Holy India Travels

Places to Visit  :  Delhi – Jaipur –  Abhaneri  - Fatehpur Sikri – Agra– Sikandra– Delhi – Kathmandu – Lhasa – Shigatse – EBC (Everest Base Camp) Rongbuk – Shigar – Shigatse – Lhasa – Kathmandu - Delhi

Duration of Tour Package  :    17 Nights | 18 Days

Day 01| Arrival at Delhi |

Afternoon/evening arrive at Delhi International airport. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 02 | Delhi |–Cycle Rickshaw Ride at Old Delhi Markets |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi City. Start from old Delhi monuments.

Raj Ghat–is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and a memorial was placed here. People come here to pay homage to Father of Nation. Foreign ministers, dignitaries, Indian ministers, guests, tourists and local all come here to pay respect to the man who believed in non-violence and helped India gain its independence.

Red Fort– Red Fort which is also known as Lal Qila was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. This monument represents the grandeur of the Mughal Court, constructed during the 17th century. Lal Qila was once the residential area of the Imperial Family of India. It was the capital of the Mughal rulers until 1857. (Visit from outside)

Jama Masjid– The stunning Jama Masjid mosque is the largest in India and the final architectural magnum opus of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Construction of the mosque began in 1644, but it wasn't completed until 1658. 

Here you will enjoy a Cycle Rickshaw Ride at Chandni Chowk market. This is one of famous Old Delhi’s market. The pleasure associated with the rickshaw ride here is ultimate. The rickshaw pullers here take you on a ride through various routes, offering you a different experience all together.

Qutub Minar– Qutub Minar is one of the tallest individual towers in the world, measuring about 234 ft in height. The construction work of Qutub Minar was commissioned by the ruler of Slave Dynasty, Qutubuddin-Aibak in 1199, which was later completed by his descendant Shams-ud-din-Iltutmish.

Lotus Temple– Lotus Temple is one of the most incredible architectures of the Bahai faith. The temple has been constructed to resemble a lotus flower and made of marble.

Gandhi Smriti- This poignant memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is in Birla House, where he was shot dead on the grounds by a Hindu zealot on 30 January 1948, after campaigning against intercommunal violence. The house itself is where Gandhi spent his last 144 days. The exhibits include rooms preserved just as Gandhi left them, a detailed account of his life and last 24 hours, and vivid miniature dioramas depicting scenes from his life (Close on Monday).

India Gate– India Gate is situated on the Raj Path and was commissioned by Sir Edwin Lutyens for paying reverence to the Indian Soldiers, who died during the First World War. The huge walls of India Gate reveal more than 90,000 names of the soldiers who lost their lives during the war.

President’s House– Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India, which is situated towards the west end of the Rajpath. It is a blend of both Mughal and European architectural styles with a copper dome and around 340 bedecked rooms.  Evening free for leisure / shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 03 | Delhi - Jaipur (265 Kms/ 5-6 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Jaipur.

“Jaipur”– The Capital of Rajasthan. It’s popularly known as ‘The Pink City’ for the colour of the buildings in its wonderful old city. On arrival check-in at hotel. In the evening you can excursion to “Chokhi Dhani”– Chokhi Dhani is 5* ethnic resort and located 30Kms from Jaipur city. It is one its own kind, each of the detailed work in the village tells you about the culture and tradition of Rajasthan. It could be Camel Rides, Elephant Rides, Tonga Rides, Bullock Cart Rides, Bow n Arrows, Turbans or Food. It will make you feel a King. Enjoy Rajasthani dinner with live culture dance show. Later return back to hotel (This is optional activity).  Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 04| Jaipur |–Elephant Ride at Amber Fort

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Jaipur city.

Amber Fort and Palace– Amber Fort, also known as Amber Palace, is said to have played a key role in the history of Medieval India. This fort depicts true royal lifestyle of the Rajputs, who are known for their decadent, radical and volatile behaviour. The Amber Palace is a perfect fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

Here enjoy the unique experience of an ascent on the back of a brightly caparisoned Elephant up to the Fort. This is one of the highlights of a visit to the stunning Amber Fort is the chance to ride an elephant up the hill to the main entrance. These wonderful animals are painted with traditional designs and almost effortlessly transport visitors up the steep slope to the fort.

City’s Palace Complex– City Palace, a beautiful palace in the city of Jaipur, is surrounded by large walls on all sides. It also houses audience halls, pavilions and many other important buildings. The construction work of this palace was commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the early 1730s.

Jantar Mantar– Between 1727 and 1734 Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in west central India. The observatories, or "Jantar Mantars" as they are commonly known, incorporate multiple buildings of unique form, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement.

Hawa Mahal– (Palace of the Wind)– It is a five-storey structure that has more than 950 windows. The latticework was built for allowing women to watch everyday life of the city. Hawa Mahal is situated near the Johari Bazaar and provides a beautiful view of the entire Pink City.

Jal Mahal– Jal Mahal was built during the 18th century in the middle of Mansarovar Lake. This is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Jaipur, which was constructed using red sandstone. It is a five-storey structure built in Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles.

Later free to visit the local markets/bazaar for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 05 | Jaipur -  Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (235 Kms/ 5-6 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Agra. On the way visit to Abhaneri & Fatehpur Sikri.

Abhaneri- The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones.

“Fatehpur Sikri”– Constructed by Akbar in 1569 to honor Sufi saint Salim Chisti. Akbar’s court occupied this city till it was abandoned due to non-availability of water but still in a state of perfect preservation. Here one can visit Asia biggest door Buland Darwaja, Dargah of Sufi Saint Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal etc. Further drive to Agra.

“Agra”– Agra is famous in worldwide for the Taj Mahal (Monument of Love). On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra. 

Day 06 | Agra - Sikandra - Delhi (200 Kms /4 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of  Agra city.

Taj Mahal (Monument of Love)– one of the most recognisable structures in the world, attracts around four million visitors annually. This beautiful structure of white marble was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 20,000 workers to complete this monument in a period of 22 years from 1632 to 1653. ( Taj Mahal is close on Friday ).

Great Red Fort of Agra– Built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor Akbar in 1565. A number of the fort’s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years.

Itmad ud Daulah Tomb - is one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, this tomb comprises cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and Asmat Begum, who were parents of Mughal Empress Nur Jahan. The tomb is primarily built in white marble with mosaic and lattice.

Further drive to Delhi. on the way visit to Sikandra – The Great Mughal emperor Akbar started building his own mausoleum, near Agra, that was to be a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain designs and motifs, bespeaking of his religious tolerance and secular views. However, he could not complete it and died. Thus, his son Jehangir completed his tomb, popularly known as Sikandra.

On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 07 |Delhi - Kathmandu (by flight) |    

Breakfast at hotel and take flight for Kathmandu (Nepal). Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 08 | Kathmandu |  

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.

Visit Durbar Square– Durbar Square is UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal. It is home to Katmandu’s Old Royal Palace and several beautiful temples.

Boudhanath– Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupa in Asia. The eyes of the Buddha over the white stupa in Kathmandu is the most common images seen in an around the city and very common throughout the country.

Swayambhunath–The most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley's holy shrines the golden-spired stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock.

Also visit Patan, , also known as ‘Lalitpur’, the city of artisans, lies 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, and is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen.The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments.  Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 09 | Kathmandu – Lhasa (by flight)|  

Breakfast at hotel and take flight to Lhasa. you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountains from your plane, or spend several days crossing the Tibetan plateau on the highest railway in the world. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at either Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Train Station. From the airport, it’s an hour drive (60km) into Lhasa on the new highway. From the train station, it’s a short half hour ride (25km) into the city. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa.

Day 10 | Lhasa |  

On your first day on the plateau, you may have little headaches or experience some drowsiness. This is very common among travelers adjusting to the high altitude. We recommend drinking plenty of water and mild activity during the first couple of days.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to Jokhang Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tibet and focal point of pilgrim worship. From there, we’ll walk the famous Barkhor Street around the Jokhang temple, one of Asia’s most unique markets and a great introduction to modern Tibetan culture.

In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Potala Palace, the cardinal landmark of Tibet and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. It was first built by 33rd King Songtsen Gangpo in 7thcentury and later rebuilt in 17th century rebuilt by 5th Dalai Lama. Since then it has been home to the Dalai Lama and his government.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 11 | Lhasa |  

Breakfast at hotel. Today we will visit Drepung monastery about 45km to the north of Lhasa. One the largest monasteries in the world, at one point it housed for more than 10,000 monks. Bring your camera for an inside look of monastic life and the twisting narrow alleys.

The day’s adventures will finish with a visit to Sera Monastery, home to over 600 monks, where we will get chance to see the monks Buddhist philosophical debate and you can take some photots. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 12 | LHASA(3600m) - GYANTSE (3900m) - SHIGATSE(3900m), 350 km, 7hrs|  

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, We begin our journey west, by zigzagging up the Kampa la pass (4700m) to get a breathtaking glimpse of the holy Yamdrok Lake with its turquoise waters and snowcapped Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. Then we’ll continue driving along the lake for few kilometers and stop for lunch at Nagar tse.

The rest of the day will be spent enjoying the many magnificent valleys and Tibetan villages that we pass through. En route we will stop at Karo la (5150m) to see the holy Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar glacier.

In Gyantse, we’ll visit the Kumbum Stupa next to the Palkhor Choede monastery. This magnificent multi-door structure is the largest stupa in Tibet and is not only known for its architecture but also its old sculptures and paintings all around its inner walls. In the late afternoon we’ll drive to Shigatse and stay overnight stay at Shigatse.

Day 13 | SHIGATSE (3900m) – Everest Base Camp (5200m), 350km, 7hrs. |  

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, today we will drive straight to EBC, crossing several passes along the way. Prepare yourself for your first view of the Himalayans at Gyatso La Pass (5400 m). You can actually see Mt. Everest in the distance from the viewing point at the pass.

Few kilometers after the border check point, we’ll turn off the Friendship Highway and zig-zag our way up to Gawu La Pass (5250 m), a great spot for a view of all the Himalayan Range’s mountains above 8000 meters. From left to right you will see Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Mt. Lotse (8516 m), Mt. Everest (8844 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201 m) and Mt. Shishapama (8020 m).

After arriving at Everest Base Camp, we’ll settle into the tent guesthouse. The Rongbuk monastery houses both monks and nuns and is the highest monastery in the world.

In the afternoon you have the option to do a short trek from the tent guesthouses community to the Dza Rongbuk caves. It will take you about 30 min or more depending on your physical condition. Overnight in Rongbuk.

Day 14 | RONGBUK (5000m) - SHEGAR - SHIGATSE, 350 km, 7 hrs |  

As we awake the next morning, a striking view of luminous peaks is highlighted by the sun and definitely it is the best time to get some nice shots of the Everest sunrise, and it is bittersweet to say goodbye to this landscape that we have gotten to know so well. Then after breakfast we drive all the way back to Shigatse and relax in Shigatse hotel, take a hot shower in the hotel and have a good rest. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 15 | SHIGATSE - LHASA, 280km, 4/5 hrs. |  

Breakfast at hotel and in the morning we will visit the Tashi Lhunpo monastery on our way back to Lhasa. The monastery was built by the 1st Dalai Lama, Gedun Drup, in 1447 and later became the seat of the Panchen Lama lineage. There you will be able to see the tombs of 7 Panchen Lamas, explore the twisting cobbled streets and get a peak into monastic life.

Our route back to Lhasa will take us through a number of local villages. In Nyimo, we’ll stop to visit a local homemade incense village. They use primitive water operated tools to process incense materials and each incense stick is made by hand, sometimes this may closed during the farming season or when the villagers are busy with their own works.

 Arriving in Lhasa in the late afternoon, you will have time to explore Barkhor Street. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 16 |Lhasa - Kathmandu (by flight) |    

Breakfast at hotel and take flight for Kathmandu. Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 17|Kathmandu - Delhi (by flight) |    

Breakfast at hotel and take flight for Delhi. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 18| Delhi / Departure   |  

Breakfast at hotel and drop at New Delhi international airport to board on flight for onward destination.

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