1st DAY 23-24 JANUARY ISTANBUL DELHI JAIPUR
Meeting at Istanbul New Airport on January 23 at 18:00. After our ticket and luggage procedures, we will fly to Delhi with Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight at 20:50. When we arrive at Delhi Airport at 05:15 in the morning, we will head directly to Jaipur. (260 km, 5-hour drive). Jaipur is the entrance to the magnificent and vibrant state of Rajasthan. In the evenings, we go out for a walk in the Jaipur markets for traditional clothes and shoes, souvenir shops, blue pottery, etc.
Lunch on the way.
Upon arrival, we check into the hotel. The rest of the day is free time. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
2nd DAY 25 JANUARY JAIPUR
After breakfast, we set off for a guided tour of the Amber Fort. We will take an elephant ride up to the palace. Once we reach the top, we explore the vast complex consisting of courtyards and halls.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we take a city tour of Jaipur and visit the City Palace Complex, one of the most iconic symbols of the 'pink city.' The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthan and Mughal styles. The complex consists of many buildings, courtyards, gardens, and structures.
We also visit Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of Winds, which was likely built to allow the royal women's observation of daily life and processions in the city. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.
3rd DAY 26 JANUARY JAIPUR-AGRA
After breakfast, we head to Agra. (235 km / 5-hour drive). On the way, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar, which hosts many historical structures. Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters; however, he had to abandon it due to water scarcity. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, which houses the tomb of a Sufi saint living a religious life here, is situated here.
Lunch at a midway stop.
Upon arrival in Agra, we check into our hotel. Agra, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, stands out due to the red sandstone and marble forts, tombs, and palaces constructed during the generous patronage of the Mughal emperors, adorned with semi-precious stones.
The rest of the day is free time. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
4th DAY 27 JANUARY AGRA - DELHI
In the early morning, we visit the famous Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, at sunrise. The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, which combines elements of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is the brightest jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the most universally admired masterpieces of world heritage.
Afterwards, we return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we visit Agra Fort. Agra served as the power center during the Mughal reign of Emperor Akbar and Shah Jahan. Agra Fort is one of the most distinguished examples of Mughal architecture. It was the center of Mughal governance and administration, and the current structure owes its walls and gates to Akbar, who constructed the first buildings on the western bank of the Yamuna River. Shah Jahan added impressive imperial quarters and a mosque, while Aurangzeb extended the outer walls.
Lunch at the hotel and then we drive to Delhi (200 km, 4-hour drive). Delhi, the capital of India and a significant gateway to the country, is a contemporary and vibrant metropolis successfully combining the ancient and modern. Its strategic location was a major reason for successive dynasties choosing it as their power center. New Delhi also reflects the legacy left by the British.
Upon arrival, we check into the hotel. The rest of the day is free time. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
5th DAY 28 JANUARY DELHI
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Old Delhi, stopping at Raj Ghat. This is the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Our next stop in the tour will be a brief stop at the Red Fort for a photo opportunity. From here we go on an experience. Finally, we visit Fatehpuri Mosque, one of the largest mosques in India.
In New Delhi, we will visit Qutub Minar, an early Islamic monument originally inscribed with Arabic texts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will have lunch at a local restaurant.
Afterwards, we will visit Humayun's Tomb, an extraordinary monument built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, in the Indo-Persian style.
Finally, we return to Lutyens' Delhi via Rajpath, passing by Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill, Vijay Chowk, India Gate, and the National War Memorial.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
6th DAY 29 JANUARY DELHI - KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to fly to Kathmandu.
Flight AI 217, Departure at 11:55, Arrival at 13:55.
When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will assist you, and we head out to visit Kathmandu.
Kathmandu is the largest city in Nepal and its official capital. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, which also includes the cities of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. The language spoken in Nepal is Nepali. The total population of Kathmandu is 700,000, and it is the only developed and modern city in all of Nepal.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of the old city of Kathmandu. The foundation of the Durbar (Royal Palace) dates back to the Licchavi period. With significant renovations carried out by the Malla rulers and later by the Ranars, construction was completed in stages over the centuries. There are approximately 50 temples around. In this tour, we will visit the 17th-century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, the Paravati Temple, the large Bell and Drum, and the Bhairav and Taleju Temples. A few steps away, from one of the open windows overlooking the inner courtyard, you can see the Living Goddess, Kumari. Amidst the grandeur of the historical monuments, there is the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. Vegetable vendors, flute wood sellers, vendors displaying their goods, souvenir sellers, and street shops selling imported goods, along with a quiet corner for exquisite bead necklaces in the sparkling bead market.
Later we check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
7th DAY 30 JANUARY KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we continue to visit the Kathmandu Valley.
Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex located on a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu. It is also known as the Monkey Temple because sacred monkeys live in the parts northwest of the temple. The Tibetan name of the site means 'Supreme Trees’ due to the many types of trees found on the hill. Swayambhunath holds a central location and is probably the holiest among Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world, is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Boudnath is filled with the Tibetan population today, engaged in carpet production, trade, and various monasteries of different sects of Tibetan Buddhism.
We will have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will visit Patan: Once a kingdom in its own right, the ancient city of Patan is located across the Bagmati River, south of Kathmandu. Patan Durbar Square presents the best exhibition of Newari urban architecture in Nepal. There are temples dedicated to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesha, and Vishnu, all actively visited by the locals and visitors. The ancient sunken water spout at the northern end of the square has been restored and is still used, where young girls fill large pitchers from the carved stone water spouts. The royal palace courtyards with their ornate windows, columned arches, tombs, and sunken royal bath are among the most beautiful courtyards in all of Kathmandu.
Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
8th DAY 31 JANUARY KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we will continue to visit the Kathmandu Valley.
Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur:
Pashupatinath Temple - Located five kilometers east of Kathmandu on the banks of the sacred Bagmati river, this two-story golden-roofed and silver-doored temple of Lord Shiva Pashupatinath is famous for its super architecture. It is an annual pilgrimage center on Maha Shivratri. Only Hindus can enter the temple grounds, but visitors can clearly see the temple and activities taking place on the temple premises from the east bank of the Bagmati River.
Bhaktapur - At an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. Known as the "City of Devotees," Bhaktapur still retains its medieval charm, greeting visitors with countless wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The grandeur of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected in Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are traditional industries here. The city is located about 14 km east of Kathmandu Bhaktapur Durbar Square and hosts many temples and other architectural highlights such as the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the art gallery, the Golden Gate, the 55-window palace, the Batsala Temple, and the bell of barking dogs, much akin to Pashupatinath Temple.
We will have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will take a trip to Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, one of the most beautiful places in the Bhaktapur region, famous for its breathtaking sunrise view of the Himalayas when the weather is clear. Visitors often travel from Kathmandu to Nagarkot to spend the night to witness the stunning sunrise. Nagarkot is one of the best places to view Mount Everest and other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in eastern Nepal. It also offers a perfect view of the Indrawati River Valley in the east. At an altitude of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot provides panoramic views of the valley, described by visitors as a beauty that lasts throughout the year.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, established in 2002, is Nepal's ninth national park. It is located on the mid-hills of the northern edge of Kathmandu Valley, named after the Shivapuri Peak at 2,732 m (8,963 ft) elevation. It spans 159 km2 (61 square miles) in the districts of Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchowk and is adjacent to 23 Village Development Committees. To the west, the protected area extends up to Dhading District.
Return to the hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
9th DAY 01 FEBRUARY KATHMANDU - ISTANBUL
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport. After our ticket and luggage procedures, we depart for Istanbul Airport at 12:15 with the scheduled flight of Turkish Airlines. Our arrival is at 18:05, marking the end of our tour. We hope to see you again on our next tour.