1st DAY JANUARY 23-24 ISTANBUL DELHI JAIPUR

Meeting at Istanbul New Airport on JANUARY 23 at 18:00. After ticket and luggage procedures, we will depart for Delhi on Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight at 20:50. We arrive at Delhi Airport at 05:15 in the morning and head directly to Jaipur. (260 km, 5-hour drive). Jaipur is the gateway to the magnificent and vibrant state of Rajasthan. In the evenings, we go for a walk in the Jaipur markets for traditional clothes, shoes, souvenir shops, blue pottery, etc.

Lunch on the way.

Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free time. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

2nd DAY JANUARY 25 JAIPUR

After breakfast, we set out for a guided tour of the Amber Fort. We will take an elephant ride to the palace. Once we reach the top, we roam around the vast complex made up of courtyards and halls.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we go on a city tour of Jaipur, visiting the City Palace Complex, one of the most distinguished symbols of the 'Pink City'. The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthan and Mughal styles. The complex consists of many structures, courtyards, gardens, and buildings.

Known as the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal is actually more than just a facade. This beehive-like building was likely constructed to facilitate the royal women watching daily life and processions in the city. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 3rd DAY JANUARY 26 JAIPUR-AGRA

After breakfast, we head to Agra. (235 km / 5-hour drive) On the way, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar and home to many historical buildings. Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters, but had to abandon it due to water scarcity. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti houses the grave of a Sufi saint who lived a religious life here.

Lunch at Midway on the way.

Upon arrival in Agra, we check in to our hotel. Agra, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, is a medieval city known for the generous support of Mughal rulers who constructed forts, tombs, and palaces inlaid with semi-precious stones from red sandstone and marble.

The rest of the day is free time. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 4th DAY JANUARY 27 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 regarded as the finest example of Mughal architecture, combining elements of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. Built in the mid-17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of 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.

Afterward, we return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we visit the Agra Fort. Agra served as the power center during the Mughal rule of Emperor Akbar and Shah Jahan. Agra Fort is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. This was the central site of Mughal governance, with the current structure, walls, and gates credited to Akbar, who built the first buildings on the western banks of the Yamuna River. Shah Jahan added impressive imperial quarters and a mosque, while Aurangzeb extended the outer walls.

Lunch at the hotel and drive to Delhi (200 km, 4-hour drive), Delhi, the capital of India and an important gateway to the country, is a contemporary and vibrant metropolis that successfully blends the ancient and modern. Its strategic location has made it a center of power for successive dynasties. New Delhi also reflects the legacy left behind by the British.

Upon arrival, check into the hotel. The rest of the day is free time. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

5th DAY JANUARY 28 DELHI

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Old Delhi, stopping at Raj Ghat. This monument was built at the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; the next stop on our tour will be a short break at the Red Fort for photographs. We then head out for an experience. Finally, we visit Fatehpuri Mosque, one of the largest mosques in India.

In New Delhi, we will visit Qutub Minar. Qutub Minar was originally an early Islamic monument inscribed with Arabic writings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We have lunch at a local restaurant.

Then we visit Humayun's Tomb, constructed by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun. It is an extraordinary monument in the Indo-Persian style.

Finally, we return to Lutyen's Delhi via Rajpath, passing by Raisina Hill, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Vijay Chowk, India Gate, and the National War Memorial.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

6th DAY JANUARY 29 DELHI - KATHMANDU

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu.

Flight AI 217, Departure at 11:55, Arrival at 13:55.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will assist you as we head to visit Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is the largest city and the official capital of Nepal. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, which also includes two other cities, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. The language spoken in Nepal is Nepali. The total population of Kathmandu city is 700,000, and it is the only developed and modern city in all of Nepal.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Located in the heart of the old city of Kathmandu, the Durbar was founded during the Licchavi period. Significant renovations were made by the Malla rulers and later by the Ranas, and construction was gradually completed over the centuries. There are about 50 temples surrounding the area. In this tour, we will visit the 17th Century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, Paravati Temple, the large Bell and Drum, Bhairav and Taleju Temples. Just a few steps away, there is the Living Goddess Temple, where you can see the Kumari from the open windows overlooking the inner courtyard. Around the splendor of historical monuments, there is the bustle of the market area, with vegetable vendors, flute wood sellers, vendors displaying their goods, souvenir sellers, and street shops selling imported goods, along with a quiet corner for handmade bead necklaces at the sparkling bead market.

We then check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

7th DAY JANUARY 30 KATHMANDU

After breakfast, we continue to visit the Kathmandu Valley.

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex situated on a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as sacred monkeys live in the areas northeast of the temple. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Supreme Trees' referring to the many types of trees found at the top of the hill. Swayambhunath holds a central position and is probably the holiest among Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Today, Boudnath is filled with the Tibetan population, engaged in carpet production, trade, and various monasteries affiliated with different sects of Tibetan Buddhism.

We have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit Patan: Once an independent kingdom, the ancient city of Patan lies across the Bagmati River to the south of Kathmandu. Patan Durbar Square offers the finest exhibition of Newari urban architecture in Nepal. There are temples dedicated to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesha, and Vishnu, all actively visited by residents and visitors alike. The ancient sunken water spout at the north end of the square has been restored and is still in use, with young girls filling large pitchers from the carved stone water spouts. The courtyards of the Royal Palace, with their ornate windows, columned arches, tombs, and sunken royal baths, are the most beautiful among all the courtyards of Kathmandu.

Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

8th DAY JANUARY 31 KATHMANDU

After breakfast, we continue visiting the Kathmandu Valley.

Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur:

Pashupatinath Temple - Located five kilometers east of Kathmandu, this two-storied golden-roofed and silver-gated temple of Lord Shiva Pashupatinath is famous for its marvelous architecture. It is an annual pilgrimage center on Maha Shivratri Day. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple premises, but visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed there from the east bank of the Bagmati River.

Bhaktapur, situated at an altitude of 1,401 meters, covers an area of four square miles. Known as "City of Devotees", Bhaktapur still preserves its medieval charm, and visitors are met with numerous wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The former glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected in Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are traditional industries. The city is located about 14 km east of the Kathmandu Bhaktapur Durbar Square and is home to many temples and other architectural demonstrations, such as the Lion Gate, King Bhupatindra Malla Statue, Gallery of Paintings, the Golden Gate, the 55-Window Palace, the Batsala Temple, and the bell of barking dogs, which is a replica of the Pashupatinath Temple.

We have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, famous for its stunning sunrise views of the Himalayas when the weather is clear. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night to witness the breathtaking sunrise. Nagarkot is one of the best places to view Mount Everest and other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range in eastern Nepal. It also offers excellent views of the Indrawati River valley to the east. At an altitude of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot offers panoramic views of the valley and is described by visitors as a place of 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 in the northern hills of the Kathmandu Valley and takes its name from Shivapuri Peak, which is 2,732 meters (8,963 feet) high. Covering an area of 159 km² (61 sq miles), it borders the districts of Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchowk. To the west, it extends to the protected area of Dhading District.

Return to the hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

9th DAY FEBRUARY 1 KATHMANDU - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport. After ticket and luggage procedures, we depart for Istanbul Airport on Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight at 12:15. Our arrival is at 18:05, concluding our tour. We hope to see you again on our next tour.