Covering extraordinary locations across Nepal and India, this rewarding journey for the seasoned traveller combines tranquil Himalayan mountaintops, wildlife spotting, the Taj Mahal and the sacred Ganges

 Your outstanding journey through the Himalaya mountains to timeless destinations throughout Nepal and Northern India begins today as you meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travellers at London Heathrow, ready for our flight to Nepal. Together, we step aboard and settle into our seats to fly overnight towards South Asia via Dubai.

The name of our destination, Kathmandu, comes from the Nepalese words for 'wooden temple', and it is said that the city is named for the 16th-century structure that sits in the main city to this day. Surrounding the wooden temple is more than 1,300 years of history, as Kathmandu dates to 723AD. Today, the city has come to be known as the 'City of 1,000 Temples' for its numerous Hindu and Buddhist shrines and stupas, giving you much to look forward to upon landing tomorrow.

 As our plane touches down in Kathmandu this morning, a coach transfer takes us to our four-star hotel to check in for a two-night stay. There's some free time to unwind in your room or enjoy views over the lush mountains and beautiful city below, perhaps from the rooftop bar or while sitting by the pool.

Alternatively, you could set out into the Patan to begin getting to know this historic city. Patan was once one of the royal cities of Kathmandu and is home to many well-preserved buildings and temples, including the Pashupatinath Temple. You might like to wander amidst the timeless buildings, getting your first glimpse at the depth of history in Nepal before returning to the hotel, where this evening, we gather in the hotel's restaurant for our first dinner in Nepal.

 A day of ancient sites and breathtaking architecture lies ahead as we set out after breakfast for a guided sightseeing tour. We begin in Patan, the 'Beautiful City', uncovering its history alongside a knowledgeable guide. Our first destination is the UNESCO-listed Patan Durbar Square, where we view  a stunning, tightly packed display of ancient temples, golden pagodas and ornate stupas. During our explorations, a singing bowl master also introduces us to sensory singing bowls, renowned for their healing and relaxing qualities.   

After lunch at a local restaurant, we marvel at the astonishing Boudhanath Stupa. As one of the largest stupas in the world, this highly symbolic and  sacred site is amazing, due in part to its massive size. From here, we head into Kathmandu to visit its royal square, bedecked with towering temples and noble courtyards.  

This evening, we head to a local restaurant, where we hear from a local Sherpa as they relive their experiences of climbing Everest before we dine. 

 Leaving Kathmandu this morning, we stop at the Monkey Temple, known as Swayambhunath stupa. Nestled on a hilltop above the capital, and offering great views across the valley, this is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Believed to date back almost 2,500 years, the complex is dotted with ancient stupas, historic buildings, charming pagodas and playful monkeys.   

Nepal has incredible wildlife, and our next destination showcases this like nowhere else. On a coach journey through Nepal, with lunch at a restaurant enroute, we observe rural life from our windows as we travel through verdant valleys, bustling villages and incredible countryside on our way to Chitwan National Park.      

Our hotel is located on the edge of the Rapti River, surrounded by dense jungle. After checking in, a local naturalist briefs us about the fantastic wildlife we might see over the next couple of days. Next, we walk to a nearby village populated by the Tharu People to learn about their unique way of life. After enjoying a jungle sunset from our hotel, we gather in the restaurant for dinner.

 Today is all about the extraordinary wildlife that calls this stunning area home. After breakfast at our jungle retreat, we visit a breeding centre for gharials - Indian crocodiles. We discover how this endangered species is bred and monitored to prevent extinction.    

In addition to gharials, Nepal has had other animal success stories, none more than the one-horned rhino. This majestic animal is now thriving in Chitwan and we hope to spot one on an afternoon Jeep safari through the jungles and savanna.

Guided by experts who use their local knowledge to give us the best possible chances of sightings, we follow animal trails while our naturalist provides information about what we are viewing. The variety of wildlife in Chitwan is jaw-dropping, and in addition to rhinos, we keep our eyes peeled for elusive Bengal tigers, leopards, hyenas, elephants, jackals and sloth bears.  

Following our tour, we enjoy a Tharu cultural dance show before returning to our hotel for dinner.

 Leaving Chitwan National Park this morning, a full-day coach journey takes us through breathtaking scenery and into the Himalayas to Pokhara. Our journey takes us past glacial rapids and towering mountains draped in dense jungle and presents the natural beauty of Nepal at every turn. Each mile reveals how the commanding Himalayas shape life in this absorbing part of the world.   

Pokhara benefits from a prime position among forested hills, backdropped by breathtaking Himalayan summits, including the impressive Annapurna range. One of this peaceful city's many charms is its location on the shore of the freshwater Lake Phewa, which reflects the nearby mountains in its deep green waters. Our hotel for two nights is a beautiful lodge on the banks of this lake, surrounded by stunning panoramic views.    

  There is free time after checking in to bask in the glorious vistas and savour the serenity of this sacred destination. Later this evening, we gather in the hotel restaurant for dinner together.  

 With a free day in Pokhara, you can explore this magnificent location at your own pace. For remarkable views across the Annapurna Massif, Pokhara and Lake Phewa, there's no better place than Shanti Stupa at the top of Anadu Hill. Standing 115 feet tall, this two-tiered white pagoda displays four statues of the Buddha from different countries. There are two ways to reach the stupa: taxi direct from Pokhara or a local boat across Lake Phewa and pick up a walking trail to the summit, enjoying a stroll through beautiful woodland for about an hour. There are several other trails in the area, including some near our hotel.   

Lake Phewa acts as a focal point for daily life in Pokhara, and a stroll along its shore reveals many attractive sights and beautiful views, including of the Tal Barahi Temple - a Hindu shrine on an island that can be reached by boat. There are also many cafés and restaurants where you could sample local fish or momo - traditional dumplings - for lunch before gathering with the group for dinner.

 An early start takes us to Sarangkot, where we witness a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the sun rises over the snow-capped Annapurna range, including the prominent Machhapuchhare, or Fishtail Mountain. Watching  the peaks bathed in the first light of the day and multi-hued layers of mountains being revealed out of the darkness offers an enchanting start to the day.   

After returning to our hotel for breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of Pokhara. At the Gurkha Memorial Museum, we learn about the lives of soldiers and have the chance to chat to a former British Army Gurkha. Our tour continues at Bindhyabasini Temple, the oldest in Pokhara, and the timeless Old Bazaar. At a Tibetan settlement, we learn about the lives and culture of displaced people from the annexed region. There is then free time to lunch independently.     

In the afternoon, we enjoy a scenic cruise across tranquil Lake Phewa, admiring the panoramic views of lofty mountains and the forested slopes of Anadu Hill surrounding us. Dinner is back at our lakeside hotel this evening.  

 Leaving Pokhara after breakfast, today's full-day journey takes us through the bustling outposts squeezed between the Trishuli river valley and the lush, jungle-carpeted mountains it winds between as we drive towards Kathmandu. Our perspective on rural Nepalese life reveals snapshots of traders selling fresh, exotic fruits and craftspeople hard at work. Waterfalls and bridges dot our route, and the sun casts multi-hued light shows over the surrounding peaks.   

Enroute, we stop for lunch at a beautiful riverside resort before continuing to the Nepalese capital, where we check back into our original four-star hotel for the night. After settling in upon arrival, there is free time to relax and maybe enjoy the hotel's rooftop pool, reveling at the change in scenery.  

This evening, you can continue enjoying the ambience of our hotel during a group dinner.

 Having spent the last week amongst the beautiful mountains and tranquil sites of Nepal, today we move on to the next phase of this spectacular journey in India. Following an early breakfast, a coach transfer takes us to Kathmandu's airport for a mid-morning flight to Delhi, the bustling capital of India.

As our plane touches down, we are greeted by a coach that takes us to our next destination, Agra. Home to the famous Taj Mahal, this city forms one of the essential corners of India's Golden Triangle and is filled with history. But before Delhi, we stop at a local restaurant for lunch.

Our route takes us south on a scenic byway lined with trees, with distant views of Indian cities and rural scenery. We arrive in Agra in the early evening, with free time to settle into our five-star hotel, surrounded by lush gardens, before dinner.

 A symbolic site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, few places that compare to the Taj Mahal. This UNESCO-listed mausoleum complex was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to honour his wife Mumtaz Mahal and is regarded as the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. 'Poetry in white marble', the spectral Taj Mahal is a monument to undying love.

Heading out before the sun peeks over the horizon this morning, we make our way to this iconic complex for a sunrise tour. Under the candy hues of morning light, we admire towering minarets, the onion dome and magnificently manicured grounds.

We return to our hotel for breakfast and then continue our journey with a coach transfer to Lucknow, stopping enroute for a tour of the sandstone Agra Fort. The centrepiece of this historic complex is the Musamman Burj, an octagonal tower with a marble balcony where Shah Jahan spent his last eight years of his life imprisoned, in view of the Taj Mahal.

Arriving in Lucknow this evening, we check in to our five-star hotel ahead of dinner.

 Exploring Lucknow after breakfast, we begin our guided tour at the Bara Imambara. This massive Shia complex contains an ornate gate, courtyard and mosque, but the most surprising aspect is the labyrinth on the upper floor of the imambara. This maze of nearly a thousand linked passageways is actually an ingenious architectural feature that reduces the weight of the ceiling and allows the arched chamber below to be free-standing.    

Afterwards, we visit the nearby Clock Tower and 18th-century Turkish Gate, called the Rumi Darwaza - both icons of the city - and the famous La Martinière College, founded in 1845 following an endowment from Major-General Claude Martin of the British Empire.   

There is free time to lunch independently before our explorations continue at the British Residency. Built in 1800 to house the British Resident General after the former Indian state of Awadh was annexed by the British East India Company in 1857, it became the site of a siege, with bullet holes, cannon damage and other battle scars still visible.   

Dinner this evening is back at our luxurious hotel. 

 Known as the cradle of humankind, Varanasi has a spiritual legacy of more than 3,000 years and is our destination today. We set out from the hotel by coach bound for Lucknow's station, where we take our AC Chair class seats on the train to Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities. 

On arrival, we check in to our five-Star hotel with free time to relax before  exploring Varanasi in the early evening. The focus of this authentic, ancient  city is the sacred Ganges and from our boat this evening, we view a Ganga aarti ceremony conducted by thousands of locals and pilgrims. At one of the oldest and busiest riverside ghats, we marvel as prayers are offered to the Mother Ganges. Our boat stops right beside the shore, providing an incredible view of priests carrying tiered metal lamps, moving rhythmically to the sounds of sacred Hindu songs as the flames sway in unison, creating an entrancing atmosphere.  

Following the ceremony, we return to our hotel to end our evening with dinner.

 Rising early this morning, we set out for an unforgettable experience in Varanasi - a sunrise boat ride along the Mother Ganges. We admire the sun as it spreads its first orange hues on the slate-coloured water, we view incredible scenes of devotees paying homage to the sun god, Surya. Each morning, offerings of water are made to the deity by locals and pilgrims alike to express gratitude.   

After observing this enchanting spectacle, we return to the hotel for breakfast, later enjoying an excursion to Sarnath. It is here that Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon in 528BC after attaining enlightenment. This stunning site holds great significance for Buddhists, and we explore the grounds, archaeological remains and ancient monuments, including the Dhamekh Stupa, as well as the sprawling temple complex and fascinating museum.      

We have an early dinner in a local restaurant, and then continue to Varanasi's airport for a short internal flight to Kolkata, the final stop on this incredible discovery. We transfer to our five-star hotel on arrival late this evening.

 Once an important city of British India, Kolkata lost its prominence in the middle of the 20th century, but it is now regarded as India's cultural and intellectual capital. Setting out this morning, we begin uncovering its most impressive sites alongside a guide.

Our first stop is the Mother House, a convent and the final resting place of Mother Teresa, where pilgrims flock to pay tribute to the Saint. From here, we continue to the Mullick Ghat flower market, the largest of its kind in India. Hundreds of vendors line the banks of the Hooghly River every morning to sell fragrant wreaths and bouquets of seasonal flowers. We also visit the white marble Victoria Memorial before returning to the hotel with free time for lunch.

Later this afternoon, we board the Circular Railway for a scenic ride to the James Prinsep memorial beside the peaceful Prinsep Ghat Garden. This railway circles the city, connecting major points of interest and offering an unmatched perspective on daily life in Kolkata. We return to our hotel this evening in time for dinner.

 A journey of sacred sites and breathtaking views, this adventurous itinerary took us from the holy temples of Nepal to the bustling cities of Northern India. We admired stunning Himalayan scenery, including sunrise over Annapurna, and searched for one-horned rhinos in Chitwan National Park. Moving on to India, we witnessed the beauty of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort before sightseeing in Lucknow, relishing the traditions of Varanasi and wrapping up our journey in vibrant Kolkata.

Our holiday comes to a close today, as we set out for an early transfer to Kolkata airport. We join our morning flight to Dubai and then on to London Heathrow, where on arrival, you are free to make your own way home.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

If your tour is marked as Small Group, enjoy a more immersive holiday experience, exploring with a like-minded group of just 22 travellers on average.

Circling the entire city of Kolkata, the aptly named Kolkata Circular Railway (also known as Chakra Rail) runs for almost 22 miles, with a total of 21 city stations spread out across the length of the route. The line was constructed to help ease the heavy traffic flow throughout the city, which suffered from issues with congestion during peak times. The railway connects many of the most important parts of Kolkata due to its clever circular design, providing an alternate method of travel in the city. It has proven extremely popular with locals and tourists alike, serving as a useful mode of transport as well as affording its passengers with spectacular views across the surrounding landscapes.

A modern 5-Star hotel in Agra, the Taj Agra is set in 4.5 acres of land and has a rooftop infinity pool offering views of the magical Taj Mahal, less than a mile away. Other facilities include a relaxing spa, swimming pool, steam room, hot tub and a fitness centre, while there are numerous dining options serving Indian cuisine, light bites and rare teas. At the Liquid Lounge, you could unwind with a wine or whisky - or alternatively head to the Sky Lounge for an inventive cocktail in view of a New Wonder of the World. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, desk, safety deposit box, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

 The 4-Star Vivanta Kathmandu is located in the historic Patan district, once one of Kathmandu's royal cities. Guests enjoy a privileged location overlooking the rooftops of this district and the mountains beyond. On site, there's a pan-Asian restaurant, a diner and a rooftop bar overlooking the city. Further, the roof also includes a pool, and there is a fully equipped fitness centre within the hotel. Guest rooms balance beautiful views and vibrant designs and include free Wi-Fi, LCD TV, safe, minibar and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Located in the heart of the Alipore neighbourhood of Kolkata, the Taj Bengal offers 5-Star accommodation and a convenient location that puts both culture and history within reach. Colourful gardens surround the hotel, and inside, the interiors were artfully designed by famed decorator Bob Fox. Guests are welcomed by a five-storey atrium lobby and have access to a business lounge, a range of on-site dining options, a spa, a fitness centre and an outdoor pool. Each room features a range of amenities including free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

 The 5-Star Taj Mahal is set within its own 24 acres of private gardens near the landscaped riverfront park in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Providing a modern take on traditional Mughal architecture, this stylish hotel boats a domed entrance and an outdoor pool lined by palm trees. A variety of dining options are offered by the Latitude and Oudhyana restaurants, while drinks can be enjoyed at the Saqi Bar. The elegant, air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

 The 5-Star Fish Tail Lodge enjoys a spectacular location on the shores of Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal, set against a backdrop of beautiful mountain scenery. After being transported to the hotel by boat or shuffle float, guests can take advantage of the hotel's amenities, including a lake-view restaurant serving a selection of Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and international cuisine, a bar and an outdoor swimming pool. The well-appointed guest rooms come equipped with a garden terrace from which to admire the views, as well as free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Located in the sacred city of Varanasi, the grand 5-Star Taj Ganges Hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the one of the oldest cities in the world, as well as offering a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle within its 40 acres of carefully landscaped gardens. There are two restaurants that serve international and local cuisine, and a bar as well as an outdoor pool, spa and fitness room. Tastefully decorated guest rooms offer views of either the pool or garden and all come with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities and complimentary toiletries.

 Enjoy 5-Star luxury on the banks of the Rapti river at the Riverbank Jungle Resort. This eco-friendly hotel is set in the heart of Chitwan National Park and features an expansive property with a deck overlooking the river and the Terai grasslands, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants and a bar. Air-conditioned guest rooms reflect the nature surrounding the hotel, with balconies to enjoy the views, and include free Wi-Fi, LED TV, safe, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.