Wonders of India & Nepal

Depart with Qatar Airways from either London Heathrow or Manchester to Amritsar, via Doha. No matter which airport you choose, there will be no extra cost.

Our flight arrives into Amritsar in the early morning. We transfer to the Courtyard by Marriott, where an early check-in has been arranged for your convenience. After a relaxing day at leisure, this evening we enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Manager and fellow travellers. Following dinner, our adventure begins as we visit the breathtaking Golden Temple. Seeing the temple at night, when numerous lights illuminate its beauty, is a sight to remember. We will also witness the sacred and much revered Palki Sahib ceremony.

Tour Highlight

Undoubtedly our highlight today is a visit to the magnificent Golden Temple, one of the most spiritual places in India. We explore the complex, including the incredible community kitchens which produce up to 20,000 meals per day, all prepared by local volunteers. We continue to Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden and memorial of great national importance, before visiting the Partition Museum, a world-first ‘people’ museum that tells the stories of the millions affected during the Partition of India in 1947. Later, enjoy a food walking tour, sampling some of the best Punjabi dishes, such as Amritsari Kulche, Lassi, Maa di dal and more. The afternoon is reserved for a very special journey to the Wagah border, to witness the inimitable Wagah-Attari border ceremony. This daily ‘beating retreat’ attracts crowds from both sides of the India-Pakistan border and is characterised by elaborate and rapid dance-like manoeuvres. A mesmerising show that is bound to thrill!

This morning, we begin the scenic drive from Amritsar to Dharamshala. Recharge as you take in the views of lush cedar forests and rolling hills as we approach Dharamshala, at the edge of the Himalayas. En route, we visit the magnificent rock-cut temples of Masrur, located in the Kangra Valley. Upon arrival, we check into Fortune Moksha Hotel, where we spend the next two nights. Later, we learn about Himachal wines before dining together at our hotel.

Tour Highlight

We start our day exploring the rich spirituality of Dharamshala with a visit to the serene Dalai Lama Temple complex, home to the Namgyal Monastery and Tibetan Museum. Surrounded by prayer wheels and colourful prayer flags, the beautiful complex was built in 1959 following the Dalai Lama’s escape from Tibet. It is now the spiritual and political centre of the Tibetan community in India, with the intricate architecture blending the traditional styles. The main shrine houses an impressive gilded statue of Lord Buddha, with murals depicting scenes from his life and teachings surrounding it. As we explore, the soft chants of the monks echo through the complex as they pray and meditate. The afternoon is free, allowing time to wander the local market, where vibrant stalls are brimming with artisan crafts - ideal for picking up some souvenirs.

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to Amb Andaura railway station, passing through the lush Kangra Valley with its terraced fields and rural villages. We board our afternoon train to Delhi, enjoying panoramic views of the countryside that offer a glimpse into India’s diverse landscapes along the way. On arrival at New Delhi railway station, we transfer to our hotel for the next two nights, The Leela Ambience, a delightful haven amidst the city’s bustling energy. Settle in before sitting down together for a tasty dinner.

Delhi is a city combining the very best of old and modern India. Following breakfast, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, passing the Red Fort – the palace of the Mughal Empire in the 1500s, famed for its opulence. We visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, as well as taking a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk, the lively old-city market. Later, we continue to New Delhi, seeing the iconic India Gate and celebrated Parliament House. We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Humayun’s Tomb, where the 16th-century Mughal Emperor lies, before discovering the National Rail Museum, a vast site dedicated to the rich heritage of the Indian Railway.

Tour Highlight

This morning, we board India’s historic and first semi-high-speed train, the Gatimaan Express, as we journey to Agra, a city steeped in Mughal heritage and home to the iconic Taj Mahal. On arrival, we stop first to view the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its impressive architecture and rich history as a royal residence. Afterwards, we check in at our well-located hotel for the night, the Taj Hotel & Convention Centre and take some time to relax. Later, we head to the ethereal Taj Mahal to witness its beauty at sunset. Marvel at the changing hues of this masterpiece as the setting sun casts a golden glow over its pristine white marble – a truly unforgettable experience and one sure to be a highlight of our trip. We enjoy dinner together at our hotel this evening.

An early start today as we head to Tundla and board the Shatabdi Express train to Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh state. Upon arrival, we transfer to the elegant Renaissance Lucknow Hotel, our home for the next two nights, where we can freshen up after our journey. This evening, we embark on a food walking tour of Lucknow, a culinary paradise renowned for its flavourful kebabs. As we stroll through the bustling streets of the Hazratganj neighbourhood with our local guide, we sample traditional delicacies, sweet treats and local drinks, and learn more about the city’s vibrant gastronomic scene and hear stories of its rich Nawabi history.

Today we delve into Lucknow’s historic charm with a full day of sightseeing. We begin by discovering the Bara Imambara, a stunning architectural marvel, and its labyrinthine maze, the Bhul Bhulaiya. Next, we explore the Rumi Darwaza, a grand Mughal gateway, before heading to the beautiful mausoleum of Chhota Imambara, adorned with intricate chandeliers and glasswork. One of the highlights is sure to be the Residency, the location of the infamous Indian Uprising in 1857, today home to a poignant graveyard and small museum. We also view the picturesque La Martiniere College, an iconic and historical school whose architecture is an elegant fusion of European and Mughal styles.

This morning is free to relax, or you may choose to start your day taking part in a complimentary yoga class. Alternatively, you can opt to enjoy a heritage walking tour through the old lanes of Lucknow (additional cost), uncovering the city’s hidden treasures and offering insights into its rich history and vibrant culture. This optional tour explores the bustling Aminabad Hamza Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the city, brimming with traditional wares, clothing, and street food. This afternoon, we transfer to the railway station to board the Vande Bharat Express train to Varanasi, one of India’s newest trains built with Japanese technology. Upon arrival, we check in to the Radisson Hotel, our home for the next three nights.

We Recommend - Walking Tour in Old Lucknow City

Take a walking tour of Lucknow to explore the richness of the exceptional Islamic and British Raj-era architecture in the city.

We explore the spiritual heart of Varanasi this morning, beginning with the sprawling Banaras Hindu University campus, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India. Here we visit the New Vishwanath Temple – a modern marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva, before heading to the Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and revered for its tranquil atmosphere near to the Assi River. In the afternoon, we take part in an insightful session with a historian, offering a chance to delve into the nuances of Hinduism, and the history and cultural significance of this ancient city.

Tour Highlight

Varanasi comes alive early in the morning as pilgrims flock to the riverbanks to bathe in the holy waters. We rise early today and enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, soaking in the sights along the ghats of India’s sacred river. We return to our hotel for breakfast and a morning at leisure. This afternoon, we visit the ancient ruins and museum at Sarnath, location of the first sermon given by Buddha after attaining enlightenment and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Later, we experience an Aarti ceremony on the ghats of the Ganges, a mesmerising spiritual ritual involving chanting, music, and offerings to the holy river.

We head to the airport for our flight via Delhi to Kathmandu, Nepal’s sprawling capital set in a valley surrounded by the stunning Himalayan mountains. On arrival we transfer to our centrally located hotel for the next two nights, Hotel Yak and Yeti. In the afternoon we visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in Nepal. Here, we are welcomed at a thangka painting studio where we learn more about the significance and creation of these intricate, hand-painted religious scrolls. This evening, we enjoy an authentic Nepali dinner accompanied by a colourful cultural show featuring traditional music and dance.

Tour Highlight

This morning, we explore nearby Bhaktapur, a city celebrated for its rich cultural and historical heritage, often called Nepal's open-air museum. We stroll through its atmospheric alleys and discover Pottery Square, before witnessing the intricate art of Nepali woodcraft. We make a stop at a traditional paper factory which uses the bark of the lokta shrub to learn more about this process, and enjoy the beauty of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ancient sculptures and architectural masterpieces. Continuing to Kathmandu Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, we explore the historical heart of the city and discover ancient royal palaces, a fascinating museum, and visit the House of Kumari, home to a living goddess. Later, we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant neighbourhood of Thamel, taking in the bustling market as we weave through its lively streets filled with shops, cafes, and traditional crafts. We finish our day with dinner at a local restaurant and meet a Sherpa mountaineer for a chance to hear inspirational stories of their incredible achievements.

Leaving Kathmandu this morning, we make a stop at historic Swyambhunath Stupa, with its numerous shrines and prayer wheels. Built by King Manadeva in 460 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. We then drive to historic Gorkha and our accommodation for the night, Gorkha Gaun, in a nearby village. This charming rural retreat is surrounded by lush green hills with views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world. After lunch at the resort, we have the chance to explore the village and learn more about life here, before joining the friendly local staff to try our hand at making traditional plates and bowls from Sal leaves. Later, enjoy a cooking class led by Gorkha Gaun’s chef, gaining insight into local culinary techniques and flavours as we prepare and sample authentic Nepali dishes.

Take in the sunrise views over Mount Manaslu and explore Gorkha’s local market before we continue our journey to Pokhara today. On arrival, we settle in at the Fish Tail Lodge for our two-night stay, uniquely located on a peninsula across Phewa Lake. This afternoon, we visit the Gorkha Memorial Museum, celebrating the rich history of the legendary Gorkha soldiers and their contribution to military history, particularly in the British and Indian armies.

We start our day with an early morning journey to Sarangkot, a renowned viewpoint where we can watch as the sun rises over the Annapurna mountain range and the mountains glow with golden hues - a view that’s worth the early wake up call. Following breakfast back at our hotel, we head out to explore Pokhara with stops including the Gupteshwor Cave and Bindhavasini Temple, a revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati. We visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp to learn about the community here and wander the Old Bazaar, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the local stores in this historic area. This afternoon we discover the fascinating International Mountain Museum, providing an insight into the mountains of Nepal, the people, flora and fauna that call them home, and the mountaineers who climb them. Later, take in the stunning scenery as we enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Phewa Lake before finishing the day with a traditional Aarti ceremony.

We make the scenic drive to Chitwan, the first National Park of Nepal and home to an abundant array of wildlife, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, leopard, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Arriving at our resort, Jagatpur Lodge or Kasara Resort, we enjoy lunch and settle in for our three-night stay. Later, we head out for a walk around a Tharu village, home to a traditional community indigenous to the Chitwan area who mainly live off the land. In the evening, join an expert jungle naturalist to learn more about the local ecosystem and the rich variety of wildlife and bird species found in the national park.

After breakfast, embark on an exhilarating jeep safari in Chitwan National Park with the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including one-horned rhinos, deer, and countless bird species whilst surrounded by riverine forests and expansive grasslands. Later, we visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre for a unique opportunity to observe Mugger crocodiles and the rare Gharials, and learn about the centre’s conservation efforts. In the afternoon, we head out in a traditional hand-rowed canoe on the serene Rapti River. As we drift along, take in the beauty of the national park’s lush landscapes and keep an eye out for the fascinating wildlife that inhabits its shores. Before dinner this evening, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the Tharu people with a dynamic dance performance, showcasing the rhythms, stories, and customs of this traditional community.

We join our naturalist guide for a morning nature walk through the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, an area that offers a great opportunity to explore the park's rich biodiversity up close. Our knowledgeable naturalist offers insights into the park's diverse flora and fauna as we wander through the lush landscape keeping our eyes peeled. Our afternoon is at leisure, but should you wish, you can join another jeep safari at no additional cost, allowing a further chance to spot larger mammals and rare wildlife.

Departing Chitwan this morning, we return towards Kathmandu and make our way to Nagarkot, a scenic village sitting on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, and check in to our hotel for the night, Club Himalaya. Enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayas from its terrace offering sweeping 360° panoramas - the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

If you wish, rise early to watch the majestic sunrise over the mountains from the hotel terrace. After breakfast, get a glimpse into local life as we walk through the nearby village surrounded by verdant landscapes and far-reaching views. Then it’s time to bid farewell to Nepal as we transfer back to Kathmandu Airport for our flight home. Our flights with Qatar Airways operate via Doha.

After 24 amazing days travelling through India and Nepal, filled with memories that will last a lifetime, we arrive back into our chosen UK airport this morning.