Category: Asia & Pacific

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 1^st 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.

Throughout our Incredible India & Nepal trip, travelers enjoy many opportunities to sample Indian and Nepali cuisine. Delightful, mild and warm curries and rice dishes are on the menus when we visit neighborhood restaurants in Delhi and Jaipur in India, and Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara in Nepal. For even greater insight and immersion into local cuisine, local families invite us into their homes in Agra and Pokhara. More rustic experiences welcome us in a Nepali village and during a picnic in Chitwan National Park. And should you fall in love with Nepal’s ubiquitous (and delicious!) momos, you can learn how to make the dumplings during a cooking lesson.

In the meantime, here’s our primer on Indian and Nepali cuisine.

India Beyond the Curry

India’s dining table is as diverse as America’s. Popular dishes throughout the country are influenced by varying soils and climates. But most anywhere, the country’s gastronomy is shaped by the nation’s Dharmic beliefs, which are founded in humankind’s harmonious relationship with nature. Vegetarianism, therefore, is widespread.

External forces have also contributed to the Indian diet. Without the Portuguese occupation, for instance, the potato would never have found its way to an Indian table. In Delhi, Mughlai cuisine dominates with its aromatic whole or ground spices, kebabs, meatballs, and elaborate buffets of dishes served as a main course.

Long misunderstood, Curry is not a spice per se. In the Tamil language, widely spoken throughout India, kari means “stew.” The traditional preparation calls for meats and/or vegetables to be mixed with a concoction of dried (and perhaps roasted) herbs and spices that have been ground together to form a powder. Over generations, that powder – however erroneously – has become known as “curry.”

The classic Butter Chicken is a staple of Indian cuisine with roots in the Punjab region. Here, local farming heavily shapes what goes on the dinner plate and many meals are prepared in a tandoor clay oven. In this recipe, chicken is marinated in a spiced yogurt, cooked in the oven, and served in a tomato, garlic and cardamom sauce.

Nihari is a slow-cooked beef or lamb stew often served with bone marrow. Kebabs are also popular, particularly at street stalls, and might be eaten as a meal or a snack. In one popular version, beef or lamb is ground with chickpeas, egg and spices before being cooked. Haleem, or khichra, is a thick stew comprised of beef, lentils and spices. Traditional dishes such as these might be served with pulao, or rice pilaf, or biryani, a spicier version of pulao prepared with meat or vegetables. For dessert, there’s kulfi, the Indian version of ice cream that might be flavored with mango, saffron or pistachio.

The Nepali Table

Just as Nepal is comprised of diverse geography and landscapes, it is also home to a large variety of soils and climates. You’ll find Nepali cuisine to be equally varied. Still, dishes here are variations on several Asian themes, with influence from Tibet, India and Thailand.

As in India, rice (or bhat, which could also signify cornmeal or barley) is a staple. However, with land that is difficult to terrace and farm for rice, other grains are more likely to play a central role in the Nepali household. At a typical meal, bhat (or roti, a thin unleavened bread) is piled on a round serving platter and surrounded by small servings of tarkari (curried vegetables), chutney, fish or meat. Dal, a type of soup, may also be served in small bowls should the diner care to pour it over rice. These three ingredients are commonly served together as a standard dish – eaten twice a day – called (cleverly) dal-bhat-tarkari. Truth be told, the variety of sides and condiments is infinite.

Momos are perhaps the most familiar Nepali dish to any western palate that has been exposed to other Asian cuisine. The simple dumpling has Tibetan origins, but what sets it apart here are the Nepali fillings. These are typically lamb or yak meat or minced meat with shallots, garlic, ginger and cilantro. In modern Nepal, fillings could be more elaborate.

In the Himalayan region, buckwheat and barley are staples and could be used to prepare noodles or to make dough for the popular pastry snack, syabhaley. Khuwa, a type of cheese made from dried whole milk, might be used to create sweet snacks flavored with honey syrup or fruit pulp. Closer to Pokhara, Thakali, originating from the Thak Khola region of Nepal, cuisine consists of thinly sliced yak or sheep meat served either as its own dish or as part of a stew. Vegetables, fruits and eggs imported from lower Nepal are also part of the central Nepal diet, from radish and beetroot to spinach and even apples. Dhindo, a snack with peasant roots, is made by consistently mixing corn flour or other grains in boiling water and ghee (clarified butter), resulting in a dry type of bread.

One of the largest cities in population in the world, Delhi must be seen to be believed. Metropolitan Delhi is a vast tapestry of many cities and towns that are collectively known as the National Capital Region, or NCR. Within the NCR, Delhi proper is equally impressive with its monuments to past empires and deep spirituality. Discovery Tours reveals the history and legends of both New and Old Delhi.

New Delhi

When India was ruled by Great Britain, King George V – who was also the Emperor of India – moved the capital here from Calcutta in 1911. The municipality of New Delhi was subsequently designed by British city planners to be a grand symbol of England’s supremacy. Its grandiosity still stands, and today New Delhi is home to the offices of the NCR, the government of India and a vivid and vibrant culture. Here are some of New Delhi’s highlights:

Qutab Minar Victory Tower. The second tallest minaret in India, the Qutab Minar stands 239 feet. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed from red sandstone and marble over a 175-year period beginning in 1193. It is the focal point of a fascinating archaeological area known as the Qutab complex once home to 27 Hindu and Jain temples.

Gandhi Smriti. A sobering visit to this museum dedicated to the life and death of Mahatma Gandhi enhances any visit to New Delhi. The spiritual leader spent the final 144 days of his life here before being assassinated on these grounds in 1948.

India Gate War Memorial. Though it resembles a triumphal arch much more than a somber memorial, the India Gate nevertheless commemorates the 82,000 soldiers of the united British India Army who were killed in World War I. The names of 13,300 are etched in the stone.

Presidential Palace. With its main palace building of 340 rooms, expansive gardens, staff residences, stables and more, this 320-acre site is the second largest residence of a Head of State in the world.

Parliament House. Home to India’s government, this magnificent and sprawling building, built in the shape of a perfect circle, covers six acres.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Northwest of New Delhi, the province of Pujab is the world’s only state that boasts a majority Sikh population. The religion is also well represented here in Delhi, perhaps no place as dramatically as Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a glorious, gold-domed house of worship with a revered sarovar, or reflecting pool.

Old Delhi

Zooming in closer to the heart of New Delhi, Old Delhi is the original city of the Mughal Empire, once lined with elegant mosques and mansions of noblemen. It was founded in 1639 by Shah Jahan, the Mughal leader who ushered India into a Golden Age of prosperity and commissioner of the Taj Mahal. Back then, he named his new walled city for himself – Shahjahanabad. Here’s a sample of what you’ll experience in Old Delhi:

Chandni Chowk. The only way to explore one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest market areas is by cyclo-rickshaw. We’ll climb aboard one for the ride of our lives along ancient lanes and past colorful bazaars. Though the market was built by Shah Jahan, it was his daughter Jahan Ara who designed it. Back in the 17^th century, it got its name (meaning “Moonlight Market”) from the canals that once divided its streets and reflected the lunar light.

Red Fort. This red sandstone citadel at one end of Chandni Chowk was the residence of the Mughal emperor for 200 years. The complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a massive collection of elaborate gates, residences, imperial baths, pavilions, gardens and mosques.

Jama Masjid. The “world-reflecting mosque,” as one of its names translates, is the best known in India. Another masterwork built under Shah Jahan in the mid-1600s, its courtyard can hold 25,000 worshippers. Its two minarets flanking three towering domes strike a dramatic pose, and its graceful entrance archway dwarfs all who walk through it.

Konnichiwa travel lovers! Today we explore a country that may not be on the top of your bucket list, but it’s time to clear a spot. This extraordinary country has so much to offer visitors. It boasts unique experiences you cannot have anywhere else on earth. We are talking, of course, about the beautiful island of Japan, located in Asia in the North Pacific Ocean to the east of China and north of the Philippines. This “Land of the Rising Sun” is begging for you to come explore! Whether it be the exciting city of Tokyo, the traditional experience at Kaga, historic Takayama or fascinating Kyoto, you will find astounding adventure every single day on your small groups escorted tour of Japan with Discovery Tours.

Tokyo, A Mesmerizing City with Ancient Traditions:

If any city embraces the mixture of modern and historic, of new wave and traditional, it has to be Tokyo. Tokyo is located on the east coast of the country and is the largest city and Japan’s capital since 1869. Tokyo is not only the most populous city in Japan but it is also consistently one of the most populous cities in the entire world with over 13 million people. Some numbers even boast that the number is much larger and around 36 million when considering its 3 surrounding prefectures.

In Tokyo, you will discover the lanes of the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, famous for fish and fresh seafood. After navigating this place, you will join a culinary demonstration led by a professional sushi chef and you will enjoy creating sushi for lunch and eating it afterwards. One cannot visit Tokyo without experiencing the Ginza district, a section celebrated for upscale shopping, dining and entertainment. Next, visit Akihabara, the technological district that includes electrical equipment shops, computer shops and animation studios that are attracting attention from all over the globe. Step into the pedestrian area of shops and cafes designed to replicate the cartoonish appearance of the anime world.

Visit the Imperial Palace East Garden and view the Nijubashi Bridge that stretches over the moat in the outer garden with its colorful displays of seasonal flowers. Later, travel to the Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) that contains a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Walk along Nakamise, a centuries-old, shopping area with everything from souvenirs to genuine Edo-style crafts. This is an excellent place to buy souvenirs. The serene Meiji Shrine is nestled in a forest area and honors the first emperor of modern Japan and his beloved wife.

A highlight of your trip will be riding the famous Shinkansen, or bullet train. The train will take you from Tokyo to the south of the Noto Peninsula to Kaga. This train was built originally to connect distant regions with the capital of Tokyo to promote economic growth and development. The maximum speed of the train reaches up to 240-320 km/h (150-200 mph).

Hakone, Scenic National Park with Extraordinary Sights:

Hakone is full of breathtaking scenery and is the most famous national park in the country. A gondola will whisk you away to the Owakudani Valley’s volcanic zone while majestic Mt. Fuji looms in the background. Perhaps sample one of the black hard-boiled eggs boiled in the sulfuric water here. It is said to prolong your life by 7 years. Do not worry about the black color, only the outside of the shell is black, the actual edible part of the egg remains white. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the placid Lake Ashi and take in the beautiful scenery around you. End your visit in Hakone by driving along Cedar Avenue, a historic site of Hakone that linked Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period, 1603-1868.

Kaga, A Unique Cultural Experience:

Upon arrival in Kagaonsen you will enter your Ryokan (inn) where you will spend the night. The Ryokan is similar to a bed and breakfast but much more basic. It originated in the Edo period to serve traveling traders. Honor the tradition by dressing in a yukata (bathrobe) and making your way to the onsen (hot spring spa). Enjoy authentic Japanese lodgings with tatami mats and a futon bed. Feast on a full course Kaiseki Dinner that is accentuated by regional specialties before retiring to your traditional room for the night. This cultural experience will be one you will not soon forget.

Takayama, “Little Kyoto”:

Takayama is a quaint and enchanting little city that is sometimes referred to as “Little Kyoto”. A collection of museums, galleries and temples can be found here and you will see some of these on a walking tour in the Sanno-machi Historic District. Walk along the streets of Takayama and be immediately transported back in time on these streets of the old town with traditional merchant houses, restaurants, shops and more. Visit the Miyagawa Morning Market along the river where farmers and craftsmen sell everything from fresh food to intricate carvings.

Kyoto, Sacred City and Hot Spot of Culture:

Tokyo may be the political capital of the country, but Kyoto is the heart and soul. Founded in the 8^th century, Kyoto has long enchanted visitors and residents alike. Kyoto was once the capital of the country and it still holds the key to much of the culture of the country.

You will begin your exploration with a tour of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. Next, familiarize yourself with Zen meditation, a calming practice deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Meditation here is equivalent to praying in western religion. While focusing on your breath, suspend all judgment and let your thoughts and ideas just pass through you without pondering or elaborating on them. Participate next in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where you join in the ritualized art of preparing and serving tea. Japan has a long history intertwined with tea and it is very much a part of the culture.

Take a stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and be sure to take lots of photos. This beautiful site is unique to Japan and the city of Kyoto. Take a thrilling ride on a traditional Japanese rickshaw through this area and take in the sights while zooming through the streets. The Kinkaku-ji temple, or Golden Pavilion, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the next stop on your visit. View this magnificent gold-leaf covered temple and discover why it is so coveted and celebrated.

Nara, Daibutsu and Deer Park:

Nara will become a true highlight of your trip to Japan with its incredible Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and Nara (deer) park. Begin your visit by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Southern Kyoto before taking a private bus ride to the Imperial City of Nara. Here you will enter the wooden Todai-Ji Temple, and view the incredible bronze statue of Buddha looming 50 feet high. Feel the spirituality of this place before continuing to the Nara Park where 1,200 tame deer roam free. You can buy feed for the deer here and they will bow to you before accepting the food. The deer here are not seen as pests but heaven-sent guardians that led the city’s original founder here. Lastly, visit the Kasuga Grand shrine via a pathway lined with 3,000 stone lanterns. The vast shrine complex enjoys a spectacular setting at the foot of the sacred hills of Kasugayama Primeval Forest, its woods untouched since the days when Nara was the capital, from 710 to 794. Inside the honden (sacred building), elegant bronze lanterns decorate the sanctuary.

Your time in Japan has come to an end, but this could be just the beginning of your adventure! Click here to book our 12 Day Japan, Then & Now tour with Discovery Tours and see all of these fascinating places for yourself. Feeding the deer in Nara, wearing a yukata in Kagaonsen and exploring the Ginza district of Tokyo are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you will have in Japan. Book your trip, show up to the airport and we will take you from place to place with convenience and ease that traveling rarely inspires. This is Japan the Discovery Tours way.

*Please note that itinerary may vary slightly from 2019 to 2020.

Japan is known the world over for its conventions of etiquette and intricate customs. Respecting these basic social graces goes a long way in ensuring you are warmly welcomed.

Bowing – Instead of a handshake, bows are exchanged upon meeting someone. This greeting is the most important moment in Japanese etiquette because it sets the tone in an interaction and defines the nature of your relationship to your hosts. With the back straight, you bow at the waist. Many westerners fold their hands in front of their chests as they bow; this is incorrect in Japan. In the proper bow, men keep their hands at their sides and women clasp their hands in the lap. A 30-degree angle in your bow is appropriate with the people you will meet. Bows are deeper among more formal colleagues or shallower among families and friends.

Payment – Many businesses in Japan have a small tray at the cash register so you can place your payment on it. If you see one, then it is improper to hand your money directly to the cashier; use it instead.

Mealtime – Leaving food on your plate is a signal to the host that would like another serving. If you would not like more, you must finish your meal completely. Always chew with your mouth closed. If soup is on the menu, it is okay to lift the bowl and sip it, though it is acceptable to use a spoon for soups with fixings in the broth. When using chopsticks, the tapered ends are for bringing food to your mouth; the thicker ends are for taking a serving from a shared plate.

Blowing your nose – It is considered rude to blow your nose in public, especially at a restaurant. It is preferable and perfectly acceptable to sniffle instead.

Visiting – As most Japanese consider their homes too humble to entertain guests, it is a great privilege to be invited. Guests do not wear shoes inside; rather, they are removed in the genkan (a kind of mudroom) and replaced with uwabaki, or slippers. If uwabaki are not available, it is okay to wear socks. Bare feet, however, are only acceptable if you are visiting a close friend.

Seating – In Japan, there is a “top seat,” or kamiza, reserved in every house for the person at the top of the social hierarchy. Traditionally, it is the seat farthest from the door, because in feudal times it provided both warmth and safety from attack.

Tea ceremony – The elaborate Japanese tea ceremony, also called the “Way of Tea,” produces much more than great-tasting tea. With close ties to Zen Buddhism, the careful steps of making tea are meant to foster harmony, discipline the mind, quiet the heart and help the preparer attain purity. A vast culture exists around making tea in Japan, so much so that gardens and houses are built for the sole purpose; there are even tea schools that elect Grand Masters of Tea. A ceremony might include carefully timed bows, charcoal fires, ringing of gongs, and precise arrangement of tools and bowls.

Zen meditation – Just as prayer is central to western religions, zazen – or meditation – is the heart of Zen Buddhism, the nation’s major religion. The practice involves, quite simply, sitting. While focusing only on your breath, you suspend all judgment and let your thoughts and ideas just pass through you without pondering or elaborating on them.

Maiko dance – The face-painted maiko is an apprentice geiko, a Japanese female hostess or entertainer well-versed in classical music, dancing and conversation. Typically, maiko are older teenagers devoted to their craft. They spend their time learning to dance, playing the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument, and learning to speak the local Kyoto dialect. Their jet-black hairstyle with flower accessories dates back to the Edo period (the 17^th to the 19^th centuries) and their kimono usually features a train.

Ryokan – Japanese inns – ryokan – are similar to bed-and-breakfasts, yet more basic in accommodation. The concept began in the Edo period to serve traveling traders. Today, most are located in the country, often with easy access to onsite onsen, or hot springs. Basic amenities with few distractions help you truly enjoy the surroundings. As guests, Discovery Tours travelers are provided a kimono and yukata, or bathrobes, that can be worn to the onsen. Rooms are simple, with tatami mats as flooring and a futon mattress.