Highway To The Himalayas - A Spiritual Adventure

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions such as monuments, museums, galleries and bazaars. You may also choose to visit Lodi Gardens, a tranquil green space where you can take a stroll and discover historic tombs and monuments.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Early in the morning, we leave for Agra, a bustling city on the banks of the river Yamuna. Agra became the capital of the Mughal empire between 1526 and 1628 and boasts of many magnificent Mughal-era monuments, making it a major tourist destination. Upon arrival, we check-in at the hotel and freshen up. We head to the Agra Fort, a fortress, palace, and prison made of red sandstone by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. It was partly transformed into a palace during the reign of Shah Jahan. Our day concludes with a visit to Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj, a 17th-century tomb built for Emperor Jahangir’s chief minister on the East bank of the river. We spend the evening visiting the bazaar, where artisans (some of them claim to be descendants of those who worked on the Taj Mahal) create fine marble-inlay work. Overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - At sunrise we visit the Taj Mahal, a sign of everlasting love that stands on the southern bank of the river Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved bride Mumtaz Mahal who died in the 16th century CE. The charisma of the glorious Taj Mahal never fails to mesmerize a first-time visitor. After the tour of the exquisite ivory-while marble mausoleum, we return to the hotel and after breakfast we will visit the massive Agra Fort - a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Originally belonging to various Mughal emperors periodically restored by the Rajputs, the artworks are made of red sandstone, bricks, and exquisite Makarana marble. We can accurately describe the fort as a walled, palatial city. Our day concludes with a visit to Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj, a 17th-century tomb built for Emperor Jahangir’s chief minister on the East bank of the river. In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board an overnight train to Varanasi. Overnight on Board.

Overnight - Train

Day 4 - Upon arrival at Varanasi train station, we will be received and transferred to the hotel for check-in. (Normal check-in time at the hotel is 1200 hours; we can request the hotel for an early check-in subject to availability). The city is always vibrant with thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. Every year over a million pilgrims visit the city, which lives and breathes Hinduism. It's a city to get lost in, wandering through the maze of narrow streets, visiting temples and watching devotees conduct rituals and ceremonies on the Ghats almost round the clock. We spend the afternoon exploring the holy city and its winding streets, Ghats, and mystical temples. In the evening, we take a rickshaw ride to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti. It is a regular evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony, performed by several priests with the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras on the banks of the Ganges. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - Today we start early with a sunrise boat ride over the Ganges to witness the amazing stream of events on the Ghats, the steps leading down to the river. The boat ride takes us past several Ghats of Varanasi, offering a glimpse of the city at its religious best. Every day thousands of Hindu pilgrims and devotees visit this city to offer prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves by taking a dip in the holy river. After the boat ride we drive back to the hotel to have breakfast. Next we drive 12 km to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, to visit the ruins and the museum. After the tour, we head back to Varanasi to catch the late afternoon flight to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi. (Sarnath Museum- closed on Fridays).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - Today we have a long day drive. In the morning we leave India and enter in Nepal as we cross the border at Gorakhpur. It's an amazing drive across the northern plains passing through a few towns and many pretty Indian villages. Once in Nepal we have a short (one hour) drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Gautam Buddha-the founder of Buddhism, and one of his four holy places of pilgrimage. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a plethora of historic stupas going back 2000 years and monasteries constructed by previous dynasties. People come here from all over the globe to study scriptures, meditate, do yoga, hike, learn more about Buddhism, and discover inner peace. Lumbini' literally means 'The Lovely' in Sanskrit, and true to its name it stands!

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - After breakfast we visit the sacred Lumbini Garden and the famous Maya Devi Temple where Buddha was born. The Maya Devi temple is the main attraction for the pilgrims and archaeologists. Here we find a bas relief of Maya Devi, Buddha's mother, giving birth to him. The Ashoka pillar, which stands west of the Maya Devi temple, is Nepal's oldest monument. Continuing our drive and travelling east and parallel to the mountains we reach Chitwan. This gorgeous reserve area is a maze of tiny lakes teeming with animals and is Nepal's second-largest natural wetland. Arrive and settle in our accommodations.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - Early morning we leave for a nature walk in the park and enjoy an elephant ride in the jungle. Return to the hotel to relax and in the afternoon leave for a jeep safari through the national park. Chitwan National Park and the surrounding forest cover an area of 540 square kilometres of the terrain and afford excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including tigers, leopards, leopard cats, sloth bears and Indian bisons. Home to numerous crocodiles, this is one of the park’s best areas for bird watching, with hundreds of species using it as a migratory route stop. If you’re lucky you might spot an Indian rhino. Wildlife activities are managed by experienced naturalists and Shikharis. We may also go for some other optional activities like canoe trips and jungle treks.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - Today we drive towards Pokhara, along the Narayani river through the Himalayan foothills. The view changes significantly from the forests and farmlands of Terai to steep terraced hills, and as we approach Pokhara we begin to see the formidable Annapurna Range. Set at an elevation of 1,000 m among semi-tropical vegetation and with a delightfully warm climate, it is considerably closer to the main Himalayan peaks than Kathmandu. Phewa Lake (or Phewa Tal), a spectacular lake that borders Lakeside Pokhara and Old Pokhara, flawlessly reflects the mountains that border it, making it a breathtaking photo-op. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. The afternoon is free to take a leisurely walk around the Phewa Lake.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - There are many opportunities for a day hike in and around Pokhara Valley. Early morning we drive to Sarangkot, the hill overlooking the lake, for an uninterrupted and clear view of the Annapurna range. Sarangkot is a traditional Nepalese village. Here we explore the surroundings on foot, interact with locals and observe their lifestyle. It is also the best point to view Machhapuchhare, the iconic 6,993 m mountain in the Annapurna range. We then walk back to Pokhara. In Pokhara we drive to the World Peace Pagoda, a massive Buddhist Stupa which is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of the Phewa Lake. In the evening, we enjoy a boat ride on the Phewa Lake. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - After having breakfast at the hotel we drive to Kathmandu. The drive is scenic and beautiful. On arrival transfer to hotel for check-in. One has wonderful opportunity to see and explore the rich culture and tradition of Nepal, fascinating heritage attractions, breath taking beautiful snow-capped mountains, virgin beauty of the nature, marvellous as well as arts and crafts, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and many more wonderful locations. From time immemorial, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed in Kathmandu valley, and valley residents make no distinction as they worship at both Hindu and Buddhist shrines.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - Today we head out for a half-day sightseeing tour of the capital city of Kathmandu, visiting all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We first visit the Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated on the banks of the Bagmati river. We then head to the Boudhanath Stupa, one in the largest in the world. Late evening we visit the Durbar Square with its old Royal Palace and intricately carved temples, reflecting the magnificent Nepalese architectural style. The rest of the day is free to explore Kathmandu. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 13 - The tour from Delhi to Kathmandu comes to an end and it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. Check out of the hotel and get a transfer to the airport for onward travel.

Tour Ends