Nepal
From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the sweeping Terai plains in the south, Nepal is a land of natural beauty and attraction. Mountains, hills, valleys, lakes and plains dominate the landscape of this landlocked country, and eight of the fourteen peaks over eight thousand meters lie in Nepal including Everest - the highest in the world. The capital, Kathmandu, is enriched with temples more than homes, and has been a mecca for travelers since the 1960's. The Kathmandu Valley is home to three of Nepal's largest cities, with Bahktapur and Patan being particularly popular. In the central part of the country lies Pokhara, regarded as one of the top three most beautiful places in the world. The lovely Phewa Lake is found here, backdropped by the magnificent Annapurna mountain range. Chitwan in the Terai region lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. The Chitwan National Park has been enlisted as a World Heritage Site, and one of the last populations of the single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros live in the park, which is also one of the last refuges of the Bengal Tiger. Please browse our collection of Nepal deluxe tours below.
Our recommended Nepal luxury tours and vacations
From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the sweeping Terai plains in the south, Nepal is a land of natural beauty and attraction. Mountains, hills, valleys, lakes and plains dominate the landscape of this landlocked country, and eight of the fourteen peaks over eight thousand meters lie in Nepal including Everest - the highest in the world. The capital, Kathmandu, is enriched with temples more than homes, and has been a mecca for travelers since the 1960's. The Kathmandu Valley is home to three of Nepal's largest cities, with Bahktapur and Patan being particularly popular. In the central part of the country lies Pokhara, regarded as one of the top three most beautiful places in the world. The lovely Phewa Lake is found here, backdropped by the magnificent Annapurna mountain range. Chitwan in the Terai region lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. The Chitwan National Park has been enlisted as a World Heritage Site, and one of the last populations of the single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros live in the park, which is also one of the last refuges of the Bengal Tiger. Please browse our collection of Nepal deluxe tours below.
Our recommended Nepal luxury tours and vacations
Magnificent Nepal - 8 days
Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara.
Classical India and Nepal - 11 days
Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Kathmandu.
Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara.
Classical India and Nepal - 11 days
Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Kathmandu.
Magnificent Nepal
8 days - Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara
8 days - Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara
Experience the many sides of Nepal on this 8-day program. Kathmandu is bounded by the Great Himalayan Range in the north, and the fertile lowland plains in the south. A mecca for travelers since the 1960's, the city is a fascinating blend of pagodas, narrow cobbled lanes, old carved windows, shops, and charming cafes and restaurants. Located in the Inner Terai, Chitwan is known for its rich flower and fauna, and abundant wildlife in the Chitwan National Park. There are two nights to enjoy here, and safaris into the park provide the opportunity to spot the Bengal Tiger and other exotic wildlife. The rare combination of snow-clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara one of the most picturesque attractions in Nepal. Truly one of the world's most beautiful areas, three out of the ten highest mountains in the world can be viewed closely from here.
Day 1: Kathmandu. Arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel. An afternoon tour takes you to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; and Boudhanath, an immense Buddhist stupa. One of the world's largest of its kind, it stands with four pairs of watchful eyes in the four cardinal directions.
Day 2: Kathmandu. Spend this morning seeing the sights around Kathmandu city. Durbar Square remains the center of ancient Kathmandu, and clustered around the square are the old royal palace, Hanuman Dhoka, numerous old temples like the Mahadev and Parvati Temple, and Kumari Bahal and the House of the Living Goddess. The young goddess, who greets devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, will revert to a normal mortal upon puberty and another will be selected. Afterwards visit Swayambhunath, the iconic Buddhist stupa said to be 2,000 years old. In the afternoon depart for Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon), home of medieval art and architecture, and important sights such as the Palace of 55 Windows, Durbar Square, and Nyatapola Temple. (breakfast).
Day 3: Chitwan. Depart by road for Chitwan, located in northwest Nepal, it is home to the Chitwan National Park. The park is famous for its variety of wildlife, especially the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Upon arrival be greeted by your naturalist and briefed on the resorts programs and facilities. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 4: Chitwan. Enjoy a day of jungle activities, with safaris in the early morning, and again in the evening. Besides searching for the Bengal Tiger, there are opportunities so see deer, leopard, rhinoceros, gaur, monkeys, as well as excellent bird-watching. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 5: Pokhara. Proceed by road to Pokhara. One of the kingdom's most picturesque destinations, there may be no other place in the world from where the Great Himalayan peaks can be admired from such a close distance. Upon arrival the balance of the day is free to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. (breakfast).
Day 6: Pokhara. Start early this morning for a sunrise visit of Sarangkot. Later in the morning explore the sights of Pokhara and its environs. In the afternoon enjoy a boat trip on lovely Phewa Lake, taking in the beauty of the crystal clear water and surrounding forest and majestic white peaks. (breakfast).
Day 7: Pokhara. Return to Kathmandu by flight. This afternoon visit Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the "City of Fine Arts," it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and fine arts and crafts. Rounding out the afternoon is a visit to the Tibetan Handicraft Center. (breakfast).
Day 8: Depart Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Seven breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $2,050.
Classical India & Nepal
11 days - Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Kathmandu
11 days - Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Kathmandu
This classic journey travels through northern India, finishing with a visit to Nepal. Delhi stands as the capital of modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the old and new India, the ancient and the modern. New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards, green parks and gardens; while Old Delhi, an ancient walled city with impressive Red Fort and bustling Chandni Chowk market, is a delight to explore and be amazed by. Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. Everywhere in the "abode of rajahs" you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Agra, at the time of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries, was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. Found here of course is one of India's most beautiful and iconic sights, the magnificent Taj Mahal. In Khajuraho visit the 9th and 10th century temples of the Chandela Dynasty; famously know for their erotic carvings. The holy city of Varanasi, also known by the name Benaras, is the most popular pilgrimage point for the Hindus. It is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of birth and re-births. Finish with a visit to Nepal, and it's most famous city, Kathmandu. Bounded by the Great Himalayan Range in the north, and the fertile lowland plains in the south, there is much to explore both in the city and in the Kathmandu Valley.
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi. A full-day tour explores Old and new Delhi. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride, followed by a visit to Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Across from the fort's main gate is Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Rounding out the morning are visits to Raj Ghat, memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. In New Delhi visit two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. In the evening we are invited to have dinner at an Indian home. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Jaipur. Depart by road for Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," it is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. The drive takes approximately five hours. Upon arrival the balance of the day is free. This evening is an option is to watch an Indian movie at the famous Raj Mandir movie theater. The cinema is an icon among movie theaters and is a sightseeing spot in itself. (breakfast).
Day 4: Jaipur. This morning visit Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Perched on a hillside, the fort can be reached by jeep, and when available by elephant-back. After touring dine on a delicious lunch at Amber Fort's 1135 AD restaurant. Back in Jaipur this afternoon visit the City Palace Museum, and Jantar Mantar, an accurate observatory built in 1726. This evening Amber Fort serves as the backdrop for a spectacular sound and light show. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Agra. Drive to Agra (approx. 5 hours), en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It's ruins are still in fine condition, and it not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Upon arrival in Agra visit Agra Fort, home to many great Mughal emperors, and the incomparable Taj Mahal, the magnificent monument to love built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. (note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). This evening, if you choose, a visit to Kalakriti auditorium can be arranged to see a live performance of "Mohabbat the Taj." (breakfast).
Day 6: Jhansi/Orchha/Khajuraho. Depart Agra by train for a two hours ride to Jhansi. From here proceed by road to Khajuraho, en route visiting the medieval city of Orccha to see the magnificent fort complex and palaces found there. (breakfast).
Day 7: Varanasi. A morning tour of Khajuraho introduces us to the temples of the Chadela Dynasty. Perhaps inspired by the "Kama Sutra," the temples are known for their erotic images of celestial nymphs, gods and goddesses sculpted in delicate detail. In the afternoon fly to Varanasi, the holy city of India. This evening visit the Ghats to witness Aarti, a Hindu religious ritual using light, and usually accompanied by the singing of songs. (breakfast).
Day 8: Kathmandu. Rise early this morning for a boat ride on the holy river Ganges. The sight of pilgrims doing their ritual bathing in the river is a must-see. Continue for a tour of Varanasi's other main attractions, including visits to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and Durga Temple, also known as "Monkey Temple." In the afternoon fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. (breakfast).
Day 9: Kathmandu. Spend today seeing the sights around Kathmandu city. Durbar Square remains the center of ancient Kathmandu, and clustered around the square are the old royal palace, Hanuman Dhoka, numerous old temples like the Mahadev and Parvati Temple, and Kumari Bahal and the House of the Living Goddess. The young goddess, who greets devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, will revert to a normal mortal upon puberty and another will be selected. Visits also include Swayambhunath, the iconic Buddhist stupa said to be 2,000 years old; and Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the "City of Fine Arts," it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and fine arts and crafts. Rounding out the day is a visit to the Tibetan Handicraft Center. (breakfast).
Day 10: Kathmandu. Embark on a half-day excursion outside of the city to visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; Boudhanath, an immense Buddhist stupa that is one of the world's largest; and Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon), home of medieval art and architecture, and important sights such as Durbar Square and the Palace of 55 Windows. (breakfast).
Day 11: Depart Kathmandu. Weather permitting, you may choose to take an optional flight-seeing program over the mountains, snow peaks, deep gorges and glacial valleys to see the unmistakable Mt. Everest. Later transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Breakfast daily (10), one lunch, and one dinner.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,890.
