Golden Triangle and the Tigers of Ranthambore with Nepal

Visit Asia

Day 1

Welcome to Kathmandu

Keep a keen eye out for the rainbow-coloured prayer flags flapping in the wind as your transfer from Kathmandu Airport takes you to your hotel.

Spirituality is the cornerstone of Nepalese culture, and this is revealed in the many shrines and temples that dot its capital, which you'll get to explore in the coming days. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 2

Stupas and Temples of Kathmandu and Patan Make Travel Matter

Your first stop today is the UNESCO-listed shrine of Swayambhunath.

Uncover its history spanning millennia. Admire the galleries of prayer mills and gleaming white stupa, whose gilded spire provides the colourful eyes of Buddha a lofty vantage point from which to survey the surrounding valley. Share the intricately carved stone façades with the resident monkeys and admire the artistry of Nepalese craftsmanship. You'll see all this as you walk through the remnants of Buddhist and Hindu iconography, said to be around 2000 years old. Proceed to the heart of the old town and Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will gain a deeper understanding of its role in the centuries of rule over this mountain kingdom. See the traditional pagoda-style architecture reflected in the temples and palaces that surround the square – the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex, the Mahadev Temple, the House of the Goddess Kumari and Taleju Temple. After some free time for lunch, journey to nearby Patan, renowned for its collection of ancient temples, carvings and palaces, which you will see first-hand during a visit to Patan Durbar Square, a generic name given to plazas and areas located opposite Nepal's old royal palaces. Delve into the ancient Buddhist heritage of the City of Beauty and visit the Krishna Temple and Golden Temple. Later, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, which features a handicraft centre and provides shelter to the families of Tibetan refugees who fled the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. Among these were gifted Tibetan carpet weavers whose talents remain on display today at the Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre. You could choose to buy some of the traditional Tibetan handicrafts as a memento of your trip. Then it’s back to Kathmandu for a well-deserved evening at leisure.

Day 3

Explore Kathmandu Dive Into Culture

The UNESCO-listed city of Bhaktapur and its impressive Durbar Square are the main attractions today.

While the city is rebuilding its fallen temples, it remains a cultural centre. Stroll along narrow alleys and admire artisans at work. Watch how they weave cloth, carve timber and make pottery, which dries in all its terracotta brilliance in open squares for all to admire. Dive Into Culture and join a local potter for a workshop to learn how Bhaktapur has been a pottery centre for centuries. You'll see first-hand how traditional techniques are still used. Large spinning wheels are coaxed into action with a long stick and the rapid stirring of the talented potters to shape all sorts of ceramics out of lumps of clay. Get your hands dirty and hone your own pottery talents as you make your own creation to take home as a memento of your visit. If you have time, stop in one of the squares and sample the famous Juju Dhau, Newari yoghurt treat, enjoyed in a ‘takeaway’ pottery bowl. Later, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time. You could consider joining an Optional Experience to witness a poignant Aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Day 4

Kathmandu to Delhi

Your soulful encounter with Nepal at its end, but your journey through India is just beginning.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Delhi. India's vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable experience through northern India’s most exquisite sights. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 5

Discover the Delights of Old Delhi Dive Into Culture

Savour the scents of spice as you embark on an exhilarating rickshaw ride, navigating the busy streets of Old Delhi.

See the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress which once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for centuries. Next, Dive Into Culture as you ride through the colourful Chandni Chowk market and watch it come to life as the day's trading begins amidst the sounds of enthusiastic salesmen and endless traffic. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Admire its ornate façades before boarding a waiting vehicle to drive to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Pay tribute to this beloved figurehead, who led the campaign for India’s independence from Britain. You’ll come face-to-face with the site where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Today the simple square platform of black marble is surrounded by a tranquil park, befitting of its status as a place of contemplation. Your next stop is Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi. Hidden amidst the cacophony of Delhi’s streets and business towers, this ancient water reservoir rises from the depths of the earth to stand atop 103 stone steps. Spend a few moments of serenity amidst its centuries-old ornate arches before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure or consider one of our Optional Experiences.

Day 6

See the Sights of Delhi Make Travel Matter

This morning, embark on a guided walking tour to discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

This non-profit organisation that aims to provide a caring environment for street children. Later, we'll walk through the bazaar of Paharganj, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop everyday. Escape the noise and head to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. Your first stop here is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former glory, you’ll see first-hand why it served as the inspiration for the design of the famous Taj Mahal. Enjoy local flavours for lunch at a restaurant near India Gate, then head to the Qutub Minar complex, also a UNESCO listed site. This fluted ‘Victory Tower’ is decorated with elaborate inscriptions, geometric carvings and elegant balconies. Returning to your hotel later, drive past Lutyens' Delhi to view the elegant colonial façades leading British architect Edwin Lutyens left behind on the cityscape. You'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join one of our Optional Experiences.

Day 7

Sunset at the Taj Mahal

It’s time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra.

There are many reasons to love Agra and its own ‘monument to love’, the Taj Mahal, is perhaps the most captivating of all. Marvel at its elegant marble façades awash with the sunset's rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides and take time to contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder before re-joining your fellow travellers. This evening, you could choose to end a memorable day at an optional sound and light show prior to dinner.

Day 8

From the Taj to the Tigers

There’s more to Agra than the Taj Mahal as you’ll come to discover this morning during your visit to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort.

Stroll through the chambers of a 17th-century royal residence which served as the principal residence of the influential Mughal emperors until the capital was moved to Delhi. Continue to the long-deserted ‘Ghost Town’ of Fatehpur Sikri, built at great expense by Emperor Akbar in 1569 only to be abandoned soon afterwards due to a lack of water. The city remains beautifully preserved, albeit with an air of melancholy – a rusty-red sandstone masterpiece devoid of inhabitants. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bharatpur. Then, appreciate first-hand a quintessential travel experience in India as you board a train bound for Ranthambore, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Day 9

Roam Ranthambore in Search of Tigers

Start the day with an early morning visit to Ranthambore National Park, which was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

Before the heat of the day sets in and the wilderness awakens, keep a keen eye out for the resident animals and birdlife that find sanctuary here. Have your camera ready in case the park’s tigers make a brief appearance. Return to your hotel for a late breakfast, followed by some time to relax, or to join an Optional Experience. After lunch there’s another opportunity to explore the park for a glimpse of the various species of bird and wildlife on your second game drive of the day. Dinner is served at your hotel.

Day 10

Onwards to Jaipur Dive Into Culture

Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City.

After some free time for lunch, join a workshop on hand-block printing, one of the most famous traditional art forms of Rajasthan. A Local Specialist will show you the tricks of the trade as you observe how the prints are handmade using small wooden blocks and hone your own block-printing skills. Later, Dive Into Culture and see the talents of local craftspeople on display during a visit to a local market. Admire the colourful textiles and perhaps buy a memento or two to take home. Jaipur is particularly renowned for its embroidery and blue pottery. This evening, join a local family for an exclusive Be My Guest dinner in their home and savour some of the regional delicacies.

Day 11

Explore Colourful Jaipur

One of today's highlights is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort.

But first, stop to admire the red and pink façades of the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household. Continue with a visit to the ornate City Palace, an impressive complex of buildings from different eras and gardens in the heart of the Old City. Enjoy some time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial. Later, perhaps join our optional Aarti ceremony, offering a blessing to one of the Hindu deities and hopefully receiving one in return. This evening, we'll toast to shared memories over a delicious local Farewell Dinner with those guests ending their journey in Jaipur.

Day 12

Farewell Jaipur

Bid a fond farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travellers at the end of an epic journey from Delhi to Jaipur.

Transfer to Jaipur Airport for your onward flight or alternatively return to Delhi by coach departing at 10:00AM and arriving to Delhi at approximately 4:30PM. The coach will drop off at Delhi International Airport and the Trafalgar post-night airport hotel, the Pride Plaza Aerocity.

Dining Summary

11 Breakfast (B)

5 Dinner (D)

3 Lunch (L)

1 Be My Guest (BMG)

1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

Jaipur: Savour dinner with a local family at their home in Jaipur.

Dive Into Culture

Delhi: Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi.

Jaipur: Visit a local market in Jaipur.

Bhaktapur: Observe the skills of a master pottery at a pottery workshop in Bhaktapur.

Iconic Experience

Jama Masjid: Admire the red sandstone and marble details of Jama Masjid during your visit to one of the largest mosques in the country. 

Delhi: Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli and take in the arched niches of this citybound step well. 

Delhi: See Old Delhi's Red Fort. 

New Delhi: During your orientation of New Delhi, visit Humayun's Tomb, and see India Gate and the Qutub Minar complex. 

Taj Mahal: View the Taj Mahal, known as one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

Agra: Inside Agra’s red sandstone fortress, witness the fairytale palaces, audiences halls and mosques of the Mughal rulers. 

Agra: See the imposing gate to the Jama Masjid and gain insight into life in Fatehpur Sikri, now a deserted ''ghost town.''

Ranthambore National Park: Tour Ranthambore National Park for a chance to glimpse the resident animals and birdlife. 

Jaipur: Learn the traditional art of block-printing with a Local Specialist. 

Jaipur: During an orientation of Jaipur, visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory. 

Kathmandu: Tour Kathmandu's Durbar Square and see the Royal Palace.

Kathmandu: Visit sacred Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple for its mischievous inhabitants.

Patan: See Patan's Durbar Square, and enjoy a visit to the Krishna Temple and Golden Temple. 

Bhaktapur: Visit Bhaktapur's Durbar Square and stroll along the characteristic streets of this cultural centre. 

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Delhi: The Delhi City Walk tour explores lesser-known attractions around Paharganj and New Delhi Railway Station, guided by a teenager at the Trust who once lived and worked on the streets of Delhi. This personal touch makes the tour special and gives you a view of the tour guide's world through their eyes. City Walk is an example of how a volunteer's creativity can translate into a unique and enduring programme, which is both popular and economically viable.

Patan: Visit the Tibetan Refugee Centre which features the Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Delhi, Jaipur

Visit the shrine of Swayambhunath near Patan, the UNESCO-listed city of Bhaktapur, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar in Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore National Park and Amber Fort and the City Palace in Jaipur

View the temples of Kathmandu and Patan, and the Palace of Winds in Jaipur

See the Red Fort, Parliament House and India Gate in Delhi

Trafalgar Difference

Ranthambore: Jaskaur Meena, a farmer and an educationist took a courageous decision to enter into the hospitality sector and started the first hotel business in the area of Ranthambore. The hotel was named after her late son Anurag. The land back in 1984 and nothing else but a temple, no houses, just forest. Jaskaur was the first lady to lead the hotel industry in the area and start a new era of tourism in Sawai Madhopur and went on becoming the first successful woman entrepreneur in Rajasthan. As a born farmer half the hotel’s land is used for agriculture and dairy which supplies organic produce to the hotel.

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