The mysterious land of India has long intrigued visitors, and its neighbor, the small nation of Nepal, is an up-and-coming favorite for travelers looking for adventure and unrivaled beauty. From the energetic capital of New Delhi, India to the “roof of the world” at Kathmandu, Nepal, you will discover all that these two countries have to offer. This region has so much to show the traveler from natural beauty to ancient sights to can’t miss experiences. Discovery Tours ensures you will see the best of India & Nepal and because of our small groups size, you will have special encounters that bring you face-to-face with the culture, traditions and people of India & Nepal. Welcome to India & Nepal the Discovery Tours way.
Delhi
Begin your incredible journey in the lively and exciting capital of India; New Delhi. This city has one of the largest populations in the world and holds the key to much of the culture and tradition of this great country. Get acquainted with New Delhi and Old Delhi as you take a tour through this area and see the best sights they have to offer. In New Delhi, visit the Gandhi Smiriti (formerly Birla House) and learn more about the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and all of his accomplishments. This is the place where he spent the last 144 days of his life until his assassination on January 30, 1948. View the India Gate war memorial, Presidential Palace and Parliament house while taking in the sites of this immense city. Learn more about the Sikh culture of India on a visit to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a place of worship with a glowing golden dome. Continue next to Old Delhi where you will see all the greatest spots in the old city. Take a rickshaw ride through the bustling main street, Chandni Chowk and visit the Jama Masjid and the National Museum afterwards. Lastly, enjoy a tuk-tuk ride before returning to your hotel after a wonderful day. Discovery Tours will show you both New Delhi and Old Delhi and leave nothing unexplored.
Agra
Your adventure brings you to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal and other great sites. Before arriving in Agra, you will visit the Qutub Minar Victory Tower en route from Delhi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest minaret and is constructed out of red sandstone, a beautiful sight to behold. After arriving, visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, built with the finest embellished Indian marble. This Mughal mausoleum is sometimes described as a jewel box and many refer to it as the first draft of the next site you will see and a true highlight of your trip, the Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved third wife, the Taj Mahal is considered to be the finest example of Mughal architecture and one of the most perfect structures in the world. The mausoleum is built completely out of white marble and precious stones and took around 22 years to complete. This labor of love is a true place of pride in India and is a spot where you will want to take lots of pictures! After, explore the red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers. The Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until about 1638 when the Mughal Empire capital moved from Agra to Delhi.
Jaipur
The “Pink City” is your gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. Stucco lined buildings, red and pink sandstone architecture and hilltop forts all greet you on your way into the city. Start your day of exploration with a visit to the incredible Amber Fort. This merge of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles encompasses courtyards, chambers and the Palace of Mirrors that all reflect the grandiosity of the Mughal Dynasty. View the famous Hawa Mahal Palace and marvel at its lacy façade that is incredibly intricate and alluring. Continue the tour with a visit to the City Palace, a former royal residence that is now a museum, and the Jantar Mantar Observatory with its ingenious instruments. Experience an incredible safari exploration through the Jhalani Safari Park. Here you will look for indigenous Indian animals including the elusive leopard, peacocks, langurs and kingfishers.
Kathmandu
Amidst the Himalayas, the country of Nepal and its capital Kathmandu, are your gateway to the largest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. You can choose to take an optional Mount Everest flightseeing tour that will take you on a small aircraft over the highest mountain in the world. With the Himalayas as a backdrop, visit the 1st century Swayambhunath, one of the most recognized symbols of the country and a very spiritual place. A golden spire is adorned with prayer flags that move in the wind while the painted eyes of Buddha follow you as you ascend the stupa steps. This may just be the exact site you think of when you imagine Kathmandu and the Himalayas. Continue on to Durbar Square, a historical section of the city that contains ancient temples, palaces and a statue featuring the Hindu God of Destruction, Kal Bhairav. Visit the Boudhanath stupa, one of the largest in Nepal, and participate in a prayer and receive blessings from the Holy Lama at this monument; a unique experience and time for self-reflection.
Chitwan
Nestled on the banks of the Narayani River, Chitwan National Park welcomes you to your resort within the park! A naturalist guide leads you on a jungle safari that brings you to the grasslands to view wildlife in their natural environment. Take a jeep safari and view even more of the incredible wildlife of the Chitwan National Park. Next, board a boat or canoe and see the Gharial or Mugger crocodiles and a wide variety of birds on the water portion of your journey. Three different modes of transportation all in one park! Visit a local Tharu Village and learn more about the indigenous people of the region and even see their home. Enjoy a meal with the Tharu accompanied by a performance from their dance group, a unique experience for you with Discovery Tours.
Pokhara
The second largest city in Nepal and home to three of the largest mountains in the world, beautiful Pokhara is your final stop on this wild ride. View the Devi’s Falls, a waterfall meaning “Hell’s Falls” that seemingly drops out of sight into a hidden, underground gorge. Enjoy the Old Bazaar with everything from food to gold and the perfect place for a stroll. Take an early morning hike to the Peace Pagoda where you will see the unforgettable sunrise over the mountain peaks, a not to be missed experience. Visit the International Mountain Museum where you will see exhibits that focus on the technology and equipment that is used for hiking in this area. Pokhara is the best place for this museum because of its location amid the dominating Annapurna mountains. It is also considered a favorite destination among adventurers. Enjoy your final evening in Nepal with a dinner at a local family’s home. Say goodbye to your new friends and India and Nepal while telling stories from your trip over a delicious meal.
We hope you had a great time exploring India & Nepal with us. Make this tour a reality and visit our website to learn more about our 18 Day Incredible India & Nepal.
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