Soul of South Asia: Nepal & India

Day 1 — Istanbul - Kathmandu

Following our meet-up at Istanbul Airport, we depart for Kathmandu on flight TK726. Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we set foot in the capital of Nepal, renowned for its ancient temples, golden pagodas, and charming villages. After transferring to our hotel by our private vehicle to rest, we commence our city tour. Our first stop is Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), the oldest Buddhist temple offering panoramic views over Kathmandu from a hilltop, famous for the 'Eyes of Buddha' and its playful monkeys. Next, we tour Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic centre home to ancient royal palaces and ancient temples with traditional wooden architecture. For the rest of the day, we enjoy free time to explore the bustling streets of Thamel, the city's most vibrant district, filled with colourful shops, cafés, and handicrafts (subject to our arrival time). We return to our hotel in Kathmandu for dinner and accommodation. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 2 — Kathmandu

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we begin our day by visiting some of the key UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. Pashupatinath Temple: Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River amidst lush natural surroundings, this magnificent temple stands out for its awe-inspiring architectural beauty. Dedicated to Shiva as one of the most sacred temples in Hinduism, Pashupatinath is also known as a site where traditional Hindu funeral rites (cremation rituals) are performed, welcoming pilgrims from all over the world. Next, we will visit the Boudhanath Stupa — one of Kathmandu's most magnificent landmarks and an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism. Built on a massive three-tiered mandala-shaped platform, the stupa stands at a height of 36 metres (118 feet). Considered one of the largest stupas in the world, it is renowned for the all-seeing "eyes of the Buddha" on its dome, around which Tibetan monks and pilgrims are often seen circumambulating in prayer (kora). Afterwards, we proceed to Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO-listed masterpiece located in the city of Lalitpur. Once the royal palace complex of the Malla kings, Patan Durbar Square captivates visitors with its striking Newar architecture, masterfully crafted handicrafts, and the seamless harmony of Hindu and Buddhist influences. The square is famed for housing traditional pagoda-style temples, intricately carved wooden windows, and the historic royal palace. Afterwards, as time permits, we will enjoy free time to explore the city at our own pace. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3 — Kathmandu - Varanasi

In the morning, we check out of the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu Airport, from where we fly to Varanasi. Known at various times throughout history as Kashi (City of Life) and Benares, Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and is considered one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. Pilgrims come to the ghats (stepped riverbank platforms) along the banks of the Ganges River to cleanse a lifetime of sins in the sacred waters or to cremate their loved ones and bid them farewell on their final journey. Upon arrival in Varanasi, a private vehicle will meet us at Varanasi Airport and transfer us to the hotel. We check in to the hotel and rest. Later, we set off for a tour of Sarnath, one of the holiest sites in Buddhism. We will see the Dhamekh Stupa, the place where the voice of Buddhism was first heard; this stupa is known as the location where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, and many Buddhist clergy and pilgrims visit here to pay their respects to the Buddha. In the evening, we will attend the mesmerising evening aarti ceremony (a religious ritual performed with fire and light) held on the banks of the Ganges River. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel in Varanasi.

Day 4 — Varanasi - Agra

Breakfast included

We will start our day in the early hours with a boat tour on the River Ganges. A rowing boat excursion at dawn is one of the most delightful experiences in Varanasi. We will witness the daily rituals of the local people. The most enjoyable hours for a boat ride on the River Ganges are between 05:30 and 08:00; during these hours, the colour and vibrancy of the city will captivate you. Afterwards, we will have breakfast at the hotel. Following breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and explore the enchanting atmosphere of Old Varanasi with a rickshaw tour through its narrow alleyways before heading to the railway station. We will then set off for Varanasi Railway Station, where a private vehicle will drop us off. From here, we will board our train to Agra. Agra is home to the "Taj Mahal", one of the Seven Wonders of the World. With its rich culture, history, and architectural monuments, this city tops the list of tourist destinations in India. We will arrive in Agra at night. A private vehicle will collect us from Agra Railway Station and take us to the hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, we will check in and rest. Overnight stay at our hotel in Agra.

Day 5 — Agra

Breakfast included

In the early hours of the morning, we will depart to visit the Taj Mahal (a UNESCO World Heritage site), built in 1632 by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal to lay her body in eternal rest. We will then return to the hotel for breakfast. Following breakfast, we will visit the Agra Fort, the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638, when the capital was moved from Agra to Delhi. Afterwards, we will visit the "jewel box" — the Baby Taj (Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah), often described as a draft of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is the first tomb in India built entirely of marble. The tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah marks the transition from the first phase to the second phase of Mughal architecture and served as inspiration for the construction of the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world, in subsequent years. Following this, we will visit Mehtab Bagh. Located just north of the magnificent Taj Mahal and directly across from Agra Fort and the Yamuna River, Mehtab Bagh is one of the last surviving Mughal gardens and one of the most scenic vantage points in Agra. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Agra.

Day 6 — Agra - Jaipur

Breakfast included

Following an early breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and set off for the Pink City — Jaipur, renowned for its wide avenues, majestic fortresses, magnificent palaces, elegant temples, and royal heritage. En route, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, famous for its exceptionally well-preserved Mughal architecture, notably the majestic Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory) and Panch Mahal. Next, we will visit Chand Baori (Stepwell), one of Rajasthan's oldest and most impressive stepwells. Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, this well features 3.500 narrow steps arranged in flawless symmetry, descending 20 metres to the bottom of the well. We will arrive in Jaipur before evening. We will check in to our hotel and relax. Afterwards, we will join a hands-on cookery class to learn the preparation of traditional dishes. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel in Jaipur.

Day 7 — Jaipur

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we will depart for our city tour. First, we will visit the magnificent Amber Fort (Amer Fort), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort, Jaipur's primary tourist attraction, was built in its present form towards the end of the 16th century by Rajput rulers. We will make an enjoyable ascent to the fort on a jeep tour. En route, we will view Jal Mahal, the palace set in the middle of a lake and built in the 17th century. Next, we will pass by Hawa Mahal ("Palace of Winds" — a high latticed façade built so that the royal women could observe street festivals without being seen from the outside), one of Jaipur's historic heritage landmarks, and visit Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jantar Mantar is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments commissioned by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh and completed in 1738. Afterwards, we will visit the City Palace. An impressive complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings, the City Palace is situated at the heart of the Old City. We will take a guided walking tour through the famous Pink City bazaars. Often referred to as a "shopper's paradise", Jaipur provides a wonderful opportunity to explore its vibrant bazaars in the evening hours. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 8 — Jaipur - Delhi

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and set off for Delhi. Welcome to Delhi, the capital of India and its second-largest city by population! The city's significance stems from its past splendour as the centre of the empire's magnificent monuments and rich, multicultural heritage. We will arrive in Delhi in the afternoon, check in to our hotel, and rest. After resting, we will set out for a city tour of Delhi. We will pass by Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, and visit the India Gate monument, built in memory of the 82.000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War between 1914-1921. Afterwards, we will visit the Akshardham Temple. Described as an abode of eternal devotion, purity, and peace, this temple reflects Hindu spiritual teachings, a vibrant devotional tradition, and ancient architecture through its art and design. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel in Delhi.

Day 9 — Delhi

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we will continue our city tour of Delhi. We will pass by the Raj Ghat Memorial — a peaceful and profoundly meaningful site dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot of his cremation in 1948. First, we will visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by a drive past the Red Fort. Next, we will visit Chandni Chowk, one of Old Delhi's oldest and busiest bazaars, where we will enjoy a rickshaw ride. We will have lunch at a lovely restaurant. Afterwards, we will visit Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 1570, this tomb holds special cultural significance as the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent. We will then visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Qutub Minar, a five-storey, conical tower standing 72,5 metres (239,5 feet) high. Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, began construction of the first storey of Qutub Minar around 1192. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel in Delhi.

Day 10 — Delhi - Istanbul

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and set off for Delhi Airport. A private vehicle will drop us off at the airport. We bid farewell to a magnificent, fun-filled 10-day journey laden with unforgettable memories spent in the finest corners of Northern India and Kathmandu — an experience to be remembered for a lifetime.

Day 11 — Istanbul

Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 11:35 local time and the end of our tour.

Included services

• Turkish-speaking guiding service
• All stated transfers
• All tours specified in the itinerary

Not included

• Personal expenses
• International departure tax (Can be paid at designated banks or at the tax office desk at the airport)
• Tours indicated as optional