Day 01: Arrival in Delhi.
Completing immigration and custom formalities meet Highland Asia representative outside the airport and transfer to your hotel in New Delhi. Accommodation in Hans Plaza, a first class property.
Day 02: Explore Old and New Delhi.
Following buffet breakfast at our hotel, we embark on the tour of Old and New Delhi. We begin at the modern Laxmi Narayan Temple which enshrines Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. The temple is also called the Birla Temple for the noted industrialist Birla family established the temple. The temple is important as its one of the first major Hindu shrine that allows admission to the untouchables. Then we head to Old Delhi - the former center of Mughal power which offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling markets. Visit Raj Ghat-the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi-the father of the nation. We continue to Red Fort- built in 1648 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan famous for his great edifice of love the Taj Mahal. Also see the biggest mosque in India the Jama Masjid, constructed by Shah Jahan in 1658 that can accommodate 20,000 devotees at a time. We take risks haw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk to see the vibrant markets.
Following lunch, we drive to the New Delhi which came into existence much later, and is also known as Lutyens Delhi, taking after the name of a British architect who was largely responsible in designing India Gate, Presidential House, Secretariat, Parliament House and many other buildings in that area. The beautiful Lotus Temple is the recent addition of New Delhi and is truly a jewel in the crown. Other attractions that you don’t want to miss in Delhi is the tallest known tower known as Qutub Minar, which marked the arrival and rise of Islam in India. Near the foot of the minaret lies the controversial Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, the first Muslim mosque in India erected in the 12th century on the site of a Hindu temple from materials salvaged from 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
Tonight, we will enjoy typical Indian welcome dinner.  (B,D)
Day 03: Drive to the historic fort of Neemrana. (122km/77 miles, 2 hrs)
Following breakfast, we set out on Delhi-Jaipur Highway and drive to the ancient historic town of Neemrana in Alwar District of Rajasthan. The main attraction of Neemrana is the Fort palace which is now India’s oldest heritage resort and we are going to stay here a night in Royal style! The fort is located on a high hillock and it commands magnificent views of the surrounding beauty. The ambiance is simply captivating and features period furniture, antique works of art and frescoed paintings. We explore the fort and possibly take excursion to the neighboring Kesroli town.
Day 04: Drive from Neemrana Fort to Jaipur, visit Amber Fort, cruise the Man Sagar Lake and visit the ruins of Jal Mahal.
After breakfast, we are back on Delhi-Jaipur Highway. The distance of 97 miles is covered takes less than three hours.  About 7 miles before Jaipur, we stop in the Amber Village to visit the most famous attraction of Jaipur-the Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort.  The ancient citadel, situated on the top of high hill above the village was the capital of the ruling Kachhwa clan of Amber from 1037 to 1727 AD. The Fort is known for its artistic style, blending both Hindu and Mughal elements.
The fort can be reached on foot through stairways or by 4WD or we can take the elephant back ride in the Royal style!  Once on the top, we will be amazed by the massive structure, exquisite paintings on the walls depicting the temperament of the Rajputs, who were adventurous, revolutionary and self-indulgent, intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings and minute mirror work to the grand appearance and royalty of the halls.  We spend good amount of time exploring the ruins and remains of the fort, the magnificent gates and courtyards, the chambers of the King and their queens and the secret pathways; each piece of architecture carries the heroic stories of the kings and the battles, friendship and rivalry and love and romance. Overwhelmed by the massiveness of the fort and its stories, we descend and continue on our trip to Jaipur.
We check in our accommodation at Trident Hotel, that faces the beautiful Man Sagar Lake and the island palace of Jal Mahal. After some rest, we ferry to the impressive Jal Mahal which means “palace in the water”. The palace, after being in ruins for more than 2 centuries, has been restored recently and opened for travelers.
Rest of the day is for you to pursue your own interests. Time permitting, you can visit the city center and browse the colorful markets. Johari market is famous for traditional jewelry products , colorful saree dresses and vibrant ambience.
Day 05:  Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Narhet Rural Village excursion
Following breakfast, we set out to explore the wonders of the pink city. We drive into the city center and begin from Hawa Mahal, which means the “Palace in the Winds”. The palace has a beehive like structure, made up of interplay of red and pink sand stone, meticulously outlined with white border with elaborate latticed facade behind which hid the cloistered ladies of the court and watched the daily happenings in the street below.

Next , we visit City Palace which is a massive complex of superb palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. We visit the museum of the palace that preserves collections of rare documents, shields, uniforms, rugs and paintings. The royalties of the Jaipur still reside in a part of the palace but the residential areas are not accessible.
We walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar which is an astronomical observatory that exhibits a collection of architectural astronomical instruments. The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars' location as the earth orbits around the sun, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemerides. The observatory has been listed in the UNESCO’s world heritage site.
Afternoon, we take excursion to the rural village of Narhet. It takes 45 minutes to 1 hr to reach the village. In the village, we smudge our hands in mud for making pots, try some knots on loom for making rugs and make some baskets. Villagers in Narhet are great people, full of zeal and gusto, their warm welcome is quite appreciable and Rajputana culture is exemplary. We can lease our taste buds with some local spicy eatables prepared on charcoal oven in front of your eyes and try some mehndi art, along with tea and than a performance that brings the sun down and its time for us to ride back to our hotel.
Overnight hotel in Jaipur.
Day 6: Drive from Jaipur to Agra with a visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and the ruins of  Fatehpur Sikri.
Following the buffet breakfast at the hotel, we find ourselves on Jaipur-Agra Highway. The road passes through several roadside villages and towns and farmlands. We will have opportunity to get the glimpses of daily lives of the people. The traditional madaris with their monkeys and the kalandars with bears are common sight on the way!
About 170km (106 miles) from Jaipur we stop in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo National Park-home to 230 recorded different species of birds. We take rickshaw ride for one hour trip of the sanctuary and our rickshaw driver will point out one after another, a number of resident and migratory birds that include waterfowls such as shoveler, common teal, cotton teal, tufted duck, comb duck, little cormorant, great cormorant, Indian shag, ruff, painted stork, white spoonbill, Asian open-billed stork, oriental ibis, darter, common sandpiper, wood sandpiper and green sandpiper and Sarus crane. The park is also abundant with spotted deer and blue bull. Near the Bharatpur Forest Lodge, there is a temple and a pool beside and sometime, we can see the priest of the temple feeding the turtles popping their head out of the water!
From Bharatpur, we head to the abandoned capital at Fatehpuri Sikri (13 miles). Fatehpur Sikri, was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. Soon after the construction of the capital, all the sources of water into the capital dried and so he had to move his capital to the Agra Fort. The main attractions here are the Buland Darwaza, Dargarh of Salim Chisti and various Mahals of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his navratnas. Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti is famed as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. Situated near Zenana Rauza and facing south towards Buland Darwaza, it enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here.
We spend about one hour in Fatehpuri Sikri and head to Agra (39km/24 miles). We check in our hotel and take rest for the remainder of the day. Accommodation in Jaypee Palace Hotel or similar.
Day 07: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
We rise early morning and head to Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal at sunrise is very beautiful; with less traffic and quieter. Upon approaching, the mausoleum seems to float on the horizon, breathtakingly dreamlike and spectacular! As the day breaks, the mausoleum bathes in the golden glow of the rising sun; the beauty of Taj Mahal holds our gaze and makes us speechless! It is also a great time to take some unforgettable pictures. Built in the mid 17th Century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, allowing 22 years and using labor of 20,000 men to build, and the white marble being transported by a fleet of 1000 elephants from 200 miles away, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. We spend about 2 hours in this amazing creation of the world and return to the hotel for breakfast.
We start late morning for Agra Fort- another example of impressive Mughal architecture that became the base of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Initiated by Emperor Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River and major constructions were done by Emperor Shah Jehan. Agra Fort is a massive fortified city extended in 94-acre (380,000 m2) of land, with its chord lying parallel to the Yamnuna River and its walls are seventy feet high. Double ramparts have massive circular bastions at intervals, with battlements, embrasures, machicolations and string courses. At the end of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned and died in Musamman Burj -a tower with marble balcony from where he could watch Taj Mahl.
Balance of the day is for us to pursue our own interest. Just take rest in the comfort of your hotel or take rickshaw ride through the alleys and see the lives out there or engage in bargain for the marble artifacts or leather protects. Petra Dura Workshop is recommended for beautiful marble inlay that is among the most renowned of India's handicrafts. During your visit enjoy an opportunity to watch as artisans create fine quality marble inlay pieces.
Day 08: Agra, Jhansi, Orchha and Khajuraho.
Following early morning breakfast, we are transferred to the Agra Cantt station. We board on 8: 17 a.m. air-conditioned chair car of Shatabdi Express train for Jhansi and arrive at Jhansi at 10:47 a.m. Upon arrival, we meet our coach and driver and then we take a short drive (10 miles)  to the picturesque town of Orchha which was once the capital of Bundelkhand region.We visit the historical monuments of Orchha that still retain their pristine charm and narrate stories of war and peace, of love and destruction over hundreds of years.
We visit the Jehangir Mahal - most admired of the palaces of Orchha, built by Bir Sing Deo in honor of the state visit of Emperor Jehandir in the 17th century, the Raj Mahal, an earlier building adorned by colorful murals and numerous temples in the complex. Overwhelmed by the vastness and stories of Orcha, we continue on our trip to Khajuraho-the city of kamasutra temples!
We arrive at Khajuraho late afternoon (180 km/ 113 miles from Orchha) and check in hotel and take rest for the day. Accommodation in the Radisson or similar.
Day 09: Explore the Kamasutra Temples of Khajuraho.
We have a full day to explore the temple town of  Khajuraho. The temples of Khajuraho than other temples in India. The temples here are not for worships or pray but for love and arts of love making. The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho are the testament of the architectural geniuses during the times of Chandela dynasty. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, Khajuraho oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. Of the total 85 temples only 22 of them exists and are divided into three groups-the Western, Southern and Eastern group of temples. We begin the day from the eastern group of temples (1.5 miles from the city) where we visit The Parsvanath, Adinath, Shantinath, and Ghantai temples belong to the Jains while the Vamana, Javari and Brahma are Hindu temples.
Then we return to the western group of temples that comprise the majority of the temples and among the most beautiful ones. Chaunsath Yogini, Lalguan Mahadev, Parvati, Varaha, Matangesvara, Lakshmana, Vishvanath and Nandi, Chitragupta, Devi Jagdamba and Kandariya Mahadeo temples are the most fascinating ones. 
Afternoon, we just hang loose in the bazaars near the western group of temples. In the evening at 6 p.m., you can attend (optional, additional cost apply) there is a sound and light show that reminds of the life and time of Chandela Kings and tells the stories of the temples.
If your trip times with a weeklong Khajuraho Dance Festivals that is usually held in the month of February or March, it’s an opportunity to witness India’s classical dances such as Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Oddisi etc.
Day 10: Flight from Khajuraho to Varanasi
We have leisurely morning breakfast and late morning, we are transferred to the airport. The 40 minutes long flight whisks us to the holy city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras and also kashi-the mecca of Hindus.
Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. After some rest, we set out to explore the city. The city is situated on the bank of Holy Ganges River-where Hindus take dip to clean the sins of all life and deceased are cremated on its ghats to ensure reservation in the heaven! Ancient Hindu scriptures such as  Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata indicate that Varanasi city is 3000 years old-probably the oldest city in India.
Today, we visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple-dedicated to Lord Shiva and the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. A replica of Vishawanath Temple can be seen in Patan Durbar Square, Nepal as well. We continue to Banaras Hindu University, established in 1916 by philanthropist Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya to see the fabulous collection of over 1, 00,000 artefacts dating back to the 1st century BC till the 12th century that are on display at the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. The university is believed to be the largest residential university in entre Asia!  Time permitting; we visit Mata Annapoorna Temple-dedicated to mother of the Three Worlds that is illustrated by a mural showing the deity feeding Lord Shiva and also Sankatmochan Temple-dedicated to Hanuman-the disciple of Lord Rama.
In the evening we attend the grand ‘aarti’ at Dasaashwamedh Ghat, conducted every sunset by five white-robed priests. These five young men sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river goddess with incense, camphor, flowers and earthen lamps. Thousands of illuminated lamps are immersed in the waters of the holy Ganges and the floating lamps add a divine look to the river at dusk.

Day 11 Sunrise boating cruise in Ganges and afternoon Saranath visit.
We rise early morning and after a cup of tea or coffee, we return to the Dashashwamedha Ghat. The sight of the sun rising over the Ganga is spiritually exhilarating. We take boating cruise on the holy waters of Ganges to reach the nearby Manikarnika Ghat, one of Varanasi’s two cremation Ghats . It’s permanently lined with funeral pyres and bodies in shrouds awaiting the final rites. Here the sacred waters are decorated with marigold flowers and ashes of sacred hearts. (Warning: Those who don’t want to see the corpses should not take the Ganges Ghat trip)
We explore the various ghats of Ganges, witness the Hindu rites and rituals in the riverfronts and pilgrims taking dip in the holy waters!

We return to the hotel and wash up and after breakfast, we are ready for the trip to Sarnath (10 km/6 miles) from the city. While Varanas is center of Hindu, Sarnath is the place where Buddha turned the first the wheel of life ever! It is here where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after being enlightened and so this is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world.
At Sarnath, the attractions in spotlight are Ashoka Pillar-that was erected by Emperor Ashoka to commemorate the site of first preaching of Buddha and also the symbol of India, the Chaukhandi Stupa-originally a terraced temple and later modified to an octagonal tower and the ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa-built that enshrines the relics of Lord Buddha.
Late afternoon, we are freed to pursue our own interests. Rikshaw ride is the best way to browse the markets. The markets at Vishwanath Gali, Godoulia, Gyanvapi, Chowk and Thatheri Baazar are vibrant.Brocades and colourful silk sarees from Varanasi are famous in entire India.
Day 12: Flight to Kathmandu.
We take leisurely morning breakfast and late morning, we are transferred to the airport for flight to Kathmandu. This one hour long flight whisks us to the capital of the Himalayan country of Nepal.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you can obtain Nepali visa if you don’t have one yet. Following immigration and custom formalities, we walk outside the airport and meet Nepali guide and driver and we are transferred to our hotel.
After refreshment, we take a short tour to the Kathmandu Durbar Square with former palaces and clustered temples with rich wood carving and stone sculptures. The wood carving on the balconies and windows of the Basantpur Palace are just fascinating. We visit the temple of Kumari-the Living Goddess of Nepal and Kasthamandap Temple which is believed to have been built of a single tree trunk.
We take rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Indrachowk and Assan lined up with groceries stores, handicraft shops, jewelleries, rugs, utensils etc and end up in the touristic district of Thamel where all cheap guesthouse accommodations, handicraft outlets and restaurants are concentrated. 
Tonight, we enjoy Nepali welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant and we will also enjoy Nepali folklore dances. Accommodation in Yak N Yeti hotel.
Day 13 Mount Everest Flight and afternoon explore Kathmandu.
We rise early morning and we are transferred to the airport for mountain flight (Optional $ 170 per person). It’s one hour long flight that offers eye level view of Mount Everest and other majestic peaks of the mighty Himalayas!
After breakfast in the hotel, we set out to explore the wonders of Kathmandu Valley.
We begin the tour of the day from Pashupatinath Temple, which lies on the bank of sacred Bagmati River- one of the principal tributaries of Ganges. Pashupatinath is one of the most revered of the Hindu Temples in entire Nepal and India. The main shrine of the temple is accessible by Hindus only but we can see the complete view of the temple from the eastern bank of the river. We will watch the Hindu rituals, wandering sadhus (holy men) around and cremation services of Hindus on the ghats of the river. A short trip from Pashupatinath brings us to Boudhanath Stupa, also known as Boudha. The stupa architecture is considered the largest shrine of this kind in the world and a “must visit” place for all Buddhist in their lifetime. The 1,400 years old stupa features a giant white dome circled by 108 images of Buddha and has numerous monasteries that belong to a different order of Tibetan sects. The area is dominated by Tibetan refugees and so the area reminds one of Barkhor street of Lhasa. At Boudha, we see pilgrims surrounding the stupa to make Kora, turning the stupa’s giant prayer wheels as they go. We will have a lunch break here and then we will continue to? Budhanilakantha Shrine? that has a 5 meter long stone image of Lord Bishnu that rests on snake coil floating on a water pool-symbolizing cosmic ocean. The last sight of the day is Swayambhunath Stupa that lies on the western fringe of the city and is situated atop a hill, 80m (262 ft.) above the ground. The shrine is believed to be 2000 years old and associated with the creation of Kathmandu Valley. Accommodation in Yak N Yeti hotel.
Day 14: Bhaktapur, Patan and Bungamati Village
After breakfast, we drive 15 km (9 miles) north east to Bhaktapur, the beautiful city of medieval Malla Principality which is also the best preserved out of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu Valley. We visit a number of temples with intricate wood carving and incredible stone sculptures as well as the Durbar Square with Golden Gates, Palace of the 55 Windows and Royal Bath.  Five storied Nyatapola Temple, the only architecture that remain untouched by the earthquake of 1934, Dutratraya Temple and Pujarimath complex with peacock window in the eastern end of the city are other attractions of the city not to miss during your trip to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is also famous for woodcrafts, traditional Thangka painting and potteries. We will stop by the wood and Thangka painting workshops and see the artists at work.

From Bhaktapur, we head to Patan-the city of arts. We visit the Durbar Square and visit the main courtyard in the palace with intricate wood carving. The temples in front of the palace have rich wood carving, stone sculptures and some of which are on the erotic themes as well. We walk on the cobbled street, with line of handicraft workshops and stores in either side and visit the Golden Temple-Patan’s center for Buddhist worships. We visit the 5 storied Kumbheshwar Temple and watch the worships in the Bagalamukhi Temple that shares the same premises.

From Patan, we drive out of the city and visit the rural Bungamati Village which despite being so close from the capital looks decades back in time. We walk on the cobbled street of Bungamati Village and visit the Matshyendranath Temple in the center. Majority of the dwellers are farmers and crafters. Dry vegetables hanging out of the balconies, chickens and ducks wandering around, crafters creating wooden and metal crafts, woman drying the grains out in the sun or washing clothes and elderly people just relaxing in the patis ( public rest house in the village)are common sight.

We return to our hotel late afternoon and rest of the day is for us to pursue our own interests. Accommodation in Yak N Yeti hotel.


Day 15: Tour concludes.
Following breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for flight back to New Delhi and connect with international flight back home.