Highlights:

Day 1: Arrive at Delhi

Welcome to India! Upon arrival, after collecting your luggage, you will be greeted by our travel facilitator at the airport. You will then be taken in a chauffeur-driven vehicle to your hotel and assisted with your check-in. After making you comfortable, our travel facilitator will hand over your travel documents and briefly go over the next day’s program.

Day 2: Delhi

Your exploration of India will commence at Old Delhi, which was the citadel of the Mughal Empire between the 17th and 19th centuries. You will visit the impressive Red Fort built in 1648, which was the seat of the Mughal Empire. You will be amazed at the imposing 1.24-mile long red sandstone walls of the fort. Next will be a thrilling experience of a cycle rickshaw ride through the vibrant alleys of Chandni Chowk, past sacred temples, and old houses with fascinating architecture. This will provide you with an insight into the real India. You will also visit India's largest mosque built by Shah Jahan in 1658, the Jama Masjid, an architectural delight as much as a holy place. Later visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, which is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. A humble black marble amid lush green lawns marks the cremation spot.

Afternoon: After the Old Delhi tour, you will be driven to New Delhi, which was built by the British as a regal capital. The difference between Old & New Delhi is the division actually between the two capitals – Mughal & British. You will visit the Qutab Minar – the 234 feet high sandstone Victory Tower built in 1193. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the 138 feet high stone arch of triumph which bears the names of 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who laid down their lives in various wars across the world. It has an eternal flame in honor of the Unknown Soldier. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful Mughal red sandstone structure. After this, you will drive through Lutyen’s New Delhi, which includes the Diplomatic enclave, various spectacular Government buildings that originated in the Victorian era, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (a magnificent temple for people of the Sikh religion), and the impressive and ornate Hindu Birla Temple. Finish your tour of New Delhi at Connaught Place, which is New Delhi’s main shopping, business, and tourist center.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra

Check out from your hotel after breakfast and then you are driven to Agra (about 4 hours) on North India’s newest highway. Arrive at Agra and check in to your hotel.

Afternoon: You will visit the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, built by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, primarily as a military structure. During Shah Jahan’s reign, it was converted into a palace. It finally became a prison for Shah Jahan after his son came to power in 1658. The fort has numerous courtyards, private chambers, and a marble mosque. On the opposite side of the Yamuna River is the exquisite Itmad-ud-Daulah, built in 1628 by Mughal Emperor’s queen, Nur Jahan, in memory of her father. The tomb is the first monument that was constructed entirely of marble inlaid in Pietra Dura.

Late afternoon: Sunset visit at the spectacular white marble mausoleum and one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. Tourists come from all over the world throughout the year to gaze at the extravagant monument dedicated to love. This wonder was built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in 1653 AD. It took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build the Taj. The white marble is inlaid with semi-precious stones in beautiful patterns in a process called pietra dura. A minaret at each corner of the Taj gives it a perfectly symmetrical look. The Taj houses in its basement the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

Day 4: Agra – Jaipur

Check out of your hotel by noon and drive to Jaipur. En route, stop to visit the Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri. The Chand Baori is one of the oldest, deepest, and largest baoris (stepwells) in Rajasthan. The oldest parts of the structure date back to the 8th century. This colossal stepwell has a depth of 20 meters, with 13 levels. Despite being so huge, the well still has delicate and intricate carvings which are a visual treat. Arrive at Jaipur and check in to your hotel. Jaipur is the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, also known as the ‘Pink City’.

Day 5: Jaipur

After breakfast, drive 7 miles north of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort and Palace. This was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Mount your caparisoned elephant to ascend up (an option to use a jeep is available) to the main gate of the splendid Amber Fort situated on a hillock overlooking a lake. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Rajput rulers, a clan famous for its military heroism. In sharp contrast to the rugged exteriors of the soaring fort is the opulent ambiance of the interiors, especially the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Mirrors, which is a result of the intricate and delicate use of mirrors.

Afternoon: Continue your tour of Jaipur city; visit the City Palace Complex, a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture consisting of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The royal family of Jaipur still resides in a part of the Palace. You will then visit the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory. Enjoy your visit to the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. Located in the heart of the old city’s bustling marketplace, the Hawa Mahal is a pink sandstone five-story building that has a fascinating façade of numerous intricately designed and embellished windows. It was originally built to enable the royal ladies to look at the bustling city without being seen.

Day 6: Jaipur – Delhi

Check out from the hotel after breakfast and enjoy the scenic drive to Delhi through the fields, small towns, and villages of Rajasthan. Admire the vibrant turbans and attire of men and women of Rajasthan. Arrive at Delhi and check in to your hotel next to the Delhi airport. Bid farewell to your Tour Director here. During your check-in, please remind the staff of your scheduled transfer to the airport for the next morning – our staff will book this but it is advisable to remind them again.

Day 7: Delhi – Leh

Check out from your hotel in the early morning and you are driven by a hotel chauffeur to the airport in time to board your flight to Leh. On arrival, our representative will chauffeur you to your hotel, where you are assisted with your check-in, if an early check-in is available. If it isn’t, you can drop your bags off and use the facilities to freshen up. It is recommended that you take a rest for the day to acclimatize yourself to the high altitude of Leh.

Day 8: Leh

Proceed for a day trip to Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis Gompa, three of the most important religious monuments.

You will first be driven to the nearby Thiksey Monastery. The monastery is located at an altitude of 3600 meters and is 19 km from Leh en route to Hemis Gompa. The Thiksey Monastery offers a panoramic view of the Indus Valley from its vantage point on top of a hill. There are several temples and wall paintings of the Buddha.

Next, visit Shey Monastery, noted for its 7.7-meter giant copper and gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha, the second-largest such statue in Ladakh.

Continue your tour to Hemis Gompa, which is 45 km from Leh. This Gompa is the biggest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. The monastery’s largest Thangka is ritually exhibited once every 12 years.

Return to your hotel in Leh after this exploration.

Day 9: Leh

Proceed for your tour to other main monasteries near Leh. Your first stop is the Likir Monastery, which is 52 km west of Leh. The monastery is located in Likir village and has been in existence since the 11th century. Likir was the first royal monastery to be established in Ladakh under direct Tibetan influence. The main attractions of the monastery are its architecture, murals, thangkas, statue of Buddha, and stupas.

After your exploration of this royal monastery, continue your tour to view the nearby Alchi Monastery.

The Alchi Monastery consists of six temples, which contain a chorten, seated Buddhas, and exquisite paintings. Over 10 centuries old, painted walls depict the events of the Buddha’s life, including lamas and musicians. These murals, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, pre-date the Tibetan style of painting that is present in all the other Gompas.

Day 10: Leh

Proceed for a guided visit to Khardung La Pass, where the elevation is approximately 5359 meters. The balance of the day is at leisure with your guide, vehicle, and chauffeur available to you until 5 pm.

Day 11: Leh – Delhi - International Flight

You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel and then driven to the airport in time to board your morning flight to Delhi. You are greeted at the Delhi airport by your travel facilitator and chauffeur. In these last moments of your journey, you can enjoy shopping or visit sights if you are inclined.

We understand that most international flights depart in the evening, and if you are boarding from Delhi, your personal vehicle and chauffeur will be available to escort you to board your flight comfortably. If your flight departs in the morning, you may want us to arrange accommodation. It will be our pleasure.

Our services end at Delhi airport.

Luxury Level Lodging

Delhi – The Oberoi New Delhi – Premier Plus Room (First Stay)

Agra – Oberoi Amarvilas – Premier Room

Jaipur – Oberoi Rajvilas – Premier Room

Delhi (airport) – Pullman – Executive Room (Second Stay)

Leh – The Grand Dragon – Heritage Room

Deluxe Level Lodging

Delhi – Taj Palace – Superior Room / Lalit – View Room (First Stay)

Agra – Taj Gateway - Taj View Room / The Trident - Garden View Room

Jaipur – The Trident - Lake View Room / Rajputana Sheraton – COE

Delhi (airport) – Pullman – Deluxe Room (Second Stay)

Leh – The Grand Dragon – Deluxe Room

Inclusions

• 10 nights stay at the hotels on the entire trip
• Breakfast at all the hotels
• All 3 meals at Leh
• All transfers and sightseeing by your personal A/C SUV
• Hotel check-in time is 2 pm and checkout is at noon for almost all the hotels
• One cycle-rickshaw ride to explore the famous Chandni Chowk market in Delhi
• One elephant ride (per couple) at Amber Fort, Jaipur
• Entrance fees to the monuments as per the itinerary
• Services of an accompanying Tour Director till Delhi / English speaking local guide in Leh
• Representative for assistance on all arrivals and departures transfers
• Bottled water during sightseeing/excursions and long drives
• All currently applicable taxes
  
  

Not included

• Any personal expenses such as tips, laundry, and drinks
• Any meals other than those specified above
• Personal Travel Insurance, visa, etc.
• Camera fees (both still and video)
• International flight tickets
• Miscellaneous