North India & Nepal

Days 1 & 2. Delhi [B (day 2 only)]

Depart from London for Delhi where you arrive the following day and transfer immediately to the Claridges Hotel for the night. Explore the bustling cities of Old and New Delhi.

Day 3. Agra [B]

Early this morning you transfer by train to Agra where you spend the day sightseeing - the Taj Mahal being the highlight of the day.

Day 4. Jhansi & Khajuraho [B]

Take the train this morning to Jhansi where you arrive mid-morning and take a tour of Orchha city. Once the capital of Bundela, Orchha is now just a village, set amongst a complex of well preserved palaces and temples, but it is well worth a visit. A drive from here of four hours or so gets you to Khajuraho and the Jass Radisson where you spend the night.

Days 5 & 6. Panna [B, L, D]

After a morning of visiting the famous Chandela Dynasty temples it is only an hours drive to Panna National Park, one of India's many Tiger reserves, and Ken River Lodge where you spend the next two nights. This is one of India's least explored parks and is home not only to Tigers but also to both Gharial and Marsh Mugger Crocodiles. It is a pretty reserve with twisting rivers and spectacular scenery. The lodge consists of eight deluxe safari tents amongst fifteen hectares of private jungle.

Days 7 & 8. Varanasi [B]

After a morning at leisure you fly to Varanasi for a 2- night stay at the Taj Ganges. In the evening you can visit the Ghats to see the Aarti ceremony. It is a spectacular sight where dozens of priests offer huge flaming lamps to the river lighting the entire riverside with the glow of hundreds of lamps. It is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river. The river front is thronged by thousands of devotees performing holy rituals.

Day 9. Kathmandu [B]

Today to fly to Kathmandu for the night at Dwarika's Hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.

Days 10 & 11. Chitwan National Park [B, L, D]

It is about a six hour drive today to Chitwan National Park and the Jungle Lodge where you spend two nights.

Days 12 & 13. Pokhara [B]

After a mornings game-drive it is about a five hour drive to Pokhara and Fish Tail Lodge where you spend two nights.

Pokhara is a place remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Lake Phewa and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchchre which rises 6,977 metres is a sight to behold and the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalayas. You will have plenty of time for guided and self-guided exploration.

Days 14 & 15. Kathmandu

You drive back to Kathmandu (approximately six hours) and Dwarika's Hotel for a 2-night stop. This traditionally built hotel has 74 individually decorated rooms and suites. It is within walking distance of the most sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, and only a ten minute drive from the heart of Kathmandu.

A full day sightseeing offers the opportunity to explore this cosmopolitan city and the nearby medieval city of Bhaktapur. Alternatively you might prefer to visit the forested slopes of Phulchowki (at 2,720 metres the highest peak in the valley) for some birdwatching, walking and fine photographic opportunities. Here you should get good views of the snow-clad Great Himalaya, including the Annapurna range, Langtang and many of Nepal's other high peaks (provided the weather is clear!).

Day 16. Homeward

Return to the airport in time for your homeward flight which arrives in the afternoon.