DELHI, TAJ MAHAL, AGRA, JAIPUR, VARANASI, KHAJURAHO & KATHMANDU
Discover culturally vibrant cities, stunning temples, and the breathtaking Himalayas on our India and Nepal tour, which includes flights to and from the U.S. Start your journey by exploring the best sights around Old and New Delhi and then wander the colorful markets of Jaipur and see the beautifully-designed Amber Fort. In Agra, you’ll check the Taj Mahal off your bucket list—plus, have a chance to see the red-stoned Agra Fort. You’ll also head to Khajuraho to tour a myriad of spectacular temples and then fly to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities, where you’ll get time to admire the picturesque Ganges River. Finally, make your way into Nepal and spend two full days experiencing the majestic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains and immersing yourself in the spiritual culture.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 2 nights in Delhi
- 2 nights in Jaipur
- 2 nights in Agra
- 2 nights in Khajuraho
- 1 night in Varanasi
- 1 night in Delhi
- 2 nights in Kathmandu
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round trip airfare from New York (JFK) via scheduled Air India flight.
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-India and Nepal flights and ground transportation
- Accommodations at deluxe hotels
- 15 meals: 12 full buffet breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours including entrance fees
- Experienced English-speaking Tour Director and local guides.
Tour Itinerary
Delhi/Kathmandu (Nepal)
Early this morning, check out of your hotel for your flight to Kathmandu, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Nepal. This is a deeply spiritual land, isolated by the high Himalayas. Upon arrival, visit the major temple towns in the Kathmandu Valley at the foot of the Himalayan mountains. See the gilded copper gate in Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Bhadgaon), a masterpiece with breathtaking art and architecture including the National Art Gallery. Proceed to the Pashupatinath Hindu Temple of Shiva, which expresses the very essence of Hinduism and represents Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine….
Kathmandu (Nepal)
Today, you may experience an optional Mount Everest scenic flight over the breathtaking Himalayas (weather permitting). Later, drive through this magnificent, spiritual city, visiting Swayambhunath Stupa, the most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley’s holy shrines. Records of its existence date as far back as the 5th century, although many believe it to be older, and it is regarded as Kathmandu Valley’s most sacred Buddhist shrine. You’ll then visit Budhanilkantha, considered the largest stone statue of Lord Vishnu in Nepal. Carved out of a single rock, this granite statue…
Guided Tour Pricing
There are currently no future departures for this tour.
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your flights from the New York to India and back are on the below airlines with the below schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting fight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
| Departure Date | Airline | New York (JFK) | Newark (EWR) | ||
| Depart | Return | Depart | Return | ||
| 2020: Mar. 16 | Emirates Airline | 11:20AM | 8:50AM | N/A | N/A |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
The above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check in. If you have a preferred seating choice, please make sure you check in for your flight as early as possible. Air India does not offer any frequent flyer miles for passengers traveling on a group fare.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check in at Delhi hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-Only services end upon arrival at Delhi airport on Day 14 of the itinerary listed on the tour page.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. American passport holders must be in possession of a valid visa for India. To obtain a visa for India, you can contact the Indian Consulate visa processing agency “Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS)” directly by visiting their website at http://www.in.ckgs.us or by calling them at 1-516-206-1483 or 1-646-589-0088. Alternatively, we arranged an alternate visa processing service “CIBT” to facilitate this for you for an additional handling fee. Please use the following link to download instructions and forms at http://www.cibt.com/home.aspx?Login=50002. You may also contact CIBT at 1-800-406-1523 to have a form mailed to you. If you have any questions regarding obtaining your visa, you may call CIBT directly. Also, please note that visa procedures may change at any time. You should check directly with CKGS (http://www.in.ckgs.us), or if using CIBT online at www.cibt.com, for the most up to date instructions before submitting your paperwork. We strongly suggest that you immediately familiarize yourself with the visa requirements and that you have all the necessary documentation as soon as possible. When asked for Reference Name, Address & Phone, please use the following: Le Meridien New Delhi, Windsor Place, New Delhi, New Delhi, 110001, India, Phone: (91-11) 2371 0101. However, it is still recommended that you apply for the India visa at least 60 days before departure. Nepal visas are granted on arrival at Kathmandu airport. To obtain your Nepal visa on arrival you’ll need to present your actual passport, a visa application form (which will be mailed to you with your final travel documents), one passport size photo and visa fee of $30 (subject to change). Non U.S Citizens should check directly with the India and Nepalese consulates as to the most current visa requirements. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instruction and additional travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
In April and October India daytime temperatures average in the 80’s and 90’s; from November through March in the upper 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Overnight temperatures are cooler. Nepal temperatures are normally about 10-20° less than what you will experience in India. The rainy season is normally during the summer months (Jun-Aug).
NON-INCLUDED MEALS
The hotels used on this tour have several dining choices from coffee shop to specialty restaurants. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the coffee shop is about $20 – $25 per meal per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotel will be able to exchange for you cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (maximum 44 pounds) and one carry-on piece (maximum 15 pounds) not to exceed 18”x10”x8”. However, please note that the limit for checked-in luggage for intra-India flights (note: this is relevant only for your flight from Khajuraho to Varanasi) is 15 kilograms (or 33 pounds), and any additional weight will incur a fee of $5 USD per each additional kilogram. So, for example, a bag that weighs 44 pounds (or 20 kilograms) will result in a fee of $25 USD. The limit for checked-in luggage for your flights from Varanasi to Kathmandu and Kathmandu to Delhi is 20 kilograms (or 44 pounds), which is the same as the restriction for the entire tour, and the same fee of $5 USD per each additional kilogram will apply. Please also note that your carry-on luggage will be subject to the fee of $5 USD per each additional kilogram over 7 kilograms (or just over 15 pounds) for your Khajuraho to Varanasi, Varanasi to Kathmandu, and Kathmandu to Delhi flights. As India and Nepal are not formal countries, we recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.
Multimedia
Check out this video from a smarTours traveler on this trip of a lifetime!