b"INDIAN SUBCONTINENTTAJ MAHAL GRAND TOUR OF INDIA, NEPAL AND THE HIMALAYASUNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES YOUR ITINERARYDays 14-16Pokhora and the Himalayas Visit the Taj Mahal, one of Indias Days 1-3London and Amritsar We drive into the Himalayas today, passing glacial rapids and jungle- most iconic sights. We meet at London Heathrow for our flight to Amritsar via Doha.covered mountains on our way to Pokhara. With staggering viewsSee the beautiful Golden Arriving on Day 2, we visit the Wagah Border, which separates Pakistanof Fishtail Peak, also known as Machapuchare, this is one of theTemple of Amritsar. and India, to witness the Beating Retreat Ceremony at sunset. We enjoyworlds most scenic and sacred destinations and Day 15 is free to a guided tour of Amritsar on Day 3, exploring with a local guide to seeexplore. We drive up to Sarangkot on Day 16, a mountain viewpointEnjoy insightful guided tours ofthe Golden Temple, a resplendent building with a gilded faade andthat offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience - witnessing the sunriseDelhi and Lucknow. ornate carvings decking its inner walls, and the poignant Jallianwala Baghover snow-clad Annapurna, one of the highest mountain ranges inSee the sunrise over the holy Gardens and memorial site, which commemorates the 1919 massacre ofthe world. After breakfast back at our hotel, we explore PokharaRiver Ganges - a stunning sight.residents by British troops. Afterwards, we board the train to Delhi.on a guided tour, visiting the Gorkha Museum, the Old Bazaar and a Tibetan settlement where we experience some of the countrysSoak in the beauty of the Days 4-7Delhi, Agra and Lucknow ancient cultural traditions. In the afternoon, we enjoy a cruise acrossHimalayas in Pokhara.Today includes a full-day sightseeing tour of both the old and new partsthe tranquil waters of Lake Phewa, admiring the panoramic sceneryGo on safari in Chitwan AARTI of the Indian capital. We begin exploring the colourful and aromaticof lofty mountains and the forested slopes of Anadu Hill whichNational Park.market streets of Old Delhi before taking a traditional rickshaw rideencircle us.through the vibrant bazaar for a better insight into local life here.Days 17-18Kathmandu and London Immerse yourself in the ancient Continuing to New Delhi, we discover impressive colonial architecture,customs of Nepal.leafy avenues and government buildings, a distinct contrast to theWe return to the Nepalese capital for a final nights stay beforeEnjoy dinner at the renowned traditional atmosphere of Old Delhi. We join the Gatimaan Expresstransferring to the airport for our flight back to the UK on Day 18,Rum Doodle restaurant and bound for Agra on Day 5. On arrival, we visit the imposing Agra Fort andtravelling via Doha. the spectacular Taj Mahal. Day 6 takes us to Lucknow. This sprawlingmeet a local Sherpa.yet exhilarating metropolis has long been regarded as the cultural andWHAT'S INCLUDEDartistic heart of northern India, and on Day 7, we visit the famous La Martiniere Boys School. We also see the magnificent Bada Imambara,UK Tour Manager throughouthome to both a mosque and a labyrinth said to have 1000 different passageways, as well as the British Residency. SUNRISE ON THE GANGES Flights from London Heathrow Days 8-10 - Varanasi, Delhi and Kathmandu to Amritsar, via Doha, and from A long-distance train journey takes us to Varanasi, a sacred city to theIn Hindu belief, the Ganges isKathmandu to London Heathrow Hindus that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. In the evening,heaven-sent, and is personifiedvia DohaLAKE PHEWA we watch a spectacular Aarti fire ceremony. Priests carry tiered metaland worshipped as the GoddessAll internal flights, rail and lamps, moving rhythmically to the sounds of sacred Hindu songs as theGanga. Many of the cities thatcoach transfersflames sway in unison creating an entrancing ambience. Early on Day 9,lie along its banks are sacred we take to the water for a cruise along the holy River Ganges. We thenpilgrimage sites and attract16 nights 3, 4 and 5-Star hotel take an excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha is said to have given histhousands of pilgrims each year.accommodationfirst sermon before our afternoon flight back to Delhi. Returning to theHindus flock to Varanasi early in37 meals including 17 breakfasts, airport on Day 10, we board our flight to Kathmandu in Nepal. the morning to engage in ritual4 lunches and 16 dinnersbathing, believing that the sacred Days 11-13 - Patan and Chitwan National Park waters can purify the soul andAll tour excursionsVisiting the neighbouring town of Patan, we listen to a master createheal the body. Offerings are often music with singing bowls, an experience that has deep spiritualleft, and its not unusual to see connotations in Buddhist culture. Later, we return to Kathmandu forflowers and rose petals floating a sightseeing tour, exploring its multiple city squares, where localsgently by.gather throughout the day, the erstwhile royal square and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, before taking a rickshaw2022 TOUR DATES Max 25 Peopleride to Thamel, a lively part of the city. Before dinner tonight at the POKHARA well-known Rum Doodle restaurant, we enjoy an informative talk fromOct 4, 18 3,695 Nov 8, 15 3,595a local sherpa. Day 12 takes us to the Swayambhunath Stupa ahead25 3,695of our journey to Chitwan National Park. After checking into our hotelTIBEThere, we enjoy a talk from a local naturalist about the wildlife we mightAmritsar 1 NEPAL 2023 TOUR DATES Max 25 Peoplesee over the next couple of days. Next, we walk to a nearby village populated by the Tharu People to learn about their unique way of lifePokhara Jan 17 3,195 Oct 3 3,395and culture. We stop by a gharial, or Indian crocodile breeding centre, onDelhi 3 Chitwan 3 2+1 Kathmandu Feb 14 3,395 17 3,495Day 13, a site where this endangered species is bred and monitored to2prevent extinction. After lunch, we take a wonderful Jeep safari throughAgra 1 Mar 7 3,295 Nov 7 3,295the jungles and grasslands of Chitwan National Park. Famous for its2 1 Apr 18 2,995biodiversity, we may spot the Indian Rhino stalking its way through theLucknow Varanasi Tour Code: KTJ| per person based on 2 wetlands and grassy plains, Bengal tigers, leopards, hyenas and even aINDIA sharing. Deposit from 550 per person. sloth bear or two.Supplement for solo travellers from 1,045. Please note the itinerary for 2022 departures may differ, please call for more details. For the Nights in hotel Rail Coach Fly latest guidance on entry requirements, please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice90 INDIAN SUBCONTINENT Call us on 01904 527194 or visit GreatRail.com for more details 91"