magical atmosphere as locals come to stroll among the balloon sellers, fortune tellers, magicians, nut vendors, Ferris wheels and shooting galleries.

Overnight Hotel – Mumbai (B, D)

​

Day 02 / 25 November 2020: Mumbai

​

After breakfast, head to Elephanta Caves, named for the large stone elephant on the shore which now lies in the gardens of Jijamata Udyan.  After sightseeing proceed to your amazing Bollywood tour!  Upon your arrival at a shooting site, watch filming at a shooting set, peek at behind-the-scenes activities of moviemaking, see the technicians at work. If time permits, look into the stars’ makeup rooms and have your picture taken with a Bollywood actor.  Finally, arrive at Bollywood Museum.  Sip a fragrant Welcome Drink on arrival.  Watch a Live Bollywood Dance performance before joining onstage to learn a choreographed number of your own!   Later, drive past the homes of famous stars on your way back to your luxury hotel after a glamorous day with Bollywood’s best & brightest.

Overnight Hotel – Mumbai (B, D)

​

Day 03 / 26 November 2020: Mumbai – Jaipur by Flight

​

Happy Thanksgiving!!  Today, transfer to airport for your early morning flight to Jaipur popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colorful past, resplendent with tales of valor & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India.  In Jaipur, India’s Street Children crisis is chronic.  This afternoon tour a local orphanage, learn what’s being done to combat this crisis with an opportunity to donate & give back in the true spirit of the kick-off of this holiday season.  Following this tour, a lesson in Indian culture. Visit a Sari Shop for a demo on how to wear a traditional sari.  You may choose to purchase and wear this Indian national costume as a token of respect when the group visits the Taj Mahal.

Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B) (D)

​

Day 04 / 27 November 2020: Jaipur – Ranthambhore

​

Today  take an excursion to Amber Fort, an ancient castle.  An elephant ride reaches the Fort situated on a hill, a rare and overwhelming experience.  Later visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture, and Jantar Mantar an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that continue to give accurate predictions even today. Stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).  

 

Following a busy day of sightseeing, drive to Ranthambore National Park. The Park was established as a Game Sanctuary in the year 1955 by the Indian Government & declared a Tiger Preserve in the year 1973. The Tiger Preserve has since been enlarged and now shelters other wild animals native to India including the leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild pig, sambar, chital & the gaur. It is also home to wide variety of trees, plants, birds & reptiles.

Overnight Hotel – Ranthambhore (B, L, D)

​

Day 05 / 28 November 2020: Ranthambhore – Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

​

Thrill to an early morning wake up call to take Jeep safari with an English naturalist deep into the Indian Jungle!  After a sumptuous breakfast back at the hotel, we leave the jungle behind and drive to Agra.  Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, also known as Ghost Capital.  Once the political capital of India's Mughal Empire, it was abandoned in 1585, ostensibly due to lack of water. Visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.  End in Agra, the Periodic City, a major tourist destination today because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Overnight Hotel – Agra (B, D)

​

Day 06 / 29 November 2020 : Agra – Akshardham – Delhi 

​

This morning visit Agra Fort. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city.  Its red sandstone walls were often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. Did you remember your sari?  An unforgettable stop takes you to the breathtaking Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love.  Built in 1631 by the 5th Mughal emperor in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal the monument took 22 years to complete.  End this memorable day with a drive to Delhi, India’s bustling metropolis.  Delhi combines the best of ancient with modern India.  Enroute, visit Akshardham in New Delhi.  This installation epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. Evening an Enjoy Light and Fountain show.

Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B, D)

​

Day 07 /30 November 2020: Delhi

​

Your final full day in India!  After breakfast, board your air conditioned transport for a guided city tour of Old & New Delhi.  Enjoy a rickshaw ride in the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar. See the Red Fort, built in the year 1648 .  In New Delhi, visit the timeless memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. A simple black marble platform marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar,  UNESCO World Heritage Sites.   Your India visit concludes in truly spectacular Bollywood style, with the Kingdom of Dreams Show.  This fabulous cultural and amusement area brings to life a blend of India's art, culture, heritage, craft, cuisine and performing art...all with the technological wizardry of today. Get ready for this century's most novel tourist destination: Kingdom of Dreams. Followed by Live music show

Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

​

TRANSFER TO NEPAL

​

Day 01 / 1 December 2020: Arrival Kathmandu

​

Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome), transfer to your 4* hotel for check in. Later proceed to visit the Pashupatinath.   Pashupatinath is a pagoda style Hindu Temple with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated at the bank of River Bagmati 5 km east of Kathmandu city. This temple is regarded as one of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world.  Only Hindus are permitted to enter the main courtyard of the temple.  Tourists can view the temple from the eastern side of the river.  The colossal stupa of Boudhanath was built in the 5th century AD and is supposed to be the biggest in the world. It is built on an octagonal base inset with a prayer wheel and is surrounded by a circular market which forms a part of Tibet Town. The four pairs of the Buddha's eye painted on the stupa give a vivid flash to the four cardinal directions -  meaning to keep a diligent watch over the people and their commitments all the day and night.

Overnight at the Hotel, Kathmandu.

​

Day 02 / 2 December 2020: Kathmandu – Nagarkot

​

MT. EVEREST FLIGHT!!  Earn your wings today, as you soar above the Himalayas on your early morning flight.  If conditions permit, photograph Mt. Everest from the cockpit of your private flight!  Afterward enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel.  After breakfast, proceed to Kathmandu city, Durbar Square : This capital city of the kingdom of Nepal is situated at 1355 meters above sea leve.  It is a mythical place full of shrines, temples and ageless sculptures. During the tour of this city you will visit Old Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, a variety of temples, including Kumari Ghar ( The Temple of Living Goddess) and a Gigantic figure of Kala Bhairaba - The God of Destruction.   Swayambhunath, one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas is situated 500 feet above the level of  the valley. It offers an excellent panoramic view of Kathmandu valley.  This afternoon, drive to Nagarkot.  Situated at an altitude of 7133ft above sea level, Nagarkot is 32 km east of Kathmandu. It is a year-round holiday resort. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Himalayas including Mt. Everest can be seen from here. Best at sunset and sunrise. Upon arrival in Nagarkot check in with Hotel, Evening viewing the Sunset

Overnight at the Hotel.

​

Day 03 / 3 December 2020 : Nagarkot - Kathmandu

​

Following Sunrise view from Nagarkot (weather willing), breakfast at the hotel, before your drive back to Kathmandu. Enroute, enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.  After hotel check in in Kathmandu, proceed to visit Patan Durbar Square with its many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandi, Bhimsen temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabhihar are just a few among the temples offering you an ecstasy of paintings, wood and metal carvings. The Sundari Chowk contains exquisite samples of woodcarvings, stone and metal sculpture.   Cap your once-in-a-lifetime India & Nepal adventure with a  Nepalese cultural dance performance and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

​

Day 04 : Kathmandu Departure

​

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to International airport for return flights.

 

PRICE INCLUDES:

R/T Air from Washington, DC area, hotel accommodation, 2 meals per day, all gratuities, foreign city airport transfers, all indicated tours, services of an English-speaking trip escort.

 

DON'T FORGET:

Consult your physician for information on any recommended vaccines.  Travelers responsible for any required visas. Information on visas, if applicable, will be provided.

 

OUR TIPS:

Bring layers, temperature can vary dependent on altitude. Also, it's smarter to get cash from an overseas ATM than to travel with large amounts of US or foreign currency.