East meets West: Mystical North India
Entering the gate to the Taj Mahal
Mystical North India (9 days, 8 nights)
Arriving in North India, you step into the history and mystery of a land whose culture goes back thousands of years. With a potent blend of the stunning and the sacred, the experience will stimulate your senses and touch your soul. Visit Jaipur, the Pink City, and witness the town's amazing transformation at sunset. Experience the grandeur and perfection of the Taj Mahal, and honor sacred life on the Ganges River at Varanasi as it has been for millennia. Trace Buddhism back to its roots at Sarnath where Gautama Buddha learned and shared his teachings. Travel through time as you witness time-honored silk production techniques. This is a journey not to be missed!
The trip begins and ends in Delhi. There are direct flights to Delhi from most cities in the US including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Visas for India must be obtained prior to departure from the US and is processed by Travisa Outsourcing.
Itinerary
21 Nov - Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, the capital city of India. Enjoy your free afternoon to explore. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Taj Palace or similar
22 Nov - Delhi to Jaipur
In the morning we’ll make our way by train towards Jaipur, the fascinating "Pink City.” Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls. it thrills travelers with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens. We’ll explore the magnificent City Palace complex with its many museums containing an impressive collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory; the unique Jantar Mantar (Observatory) built by the astronomer king, Maharaja Jai Singh II, and the Palace of the Wind with its intriguing façade. Houses with latticed windows line the streets with their rose pink color making Jaipur at sunset a sight to behold.
Overnight: Jaipur
23 Nov - Jaipur
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
This morning, we’ll travel a short distance to the Amber Palace. Amber was the ancient capital of Jaipur, and construction of the fort began in 1592. It is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Elephant ride from the foothills of the Aravallis to the fort entrance. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon to explore the magical Old City of Jaipur on your own.
Overnight: Jaipur
24 Nov - Agra via Fatehpur Sikri
Departing for Agra, we will stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted, red Sandstone City that Emperor Akbar built as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition, making it easy to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Buland Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. In the evening we’ll make our way towards Agra, home of the majestic Taj Mahal.
Overnight: Agra
25 Nov - Agra to Delhi
Badal Singh established the city of Taj, now Agra, in 1475. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction, which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as the major tourist destination of India. We will visit the inexpressible Taj Mahal, a pristine white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his deceased wife. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, it took 20,000 workers from neighboring Islamic countries, 22 years of ceaseless toil to create this exquisite white marble monument upon which people have waxed eloquent throughout the world. Lord Curzon says of it, “Without flaw or blemish, the most perfect structure in the world.” We’ll spend the day exploring the perfection of this World Heritage Site, and depart in the evening for a quick overnight in Delhi.
Overnight: Delhi
26 Nov - Delhi to Varanasi
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, Varanasi is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. We’ll visit the Durga Temple, also known as the "monkey temple", which was built in the 18th century and is one of the most important Hindu temples in Varanasi. In the evening, witness the beautiful evening ‘aarti’ and prayer oil-lamp ceremony at the ghats, which seem to have existed since time immemorial. As hundreds of lit earthenware lamps and flowers are sent floating down the Ganges, the river is transformed into a shimmering expanse of light. Varanasi is also famous for its Banarasi silk sarees and we will visit a factory and see where they are woven. Tonight we’ll visit a local home to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality.
Overnight: Varanasi
27 Nov - Saranath to Delhi
Early morning a serene experience begins as we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges, a sensory experience that words can not describe. We will then travel a short distance to Sarnath, the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon and one of the most venerated Buddhist sites in the world. There are Buddha relics and also a vast expanse of ancient ruins at Sarnath. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. This afternoon, we’ll fly to Delhi.
Overnight: Delhi
28 Nov - Delhi
A major cultural, political and commercial center of India, Delhi is the capital city of India. Thriving, bustling and chaotic, it never ceases to excite. We’ll visit some of Delhi’s highlights including Red Fort, once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire and Jama Masjid, the government headquarters. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of India’s most revered fabric shops and leave some time for last minute shopping before we say goodbye to North India.
Overnight: Delhi
29 Nov - Delhi
Final departure.
Price Includes
- All airport transfers
- Sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary; all entrance fees
- All meals
- twin-sharing accommodation in 5 star or boutique hotels
- Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles
Price Does not Include
- Your international airfare
- India visa fee (must be obtained prior to arrival in India)
- International airport tax
- Travel Insurance
- Bottled/canned beverages including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and mineral water
- Tips and gratuities, and expenses of personal nature
TO BOOK THIS TRIP
Application:
Email us and we will send you an application form.
Payments:
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. Balance payment is required 60 days prior to the trip start date.
Cancellation Policy:
The $500 deposit is non-refundable. Cancel 60 to 30 days before departure: 50% of tour price is subject to refund; No refunds will be provided for any unused services or for cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure.
References:
Crystal Mountain organizes treks and tours in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet for hundreds of satisfied travelers each year. Feel free to ask us for references who can tell you about their experience with us.
TRIP LEADER
Pam cosying up with a Bengal Tiger
Pam Perry developed a deep love of India while traveling through the country extensively in recent years. Her passion for finding the authentic events and people in all regions are highlighted in the tour's itinerary. Her career started 15 years ago in tourism, and with a detour through the business world, she's thrilled to be combining her love and skills on this tour. She's studied Indian culture, yoga, history and religions, and is dedicated to developing an understanding and appreciation of different cultures in each person she encounters. From temples to food to wildlife, Pam relishes the sensory joys of India. She's still waiting for a glimpse - in nature - of the elusive Bengal tiger.
Feel free to get in touch with Pam: pam@crystalmountaintreks.com
QUESTIONS:
Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Phone
Land Line: + 977 1 4416813
Mobile: + 977 97410-00724
Or if you would rather have us call you at a time convenient for you, please email us your phone number and time that works best for you.