Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
On arrival at Delhi International Airport follow the signs in the terminal to proceed through immigration, collect your luggage, clear customs and meet your representative in the Arrivals Hall. The airport representative will be holding a board with your names on it for identification.
A private transfer will bring you to your hotel. Remaining day at leisure.
Day 2: Delhi to Kathmandu
Transfer from your hotel to the Delhi airport and take a short flight to Nepal's capital - Kathmandu. Surrounded by high mountain peaks, the Kathmandu Valley includes three fabled cities - Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur - each one formerly the capital of a small kingdom and home to an exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick-paved courtyards, and quaint streets. Several UNESCO World Heritage sites grace the valley region.
In the afternoon, we visit Asia's largest stupa and may have the opportunity to witness thousands of pilgrims make a ritual circumnavigation of the dome, beneath the four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. As one of the few places in the world where Tibetan Buddhist culture is accessible, the lanes around the stupa are crammed with monasteries and workshops producing butter lamps, ceremonial horns, Tibetan drums, monks' headgear and other paraphernalia essential for Tibetan Buddhist life. See Tibetan monks in their maroon robes, with shaved heads wandering the prayer flag-decked streets while pilgrims spin prayer wheels.
Our final visit today is at Nepal's most important Hindu temple which stands on the banks of the holy Bagmati River - Pashupatinath. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting surrounded by a bustling market of religious stalls, this powerhouse of Hindu spiritual energy is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord of the Beasts. Although Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, the surrounding complex of Shaivite shrines, lingams and ghats (stone steps) is fascinating and highly photogenic. Sadhus and devotees of Shiva flock to Pashupatinath from across the subcontinent and many Nepalis choose to be cremated on the banks of the sacred river. Even the kings of Nepal used to come here to ask for a blessing from Pashupati before commencing any important journey.
Day 3: Kathmandu
Following breakfast, we start the morning with a real glimpse into the soul of the city with an exploratory walk in medieval Kathmandu near Rani Pokhara. We gain insight into the rich culture of the Newari people; walk through the bustling narrow streets and courtyards; visit the vegetable and spice market in Ason; try to barter at the jammed bazaars; and make our way to the charming streets of New Road, the main shopping hub for the locals. Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the old city. Visit Kumari temple - temple of the living goddess.
Next, we visit an ancient religious complex set atop a hill with glorious views - Swayambhunath. Mobbed by monkeys and soaring above the city on a lofty hilltop, the 'Monkey Temple' is a fascinating, chaotic jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography. Thought to be more than 2,500 years old, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal and is a mosaic of small chaityas, pagodas and temples. Its impressive gleaming white stupa is one of the country's most iconic sights, draped in prayer flags and decorated on all four sides topped by a gilded spire with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for Nepalese dinner and dance performance.
Day 4 : Kathmandu
In the morning we visit the City of Devotees - Bhaktapur - internationally recognized as the cultural gem of this nation. Once the capital of a small kingdom on the trade route between India and Tibet, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is notable for its excellent crafts (look for woven fabrics, woodcarvings, paper mache masks, scroll paintings, metalwork and jewelry), ornate palaces and temples galore. In fact, Bhaktapur boasts 19 Buddhist monasteries alone, and you will notice that pagodas and shrines pop up everywhere.
We then continue to Patan, the city of fine arts, enclosed within four stupas. Once a separate and rival city to Kathmandu but now engulfed by the latter's urban sprawl, Patan retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments. The Durbar Square offers a chance to observe everyday life, as locals converse, relax and pray.
Stroll a few minutes north of the square to discover the Golden Temple, a Buddhist monastery effectively guarded by sacred tortoises that putter around the courtyard; and the Kumbeshawar, reputedly the oldest temple in Patan. Visit the charming streets with their traditional metal smiths and brass ware shops, where you'll have the opportunity to purchase handicrafts that follow the city's rich tradition of arts and master craftsmen.
Day 5: Kathmandu - Delhi
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our hotel and then spend the morning as you wish. In the afternoon, we board a short flight to Delhi where we stay overnight before our flight back home.
Day 6: Delhi – Onwards
Breakfast at hotel and later transfer to the airport for your return flight home.