India & Nepal in 11 Days: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Kathmandu

The excitement of beginning an unforgettable journey awakens the moment your plane lands at Indira Gandhi International Airport. There, a Greca representative will warmly welcome you and accompany you on your transfer to the heart of Delhi, a vibrant city where the ancient and the modern coexist in perfect harmony.

During the morning and afternoon, you will have the rest of the day free to immerse yourself in the first aromas, sounds, and colors of the Indian capital. Picture the bustling markets where spices paint the air with their fragrance, the temples whispering tales of kings and sages, or simply the serenity of watching life unfold from a terrace as the sun slowly sets.

At night, you will rest comfortably in your accommodation in Delhi with breakfast included, recharging your energy to begin exploring this fascinating land the following day.

Greca Tip: We recommend staying well hydrated from the very first day, as Delhi’s climate can be warm and dry. Carrying a bottle of water with you will allow you to enjoy your first experiences in India with greater comfort.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will begin the day with a combined tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi, discovering some of the monuments that best represent the history and cultural diversity of India’s capital. We will visit Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, and see the imposing exterior of the Red Fort, built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. We will continue to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and explore Chandni Chowk, the colorful bazaar of Old Delhi, whose lively streets contrast with the spacious avenues of the modern part of the city.

Our route will also include Laxmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, as well as photo stops at India Gate, a memorial honoring Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I, and the exterior of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. We will continue with a visit to the impressive Qutab Minar, one of the country’s most remarkable monuments, and the Lotus Temple, renowned for its distinctive contemporary architecture and peaceful spaces for prayer and meditation.

After the sightseeing tour, we will travel by road to Agra, covering approximately 203 kilometers. Closely associated with the grandeur of the Mughal Empire, this city is world-famous as the City of the Taj and is home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Upon arrival, we will check in at the hotel and have some time to relax.

At the end of the day, we will stay at our hotel in Agra, ready to continue discovering the extraordinary historical legacy of this fascinating city.

Greca Tip: Agra reached its greatest splendor during the Mughal period and preserves some of the finest examples of the era’s architecture, making it an essential stop for understanding the artistic and cultural heritage of northern India.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will dedicate the day to exploring Agra and its remarkable Mughal heritage. Our main visit will be to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of India’s most iconic monuments and a timeless symbol of love. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the monument is renowned for its harmonious proportions, white marble façade, and intricate decorative details. Its setting along the Yamuna River further enhances the beauty and serenity of this extraordinary architectural masterpiece.

We will then continue our exploration with a visit to Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort, an imposing complex that served as a royal residence and important military stronghold during the Mughal era. Built primarily in red sandstone, its impressive walls, courtyards, palaces, and pavilions offer a fascinating glimpse into the power and sophistication of the dynasty that shaped much of northern India.

Beyond its monumental heritage, Agra is also known for its traditional craftsmanship. We will have the opportunity to explore local markets and discover some of the city’s characteristic handicrafts, including the intricate marble inlay work inspired by the techniques used in the Taj Mahal.

After a full day immersed in Agra’s history, architecture, and artistic traditions, we will return to our hotel to relax and enjoy a well-deserved evening.

Greca Tip: Look closely at the marble decoration of the Taj Mahal: many of its floral motifs are created using the traditional pietra dura technique, in which small pieces of semi-precious stones are carefully inlaid into the marble.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will travel by road to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most emblematic cities of India’s famous Golden Triangle. Along the way, we will stop in Abhaneri to visit its impressive stepwell, an ancient stepped structure that reflects the ingenuity of traditional Rajasthani architecture and the importance of water storage systems in this arid region.

We will continue our journey towards Jaipur, a city renowned for its distinctive pink-colored buildings, a shade closely associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Founded in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was designed according to advanced urban planning principles for its time and became one of the first planned cities in India.

Upon arrival, we will check in at the hotel and have some time to begin familiarizing ourselves with the atmosphere of the Pink City. Its palaces, gardens, monuments, and former royal buildings reflect the splendor of the maharajas, while its colorful bazaars offer an excellent opportunity to discover traditional textiles, handicrafts, and local souvenirs from Rajasthan.

At the end of the day, we will stay at our hotel in Jaipur to rest and prepare to continue exploring this fascinating city the following day.

Greca Tip: Abhaneri’s Chand Baori features thousands of steps arranged in a striking geometric pattern around a deep water reservoir. Beyond its practical purpose, its design helped keep the area cooler during the region’s intense summer heat.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will dedicate the day to discovering the highlights of Jaipur, the fascinating capital of Rajasthan, where the legacy of the maharajas lives on through magnificent palaces, imposing fortresses, and remarkable historical monuments.

Our first visit will be to the magnificent Amber Fort, located just outside the city. Once the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, this impressive fortress combines white marble and red sandstone, creating one of Rajasthan’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a hill overlooking Maota Lake, the fort offers spectacular views and an atmosphere that seems straight out of a fairy tale.

In the afternoon, we will continue exploring the historic heart of Jaipur. We will visit the elegant City Palace, the former royal residence and a magnificent example of the fusion between Rajput and Mughal architecture. We will also discover the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for housing some of the largest and most accurate astronomical instruments ever built. Our tour will also include the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, whose distinctive façade allowed royal women to observe daily life and ceremonial processions without being seen.

At the end of the day, we will return to our hotel, where we can relax and continue enjoying the unique atmosphere of the Pink City, one of India’s most captivating cultural treasures.

Greca Tip: The Hawa Mahal features more than 900 intricately designed windows that promote natural air circulation, an ingenious architectural solution created to provide relief from Rajasthan’s desert heat.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will have some time to get ready before transferring to Delhi Airport, where we will board our flight to Kathmandu. We will leave behind the palaces and fortresses of Rajasthan as we continue our journey to Nepal, a country of mountainous landscapes, ancient traditions, and rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will meet our representative, who will welcome us and accompany us on a private transfer to the hotel. Once there, we will check in and have some time to settle in and relax after the journey.

As the capital and largest city of Nepal, Kathmandu lies at the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. The valley is also home to the historic cities of Patan and Bhaktapur, forming an important cultural center where Hindu and Buddhist traditions coexist alongside ancient temples, palaces, and historic squares.

During the remainder of the day, we can relax at the hotel or begin getting acquainted with the atmosphere of this fascinating capital, our starting point for discovering Nepal’s remarkable cultural and natural diversity.

Greca Tip: The Kathmandu Valley is home to an extraordinary concentration of religious and architectural heritage. Its ancient cities, temples, and squares reflect centuries of interaction between Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will dedicate the day to discovering the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Kathmandu Valley, visiting some of its most remarkable sites and gaining insight into the deep connection between Hinduism and Buddhism that characterizes this region.

We will begin at Kathmandu Durbar Square, an extraordinary complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples built between the 12th and 18th centuries, which once served as the seat of the Malla kings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the square remains one of the city’s most important historical, religious, and social centers. During our visit, we will see the 17th-century stone inscription written in 15 languages and visit the temple dedicated to Kumari, Nepal’s revered Living Goddess.

We will continue to Swayambhunath Stupa, located on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, its history is closely linked to the formation of the valley itself. Its distinctive white dome crowned by a golden spire has become one of the country’s most recognizable symbols.

Our journey will then take us to Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist centers and one of the largest stupas in the valley. Surrounded by numerous monasteries, this sacred site offers an opportunity to observe the rituals and practices that continue to preserve the local Buddhist tradition.

In the afternoon, we will visit Patan, an ancient royal city renowned for its extraordinary concentration of temples and monuments around its Durbar Square. We will discover Krishna Mandir, the former royal palace complex, and other historic buildings before walking through the narrow streets leading to Hiranyavarna Mahavihar, known as the Golden Temple. We will also have the opportunity to receive the blessing of Kumari, an experience deeply connected to Nepal’s religious traditions.

At the end of the visits, we will return to our hotel to rest after a day dedicated to discovering the fascinating spiritual heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.

Greca Tip: In Nepal, Kumari is regarded as a Living Goddess and holds a special place in the religious traditions of Kathmandu. Her presence reflects the close connection between the Hindu and Buddhist practices that coexist throughout the valley.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will take a short drive to Nagarkot, located approximately 26 kilometers from Kathmandu. We will leave behind the lively atmosphere of the capital and enter a more peaceful setting surrounded by hills, small villages, and rural landscapes that reveal a different side of Nepal.

Upon arrival, we will check in at the hotel and have some time to settle in and enjoy the tranquility of this destination, particularly known for its impressive panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Nagarkot has become a favorite retreat for travelers seeking to admire the mountains in a peaceful environment away from the bustle of the city.

When weather conditions are favorable, Nagarkot offers exceptional views of the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west, past Mount Everest, all the way to the Kanchenjunga region in the east. At sunrise, the changing light gradually reveals the silhouettes of the mountains, creating one of the most memorable moments of our stay.

Later, we will enjoy a guided nature walk along some of the most scenic trails in the area. During the walk, we will have the opportunity to observe small mountain villages, terraced farmland, and the rural landscapes of the valley, gaining a closer appreciation of the relationship between local communities and their surroundings.

At the end of the walk, we will have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Nagarkot, surrounded by a landscape that invites us to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Greca Tip: The best Himalayan views from Nagarkot are generally seen during the early morning, when the skies are clearer and the light makes it easier to distinguish the mountain peaks.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will embark on a full-day excursion to Dhulikhel, a peaceful town located at the foothills of the Panchkhal Valley and renowned for offering some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayan range in northeastern Nepal.

Throughout the journey, we will discover a landscape where green hills stretch toward the horizon, while traditional terraced farmland blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment. This region retains a peaceful rural atmosphere, away from the main urban centers, allowing us to appreciate the close relationship between local communities and the mountainous landscape that surrounds them.

One of the main highlights of Dhulikhel is its panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. When weather conditions are favorable, the Himalayan peaks emerge above the hills and, at times, the bluish haze covering the lower sections creates the illusion that the mountains are floating above the valley. This ever-changing scenery makes the visit an experience deeply connected to nature.

Throughout the excursion, we will have time to admire the surroundings, enjoy the panoramic views, and discover a quieter and more authentic side of Nepal, where terraced fields and small villages form an essential part of everyday life.

After our visit, we will travel back to Nagarkot, where we can relax and once again enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this mountain destination.

Greca Tip: Dhulikhel is particularly renowned for its sunrises and panoramic Himalayan views. On clear days, the scenery can extend across a vast section of the mountain range, making it one of the most remarkable natural viewpoints in the Kathmandu Valley.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will begin the day by witnessing the sunrise from Nagarkot, one of the most memorable moments for enjoying views of the Himalayan mountains. When weather conditions are favorable, the first rays of sunlight gradually illuminate the peaks, creating an unforgettable landscape.

We will then travel by road to Kathmandu, stopping along the way in the ancient city of Bhaktapur. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,401 meters, Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, is one of Nepal’s most important historic cities and a true treasure trove of art, culture, and tradition. Its historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves numerous temples, shrines, sculptures, and buildings that reflect the heritage of the Newari culture.

During our visit, we will explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square and admire the famous Palace of the 55 Windows, traditional pagoda-style buildings, and other monuments that form part of the city’s extraordinary heritage. We will also visit Pottery Square, located just a few minutes’ walk from the main square, where we can observe local artisans shaping wet clay into different types of pottery. We will have the opportunity to learn more about this ancient craft and admire the pieces left to dry in the open air.

After the visit, we will continue our journey to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we will check in at the hotel and have the remainder of the day free to relax, explore the city independently, or enjoy the surroundings at our own pace.

Greca Tip: Bhaktapur is one of the best places in Nepal to discover Newari culture, renowned for its elaborate artistic traditions, distinctive architecture, and ancient pottery techniques that remain part of everyday life.

After enjoying our breakfast, it will be time to bid farewell to the fascinating lands of Nepal, a destination where spirituality, nature, and ancient traditions coexist in perfect harmony.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may take advantage of your final moments to admire the vibrant life of Kathmandu, explore its surroundings, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of this city embraced by the majestic Himalayan mountains.

At the indicated time, we will transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport to board your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of sacred temples, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic experiences shared with Greca.

Greca Tip: If weather conditions allow, during takeoff you may enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan peaks from your airplane window — a truly unforgettable farewell to Nepal.