Journey to India & the Himalaya - Overland Trip

2 ½ weeks: to (IMT-PIIH)

Intro

The rolling plains of northern India rise steeply up towards the highest mountains in the world - the Himalaya. Here we find lands with rich histories, colourful traditions and cultural diversity. Here too is also the cradle of some of the world\'s great religions - Buddhism and Hinduism. The magnificence of northern India can be found in the wonderful palaces and mausoleums that are legacies of Mughal emperors and once-powerful maharajas, as epitomised by the exquisite Taj Mahal. The spiritual side of India is seen all over the holy city of Varanasi. Nepal is a former kingdom with medieval cities, majestic mountains and an abundance of unique and endangered wildlife. Standing by the lake in Pokhara and looking out to the Annapurnas and the famous \'fish-tailed\' Machhapuchhare is an inspiring experience, but to get closer to the mountains is even better still. Bhutan has long hidden in self-imposed isolationism and its re-emergence into the modern world is being undertaken one small step at a time. Therein lays its mystique. Lush valley, holy mountains and seemingly impenetrable await those who venture into this beautiful land that has up till now seen few visitors.

Included

Local tour leaders, local guides, airport transfers, transport including train, sightseeing and entrance fees, medical kit.

Itineraries ( - )

Day 1

(Sun) Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

Catch train to Jaipur - capital of Rajasthan.

Day 3

Visit Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Optional visit to City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar.

Day 4

Drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri.

Day 5

Morning visit to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Overnight train to Varanasi.

Day 6

Arrive in Varanasi. Afternoon visit to Buddhist holy site of Sarnath.

Day 7

Morning boat ride on Ganges River and explore old city.

Day 8

Fly towards the Himalaya to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.

Day 9

Morning visit to Pashupatinath Temple and Bodhnath Stupa. Enjoy free afternoon for exploring.

Day 10

Fly to Pokhara - explore old town or hire a boat on Phewa Lake.

Day 11

Mountain walk to the picturesque village of Chainabatthi, in the Annapurna region.

Day 12

Return to Pokhara. Drive to Chitwan National Park.

Day 13

Safari on elephant-back and in dugout canoes. Partake in bathing elephants.

Day 14

Morning safari before driving to Kathmandu.

Day 15-16

Spectacular flight along the Himalayan range to Paro, Bhutan. Drive to the capital, Thimphu. Excursions to the fortress and painting school.

Day 17-18

Drive to Paro, visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery and explore the local villages and countryside.

Day 19

Trip ends in Paro this morning (Thu).

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Departures

Reference	Departure	Arrival	Price GBP	Kitty	Notes
IMT-IT-PIIH-100321	21 Mar 10	09 Apr 10	£2375	0
IMT-IT-PIIH-100411	11 Apr 10	30 Apr 10	£2375	0
IMT-IT-PIIH-100502	02 May 10	21 May 10	£2375	0