Today you will arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a LUMLE representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminal building and transfer you to your hotel.

Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital Delhi. It was the magnet, which drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and the British, all of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent past. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it at least seven times. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi still intrigue Indians and tourists alike as the cultural and political capital of the largest democracy in the world.

Early morning you will embark on the combined city tour Delhi. Delhi is divided into two parts New and Old Delhi. First you will visit the old part of Delhi. You will visit:

Jamia Masjid – One of the oldest Mosques in Asia followed by a rickshaw ride in the old narrow streets of Chandini Chowk, silver streets and spices Markets, and then later visit the Red Fort (photo stop only) and the Rajghat – Cremation place of Mahatma Ghandi. Following this you will take a break at local ethnic restaurants (at own cost).

After lunch, you will kick of the second part of your Delhi tour for sightseeing of New Delhi by drive past The Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament of India and visit the India Gate, a war memorial. Then you’ll visit the famous Humuyus Tomb – replica of Taj Mahal made of sandstone and marble. Other highlights of the day include visits to Lotus Temple – belonging to the Bahai Faith. Later visiting the Tallest Minaret called Qutub Minar and return to hotel.

After breakfast you begin your journey to Agra (214 Km /5 Hrs).

Upon arrival in Agra you will check-in at your hotel and a representative will assist you to complete your check-in formalities.

Agra came into the limelight during the rule of the Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi – who had made it the capital of his empire. Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the task for rendering Agra, a unique character and beauty of its own. The next few hundred years of Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal monarchs – Emperor Akbar, Jehangir and Shahjahan. In modern times, the city of Agra is a thriving carpet industry where you can also find leather workers, sandstone and marble sculptors, some of whom claim to be direct descendants of the craftsmen who had helped build the Taj Mahal.

Visit the Taj Mahal, monument remain closed on all Fridays. Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow.

Later visit the impressive Agra Fort, the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire for successive generations. The buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the assimilation of different cultures, which was the mark of the Mughal period. Most of the structures within the Agra fort are a mixture of different architectural styles.

Today you will be proceeding to Taj Mahal for sunrise (without guide) and drive to Jaipur.

Enroute you’ll visit Fathepur Sikri and see famous Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal and Mughal architecture. Arrive in Jaipur and transfer to hotel.

After breakfast, visit Amber Fort. High above the city, the towers and domes of the Amber Fort are reminiscent of scenes from some fairy tale. The palace itself is within the enormous fort complex and is replete with halls, gardens, pavilions, and temples. The Hall of Mirrors is not to be missed where one lit matchstick can illuminate the entire room.

Later proceed to visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD).

Your tour also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

Later walk through the colourful markets of Jaipur.

Morning after breakfast you will set your return journey to Delhi where upon arrival you will check in at your hotel.

Today after breakfast you will be driven to Delhi International airport to board your further flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, our airport executive will meet & greet you. You will have some time to get settle down before you are escorted to the hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel; check in and you will be briefed for your onward holiday.

We start of exploration of Nepal from Kathmandu, a mystical mix of religion, culture and everything in between.

We explore Kathmandu Durbar Square where most of the temples and palaces dating back to 17th and 18th century. Our time in Kathmandu also includes a visit to Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. You can walk around the Stupa spinning the prayer wheels engraved with chants and offer a traditional butter lamp to Lord Buddha. We than explore nearby is the Swayambhunath is an ancient religious architecture in the Kathmandu valley.

Throughout the trip, you will be accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide who will explain the historical and cultural importance of each spot.

Earlier in the morning, you may enjoy an adventure of a lifetime–a scenic flight with close-up views of Mt. Everest and other peaks from as near as five nautical miles. This will incur an extra cost of £250 per person and includes to/from airport transfer with accompanying Lumle representative.

We now begin our drive to Pokhara via air condition tourist coach. This drive along the banks of Trishuli River will let you enjoy amazing landscapes, glimpses of authentic countryside of Nepal and pristine towns. The journey to Pokhara [altitude: approx 915 meters, distance: 207 kilometres] will take around 7 to 8 hours depending on the traffic. After you reach Pokhara, you will have an entire evening to explore the laid-back city that is the gateway to travellers who love trekking and Himalayas.

We will explore the city by visiting some of its famous lakes, temples like Gupteshwor Mahadev and David’s Fall. You’re accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide who can explain the history and cultural importance of each spot.

In the morning, we take a vehicle ride to Sarangkot to witness the sunrise. After viewing the beautiful scenery, we come down by vehicle and proceed to breakfast. Pokhara has something spectacular for everyone that is lucky enough to visit her– Stunning landscapes, adventure activities, cycling along the quiet streets and temple in the middle of the lake. You are free to explore the city on your own.

[Optional hiking down to Pokhara]**Hiking excursion is optional. Those who do not wish to hike will have the option of free road transfer from Sarangkot to Pokhara.

For those who wish to opt in for optional hiking down to Pokhara will hike down back from Sarangkot hills passing the unique scenary. The hike will take approximately 3 hours.

We will travel from Pokhara to Chitwan [altitude: about 415 meters, distance 155 kilometres] by air condition tourist coach. On arrival, you’ll check into a wildlife lodge and will have the short brief for your Chitwan stay.

Upon your arrival, you will be provided with the welcome drinks and escorted to your respective rooms. After a period of rest, you will be briefed about the activities in Chitwan. After the briefing, you will have time to have your lunch.

The lunch will be followed by a cultural tour the Tharu Village. Tharus are indigenous people of Terai living there for more than 500 years while still preserving most of their age-old fascinating culture. The same night, you will witness the famous Tharu Stick dance followed by the dinner. You will stay at the hotel for the night.

After the breakfast, you will have a host of activities to indulge in throughout the day. A canoe ride in the Rapti River will allow you to watch some fascinating creatures like crocodiles and kingfishers in their natural habitats.

Chitwan is one of the most sought-after places for bird watching, which will be one of the highlights of your stay. A walk along the nature trails and the jeep safari will round up your day pleasantly.

You start off your day with the breakfast and after a brief rest, you will be picked up by our vehicle and you drive back to Kathmandu.

We will start a drive back to Kathmandu on air condition tourist coach. The journey from Chitwan to Kathmandu will take about 7-9 hours [approx distance 155 kilometres] depending on the traffic. On arrival, you will be picked up from the tourist coach station and transferred to the hotel.

Today drive to Kathmandu airport to take a short one-and-a-half-hour Himalayan flight to Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival, you will be met by a driver and guide who will remain with you for the rest of your holiday. Then you will drive a one-and-a-half-hour journey from Paro airport to Thimpu. The road into Thimpu closely follows the Paro Chhu (river) offering scenic views back across the Paro valley.

Thimphu sightseeing. Start your day by visiting Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery, popularly known as Zilukha Nunnery. You can sit with the Nuns and join them during their prayers. [If you wish, you could offer tea and snacks to the nuns – with some donations]. Then you can visit the School of Traditional Arts to watch students at work and to get an introduction to the 13 traditional arts, including painting, embroidery, woodcarving, mask-making and statue-making.

You can also visit the Takin. Reserve showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin. You may browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum or the weekly market. In the afternoon, you can visit the huge statue of Buddha.

Dordenma, which commands a tremendous view of Thimphu valley. Then hike from Kuensel Phodrang nature park to Changangkha Temple. A hike of around one hour or so through beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest, which also gives a fantastic view of Thimphu valley. You can also like to visit the newly opened postal museum, detailing the history of Bhutan’s postal system and showcasing Bhutan’s rich assortment of interesting stamps. If you would like to view or buy Bhutanese handicrafts you may like to visit the new market opposite Taj Tashi hotel which has an array of stalls run by local handicraft shops selling purely homemade articles with no imports.

Thimphu to Punakha. In the morning drive approximately 3 hours to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3050 metres, where we will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges. You will notice he change of climate and vegetation as we approach low-lying Punakha at 1250 metres.

Take a pleasant walk for an hour or so across the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Here, you can visit a Farmhouse for lunch or tea, to taste the red rice and local cuisine to experience the traditional Bhutanese way of life. You can also witness farmers working in the fields for the cultivation of paddy or the vegetables. You can visit the farmlands and try your hands on the farming. Then we will visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu.

Today we return to Paro, a drive of approximately 4 hours. In the afternoon you can start your culture tour of Paro valley by visiting the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. You can also visit the National Museum. This was previously housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower) built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war, in an unusual circular construction resembling a conch shell. Unfortunately, an earthquake in September 2011 damaged the Ta Dzong and the contents of the museum were moved to a neighbouring building. You can still see a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. Near to the museum you may also be able to see a demonstration of traditional wood turning skills by local artisans who make traditional wooden bowls and cups – and you can try your hand as well if you wish.

Late afternoon, take a walk around the Paro town and continue your walk towards the Paro bridge along the riverside. Here you should have a good view of Paro Dzong to take photographs. You can also walk across the bridge to get more view of the Dzong.

Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.

Late afternoon, visit a local farmhouse and take the opportunity to try the restorative properties of a hot stone bath to feel relaxed after the hike. If you prefer your creature comforts, you can take tea or dinner with the family and then return to your hotel.

Today drive to Paro airport to take a short one-and-a-half-hour Himalayan flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be met by a Lumle airport representative. You will be escorted to your hotel.