Call 1-800-869-0639 Request Information

FROM RANAKPUR TO KATHMANDU:
INDIA AND NEPAL ADVENTURE

Weekly Departures in Season
(October ­ April)

India is not so much a different country as it is another world. You’ll go camel trekking to the remote villages and dunes of the Thar Desert. You’ll luxuriate in the Palace hotels of Udaipur and Jaipur. You’ll hike or horseback ride through a 15th century Mughal fortress. You’ll explore the fascinating belief systems and colorful mythologies of Jainism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. You’ll visit magnificent Jain temples and gaze endlessly at the incomparable Taj Mahal. You’ll ride an elephant to Amber Fort. And you’ll sample India’s delicious and distinctive cuisine.

In the ancient Kingdom of Nepal, you’ll encounter stunning Himalayan scenery, lush jungle and a veritable living museum of the Hindu and Buddhist cultures, with shrines and temples dating back to the 12th century. In the Nepalese jungle, you’ll search for the Indian rhino and the Royal Bengal tiger from the back of an elephant. Over Kathmandu Valley, you’ll float in a hot air balloon, gazing at the majestic, snow-capped Himalayas and looking down on the villages and temples below. You’ll embark on an easy hike that will take you through lovely Nepalese villages on your way to a mountainside Hindu shrine! Your adventure concludes with an exciting whitewater rafting trip and an unbelievably scenic flight to Mount Everest!

NEI also offers optional extensions to Ranthambore National Park and Pokhara.

Note: All included adventures are elective and low intensity.

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We will gladly customize an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Fly from the U.S. to Delhi, India, arriving on the morning of day 3. You will be met and privately transferred to your hotel, where you may relax after your international flights.

Delhi is the political, cultural, and economic capital of India. Much of its allure derives from its history as the seat of power for the Rajput, Afgan, Tughlaq, Sayyaids, and Mughal dynasties. This afternoon, you’ll enjoy a fascinating private tour of Old Delhi. The Oberoi.

Late morning flight to Jodhpur and transfer to Manuar, a desert village in the middle of the Thar Desert. This afternoon you'll embark on a jeep safari to visit a desert tribe known as the Vishnois. The Vishnois follow 29 (bish-noi) principles of a non-violent Vaishnava sect, founded in the 15th century. They are known for their reverence for wildlife and their careful environmental management. Enjoy this gentle community of potters, weavers, leather embroiderers and camel herders. Manuar Desert Resort. (B)

Morning drive deeper into the Thar Desert, approaching to within 60 miles of the Pakistani border. Suddenly, the enchanting mountaintop city of Jaisalmer will emerge out of nowhere, its Rajput fortress visible from miles away. Founded in the 12th century, Jaisalmer later became a major staging post on the trade route from India to the West. The merchants prospered, investing part of their wealth in building beautiful houses and temples with the local yellow sandstone. Today, Jaisalmer is perhaps the most magical city in all of Rajastan: its golden sandstone walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings lend an extraordinarily medieval feel to the city. The Golden Fort is straight out of Tales from the Arabian Nights.

Your afternoon tour will conclude with visits to several havelis that rival their Venetian counterparts. These havelis, formerly the homes of wealthy Jain merchants, are notable for their intricate 18th and 19th century workmanship and sandstone carvings.
Gorbandh Palace. (B)

This morning, you’ll embark on a mini-camel safari over large sand dunes to visit the beautiful desert villages of Ratarasar and Dhoba. This afternoon you are free to rest or to stroll through Jaisalmer’s fascinating bazaar. The city is renowned for embroidery, mirrorwork, rugs, blankets, stonework, and antiques. You may also decide to visit a Jain Temple. Gorbandh Palace. (B)

Note: Travelers who do not want to mount a camel may follow the same route by jeep.

Morning drive to Jodhpur, known as the “Blue City” for the predominance of blue houses in the city’s historical district. Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trade route and the Marwaris benefited from the traffic of opium, copper, silk, sandalwood, dates, and coffee. Your afternoon sightseeing tour will include visits to the Meherangarh Fort Palace Museum, Jaswant Thanda, and the Sardar Market. Taj Hari Mahal Palace. (B)

Morning drive to Ranakpur, one of five holy Jain sites and perhaps the finest Jain Temple complex in India. Ranakpur’s main temple, built early in the 15th century, is notable for the remarkable beauty of both its architecture and intricate white marble carvings. Watch as Jain priests clad in white robes assist followers with their offering ceremonies. Meanwhile, those priests who are not engaged in prayer will cheerfully answer any questions you may have about their fascinating religion. Note that Jain beliefs are greatly respected and admired even among non-Jains.

Short afternoon drive to Kumbalgarh, where you will rest up for your mini-horse back riding trek (or hike) the next morning. Aodi Hotel. (B)

This morning’s easy hike and driving tour will take you to the impressive and highly photogenic fortress of Kumbalgarh, set atop a 3,000 ft. high mountain and surrounded by 365 Hindu and Jain temples that lie within the rampart walls. Kumbalgarh was the second most important fortress of the Mewar Kingdom, commanding a great strategic position between the Rajput kingdoms of Udaipur and Jodhpur. Your hike will take you through wooded areas, alongside several Temples, and up to the Kumbalgarh fortress itself, where you will enjoy superb panoramic views.

After lunch, drive to Udaipur, where you will check into the incomparably beautiful Lake Palace Hotel, where you will spend two nights. Evening puppet show/folk dancing at the hotel or Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum.Lake Palace Hotel. (B)

Udaipur is a beautiful city, regarded by many as one of the most romantic in India. Its white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and green hills make it an oasis of color in a stark and arid region. Enjoy a morning tour of Udaipur. Then visit the workshops of Udaipur’s magnificent artisans, famous for their paintings on marble, camel bone, rice paper and silk; for producing marble inlaid with semi-precious gemstones; and for their intricate wood carvings. Lake Palace Hotel. (B)

Note: If horses are not available in Kumbalgarh, you will enjoy a hike.

Morning flight to Jaipur. Founded in 1728 by warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh, Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City” for the rose-colored buildings of its historical district. The city is surrounded by rugged hills crowned with forts. This morning, enjoy an easy elephant ride up to the Amber Fort, followed by a tour of the city. (Note: We reserve the right to cancel the elephant ride for safety reasons if necessary). You may also have time to observe Jaipur’s craftsmen renowned for their skill in cutting precious stones, particularly garnets and rubies, as well as for their brass inlay work and laquer work. Tonight, stay at one of India’s premier palace hotels. Rambagh Palace. (B)

Note: Optional upgrade to Oberoi Rajvilas for a surcharge of approx. $40 per person. Barring schedule conflicts, you will be led by Rajastan's only female guide, who will gladly discuss Indian society from the perspective of a professional woman.

Your trip to Agra will take you via Fatehpur Sikri, a special destination. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Fatehpur Sikri remains in perfect condition to this day. The city was constructed during the rein of Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors, and it was at Fatehpur Sikri where the Emperor spent the richest and most productive years of his 49 year rein. You will take a short tour of this Sikri, where Islamic, Hindu, and Jain influences are all evident in the architecture. Then take a short drive to Agra where, time-permitting, you will be able to visit the Taj before sunset for outstanding photographic opportunities. Taj View Hotel. (B)

Note: Optional upgrade to Amarvilas for surcharge of approximately $155 per person per night. Birding enthusiasts may elect to visit Bharatpur instead of Fatehpur Sikri. Bharatpur is the finest bird sanctuary in India and one of the best in Asia. .

Agra replaced Lahore as the capital of the Mughal Empire in 1599, and the city contains some of India’s most superb monuments, including the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. You will tour both of these magnificent structures. One of the world’s most beautiful monuments, the Taj took 18 years to construct and was an expression of Emperor Shah Jehan’s love for his wife. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Taj at sunrise to fully appreciate its beauty under varying lighting conditions. (Late risers may see it at a later hour.) Taj View. (B)

Note: If you prefer you may extend your stay in India to visit Varanasi or other destinations before flying to Nepal.

Fly to Kathmandu. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Relax after your flight, or explore the durbars (palaces), squares and crowded bazaars of the fascinating Thamel area. You’ll see a wide variety of Nepalese art and handicrafts. Malla Hotel (B)

Note: Optional hotel upgrade to the 5 star Yak & Yeti.

This morning, weather-permitting, you’ll take an amazing hot air ballooning flight over Kathmandu valley, enjoying panoramic views of the snowcapped Himalayas, picturesque countryside surrounding Bhaktapur, and several Buddhist and Hindu temples. You’ll then visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrimage site, as well as Bodhnath, a huge Buddhist stupa revered by both Tibetan and Newar Buddhists. In the afternoon, take a fascinating walking tour of Bhaktapur, a delightful traditional village far removed from the twentieth century. Malla Hotel. (B)

Depart on a wonderfully scenic mountain drive to Nagarkot, the best ground-based viewing point for observing the entire Himalayan range. After a leisurely lunch at the Club Himalaya Resort, you’ll embark on an easy alpine trek (mostly level or downhill) from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan, a mountainside Hindu temple, stopping at a couple of Nepalese villages where you can observe their traditional way. Malla Hotel. (B)

Morning scenic flight to Mount Everest. Then explore Patan, the artistic and architectural center of the valley. Patan’s Durbar Square alone has 55 major temples and 136 monasteries. Strolling through town, you’ll soon discover why Patan is also called Lalitpur or beautiful town. Afterwards, you’ll visit Swayambunath, a truly spectacular Buddhist stupa situated atop a 540-foot-high hill. Malla Hotel. (B)

Morning drive to Trisuli River entry point. Here you’ll embark on an easy, exciting and very scenic whitewater rafting trip down the Trisuli, a class 3+ river which winds its way through verdant mountainside valleys. Your rafting excursion will last 4-5 hours, after which you will be transferred to Royal Chitwan National Park, where you will spend two nights. Evening lecture on wildlife. Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge. (B,L,D)

Chitwan National Park was established in 1962 by the late King Mahendra as a rhinoceros reserve. Covering an area of 932 sq. km., the park’s swamp, elephant grass and jungle provide a natural habitat for the the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, gaur, sloth, wild bear, barking deer, gaur, sambar, mongoose, civet, and otter. Approximately 40 tigers live in Chitwan. You will have a variety of activities to choose from while you are at Tiger Tops, including elephant-back excursions in search of the rhino and tiger, escorted nature walks, jeep drives and boat rides. In the evening, you’ll have a wildlife lecture/cultural show. Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge. (B,L,D)

Morning elephant back excursion or nature walk through the jungle. This afternoon, fly to Kathmandu for one last opportunity to soak in the valley’s culture and sights on your own. Malla Hotel. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your return flights to the U.S. (B; meals en route)

Call 1-800-869-0639 Request Information

Land Cost (per person) includes:
o All instruction and leadership
o All elective soft adventures
o All transfers and land transportation
o 22 meals
o Accommodations in first class (11 nights)
and deluxe (7 nights) hotels based on double occupancy
o Entrance/park fees
o Service and handling charges

2008 Land Cost	Jan-May: $6,725 (check) or $6,925 (credit card) Oct-Dec: $7,050 (check) or $7,270 (credit card)
Trip Length:	22 days
Deposit:	$ 500
Single Supplement:	$ 1,150
Trip Grade:	Easy
Accommodations:	First Class and Deluxe
Total Airfare (approx):	$ 2,250(NYC)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Trip Grade: Easy. Emphasis is on “off the beaten track” experience. All included adventures are elective and low intensity. Activities include a camel trek, hiking, elephant back excursion, whitewater rafting and a horseback riding excursion. Adventures may be replaced at travelers request with a cultural excursion. Since the expedition travels into remote areas, some discomfort may result from the elements, cultural differences, rough roads and schedule changes.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations in first class and deluxe hotels based on double occupancy; 22 meals as indicated in itinerary; entrance/park fees; service and handling charges; instruction and leadership.

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); meals not indicated on itinerary; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports or visas, personal insurance, other personal items; airport departure taxes; hotel nights en route or return from India and Nepal.

Accommodations: Accommodations are based on double occupancy in first class and deluxe hotels. Singles who sign up will be paired with a roommate. If none is available, there will be a single room supplement charge.

Climate: November through March are the best months to travel in India and Nepal, when there is little rain and the days are pleasant. Daytime temperatures range from 70 to 85 degrees during this period although evenings are often cooler depending upon altitude. The hottest months are April to June followed by the wet monsoon season from late June through September.

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $500 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this expedition. Departures are guaranteed during the season with a minimum of two passengers. Enrollment is limited to 16 passengers. Final payment of the land cost is due 60 days prior to departure.
.
Cancellations and Refunds: If you need to cancel your trip, please notify us in writing or by fax immediately. The cancellation penalty is calculated from the day we receive cancellation notice. (For those persons who do travel, there are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other trip activities.) In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supercede NEI's policy. The cancellation penalty is calculated based on the schedule below.

Number of days prior to departure. Cancellation fee per person:
    61+days         $500 plus applicable airfare penalties
    45–60 days    30% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    30–44 days    60% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    0–29 days     100% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties

Insurance: Trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; this will protect you in the case of cancellation due to personal or family illness. NEI offers a comprehensive travel insurance plan at a significant discount to its trip participants. Please contact us if you have any questions about travel insurance.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this expedition as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the expedition should it become affected by conditions beyond the company’s control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement. NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the expedition or to change the expedition leader(s), itinerary, or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced expedition. Full refund for the unused portion of the expedition will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an expedition except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.