Mystic Lands of India, Nepal, Tibet

Arrive in Delhi and drive through the scenic and green roads of Delhi past through Lutyen’s creation including, British Connaught Place and India Gate.

Enjoy a day of sightseeing in Delhi. Start with the classic monuments of the Mughal and British eras in Old Deli like Jama Masjid and Chandani chowk. Relish the street food of Old Delhi and indulge in some shopping if you please. In New Delhi, visit Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple and Humayun’s Tomb. Also, explore lesser known places: Nizamuddin Sufi shrine, Lodhi Garden or the Sikh Temple.

Drive into Rajasthan and head towards Amber Fort. Amber was once the feudal capital of the region, until Maharaja Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727. Feel like royalty as you ride on an elephant toward the Fort. Proceed to Jaipur and check into a hotel..

Start your day at the Pink City with a visit to the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds) and the Observatory of Jantar Mantar. Stroll around the lively bazaars to unearth the colourful and intricate Rajasthani art and craft. Around Jaipur, visit Galta Hill and Gorges, known for beautiful temples and water tanks.

Drive to Agra en route visiting the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, once a Mughal capital. At Agra visit the Red Fort and ItmadudDaulah Mausoleum- manmade wonders. Warm up to the evening with a walk on the bank of Yamuna River watching the sun set behind the Taj Mahal- the glory of Mughal India.

At dawn visit the pristine Taj Mahal and thereafter proceed to Sikandra to visit the Tomb of Akbar the Great. Afternoon drive back to Delhi.

Fly to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal and start your Nepal sting with a visit to a 2000 year old Swayambunath temple and stupa, a huge pilgrimage center for both Buddhists and Hindus. Head toPashupatinath and its Golden Temple dedicated to Shiva and check out the surrounding cenotaphs and cremation ghats along the sacred Bagmati River.Spend a quiet evening wandering the city center of Durbar Square.

Explore Kathmandu. Head towards Patan, an ancient city renowned for its traditional craftmanship (metallurgy, jewels). Thereafter, go to Bhaktapur (Bagdaon), a medieval town that is renowned for elegant wooden temples including, Nyatapola Pagoda. In Bodnath go to the immaculate and peaceful dome-shaped Stupa, a symbol of the cosmos.

After breakfast, leave for Totapani, the entrance to Tibet. Spend the night in Zhangmu or Nyalam (3,750 m / 12,300 ft).Zhangmu is an interesting port town on the Nepalese and Tibetan border.

After an adventurous journey, stop at Xegar (4,350 m / 14,270 ft), a town at the base of Mount Everest, locally known as Qomolangma. It is the starting point of many climbing expeditions to Everest. You can also see the XegarDzong, a beautiful Buddhist temple.

Drive past Tsonga Pass (5,050 m / 16,570 ft) towards Shigatse (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), a beautiful city with green boulevards,previously known as Samdruptse and dominated by a Dzong fortress. This is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama who was the highest ranking Lama after Dalaï Lama.

The journey ends at Gyantse (3,950 m / 12,960 ft), an ancient city located on the old Silk Route. It was a historic trade route between India and Tibet. An important link for both traders and pilgrims going towards the Himalayan plateau. Stop by thePalkhor Monastery and Choda Stupas and admire its beauty.

Drive via Yamdrok Tso Lake to Lhasa (3,490 m / 11,450 ft), a city of wonders. Lhasa has remained the spiritual, political and economic center of Tibet. You can experience the real essence of traditional Tibetan life here through the whitewashed old Tibetan quarter.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the spectacular Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple dating to 7th century, when Buddhism was first introduced in Tibet. Most travelers fall in love with this place and return to Tibet to experience it over and over again. Take a stroll in the Bharkhor traditional market and shop to your heart’s content.

Start your day at Sera and Drepung Gompas, built in 15th century. You will be mesmerized by the sights of these beautiful and serene monasteries. Spend some time chanting there; it will surely make you more at peace.

Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu and onwards to Delhi.

Spend your last day in Delhi. Wander around the Tibetan Bazaar and latertake an onward flight back home.