Classical India with Nepal, a Women-Only Tour

Classical India with Nepal, a Women-Only Tour

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12 Days From

$5850

Classical India with Nepal, a Women-Only Tour

12 Days Starting in Kathmandu and ending in New Delhi

Visiting: Kathmandu, Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

XA505M20

Specialist Group:

Women Only

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

20 - 40

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $5850

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Set out on the journey of a lifetime as you meet the women who climbed Mount Everest in Kathmandu. With a small group on your women-only tour, step back in time to the Mughal Empire in Old Delhi and take a rickshaw tour through Jaipur guided by the women who know the city best. Journey from Jaipur to Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Tour this architectural wonder and explore the nearby village of Kachhpura. A chef shares her insights into the food markets of Delhi and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Sheroes Cafe finds you supporting local women. In the Holy City of Varanasi, rise before dawn for a spectacular sunrise boat cruise on the River Ganges.

Highlights

  • content:

    Choice Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Jaipur: Join your Local Expert for a walk through the city’s old lanes and see artisans working with age-old techniques.
    • Jaipur: Visit the royal observatory and see Jantar Mantar, a collection of 18th century architectural astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone dun dial.

  • content:

    Top Rated Highlights

    • Kathmandu: Visit sacred Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple after its mischievous inhabitants.
    • Kathmandu: Tour Durbar Square and Royal Palace.
    • Kathmandu: See the holiest of Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath Temple.
    • Kathmandu: Visit the colossal stupa, Boudhanath.
    • Bhadgaon: Enjoy an excursion to the ancient capital Bhadgaon.
    • Kathmandu: Visit a pottery workshop, where a local craftsman will provide you with a demonstration on this age-old craft.
    • Delhi: Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Delhi.
    • Delhi: Visit the Hindu Temple of Swaminarayan Akshardham, a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony.
    • Delhi: Ride by rickshaw through the lanes of Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi.
    • Delhi: See the Red Fort and Qutub Minar. Drive along the Rajpath to view the India Gate and Parliament House.
    • Delhi: Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. A black stone platform marks the spot where he was cremated. And see the Tomb of the Emperor Humayun, built in 1570. The tomb inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
    • Jaipur: Visit the flower market and spice market and take in the sights and sounds.
    • Jaipur: Ascend by jeep to stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls of Amber Fort. Enjoy the shimmering mirrored walls and ceilings, the airy rooms that housed queens and concubines, and the wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
    • Jaipur: Join your Travel Director who will show you the marvel of Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. Its 953 windows were designed to allow the ladies of the royal court to watch the drama of the street below, unobserved behind their delicate latticework.
    • Agra: Visit the Taj Mahal, a monument of love, built by a king in everlasting memory of his beloved queen. Enjoy fast-track access through the gates meaning you have even more time to admire this architectural marvel.
    • Agra: Enjoy the scenery as your flight emerges from the Himalayas to reach Varanasi.
    • Varanasi: Take a dawn cruise past the Ghats on the Ganges River - an experience never to be forgotten.
    • Varanasi: During your brief orientation of the city, visit some of the famous temples. You'll also visit Sarnath, where Buddha first taught the Dharma.
    • Delhi: Board your short flight to Delhi.

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    Make Travel Matter

    Agra: Visit the 'Sheroes Café', a local business run by women survivors of acid attacks. Be inspired by their resilience in rebuilding a life for themselves, while supporting their efforts to reintegrate back into the community. Sheroes Cafe actively recruits and employs people from underrepresented populations who may otherwise find getting work difficult. The ‘Sheroes’ are women who are on the way to becoming true fighters. Join them in a celebration of courage, forcing society to re-evaluate its norms about beauty and appearance. Sheroes Cafe, ran and operated solely by women, advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

  • content:

    Authentic Dining

    Kathmandu: Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant.

    Agra: Dine for lunch at the beautiful Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur.

    Varanasi: Toast to your travels over a dinner at your hotel.

  • content:

    Insight Choice

    Jaipur: Join your Local Expert for a walk through the city’s old lanes and see artisans working with age-old techniques.

    Jaipur: Visit the royal observatory and see Jantar Mantar, a collection of 18th century architectural astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone dun dial.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Kathmandu

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Soaltee, Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport you will be greeted by an Insight representative and transferred to your hotel, the Hyatt Kathmandu. At 17:00 meet your Travel Director and venture out in Thamel on a rickshaw ride. Head to a local restaurant for a welcome reception, drinks and dinner.

Day 2: Kathmandu The City Of Beauty

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Soaltee, Kathmandu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day bright and early with a morning visit to Kathmandu City. See the tranquil Swayambhunath Temple. Stop in Patan, the third largest city in Nepal, for an included lunch. Originally called Lalitpur or “City of Beauty” in Sanskrit, explore this pretty city with a Local Expert in the afternoon. Highlights include the Golden Temple, Durbar Square and Mul Chowk, the largest and oldest of the Royal Palace’s three main chow squares. Enjoy the flavours of the region in the evening with an indulgent dinner.

Day 3: Kathmandu's Spiritual History

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Soaltee, Kathmandu

Meals Included: Breakfast

Delve into Kathmandu’s spiritual history with a morning visit to the Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River and take in the impressive Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Head to the city of Bhadgaon, before visiting a local pottery workshop where a local craftsperson provides a demonstration. In the evening head to an inspirational talk by a woman who summited Mount Everest. She’ll discuss her experience guiding through some of the most challenging terrain on earth.

Day 4: On To Vibrant Delhi

Location: Kathmandu, Delhi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Le Méridien, New Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Head to the airport for your flight to Delhi, India. On arrival you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in before joining your group and Travel Director for a trip to Akshardham Temple. Also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, this Hindu temple is a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. The rest of the day is yours at leisure, ask your Travel Director for recommendations on where to explore, or perhaps relax at your hotel’s spa.

Day 5: Exploring New And Old Delhi Relaxed Start

Location: Delhi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Le Méridien, New Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, head out on an exciting sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi with your knowledgeable Travel Director. Drive past the Red Fort, the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856. Founded in 1526, the Mughal Empire compromised the majority of the Indian subcontinent until 1707. Then, treat your palate to a culinary adventure on a food tour led by a chef who shares her insights into Dehli’s food scene. Next up, visit a Sikh temple and visit its community kitchen that prepares and serves free nourishing vegetarian meals to those in need. Drive past the President Palace, India Gate and Parliament House before ending the day with a tour of Humayun’s Tomb with your Travel Director.

Day 6: The Pink City Relaxed Start

Location: Delhi, Jaipur

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: ITC Rajputana, Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to Jaipur, more affectionately known as the Pink City after the whole city was painted pink in 1876 for a visit from Queen Victoria. Explore culture over a Bollywood Dance Class Optional Experience. Later, join your Travel Director for an evening visit to a flower and spice market.

Day 7: Delve Into Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: ITC Rajputana, Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ascend by jeep to Amber Fort. Built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, its royal halls mesmerize with their ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Experience India’s spiritual majesty with a special blessing ceremony. Tour the City Palace Museum and royal observatory Jaipur before joining the women of Pink City Rickshaw Ride seeing the Hawa Mahal and the Palace of Winds. Delve deeper into Jaipur’s rich heritage joining your Local Expert for a walk through the city’s historic lanes and observe artisans at work using age-old techniques. As the day concludes, enjoy a cooking session with a local family.

Day 8: Jaipur To Agra

Location: Jaipur, Agra

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jaypee Palace, Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, depart for Agra, home to the spectacular phenomenon that is the Taj Mahal. Along the way, stop for lunch at the beautiful Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur. When you arrive in Agra, the evening is yours at leisure. Make the most of the amenities at your hotel, unwinding before tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 9: The Taj Mahal

Location: Agra

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jaypee Palace, Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Before sunrise, travel to the Taj Mahal to see the world phenomenon in its best light. A symbol of love and flawless architectural creation, it was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Continue on to Agra Fort to. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit the Sheroes Café. This local business supports female victims of acid attacks who have been empowered by this organisation.

Day 10: On To Varanasi

Location: Agra, Delhi, Varanasi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, drive to Delhi, then take a flight to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. On arrival you’ll be checked into your luxury hotel, the Taj Ganges. A contemporary ode to its classical city, this five-star accommodation includes a pool, fitness centre, traditional Indian Spa Therapies and a beautiful flower garden. In the evening, participate in an Aarti on the ghats, where you’ll offer prayers to the River Ganges. This spiritual ceremony is performed daily to honour the River Goddess Ganga. It is a Hindu religious ritual of worship and involves hundreds of diyas and flowers being released onto the river, as the words “Har Har Gange!” are chanted.

Day 11: The Holy City Of Varanasi

Location: Varanasi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Wake early for a breathtaking sunrise boat cruise on River Ganges, followed by a visit to an Akhara. Return to your hotel for breakfast before heading on a tour of Varanasi. This involves seeing the Sarnath, a sacred deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and the Buddhist Sangha first came into existence through Kondanna’s enlightenment. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers and Travel Director at your hotel.

Day 12: Leave Varanasi For Delhi

Location: Varanasi, Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast

End your trip with an optional relaxing early morning yoga session in the fresh air by the banks of the holy Ganges River, a surreal experience. After breakfast and a transfer to the airport, head back to Delhi before your onward flights. Please do not schedule flights before 9pm.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 5 dinners with wine, 3 lunches, and 3 additional dinners.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, Hyatt Regency Delhi, Hotel ITC Rajputana in Jaipur, Jaypee Palace Hotel in Agra, and Taj Ganges in Varanasi.

  • Transportation

    Transportation includes scenic flights from Kathmandu to Delhi, and from Agra to Varanasi.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours are provided in various cities including Kathmandu, Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi.

  • Special Experiences

    Special experiences include a rickshaw ride in Thamel, a Bollywood dance class, a cooking session with a local family in Jaipur, and a visit to Sheroes Café in Agra.

  • Cultural Activities

    Cultural activities include visits to temples, palaces, and historical sites such as the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and Sarnath.

  • Local Expert Talks

    Inspirational talks by local experts, including a woman who summited Mount Everest.

  • Welcome and Celebration Dinners

    Welcome and celebration dinners are included at local restaurants and hotels.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the Bollywood dance class and early morning yoga session are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees for entry into Nepal and India are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 2 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 3 Dinner (D)

Insight Experiences

  • Varanasi: Join a Local Expert in India's religious rituals to learn more about the colourful candlelit tradition of Aarti as you participate in the sunset ceremony in the Ganges, against a backdrop of ringing bells and chanting music.

Summary

  • Choose between two experiences in Agra.

Women-Only

  • Kathmandu: Hear an inspirational talk led by a woman who summited Mount Everest, the highest point above sea level on Earth.
  • Delhi: Indulge your taste buds over a special food tour of Delhi with a passionate local chef. Gain insights into the city’s food culture, from hidden gems to bustling kitchens and beyond, as your guide shares her expertise. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or love uncovering local businesses, celebrating women or all of the above, this food tour is perfect for all travellers.
  • Jaipur: Jaipur offers endless experiences for curious travellers. Explore the Pink City on a rickshaw-tour led by local women who come from low-income households. Their knowledge and enthusiasm are unmatched, making them your ideal companion for this immersive exploration of Jaipur’s top attractions. Discover little-known facts about the city, such as what lies behind the well-known “honeycomb” windows of Hawa Mahal, the artisans preserving Jaipur’s rich crafts heritage and even uncover where you’ll find the best kachoris in town. Even better, their custom designed e-rickshaws provide a sustainable and intimate way to view the city up close.
  • Jaipur: Whether you love fine food or gaining knowledge from locals, this cooking session followed by dinner with a family in Jaipur is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the flavours of the Pink City while you engage in warm conversation with your gracious hosts.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?

    You can expect a variety of dining experiences including a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant in Kathmandu, a special outdoor dining experience at Dera Amer in Jaipur, lunch at the beautiful Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur, a food tour in Delhi with a local chef, and a Celebration Dinner in Varanasi.

  • Are there any unique cultural experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as a rickshaw ride in Thamel, a Bollywood Dance Class in Jaipur, a cooking session with a local family in Jaipur, and a visit to the Sheroes Café in Agra, which supports female victims of acid attacks.

  • What kind of activities are available in Jaipur?

    In Jaipur, you can join a Local Expert for a walk through the city's old lanes, visit the royal observatory and Jantar Mantar, enjoy a special outdoor dining experience at Dera Amer, explore the Pink City on a rickshaw-tour led by local women, and participate in a cooking session followed by dinner with a local family.

  • What spiritual or religious sites will we visit during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to several spiritual and religious sites such as the Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Akshardham Temple, and participation in the Aarti ceremony on the ghats of the Ganges River in Varanasi.

  • Are there any special talks or presentations included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes an inspirational talk by a woman who summited Mount Everest in Kathmandu.

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes various modes of transportation such as rickshaw rides, jeep ascents to Amber Fort, and flights between Kathmandu and Delhi, and from Agra to Varanasi.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in luxury accommodations such as the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, Hyatt Regency Delhi, Hotel ITC Rajputana in Jaipur, Jaypee Palace Hotel in Agra, and Taj Ganges in Varanasi.

  • What kind of activities are available in Varanasi?

    In Varanasi, you can participate in an Aarti ceremony on the ghats of the Ganges River, take a sunrise boat cruise on the Ganges, visit the Sarnath deer park, and enjoy a Celebration Dinner at your hotel.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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