Silk Carpet Journey

Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Meet on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Delhi
Full day tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan. Lunch at Chor Bizarre.

In New Delhi, visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture.

Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur (240 km / 5hrs)
Drive to Jaipur. Check into hotel. Afternoon: city tour including the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar Observatory, bazaars.

Known as the "Pink City," Jaipur was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II (1700-1743). It has 7 gates into the city--one for each of the 7 planets (which was the number of planets known at the time of the city's founding). At the heart of Jaipur is its City Palace which houses an extensive collection of rare manuscripts, Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures, Mughal carpets, costumes and textiles, arms and weapons, royal buggies, chariots and palanquins and a remarkable carriage -the indiraviman - that was drawn by four elephants.

At the center is Chandra Mahal, the seven-tiered moon palace where the present Maharaja still resides. The City Palace complex also contains the Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Just outside the gateway of the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the Yantralaya of Sawai Jai Singh II, the last great classical astronomer in India. The modernistic structures known as Yantras are the unique creations of this astronomer-king, designed by him and built by experts to observe the movements of the sun, moon, planets and stars. This is the largest of five observatories founded by the astronomer-king in various parts of the country. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is Jaipur's most-photographed building, a honeycomb palace with 953 latticed windows overlooking the bazaar and busy streets of Jaipur. Built in 1799 by the poet-king Pratap Singh, this extraordinary building was used by purdah-bound women to watch the grand processions that were a regular feature of the city.

Day 4: Jaipur
Morning drive to Amber, the name of the ancient kingdom of Jaipur and also the name of its ancient capital, situated 7 miles away. Its history can be traced backed to the 12th century. Amber Fort is superbly located, protected by the wild Arrival Hills on all sides. Originally built in the 11th century, it was expanded by Raja Mannish in the late 16th century. The ascent to the Fort will be on elephant backs. Thali lunch at Four Seasons Restaurant.

Afternoon visit Carpet weaving factories. Jaipur city is famous for carpets and textile materials, block printings and Jewellery.

Day 5: Jaipur - Agra (260 km / 5-6hrs)
After breakfast drive to Agra, enroute visit Fatephur Sikri, built in 1571, one of the world's most perfect ghost cities and a marvel of design and construction. It is a synthesis of the flourishing styles of the Persian courts and the prevailing Hindu-Islamic trends. Fatehpur (town of victory) Sikri was built by Akbar, the third and greatest of the Great Moguls. It is over 400 years old and today its pristine red sandstone buildings are as perfect as when they were first chiseled. Continue drive to Agra. Check into hotel. Before sunset visit the incredible architectural excellence of Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Day 6: Agra - Delhi (240 km / 5 hrs)
Morning visit Agra Fort, built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone Agra Fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. This massive Fort is 2.5 km long & is considered as predecessor of Delhi Red Fort. Later prceed to Sikndra Fort - the red sandstone mausoleum of Emperor Akbar and continue drive to Delhi.

Day 7: Delhi - Varanasi
After breakfast transfer to airport for flight 9W724 dep. 1040 / arr. 1150 to Varanasi. Transfer to hotel. Lunch on your own; then a short drive to enjoy independent time strolling the wondrously stimulating area in the Old City around the Ganges. Evening: witness aarti ceremony on the banks of River Ganges.

Day 8: Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the River Ganges to witness the religious ceremonies of the Hindus. Afterwards, a walking tour of temples and ghats. Return to hotel for breakfast.
Later drive to Bhadohi (45 km), famous for carpet, though carpet weaving is spread over different parts of the country, the name ‘carpet industry' has become synonymous with Bhadohi belt, almost 80 per cent of carpets exported from India originate from this belt.

Day 9: Varanasi
Morning visit to Sarnath where the Buddha gave his first sermon in 500 BC. The very spot is marked by the Dhamekh Stupa. Located in the midst of the archaeological park, we will also visit the ruins of the small monastery where the Buddha lived during his visits and walk the path he took while meditating. After visiting the excellent museum that houses sculptures excavated from the park, we continue to the fairly new Buddhist temple. The walls of the temples are decorated by the paintings of a Japanese artist and trace the important events in the life of the Buddha.
Afternoon free. Dinner at Kabab Factory.

Day 10: Varanasi - Katmandu
Transfer to airport for flight IC751 dep. 12030 / arr. 1340 (operates; Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun) to Katmandu. On arrival transfer to hotel.

Day 11: Katmandu
Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City, the most popular place in the kingdom was known as KANTIPUR in earlier times. The city if full of shrines, temples, palace squares and sculpture which display since time immemorial. The highlights of the tour is Kumari Temple, abode of the virgin Living Goddess who appears on her balcony to greet her devotees; Kastamandup temple, the temple made out of a single tree and name Kathmandu in derived from and Durbar Square and drive to Swoyambhunath, the monkey temple on the hillock overlooking the entire Kathmandu. This is Buddhist sanctuary said to be nearly 2000 years old. The all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha painted in prominent blue atop the dome are visible. Pashupatnath Temple- dedicated to Lord Shiva on the bank of Bagmati River which is worshiped in the form of a Lingam. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, all others can have the beautiful view of the temple from the northeast banks from stop of hillock. It is also place of cremation of dead body. Baudhanath- one of the biggest stupa of the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behaviors and human prosperity. It is built on octagonal base inset with prayer wheel and Bhaktapur - medieval city of devotees inhabited by the Newari community. Its Durbar Square is the main architectural showpiece, displays the best example of the ancient building techniques of the Newar people. King Bhupendra Malla, a great builder and lover of arts built the famous palace of 55 carved wooden windows; the Golden Gate, The Golden Spout-The Royal Bath during the Malla reign. The water spigot is shaped like a goat-head and a gilded snake statue atop a wooden pillar sits in the middle of the pond; Nyataponla - the tallest temple in Kathmandu valley. Nyatapola(five storied structure) is simply the finest specimen of traditional Nepalese architecture. Its symmetrical roofs are supported by 108 struts, all adorned with figures of different Hindus gods and goddesses

Day 12: Kathmandu - Pokhara (6/7 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Pokhara. It is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. The enchanting city with a population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Day 13: Pokhara
Early morning excursion to Sarankot to view the Himalayas which includes Annapurna range, Machhapuccare (Fishtail) Mountain, Dhaulagiri etc. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast half day sightseeing tour of Devin's Fall, Tibetan Refugees Camp, Bendibashini Temple and Seti Gorge. Afternoon - hike to SHANTI STUPA(PEACE PAGODA) Transfer to Kalimate the hike point to Peace Pagoda which takes about an hour. A beautiful view of Pokhara Valley on background the Mountains can be seen on the clear weather and walk down to Fewa Lake where boat will be wafting for ferry to other point and transfer to the Hotel

Day 14: Pokhara - Katmandu
Drive back to Katmandu International airport for flight 9W261 dep. 1535 / arr. 1715 to Delhi. On arrival transfer to hotel. Farewell Dinner at Pind Balluchi. Late night transfer to International airport for flight to home.

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Silk Carpet Journey