Experience the heights of South Asia, from the Taj Mahal to the Himalayas.
Interested in checking two bucket list countries off your list? This trip’s the ticket. Begin by touring the burnished highlights of India’s Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—before flying north to Kathmandu, Nepal. The City of Temples will be your home for four nights as you fill your days admiring Himalayan peaks and beautiful Buddhist stupas. Then, extend your tour to trek to the Nepalese lowlands and explore the wilds of the country’s first national park. (You might even spot a Bengal tiger!)
Your tour package includes
- 10 nights in handpicked hotels
- 10 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 5 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 tasting
- 16 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
- Private deluxe motor coach
- 2 on-tour flights
Itinerary
Board your overnight flight to Delhi today.
Welcome to India! After arriving in Delhi, make the short transfer to your hotel with your groupmates. You’ll touch down later in the evening, so use the rest of your day to settle into your room, grab a bite to eat, catch up on sleep, and look forward to the rest of your journey.
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner
Finish shaking off that jet lag during a leisurely morning spent in the comfort of your hotel. Then, meet up with your Tour Director and set out for Old Delhi. Built on the order of Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, this walled city was dubbed Shahjahanabad upon its completion in 1648 and served as the capital of Mughal India for over 200 years. Wind through its narrow lanes on a guided sightseeing tour and bask in its highlights.
- See the black marble pedestal and eternal flame of Raj Ghat, an enduring tribute to Mahatma Gandhi built on the site of his cremation. Then, visit a nearby museum dedicated to the “Father of the Nation,” filled with photographs and books documenting his life.
- Tour the exterior of Jama Masjid, the former imperial mosque of the Mughals. Immediately recognizable by its twin sandstone minarets and three onion-like domes, this immense marble structure is one of Delhi’s most iconic sites. Enjoy a reverent moment with your thoughts as you take in its courtyard.
- Split into groups and get ready to crank up the volume—and speed—on a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk. Since opening in the 16th century, this market has ballooned into one of the largest in India. Zip through the streets of the “Moonlight Square,” letting the sights, smells, and sounds of this bustling bazaar awe you.
Wrap up your first full day in India with an included welcome dinner, served with beer or wine at a local restaurant.
Please note: The schedule of your sightseeing tour may vary depending on your departure date and the conditions in Delhi. Additionally, women will be given robes to wear over their clothes at Jama Masjid.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After walking, driving, and rickshaw-riding through history yesterday, spend your day getting to know India’s present in New Delhi. Built over a span of 20 years and inaugurated as the country’s capital in 1931, it contains some of the nation’s most significant cultural sites. Check them out as you traverse the district with your Tour Director.
- See the India Gate. Built in the style of a triumphal arch, it’s one of the largest and most famous war memorials in the country, honoring soldiers who fell during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
- Enter the complex containing one of New Delhi’s grandest sights: the Qutub Minar. Towering almost 240 feet above the city’s Mehrauli neighborhood, this fluted sandstone minaret flaunts intricate engravings and gorgeous geometric patterns.
- Listen to your Tour Director tell stories about New Delhi’s grand boulevards, government buildings, and public parks as you drive through the city, and take a break at a local restaurant for an included lunch.
- Visit Humayun’s Tomb. Rising from an urban green space, the red sandstone walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site pay striking homage to the eponymous 16th-century Mughal ruler. Enter the mausoleum and explore this prime example of Islamic architecture.
- Enter one of the holiest places in the Sikh faith: the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Originally a bungalow belonging to a local king, it grew from a small shrine to a gurudwara, or temple, associated with the eighth Sikh Guru, Har Krishan. Its Sarovar, or lake, is said to have healing properties, further highlighting the temple’s spiritual importance.
- Learn about the history and traditions of Sikhism while visiting the temple. This organized religion is the fifth-largest and one of the youngest in the world. It emphasizes the concept of seva—selfless service—and adherents at the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib put it into practice each day. You’ll see it in action at the langar, or community kitchen, where free meals are served 24 hours a day.
Please note: The schedule of your sightseeing tour may vary depending on your departure date and the conditions in Delhi. Additionally, all travelers must wear a head covering in Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. One will be provided for you before entering.
Agra1 night
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Make the trek southeast from Delhi to the city of Agra. Your destination: the tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah, the lavish final resting place of the Mughal official Mirza Ghiyas Beg. It was built as a loving tribute from daughter to father, and its name derives from the title bestowed upon Ghiyas Beg by the emperor he served: I’timad-ud-Daulah, or “Pillar of the State.”
- Walk across its manicured gardens, set out in a perfect cross. (Fun fact: The only asymmetrical parts of the entire complex are the cenotaphs of Ghiyas Beg and his wife, Asmat Begum, laid side-by-side for eternity in the main tomb.)
- Enter the mausoleum with your Tour Director and come to understand why it’s known as the “Baby Taj.” Its use of white marble, red sandstone, and vibrant stone inlays marks a transition between eras of Mughal architecture, leading some to consider the tomb a first draft of the Taj Mahal.
Leave the tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah behind and cross the Yamuna River, enjoying an included lunch before visiting the Taj Mahal, India’s crown jewel and a testament of undying love. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his dear wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the sprawling white marble complex is symmetrical in nearly every way—from its soaring onion dome to the minarets framing it against the horizon. Embark on a sunset tour of this Wonder of the Modern World and let yourself get lost in the moment.
With another full day in the books, join your groupmates for an included dinner, served with beer or wine. Trade tales and compare your favorite moments so far, then retire for the night.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Make the trek southeast from Delhi to the city of Agra. Your destination: the tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah, the lavish final resting place of the Mughal official Mirza Ghiyas Beg. It was built as a loving tribute from daughter to father, and its name derives from the title bestowed upon Ghiyas Beg by the emperor he served: I’timad-ud-Daulah, or “Pillar of the State.”
- Walk across its manicured gardens, set out in a perfect cross. (Fun fact: The only asymmetrical parts of the entire complex are the cenotaphs of Ghiyas Beg and his wife, Asmat Begum, laid side-by-side for eternity in the main tomb.)
- Enter the mausoleum with your Tour Director and come to understand why it’s known as the “Baby Taj.” Its use of white marble, red sandstone, and vibrant stone inlays marks a transition between eras of Mughal architecture, leading some to consider the tomb a first draft of the Taj Mahal.
Leave the tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah behind and cross the Yamuna River, enjoying an included lunch before visiting the Taj Mahal, India’s crown jewel and a testament of undying love. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his dear wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the sprawling white marble complex is symmetrical in nearly every way—from its soaring onion dome to the minarets framing it against the horizon. Embark on a sunset tour of this Wonder of the Modern World and let yourself get lost in the moment.
With another full day in the books, join your groupmates for an included dinner, served with beer or wine. Trade tales and compare your favorite moments so far, then retire for the night.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, rise with the sun and partake in an invigorating, traditional yoga practice, complete with views of the Taj Mahal and post-flow tea. Centering yourself has never been so tranquil.
Please note: This class is suitable for beginners and experts alike, and mats will be provided. Your yogi may not be fluent in English; if this is the case, your Tour Director will help translate.
Once you’ve limbered up, head to the opposite banks of the Yamuna River to immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of the Mehtab Bagh. This charbagh, or quadrilateral garden, perfectly mirrors the width of the Taj Mahal, and blooms with hibiscus, guava, and other flowering plants. As you stroll along its manicured grounds, you’ll learn about the Mughal and Persian elements that distinguish the area, and come to understand just how it got its name. (“Mehtab Bagh” directly translates to “Moonlight Garden.”)
Say goodbye to Agra and travel to Jaipur. Looking to understand Indian culture from a more local perspective? Tonight, you and your group will head to a family’s home for dinner. You’ll sample the region’s specialties as you hear about day-to-day life in the city. After your meal, head back to your hotel with both a full stomach and a full heart.
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
This morning, you have two options: Either sleep in and ease into the day, or join your groupmates for a sunrise excursion in a hot-air balloon.
Regardless of your choice, join back up with your Tour Director later in the morning for another spot of sightseeing. Your destination: the Amber Fort. Hunkered down atop a hill, this 16th-century fortress and palace complex is a paragon of Rajput architecture—so much so that it earned a spot among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Climb into a 4x4 Jeep and make the drive up the fort’s slopes. Once you’ve made it to the palace’s sandstone-and-marble exterior, disembark and let a combination of history and hilltop views wash over you. Then, take off on a guided tour and walk through the palace gardens, under ornate archways, up serpentine staircases, and past beautifully patterned walls.
When it’s time to leave, you’ll head back to the Pink City of Jaipur—so named for the dusty rose hue of the buildings in its Old City. The Rajasthani capital contains architectural marvels galore, and your Tour Director will show you some of its most magnificent on a guided tour.
- Sip masala chai as you walk through Jaipur’s bustling markets, where traders offer everything from handmade jewelry to traditional textiles and marble statues.
- Scope out the City Palace—built following the traditional Hindu system of Vastu Shastra—then explore its museum, taking a peek into the lives of the royals who lived there in the 18th century.
- Pass the honeycombed facade of the Hawa Mahal, nicknamed the Palace of the Winds due to a unique structural feature. When it was built in 1799, its architect dotted the exterior with 953 small windows. Besides allowing the royal ladies within to observe the streets below, they also created a gentle wind tunnel effect, ensuring a constant breeze that made the sweltering Rajasthani summers bearable.
If you want to stretch your legs a bit, get active by adding the evening’s excursion and learning some Bollywood dance steps in an interactive class, followed by dinner. If not, turn in early and dream about all you’ve seen so far.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, return to Delhi, transfer to the airport, and board a flight bound for the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. Once you touch down, you and your group will navigate the city’s vibrant streets, catching a sneak peek of what’s to come as you make your way to your hotel. Freshen up, then reconvene in the evening for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Included meal: Breakfast
Sitting in the center of Nepal, cupped by its namesake valley, Kathmandu is a beautiful barrage for the senses. With your Tour Director in the lead, you’ll expertly maneuver your way through this lively city, dialing into the pace of life and breathing in each momentum-packed moment.
- Begin by wandering through the UNESCO-listed Durbar Square. This royal plaza is one of three similarly named places in the Kathmandu Valley, and traces its roots to the third century. It also houses the Nautalle Durbar, an 18th-century palace built to commemorate Nepalese unification.
- Continue to the Itum Bahal, an old Buddhist monastery and a staple of Kathmandu’s Old Town. Odds are, you might smell its courtyard before you see it—the stalls of its famous spice market pump the pungent aroma of timur peppers and dried chilis into the air.
- See Swayambhunath. Named after the Tibetan word for “sublime trees,” this hilltop complex is an important site for Buddhist pilgrims, and is crowned by a stupa (a mound-shaped shrine) bearing the same name. Watch rhesus macaque monkeys roam its ancient grounds as colorful prayer flags flap in the wind.
- Step inside an artist’s studio to learn about paubhas—traditional paintings meant to worship deities and guide meditation—and have the chance to create your own.
Take a break to recharge at your hotel, then head back out for a traditional rickshaw ride. Zip through the city, rolling through the buzzy Thamel neighborhood and bustling Indra Chowk, Kathmandu’s principal market square. After, enjoy an evening to yourself and rest up for tomorrow’s outing.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Unplug from the energy of Kathmandu and travel to the easternmost pocket of its valley, seeking respite in the quiet village of Dhulikhel. Then, marvel at the UNESCO-listed temples of Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees.
- Begin in Dhulikhel. With a population of fewer than 40,000 and a ready panorama of the Himalayas, the peaceful environs of this town have long attracted hikers, bikers, and adventurers. As you explore, keep an eye out for some of the tallest mountain peaks in the world. (Weather permitting, you might spot Annapurna, Lhotse, and even Everest.)
- Double back toward Kathmandu, stopping in Bhaktapur for an included lunch. Then, follow a local guide on a tour of this holy city, first stopping in Durbar Square. This former royal complex was once even grander than its sibling in Kathmandu, but a string of earthquakes destroyed most of its buildings. Today, you’ll still find a series of pagodas and a palace ornamented with 55 Newar windows: elaborately carved wooden apertures that typify Nepalese architecture.
- Check out a pottery studio and let a local artisan teach you the age-old techniques behind Nepalese pottery. Then, rev up your wheel and sculpt your own piece of pottery, a unique souvenir from your time in the country.
- Return to Kathmandu by way of the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world. Then, wrap up your day with a final stop at the Boudhanath. This UNESCO-listed stupa has long been a waypoint for weary Tibetan merchants, and is a powerful symbol of peace and love.
Arrive at your hotel and unwind for the evening—and maybe visit a nearby eatery for some dhal bhat, a traditional lentil curry served with rice.
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
If you need a pause, use your full free day to recharge and explore at your own pace. Want to see as much as you can before heading back home? Add our optional excursion to the village of Nagarkot and find your second wind in nature’s embrace.
Tonight, rejoin your group and celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Included meal: Breakfast
Fly back to Delhi, then stretch your legs in a dayroom before returning to the airport for your overnight flight home. Not ready to leave? Stay in Kathmandu and prepare to strike out for the Nepalese lowlands on the trip’s extension. (If you’re curious about what else the country has to offer, take up the second option. The forests and plains of Chitwan National Park are as momentous as the Himalayas.)
Arrive home today.
FAQ
- To enter India and Nepal, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond their return date. We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in advance in order to enter India. You can apply for an eVisa or traditional visa in advance. To do so, visit the Indian consulate and follow our walkthrough guide. For additional assistance, you may use a third-party provider like VisaCentral—however, these services charge a fee in addition to the cost of your visa.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must also obtain a Nepalese visa. To receive one, you may pay $30 USD at the airport in Kathmandu, apply in advance with the Nepalese consulate, or use a third-party provider like VisaCentral.
- Regardless of how you choose to obtain your visas, you’re responsible for any costs associated with attaining them.
- If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact both consulates for specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code INP.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Delhi.
- When you arrive in Delhi, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with either a Go Ahead sign or one bearing your name. If you don’t see them immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler and will be back shortly.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
Physical Activity Level
This is a very high physical activity-level tour. You can expect vigorous activity throughout your trip.
Tour Pacing
This is a very fast-paced tour. Tour pacing considers how often you’ll switch hotels, what you’ll do each day, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- One one-night stay.
- Most days and evenings to be full of included activities.
- Most transportation to be by motor coach.
- Some transportation by rickshaw, boat, and commercial flight.
- Daily bus time to vary and occasionally be lengthy.
Walking, Terrain & Physical Considerations
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2–3 miles each day on city streets, cobblestone roads, and uneven stone and dirt paths.
- Stone pathways and archaeological sites can become slick when wet.
- To get in and out of the boats on the Chitwan National Park extension, travelers should be prepared to crouch down and slide through tight quarters.
- To get in and out of the game drive vehicles in Ranthambore National Park, travelers should be prepared to climb a small ladder or negotiate upward and downward steps.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
Climate Considerations
- Temperatures during the warmer months (April–June) can often range from 90–105 F in India and 65–80 F in Nepal.
- During the cooler months (October–March), expect cooler temperatures from 50–65 F in India and 35–65 F in Nepal.
- Monsoon season (June–September) brings high levels of humidity and short, intense bursts of rainfall. Temperatures range from 75–95 F in India and 65–85 F in Nepal.
Physical Activity & Tour Pacing Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage-handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the whole group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The group can’t miss any activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, wheelchairs and walkers will be difficult to use and aren’t recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring any mobility aids with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- This tour utilizes various modes of transportation, including planes, rickshaws, and 4×4 land cruisers. To board some of them, you may have to climb raised platforms or steps: For instance, the 4×4 land cruisers used on the game drive have high steps. Often, there won’t be access to ramps or lifts.
- Your game drive will be long and may cross bumpy terrain, so we recommend bringing a small pillow to ease the ride and the impact it may have on your body.
- A round-trip flight between Delhi and Kathmandu is included in the price of your tour.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag each due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions, and you’ll be responsible for any fees incurred.
- Your on-tour flights may have tighter limits than the ones you’ll take to get to and from India, with weight restrictions as low as 44lbs for checked bags. Be sure to contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your specific flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels, airports, or train stations.
