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Overview
Welcome to Nepal, a land of breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage nestled in the Himalayas. With altitudes ranging from subtropical valleys to alpine peaks, Nepal’s diverse climate and landscapes offer a unique adventure for every traveler. Our 9-day tour will immerse you in the vibrant culture and history of Kathmandu’s ancient temples, the artistic heritage of Patan, and the traditional Newari villages. Experience stunning Himalayan vistas from Nagarkot, the serene beauty of Pokhara’s lakes, and the thrilling wildlife of Chitwan National Park. Each day promises new discoveries, blending adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, making your journey unforgettable.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square’s historic palaces and temples, and enjoy a rickshaw ride through Thamel.
- Visit sacred sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath Stupa.
- Wander through Patan’s artistic temples and monuments, and discover traditional Newari villages of Bungamati and Khokana.
- Experience stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas from Nagarkot.
- Enjoy a serene boat ride on Fewa Lake in Pokhara and visit local attractions like Sarangkot, Devi’s Fall, and the Gorkha Museum.
- Embark on a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park, home to One-horned Rhinoceros and Royal Bengal Tigers.
- Savor Nepali cuisine with a traditional dinner and cultural folk dance show.
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly to Kathamandu
Welcome to Nepal!
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are met by our representative and then transferred to the Hotel.
Check in at the Hotel and relax.
This afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal’s traditional culture and arts. This is the place for rest, relaxation, and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments, and mountain views. Kastamandap the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka, a name derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, near the entrance of the palace. The Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square also surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples built back as early as the Lichchhavi period in the third century.
Later, proceed to Thamel on the rickshaw, the best way to explore Kathmandu and its little alleys with local residential areas and local markets. On arrival in Thamel, stroll through nearby markets, where you can admire the work of local Thanka painting. Thamel also acts as the pre-base camp for mountaineers. It boasts a wide range of mountaineering gear shops, foreign money exchange booths, mobile phone shops, pubs, clubs, and nightlife, along with numerous travel agents and guest houses.
This evening, enjoy the local Nepali cuisine for dinner while witnessing the local folk dance show.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-SoalteeCrowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee
https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/kathmandu/ktmnp/hoteldetail977-1-4273999Experience the natural beauty of Nepal when you stay at Crowne Plaza Kathmandu – Soaltee, the preferred hotel for guests including the Heads of States visiting Kathmandu. Conveniently located in the peaceful Tahachal area, just 8 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport and 4 km from the city centre, the hotel is spread across 12 acres of landscaped grounds that echo the mountainous beauty of the valley. You can stroll the grounds in peace and then drop in at the Rodi Bar for a refreshing drink. The Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage Program ensures a restful night’s sleep for the business and leisure travelers in the 282 spacious rooms and suites. While staying at this 5-star hotel in Kathmandu, you enjoy a range of prime amenities. Gaze up at the mountains while you float in the pool or unwind with one of our rejuvenating therapies at the Tranquility Spa. Enjoy Chinese flavours at Bao Xuan, relish the best of North Indian cuisine at our Indian restaurant Kakori and indulge in the true taste of Italy at Terrace Alfresco. You can host stylish banquets, conventions and conferences in one of the 10 elegant meeting rooms with space for 20 – 1200 people. To ensure success, our extremely talented Crowne Plaza Meetings Director will assist you from start to finish. When you’re done with business, visit the popular Thamel or ask the Concierge to arrange hiking trips into the mountains and villages. When you return from your inspiring adventure sink into your room’s inviting warmth.
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Day 2:
Kathmandu
After breakfast, we begin the sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. Built-in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings, the site itself is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here.
The largest temple complex in Nepal, it stretches on both sides of the Bagmati River which is considered holy by Hindus. The main pagoda-style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver, and wood carvings of the finest quality. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath.
Swoyambhunath Stupa: It is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. Swoyambhunath stupa is also called the `Monkey Temple’ because of the many hundreds of monkeys who scamper about the temple at night after the pilgrims and priests have departed.
Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is known as Khasti in Nepal Bhasa, JyarungKhasyor in the Tamang language, or as Bauddha by speakers of Nepali.
Built sometime around the 14th century, the huge meditative monument is said to have been created just after the passing of the Buddha. The huge offering site quickly becomes a focal point of worship and offering in the area. The structure of the building consists of a giant dome, on the top which sits a Buddhist pyramid tower. All of this sits on top of huge steps shaped like mandalas themselves. Originally the stupa’s spot was on an important trade route which allowed for a steady stream of possible converts. Among the Nepalese in Kathmandu, the stupa is simply referred to as “ChortenChenpo” which translates to “Great Tower” or just “Great Stupa.” No matter what pilgrims called it, they flocked to the monument in droves.
Dinner & overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-SoalteeCrowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee
https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/kathmandu/ktmnp/hoteldetail977-1-4273999Experience the natural beauty of Nepal when you stay at Crowne Plaza Kathmandu – Soaltee, the preferred hotel for guests including the Heads of States visiting Kathmandu. Conveniently located in the peaceful Tahachal area, just 8 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport and 4 km from the city centre, the hotel is spread across 12 acres of landscaped grounds that echo the mountainous beauty of the valley. You can stroll the grounds in peace and then drop in at the Rodi Bar for a refreshing drink. The Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage Program ensures a restful night’s sleep for the business and leisure travelers in the 282 spacious rooms and suites. While staying at this 5-star hotel in Kathmandu, you enjoy a range of prime amenities. Gaze up at the mountains while you float in the pool or unwind with one of our rejuvenating therapies at the Tranquility Spa. Enjoy Chinese flavours at Bao Xuan, relish the best of North Indian cuisine at our Indian restaurant Kakori and indulge in the true taste of Italy at Terrace Alfresco. You can host stylish banquets, conventions and conferences in one of the 10 elegant meeting rooms with space for 20 – 1200 people. To ensure success, our extremely talented Crowne Plaza Meetings Director will assist you from start to finish. When you’re done with business, visit the popular Thamel or ask the Concierge to arrange hiking trips into the mountains and villages. When you return from your inspiring adventure sink into your room’s inviting warmth.
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Day 3:
Kathmandu - Nagarkot
After breakfast proceed to Patan en route visiting Bungamati and Khokana.
Patan is the oldest of the three cities of Kathmandu Valley. It is best known for its artistic heritage. It is probably one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world. The city is situated on a plateau across the Bagmati River. Another name of Patan, is Lalitpur. The city is surrounded by 4 Stupas as 4 corners of Patan, one at each corner of its cardinal points. These stupas are said to have been built by the famous Emperor Ashoka. This is one of the most elegant architectural treasures of which Patan is very proud. About the beauty of Patan, a Western lady writer has to say this – “Patan means eternity itself and Patan Durbar Square is the spectacular sight of Asia indeed”. Really it is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities, and wonderful carvings and many visitors come here to see these monuments. Patan Durbar Square is a famous visiting place. The square is full of ancient places, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. The major attractions here are Krishna Temple, Golden Window, Patan Museum, Mahabouddha Temple, etc
Khokana and Bugamati village, ancient Newari Village – interesting traditional living of the people and typical architecture where they can walk around the village.
It is a popular tour of the lookout tower located at the highest point (2175m) in Nagarkot. It is one of the best places to enjoy both sunrise and sunset with a 360° panoramic view, which includes major peaks in the western Himalayan range: Manaslu. Himchuli, Ganesh Himal, and eastern Himalayan range: Langtang, Dorje laksa, Gaurisankhar, Choyu, and Sishaphangma, on a clear day. You can also have a view of the nice landscape, the kauri village, army training center while on the way to the lookout tower.
Dinner & overnight at a hotel in Nagarkot
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Club Himalaya, Nagarkot ResortClub Himalaya, Nagarkot Resort
Nagarkot 44812, Nepalhttps://www.clubhimalaya.com/+977 1-6680080The hotel offers a rare blend of nature and modern amenities and has become synonymous with Nagarkot ( 32 kilometers East of Kathmandu). Each room opens to a private balcony, where one can view the most splendid sunrise and sunsets. The interior is traditional and simple yet stylish and elegant. Club Himalaya’s comfortable accommodation, cozy ambiance, delicious food, and the welcoming and gracious staff creates a true ‘comfort above the clouds’ experience.
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Day 4:
Nagarkot - Pokhara
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Later proceed towards Kathmandu domestic airport for your flight to Pokhara.
Arrive & check at the hotel. Afternoon enjoy a one-hour boat ride to one of the famous Fewa Lake.
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, noted for its tranquil atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It is also a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambiance of peace and magic. In the evening, you will enjoy a free lakeside walk at Fhewa Lake.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Temple Tree Resort & Spa, PokharaTemple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara
Gaurighat, Lakeside-6, Pokharahttps://templetreenepal.com/+977-61-455819Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel combining western standards with the distinctive architecture and culture of Nepal’s Western Himalayas. Named after the fragrant temple tree plant frangipani found here, we offer a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, privacy when preferred and attentive service. Nestling close by Fewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley, Temple Tree is framed by the foothills and majestic peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range. The air here is pure and clean, and the sub-tropical climate warm and pleasant.
Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel combining western standards with the distinctive architecture and culture of Nepal’s Western Himalayas. Named after the fragrant temple tree plant frangipani found here, we offer a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, privacy when preferred and attentive service. Nestling close by Fewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley, Temple Tree is framed by the foothills and majestic peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range. The air here is pure and clean, and the sub-tropical climate warm and pleasant.
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Day 5:
Pokhara
At 0500 HRS, early morning drive to Sarangkot to view awesome Sarangkot, which is 9 km to the northwest of Pokhara. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Conveniently perched high on the top of a ridge at 1,592m., the serene hill resort offers the spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna range stretching from east to west and the un-spoilt rural settlements just below those towering peaks. Viewing 700m down from the top of Sarangkot you can have awesome sights of the stretching Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake and many more.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast commence the sightseeing tour of Pokhara.
Devi’s fall: Locally known as PataleChhango (Hell’s Fall), Devi’s fall (also known as Devin’s or David’s) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. An interesting modern legend says that a foreigner named David was skinny dipping in the Pardi Khola (river) when the floodgates of the dam were opened, sweeping him into an underground passage beneath the fall, never to be seen again.
Seti River Gorge: It is carved by Seti River and is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. KI Singh Bridge at the Bagar, Mahendra Pool &Prithivi Highway Bridge near Bus Park provide a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water like milk.
GhupteshworMahadev cave: It is probably the longest and attractive cave in south Asia which is located at the pristine location of northwestern part of Pokhara, a world famous tourist destination in Gandaki zone and Kaski district. Ancestors called this place as desolate Khatri Tara.
Gorkha Museum GURKHA SOLDIERS joined the British Army since 1815 and later into the Indian Army after it’s independence in 1947. The MUSEUM concentrates on their history to current British Army and the Indian Army. The displays include hundreds of PHOTOGRAPHS of the many CAMPAIGNS they took part in and their REGIMENTAL LIFE. The 3-FLOOR GALLERIES are brought alive by SOUND and COLOURED LIGHT. Displays also include uniforms they wore, items they used and medals they won. Details of the Gurkha VICTORIA CROSS winners, the highest bravery medal with their citations can also be viewed.
Mountain Museum: More than seventy thousand domestic and international tourists visit International Mountain Museum (IMM) every year. IMM records, documents and exhibits the past and present developments related to mountain and mountaineering around the world. The museum contains three main exhibition halls: Hall of Great Himalayas, Hall of Fame and Hall of World Mountains. Inside the museum, there are exhibits on famous peaks, descriptions of famous mountaineers, the culture and lifestyle of mountain people, flora and fauna including geology, in an attempt to represent the traditional culture and values of the Nepalese people.
Later return to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Temple Tree Resort & Spa, PokharaTemple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara
Gaurighat, Lakeside-6, Pokharahttps://templetreenepal.com/+977-61-455819Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel combining western standards with the distinctive architecture and culture of Nepal’s Western Himalayas. Named after the fragrant temple tree plant frangipani found here, we offer a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, privacy when preferred and attentive service. Nestling close by Fewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley, Temple Tree is framed by the foothills and majestic peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range. The air here is pure and clean, and the sub-tropical climate warm and pleasant.
Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel combining western standards with the distinctive architecture and culture of Nepal’s Western Himalayas. Named after the fragrant temple tree plant frangipani found here, we offer a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, privacy when preferred and attentive service. Nestling close by Fewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley, Temple Tree is framed by the foothills and majestic peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range. The air here is pure and clean, and the sub-tropical climate warm and pleasant.
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Day 6:
Pokhara - Chitwan National Park
After breakfast drive towards Pokhara airport to connect to Bharatpur airport (Chitwan). Upon arrival transfer to Lodge in Chitwan National Park.
The Royal Chitwan National Park is 158.6 km South West of Kathmandu and houses the first National Park of the Kingdom. It is famous for its variety of wildlife, especially the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
Upon arrival at the park, we will have a meeting with the biologists involved in studying the nature park. Chitvansky National Park covers a vast territory of 400 square kilometers in the low wooded hills. Known for the beauty of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the country boasts one of the best national parks in Asia. This is one of the few places in the world where we can still see the Bengal Tiger and the Indian Rhino in the wild. Chitwan has a variety of animals such as leopards, bears, monkeys, various species of deer, wild boar, and about 400 species of birds. Also at the park are approximately 60 Bengal Tigers. Chitwan National Park is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites because of the importance of its biodiversity.
Our guide will give us a brief introduction to our Chitwan program and after lunch, our Chitwan jungle activities will begin according to the schedule the guide has set out for us.
Dinner at the Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Barahi Jungle LodgeBarahi Jungle Lodge
West, Narayani 97761, Nepalhttps://www.barahijunglelodge.com/+977 56-695447Barahi Jungle Lodge situated in the pacific Chitwan, reflects the serenity of the National Park. Chitwan’s tranquility and the lodge’s peace very well complement one another. Experiencing refined luxury in the panoramic jungles adorned with the Rapti River when viewed from Barahi’s vantage point is a parallel universe retreat. We take immense pride in strengthening the bond of nature and mankind through our experiences.
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Day 7:
Chitwan National Park
Full-day jungle activities.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Barahi Jungle LodgeBarahi Jungle Lodge
West, Narayani 97761, Nepalhttps://www.barahijunglelodge.com/+977 56-695447Barahi Jungle Lodge situated in the pacific Chitwan, reflects the serenity of the National Park. Chitwan’s tranquility and the lodge’s peace very well complement one another. Experiencing refined luxury in the panoramic jungles adorned with the Rapti River when viewed from Barahi’s vantage point is a parallel universe retreat. We take immense pride in strengthening the bond of nature and mankind through our experiences.
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Day 8:
Chitwan National Park - Kathmandu
After breakfast, we transferred to Bharatpur airport to connect for the Kathmandu flight which is a short 20-minute flight. On arrival at Kathmandu airport, you are met by a local representative and transferred to the hotel.
The afternoon is free for leisure activities.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-SoalteeCrowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee
https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/kathmandu/ktmnp/hoteldetail977-1-4273999Experience the natural beauty of Nepal when you stay at Crowne Plaza Kathmandu – Soaltee, the preferred hotel for guests including the Heads of States visiting Kathmandu. Conveniently located in the peaceful Tahachal area, just 8 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport and 4 km from the city centre, the hotel is spread across 12 acres of landscaped grounds that echo the mountainous beauty of the valley. You can stroll the grounds in peace and then drop in at the Rodi Bar for a refreshing drink. The Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage Program ensures a restful night’s sleep for the business and leisure travelers in the 282 spacious rooms and suites. While staying at this 5-star hotel in Kathmandu, you enjoy a range of prime amenities. Gaze up at the mountains while you float in the pool or unwind with one of our rejuvenating therapies at the Tranquility Spa. Enjoy Chinese flavours at Bao Xuan, relish the best of North Indian cuisine at our Indian restaurant Kakori and indulge in the true taste of Italy at Terrace Alfresco. You can host stylish banquets, conventions and conferences in one of the 10 elegant meeting rooms with space for 20 – 1200 people. To ensure success, our extremely talented Crowne Plaza Meetings Director will assist you from start to finish. When you’re done with business, visit the popular Thamel or ask the Concierge to arrange hiking trips into the mountains and villages. When you return from your inspiring adventure sink into your room’s inviting warmth.
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Day 9:
Kathmandu - Delhi
At the specified time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport where you will board your flight home.
What’s included
- Delhi – Kathmandu – Pokhara – Chitwan – Kathmandu airfare
- Hand-selected accommodation in 5-star hotels & Resorts
- Airport meet and greet with private group transfers
- Daily breakfast and dinners
- English-speaking resident tour manager and local guides
- Extensive sightseeing tours
- Cultural program
- Wildlife Safaris at one of India’s renowned National parks.
- Air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
- Unlimited bottled water during sightseeing tours
- Snacks on board during long drives
- Entry tickets to monuments
- All domestic flights in India
- 24/7 Explore India On-Call Support
- All applicable taxes and fees included
What’s excluded
- Personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in the program
- Services other than in our inclusion
- Gratuities
Add this to your tour!
This is a tour extension. Add this on to a tour of your liking. Contact us on how you can extend your journey.Recent Reviews
Dear Nazir Karnai, President of Explore India, This note is to heartily thank the Explore India Staff (EI) of Rajeev Sharma, Head of Operations, Mendura by telephone, our main driver & assistant, and other drivers and personnel who assisted us for Explore India. When Canadians say, ‘nothing was too much trouble’, we may sometimes exaggerate, but in the case of EI, nothing could have been more apt and honest. No detail was too small, from our initial bookings and EI contacts by telephone to the ease we felt through each thread of the trip. Our destination was India, but our journey was irreplaceable. I would not hesitate to highly recommend EI to anyone who asks and will do so as I write my freelance piece and attach it to my blog (charlesbeale.com). Thank you. My gratitude and I believe I can speak for the whole group, would not be complete without further thanks to our EI tour guide, Harry Singh, but in this response, I will only speak for myself. Harry taught me many things. He and India are delightful enigmas. Not only was he the best tour guide I have ever had, but he became a kind of personal guru, banker, time manager, and friend. Tour guides come and go, but Harry lives and breathes his beloved India so much so that some of that rubbed off on each and every one of us. In fact, there were times when we had to rein him in, such was his enthusiasm. Harry describes himself as a spiritual healer, and again, some of that personal belief affected us most strongly and positively. He became our personal banker due to the demonetization that began just as we arrived in the country. Without his purse, some of us would have been in dire straits; without his knowledge of how to manage the monetary change, we would have become nervous travellers. Although we sometimes worried about time, as many Westerners do, Harry was able to manage India time for us smoothly and in an unruffled manner. He is also the best-dressed tour guide I have ever encountered. In the end, as the peaceful and kind people of India showed us, Harry was able to deepen our meaning of empathy and love. I would, however, request that in future, Harry assigns more tourists to keep the ledgers for the counting of other than cows. Most sincerely yours,
Charles Beale
Bath, Canada
We are still talking about our fabulous India trip. Have meant to email you dozens of times---life just gets in the way! Thank you Nazir, we had an amazing time and you can't help but fall in love with that country and her people. Of course the extra bonus was only 6 of us on the tour the first 2 weeks and only the Rhodes and us the last 2 weeks. We really felt spoiled and pampered! We will highly recommend you and your company. Namaste.
Patty and Jack Clerkson
West Vancouver, Canada
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to India. Our guide, Ashish, was incredible. He was so knowledgeable and provided wonderful stories and history at each of our stops. He had incredible patience with all of us travelers and photographers and tried to accommodate all of our needs and desires. The size of the group was very workable and we all seemed to get along and enjoyed each other’s company. The driver and his assistant were more than competent and got us through some very tight spaces. I would recommend Explore India to anyone considering a trip to India!
Karen Corness
Surrey, BC, Canada
Don't give it another thought - we all arrived at the airport in plenty of time for the flight. We were absolutely satisfied with everything about the tour. Our guide was excellent and we enjoyed the whole experience. We will definitely recommend your company. Travelled with a great group and quickly became friends. Unfortunately it was a foggy day for the Taj Mahal viewing, but what can you do? Loved the rickshaw ride through the alleyways. Happy Holidays to you too. Thanks for everything.
Rob Carson
Port Coquitlam, Canada
FEB 09, 2018: We had a glorious holiday and were so impressed with our guide Shah. His knowledge was formidable and he was a most delightful host. He took really good care of everyone and the trip was over before we were prepared to give it up. We regretted not booking an extension. We certainly plan to return to India and shall be looking forward to seeing your itineraries. Thank you so I much for all the planning on your side. It is not under appreciated by us. Ann
Ann & Geoff Holdway
Ancaster, ON, Canada
Hello Nazir, I very much enjoyed my tour with Explore India! Our tour group was lovely! I will recommend to my friends! The staff were very responsive to requests from the group. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. It was interesting to learn about India's history , current issues and how they are dealt with in India. Some definite highlights were the rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, visiting the soup kitchen at the Sikh temple, Taj Mahal, safari( excellent), and Jaipur elephant ride. I felt the tour was well paced and the hotels were very comfortable and elegant. Regards,
Carole Dalziel
Surrey, Canada
My husband, Allan Mayer and I, would like to commend you for your extremely well-planned and well-executed Impressions of India tour Nov. 14-30, 2017 The tour was a very nice balance between the frenetic urban pace of New Delhi, with its 16 million people, and more relaxed settings like Varanasi, the sacred city of the Hindus; and the bucolic wilderness of the Ranthambore national park. The Taj Mahal was, as I expected, magnificent (post-card India). But the images stamped in my mind are the unexpected ones --- the Bengal tiger stalking his prey, four crocodiles sunning themselves along the river bank, a huge male sambur deer rolling on his back taking a mud bath, late-night cremation ceremonies along the Ganges River in Varanasi, an Indian holy man with uncut hair and his face smeared with human ashes from the crematoriums, sending offerings of marigolds and lit candles into the River Ganges at night for the health and safety of our loved ones, visiting a laundry where clothes are cleaned by being stomped by people's feet in a big tub, a sacred cow lying on the tracks right in the middle of a train station in Agra. The hotels on the tour were first class; the food excellent. The traffic in India is like nothing we have ever experienced (even with a visit to China last year). So we would like to specially commend our excellent drivers Assif in Delhi, and Malik on the rest of the trip, who got us through hair-raising situations unscathed. The tour guides, Raj in Delhi, and particularly Sandeep on the remainder of the tour, were great. We felt very lucky to have someone as exceptionally erudite as Sandeep, working towards a PhD, as our guide. He is so knowledgeable and is able to bring Indian history and Hindu religion alive with his amusing stories of Mogul rulers, other invaders, and gods and deities. He is very patient and adept at answering standard tourist questions about subjects like sacred cows, the caste system, and why there are swastikas on the old temples. He has a good sense of humour, is warm and personable, relates to people well, and helped to build a rapport among our small group by taking group photos for us and having everyone exchange emails so we could keep in touch (including with him). Because of him, the trip felt like travelling with friends. We would certainly recommend this tour to our friends, and perhaps return to see other parts of India with your company.
Wendy Koenig
Calgary, AB, Canada
It was a marvelous tour. Sandeep Singh was a wonderful tour guide, & full of knowledge about the sites we visited. He went above and beyond to ensure we all had a memorable experience, even arranging a camel ride for a few of us on the last day! The driver and assistant were excellent as well. The itinerary was well thought out & interesting; the hotels were excellent & the food amazing. I plan to return someday; what a wonderful country. "A universe inside a universe", as Sandeep was fond of saying. You can be very proud of the experience you're providing at Explore India. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company highly to anyone thinking of visiting India.
Trent Pomeroy
Rothesay, Canada
First of all a VERY BIG THANK YOU for the wonderful and well-organized trip you arranged for us in India. The trip was well planned and we really got the feel of the place as we toured driving from Delhi to Bhuj. Satbir Singh, our driver was very cautious and courteous. He was excellent in his skills and kept us informed at all times as well as responded well to our needs. The car was in good shape and comfortable for the long trip. The hotels picked were outstanding. We enjoyed the Royal Plaza in Delhi and all of the other hotels selected on our tour. I would like to return to India again at the end of this year or early next year.I would strongly recommend you and your company to other friends and family. I am planning to call you again to organize my next trip to India or any other places.
Narmeen Pirani
Vancouver, Canada
Nazir, Thank you very much for guiding Sirje to work up such a wonderful trip. We loved it. We now are totally amazed that more people do not travel to India to “Explore India”. The accommodations, guides meals etc that you arranged were wonderful. We have great respect for the capabilities of Explore India and will be happy to (and already have) recommend that friends work with Explore India to develop their trip. Having a contact in Canada that one can work with and a team in India which can manage all the details is a wonderful concept. We even shared your contact info with some friends in the USA who are looking for a North American contact to help them design a trip like ours. As a result of decades in management I am a strong believer in “continuous improvement” and so we would like to offer the following thoughts/observations that you might consider to make other people’s trips even better. We are not looking for reasons why things were not done the way we had anticipated but wanting to share our observations with you so that you can consider our thoughts when arranging future guests bookings. On the trip, many things stood out as much better than expected but the biggest ones (in my mind) were: 1) Having arrived on Saturday afternoon and having the tour start on Monday morning. By the time we got to the hotel we were exhausted and so it was great to have a day to sleep in and “recharge the batteries” so that on Monday morning we were ready to tour. 2) Going to Darjeeling. I know it was “Plan B” and put in near the last minute but your team did a fabulous job and we still cannot get over what a wonderful place it was to visit. A special vote of thanks to the Mayfair hotel which was excellent (by the way, talking with other tourists, they ranked the Cedar Hotel as number 3 or 4 and felt it smelt of mold). I would highly recommend continuing to use the Mayfair as the first choice. 3) At Varanasi, your team inserted an evening “walk through the market streets of old Varanasi) before going and hiring a boat to cruise the Ganges and watch the evening ceremonies. The walk included being able to see the Islamic Mosque built on the site of a Hindu Temple and the “new” Hindu Temple. The evening boat ride was a highlight and a much better viewing platform than watching from the shore. We were a bit worried because the write up in our itinerary (from you) did not explicitly say to watch from a boat and we were worried that the guide was going to skip the boat and watch from the shore. We were so pleased that he got the boat (as he did the following morning per the plan). Khalid’s idea to put the walk into the late afternoon itinerary was wonderful. 4) Having a Private tour for the two of us was wonderful. We could ask the guides all the questions that we wanted and not worry about holding up the others on the tour. We could also pause for photos and not worry about falling behind. 5) The quality of the guides greatly exceeded our expectations. In every city/site, they were great. They generally had mastered the slower speech so that we could follow what they were saying and they took a time to help us keep the various historical rulers in order in our minds, even when it meant repeating something they had said before. In addition, the guides at Agra and Fatehpur Sikri were great photographers who showed us some new angles and tricks for taking photos with cell phone cameras. 6) The sites like Darjeeling, Sarnath (with the Ashok Capital), Fatehpur Sikri, the Amber fort and the Astronomical Observatory were all sites that we had never heard of but should be included in tourists plans for India. 7) Having Heera Singh as our driver for Delhi and most cities close by was wonderful. He was superb and in addition to being a great driver, was very interested in making sure that he did everything he could to make our trip the best possible. In 2017, Sirje would like to personalize a small gift for him that hopefully, someone can take over on one of their trips to India. Again, I hope you understand that we had a wonderful trip, are very positive on the bookings that you and your team made, are already recommending that people talk with Explore India when planning their trip. I just wanted to give you some of our thoughts and observations. Wishing you and your team the very best during the holidays and for 2017. Thank you
Rob MacWilliam
Vancouver, Canada
Tour Extensions
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