India & Nepal in 20 Days
Golden Triangle & Kathmandu Valley
James
Travel crafter
Our classic tour of India's Golden Triangle combined with an unforgettable journey through Nepal, home of the Himalayas.
- Free Cancellation
- Flexible Booking
- COVID-19 Protection included
- Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected
Itinerary
From the bustling streets of Delhi to the pink city of Jaipur and the historic, romantic Agra, your time in India will be awe-inspiring. Head to Nepal and Kathmandu, to discover the ancient history and bustling atmosphere of the capital, before heading to the hills for the breathtaking temples and views of Patan and Pokhara. Finally, explore the wild side of Nepal in Chitwan.
20 days trip including flights*
18 days and 17 nights in destination
1
LON - DEL
2
LON - DEL
Delhi
3
Delhi
4
Jaipur
5
Jaipur
6
Agra
7
Delhi
8
DEL-KTM
Kathmandu
9
Kathmandu
10
Kathmandu
11
Chitwan
12
Chitwan
13
Pokhara
14
Pokhara
15
Kathmandu
16
Nagarkot
17
Nagarkot
18
Kathmandu
19
KTM - LON
20
KTM - LON
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Delhi. Night on board.
Arrive in the capital of India and transfer to the hotel. Delhi is a city with an impressive architectural legacy of its Islamic conquerors along with a spectacular historical centre. Rest of the day is free to rest or to get to know this lively, fascinating city. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit Old Delhi including the Jama Masjid Royal Mosque and the lively Chandi Chow Street. Ride a tricycle around the Red Fort, the former residence of the Imperial Family and admire the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi, passing through the India Gate, the Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, the majestic government buildings and the Presidential Palace. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave by road to Jaipur, the Pink City of India. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur was built in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its architecture is a magnificent confluence of Hindu, Jain and Mughal architectural styles. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to get to know this vibrant city. In the evening light, the pink and the orange buildings exude a magical glow, which is complemented by the vibrantly attired Rajasthanis. Camel drawn carts are characteristic of Jaipur's passing street scene. Overnight stay in Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for the Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, on your way to the Amber Fort. Explore the majestic Amber Fort with a Jeep transfer. In the interior, cross the premises of the palace Jag Mandir and the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room embedded with beautifully bright pieces of mirror. Continue to tour the city of Jaipur including a visit to the Palace of the Maharaja, former royal residence, where a part of it has been converted into a museum. Also experience the wonder of the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory in the world, made of marble. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Agra and along the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town. Next, pass by Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Arrive in Agra and enjoy a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Agra Fort. Inside the fort, discover the picturesque Pearl Mosque. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Agra.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, experience the legendary splendour of the Taj Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river and a universal symbol of love. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his beloved wife. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon drive back to Delhi. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Kathmandu. Arrival to the capital of Nepal, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free. The largest urban agglomeration in Nepal, with 2.5 million inhabitants, consists of the core of the metropolitan city of Kathmandu. Its sister cities are Patan, Kirtipur, Thimi and Bhaktapur, including recently the urban areas of Shankhapur, Karyabinayak, Champapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti. The capital of the country is located at 1,400 meters in a bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit "the city of the devotees", Bhaktapur, to admire the great architectural beauty of the third of the three royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley, also declared a World Heritage Site and whose Durbar Square is the best preserved in the valley. The Royal Palace stands out, whose entrance door is a masterpiece in embossed art, as does the Nyatapola Temple, known as the Temple of the Five Roofs, which is a pagoda of five magnificently sculpted floors and one of the highest in the country. Later, continue to the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, the Changu Narayan Temple located in the Changu village and dedicated to the god Vishnu. From here there is a beautiful view of the surroundings. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we recommend an optional Mount Everest flight-seeing excursion.* Head to the Kathmandu Valley through Asan Tole, the main street of the capital's oldest shopping area, which offers a vivid display of local Nepalese life. Discover the rich Nepalese culture and everyday life through the bustling and narrow streets and courtyards. Visit Durbar Square in Kathmandu, where you can see the Kumari Temple, which houses the living Goddess and the exteriors of the Taleju Temple and Kala Bhairav. In the afternoon, explore Swayambhunath Stupa, located at the top of a hill, to contemplate the beautiful landscape of the Kathmandu Valley. Later, discover the old city of Patan and visit it's Durbar Square, the oldest of the three in the valley. See the Royal Palace, home to beautiful patios and ornate windows and sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva, Ganesh and Vishnu. Also visit the Temple of the living goddess Kumari, who looks out onto the balcony to receive the greetings of the devotees. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
* Optional Mount Everest Flight-seeing Excursion: One-hour long sightseeing on a fixed-wing aircraft for an experience of a lifetime. All the spectacular glaciers, snow-capped peaks and gorges glide below as you fly towards Mt. Everest. Includes a flight certificate awarded at the end of the excursion. Return to Kathmandu to begin the rest of the days sightseeing.
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off by road to Chitwan, passing by scenic landscapes during the approx. 4-hour journey. Arrive in time for lunch and get settled at the hotel. In the afternoon, head out on a 1-hour nature walk to explore the beautiful surrounding area, scattered with cabins inhabited by the indigenous Tharu tribe, who have lived in the forests surrounding Chitwan for hundreds of years. After a delicious dinner, enjoy a Tharu Stick Dance Show, performed by local farmers, for an insight into Chitwan’s cultural roots. Overnight stay in Chitwan.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for magical Chitwan National Park, one of the richest national parks in Asia, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Enjoy an exciting photographic jeep safari in the heart of the jungle to discover a lost world of towering prehistoric trees, rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, brightly coloured birds and, of course, the majestic Bengal Tiger. Inside the park, visit the Gavial Crocodile Breeding Centre, dedicated to the breeding of this species in order to boost the local population. Lunch included. Afterwards, enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the river to soak up the views of the sunset. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Chitwan.
Awake early to enjoy a quiet walk through the village to soak up the sights and watch as the village comes to life in the morning. Return to the hotel for breakfast before setting off for Pokhara, a journey of around 3.5-hours long. En route, visit Bandipur Village, a small hilltop settlement and an amazing example of Newar culture. This charming village is home to precious 18th-century architecture, a number of small cafes and shops. Continue to Pokhara, nestled in a quiet, forest-covered valley. Arrive, get settled at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the fantastic views of the Himalayas and the five Annapurna peaks. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Sarangkot to see the sunrise over the Himalayas if weather conditions permit. Located at 1592 meters high, it is the most popular spot to enjoy the magnificent views of the Pokhara valley and the mountains. Afterwards, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake and see the beautiful Devi Waterfall and explore the Sacred Cave of Gupteshwor, almost 3 km long. Continue to the traditional Old Bazaar of Pokhara, a pleasant traditional place, which is full of merchants of diverse ethnicities that sell fabrics, food and gold among many other products. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to Kathmandu and enjoy the scenery along the way. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Nagarkot, a village nestled in the beautiful mountains which is famed for its amazing views of the Himalayas. Arrive at the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Nagarkot.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy guided walks through the hills surrounding Nagarkot. It is the best way to explore and experience the spectacular natural landscape, countryside and terraced farmland and also understand the lifestyle of local people. Overnight in Nagarkot.
Breakfast at the hotel. Return to Kathmandu by road. Arrive and enjoy a guided visit to Bouddhanath and Pashupatinath. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, one of the largest in the world and icon of Nepal, sits on an octagonal base and is surrounded by the houses of the Lamas. Discover Pashupatinath Hindu Temple from the east bank of the river, the most important and oldest of the Kathmandu Valley, which is dedicated to Shiva and built-in an exuberant natural environment. Free afternoon to stroll through the city or make last-minute souvenir purchases. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Breakfast * at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport and check-in for your return flight back to the UK or Ireland. Night on board. (Dependent on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the UK or Ireland today.)
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
Arrive back in the UK/Ireland and end of your trip.
Included activities
Included activity for day 3 in Delhi
Duration 03:15h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Tour of Old Delhi
Explore the treasures of Old Delhi such as the majestic Jama Masjid Royal Mosque and lively Chandi Chow Street. Take a rickshaw ride around the Red Fort and admire Raj Ghat, where the legendary Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Afterwards, explore New Delhi.
Included activity for day 5 in Jaipur
Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Jeep Transfer to the Amber Fort
Embark on an exciting Jeep transfer to the atmospheric Amber Fort! Here you can see the palace of Jag Mandir and the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room embedded with bright pieces of mirror, all the while imagining the glamorous lives of the Maharajas.
Included activity for day 5 in Jaipur
Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 11:00 Approx
Physical rating:
City Tour of Jaipur
Discover Jaipur on a city tour, including the illustrious Palace of the Maharaja, home to an informative museum. Afterwards, get to know a little about India's scientific achievements at the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory in the world.
Included activity for day 5 in Jaipur
Duration 00:20h Approx.
Physical rating:
Photo Stop at the Palace of the Winds
Make a photo stop at the legendary Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, one of India's most beloved historic buildings with a fascinating past.
Available Activities
If you have reduced mobility you can request assistance for these activities by speaking to one of our experts
Suggested activity for day 10
Mount Everest Flight-Seeing
One hour long sightseeing on a fixed-wing aircraft. All the spectacular glaciers, snow-capped peaks and gorges glide below as you fly towards Mt. Everest. Includes a flight certificate awarded at the end of the excursion.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
- International flights: UK/Ireland - Delhi, Kathmandu - UK/Ireland. *more information
- Internal flights: Delhi - Kathmandu. **more information
- 17 nights accomodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 17 Breakfasts and full board in Chitwan.
- Transfers in air conditioned vehicle.
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Boat ride on Phewa Lake.
- ATOL Protection.
- English speaking guide.
- Jeep Transfer at the Amber Fort.
Not included
Indian visa and Nepalese Visa (required), drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
If you are travelling to India with a UK passport, you will require:
Indian visa: For other passport holders, we recommend that you check with the Indian Embassy for further details: https://www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
Nepalese visa: For other passport holders, we recommend that you check with the Nepalese Embassy for further details: http://www.nepembassy.org.uk/tourist-visa/
* Due to the customs clearance rule of the government of India, if your flight calls at another city in India before arriving in Delhi, confirm at the departure desk in the UK / Ireland whether you should pick up your suitcase and pass customs control at the airport where the connection is made. Remember that if the flight stops in Mumbai you will need to pick up your luggage. Keep in mind that normally this whole process takes approximately 60 minutes.
** Documentation of the internal flights will be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" 14 days before your trip. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.
*** The order of the itinerary can change according to the day of departure of the flight.
Thursday/ Sunday: 2 nights in Delhi at the beginning, 1 night in Delhi at the end.
Monday/ Friday: 1 night in Delhi at the beginning, 2 nights in Delhi at the end.
- Entry requirementsPassport with a minimum of six months validity and at least two blank pages.
- VisaA visa is required to enter the country. Issued by the embassy or online E-Visa application one month before arrival in the country.
- CurrencyIndian Rupee.
- LanguageHindi and English.
- Electricity220 V in the majority of the country. Electrical sockets are European style however an adapter may be useful.
- HealthPlease consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.
- Time zoneGMT + 5:30.
- Other useful informationForeigners cannot bring Indian Rupees into the country, although you can bring foreign currency and exchange it once you arrive.
- Tourist Office websitehttp://www.incredibleindia.org/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Expected or similar hotels. In the case of change, the accommodation provided will always be of an equal or superior category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
Tips in India are subject to the decision of the client based on the level of satisfaction of the service provided and the experience in general. Taking into account that they are not obligatory, they are usually expected.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Children: 2 - 11 years old. Additional bed.
Triple room: the third bed will be a rollaway bed.
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