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Day 01: Delhi (Arrival)
Around midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and
capital Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. Upon arrival,
you will be met by our representative and transferred to the
Hotel
Day 02: Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old
Delhi. You will take a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort
through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar.
Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes Rajghat, Jama Masjid,
Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar. Before you will proceed to the
Hotel you will have a drive through New Delhi where you will
see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.
Day 03: Delhi - Shekhawati (about 270 kms)
In the morning drive to Shekhawati region. Shekhawati is
situated in the North east region of Rajasthan and is the
homeland of marwaris. Arrival in Shekhawati in the evening.
Day 04: Shekhawati - Bikaner (about 190 kms)
In the morning you will visit the grand havellis of the
Shekhawati area. After the visit of Shekhawati area you will
proceed to Bikaner. After a short break in Bikaner you will
visit the Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red
sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing
the structure at intervals. This imposing Fort and its palaces
are an unforgettable experience for us.
Day 05: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (about 330 kms)
Today you will drive through the desert and proceed for
Jaisalmer. In medieval times, its prosperity was due to its
location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt,
Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of
beautiful culture and this city remains one of the most exotic
city not only in Rajasthan but in the whole of India. Some of
the visitors called this city "a living museum". Arrive in
Jaisalmer in the late evening.
Day 06: Jaisalmer
Today you will have sightseeing of the medieval city of
Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated golden sandstone walls and
its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings
makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved
havellis (grand mansions). You will have a walk through the
old city and visit the Fort and the Jain temple. In the
afternoon you will drive around 40 km away from Jaisalmer to
Sam dunes where you will enjoy the sunset before we drive back
to Jaisalmer.
Day 07: Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur (about 290 kms)
Early morning drive to Jodhpur via Osian. Osian is a great
centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple here was
constructed in 1178 AD. After having a break in Osian you will
drive to Jodhpur. The city was once the capital of the
princely state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur lies on the
once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trading route and the marwaris
got benefit from the passing traffic of opium, copper, silk
which was traded to China. You will visit the Mehrangarh Fort
(majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill and
is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows
in residential apartments within. You will also visit the
Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble. After
the sightseeing you will have a walk through the Bazaars of
Jodhpur.
Day 08: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 260 kms)
Today you will drive to Udaipur. Enroute you will visit
Ranakpur. Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble
Jain Temples. An enormous basement of this temple covers
48,000 square feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty
four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1,444, all
of which are intricately carved, no two being alike. The
Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the 15th century. You
will have a break in Ranakpur before proceeding further for
Udaipur.
Day 09: Udaipur
Today you will visit Udaipur, also known as the city of
sunrise. You will start your sightseeing with the visit of
Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well
laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After the visit
of Garden of Maids you will visit a Museum of folk art. This
museum has a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments,
puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings
on display. After a break you will proceed to City palace, the
biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas
added their contribution, is so carefully planned and
integrated with the original buildings that it is difficult to
believe that it was not conceived as a whole. Today you will
also have an opportunity to visit a traditional painting
school and see the famous miniature paintings done. In the
evening we have a Boat ride on the lake Pichola.
Day 10: Udaipur - Dungarpur
Today we take leave from the City of Lake (Udaipur) and drive
to Dungarpur. Dungarpur means a “Hill town”. In Dungarpur you
will enjoy the overnight stay in a Fort which has been
converted into a Hotel. You will have the rest of the day at
leisure and therefore enough time to relax and have a walk in
the Bazaar.
Day 11: Dungarpur - Chittorgarh
After the breakfast you will drive to Chittorgarh. In the noon
you will visit the Chittorgarh Fort, the world famous fort of
Chittorgarh which is crowning 180 meters hill and covers about
170 acres. On the crest of the enormous grey hill, girdled by
massive walls and seven majestic gateways, one stumbles upon
shattered palaces, a "Temple of Mirabai" – the mystic poetess
and the intricately carved nine storeyed Tower of Fame, built
in the 12th Century in honour of Lord Adinath, the first jain
Tirthankara.
Day 12: Chittorgarh - Pushkar
Today you will leave Chittorgarh and drive to Pushkar. The
only temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an
important pilgrimage city for Hindus. Pushkar has become
famous in the world due to the Pushkar Festival which takes
place in the month of November when the whole of Pushkar is
transformed into a spectacular fair ground where thousands of
pilgrims come to bath in the holy water of Pushkar lake and
the biggest cattle and camel markets take place here where
farmers, breeders and camel traders buy and sell.
Day 13: Pushkar - Jaipur
Today you will leave the holy city of Pushkar and drive to the
Pink City Jaipur.
Day 14: Jaipur
After breakfast you will visit the ancient capital of Amber,
laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital
of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to
newly created Jaipur. Here you will ascend to the Palace
Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber you will
visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD,
it contains 953 small casements with each having its own
balcony. In the afternoon you will visit the City palace which
is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a
blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum
of the city palace you will visit the private collection of
the Jaipur Maharajas. Later, you will continue to Jantar
Mantar, a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's five
remarkable observatories. It’s complex instruments reveals us
the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy. Afterwards you will
have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur. In the
evening you will drive through the new city of Jaipur and
visit “Laxmi Narayan Mandir”, a Hindu temple made out of white
marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer
ceremony.
Day 15: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Today you will leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and
drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages in
direction of Agra. Enroute you will make a stop and visit
Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in
time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This
wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as
abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated
that it was due to failing in the water supply. Late evening
arrival in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 16: Agra
Today you will start your sightseeing by visiting the Agra
Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The
construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under
Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's
reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters
and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort you will proceed to
visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an
enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling
beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between
1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz
Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving
birth to her 14th child.
Day 17: Agra - Delhi
In the morning after having breakfast you will drive to Delhi.
Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon. The rest of the day at
leisure.
Day 18: Delhi - Srinagar (by air)
In the morning drive to the airport for the flight to Srinagar.
In the afternoon arrive at the Srinagar airport. Upon arrival
you will be met by our representative and transferred to the
House Boat on the Dal Lake. Srinagar has been described by
some visitors as the Venice of the East. This beautiful city
was established by Emperor Ashoka some 2300 years ago. A
unique charm of Srinagar is its 1300 or more houseboats, the
floating little hotels on the edge of the Dal Lake. Rest of
the day free for leisure to explore the beautiful surroundings
in Srinagar.
Day 19: Srinagar
Today we visit the famous Mughal gardens in Srinagar. The
Mughal emperors often visited Kashmir. They planted gardens
with sloped terraces and flowing watercourses. Chashma Shahi,
Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh are the three famous Mughal
gardens in Kashmir. Chashma Shahi means the Royal Spring and
is dedicated to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. After visiting
the Chashma Shahi you will visit the Nishat Bagh and Shalimar
Bagh. Nishat Bagh is the larger of the two gardens and has an
impressive plantation of Chenar trees on its highest terrace.
Shalimar Bagh was built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir, whose
love for Kashmir was legendary. The Shalimar Bagh is a series
of stone pavilions and flowing water with paint box bright
flowerbeds.
Day 20: Srinagar - Sonamarg - Srinagar
In the morning you will drive to Sonamarg. Sonamarg is
situated on the Srinagar - Leh Highway, about 85 km from
Srinagar. Sonamarg, a small but uniquely beautiful hill
resort, is located on the Ladakh road. Sonamarg means the
golden meadow. It derives its name from the golden colour of
its massed spring flowers. The main attraction in Sonamarg are
the Bisansar Lake and Krishnasar Lake. These two beautiful
lakes adds to the beauty of Sonamarg. The Krishnasar Lake is
famous for the Trout fishing. After visiting these two
beautiful lakes in Sonamarg you will drive back to Srinagar.
Day 21: Srinagar - Pahalgam
In the morning after breakfast drive to Pahalgam. On the way
you will pass through pine forest and also visit the saffron
fields. Pahalgam is the popular hill resort of the Kashmir
valley. The flora and fauna is good and the scenery in
Pahalgam is captivating. It is from Pahalgam that the pilgrims
often take a Amarnath Yatra. Arrive in Pahalgam by the
afternoon.
Day 22: Pahalgam
Today in Pahalgam you can have a walk to Baisaren, which is
about 2 km from Pahalgam. This walk to a small village, set in
pine and fir forest will be pleasing. This place offers some
good views of the surroundings. You can also go for further 11
km trekking to Tulian Lake (3353 m). This lake is covered with
ice for most of the year. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 23: Pahalgam - Srinagar - Delhi (by air)
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Srinagar
airport for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be
transferred to the hotel in Delhi.
Day 24: Delhi - Kathmandu - Lhasa (by air)
In the morning transfer to airport to connect flight from
Kathmandu to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gongor airport at Lhasa,
transfer to the hotel in Lhasa. From Kathmandu to Lhasa it
would be a scenic flight across the Himalayas. The rest of the
day is at leisure to acclaim yourselves to this high altitude
of Lhasa.
Day 25: Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast proceed for a
sightseeing tour of Lhasa city. In Lhasa you will visit Potala
Palace. Potala Palace is the dominant landmark of Lhasa which
is situated at a height of 117 meters above the sea level. It
was both the residence of the current Dalai Lama and tomb of
the former head of state. The Potala Palace is full of
elaborate art work and frescos that tell many stories. In the
afternoon you will drive to visit the Jokhang temple. Jokhang
temple was built in the 7th century AD and houses the most
prized Buddhist relic, a 1300 year old Sakyamuni Buddha
statue. The main section of the temple is topped with golden
roofs which is found only in Tibet. After visiting the temple
you will have a walk in the Barkhor Bazaar. It is a lively and
colourful market where you can bargain over such treasures
like ornate long bladed knives, prayer wheels and exquisite
jewellery. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 26: Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast you will visit the
Drepung monastery. This monastery is situated in the west
suburbs of Lhasa city. It was formerly the largest and richest
monastery in the world with about 10000 monks. Of particular
interest is the medieval monk's kitchen with its great
cauldrons of steaming barley 'stamp' sitting on top of huge
earthen stoves and tented by saffron robed monks wielding
massive ladles. From the roof of the monastery you can enjoy
the natural beauty of the Lhasa valley. Then you will visit
the Sera monastery. Sera is more like a small town on the
outskirts of Lhasa at the base of Tatipu hill. It is the main
teaching monastery and one of the three great Gelukpa
Universities - once housing more than 5500 monks. Here one can
see the young novices learning scriptures in the Debating
Garden. In the evening you will visit the Norbulingka Summer
palace. On the banks of the Kyichi River, there is a tree and
flower filled pard known as the Norbulingka or the Jewel Park.
Covering a total area of 360,000 square meters, the park was
originally laid out in the year 1750. Norbulingka is also the
site of the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas (8th to 14th).
The small palace of the 13th Dalai Lama is an odd mix of
traditional Tibetan architecture and modern paraphernalia.
Day 27: Lhasa - Gyantse
Today you will drive from Lhasa to Gyantse via Kampa La pass
(4794 m) and Yamdrok Tso (4482 m) also known as Turquoise Lake
(600 square km.), one of the three largest lakes in Tibet.
Enroute you will cross Karo La pass (5010 m) and two other
smaller passes before reaching Gyantse Town. Gyantse was
earlier the Tibet's third most important city, lying in the
Nyangchu valley and along the main routes from India and Nepal
to Lhasa. Overnight stay at the hotel in Gyantse.
Day 28: Gyantse - Shigatse
In the morning after having breakfast visit the Phalkor
monastery and Kumbum Stupa designed by Newari architects from
Nepal. The Phalkor monastery has a special influence over
Buddhism owing to its unity of Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Bhutan
sects. After visiting the monastery drive to Shigatse.
Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet. Upon arrival
transfer to the hotel.
Day 29: Shigatse - New Tingri
In the morning after having breakfast visit Tashilhunpo
Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. This monastery
houses the Maitreya Buddha statue which weighs 275 kgs and is
made of gold and 26 metres in height. After visiting the
monastery drive to New Tingri. On the way cross two passes
which are Tsuo La (4500 m) and Lhakpa La (5220 m). Overnight
stay in the hotel in New Tingri.
Day 30: New Tingri - Zhangmu
Today you will drive from New Tingri to Zhangmu. After leaving
New Tingri there are great views of Mount Everest (Chomulangma)
and Mount Shisapangma. Enroute you will pass Nyalam (3500 m),
an irnportant old trading post and also cross Lalung La (5050
m). This is a very scenic drive as the road cuts through the
Himalaya and the dramatic changes in the vegetation and the
landscape in such a short distance are truly amazing.
Overnight stay in hotel in Zhangmu.
Day 31: Zhangmu - Kathmandu
In the morning after having breakfast you will drive to
Kathmandu. After immigration and custom formalities, drive to
Friendship Bridge, the border of Nepal and China. Then you
will cross the bridge on foot to Kodari and drive to Kathmandu.
Upon arrival transfer to the airport for the flight to onwards
journey.
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