Journeying through the interior of India and mountains of Nepal, take in the temple artistry of Hindu legends, bustling bazaars and the world's mightiest peaks. Encounter India's web of colonial-era railways as you travel from the majestic Taj Mahal to Lucknow and Varanasi, then fly to Nepal where wildlife encounters and stupas round off the tour.
Become one of the privileged few to say they have experienced this beautiful kingdom in this relatively untouched corner of the Himalayas.
Lunch & Dinner
After arriving in Delhi, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel where you will have lunch while enjoying some free time to relax before your welcome evening meal.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning take a tour of the beautiful city of New Delhi, see the contrast between Old Delhi’s historic charms and New Delhi’s detailed colonial town. Drive past the India Gate, President’s House, Parliament Building and visit the Birla Temple, made purely out of 2,000 tons of Rajasthan white marble. Your tour will take in the imposing red sandstone exterior of the magnificent Red Fort and through Delhi’s bustling streets to Humayun’s Tomb, an elaborate mausoleum set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Journey onwards to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, draped in floral tributes, and the towering minaret and ruins of the ancient UNESCO listed 12th century Qutb Minar complex.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Board your early morning train and journey from Delhi to Agra. On arrival, make your way to one of India’s most iconic landmarks and the jewel of Agra - the Taj Mahal. Taking over 22 years to build and boasting inlays glittering with precious stones, this architectural gem is a highlight of the trip. Marvel at the distinctive minarets, gleaming dome and beautifully manicured gardens of this magnificent ivory-white mausoleum, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan to hold the remains of his beloved third wife. Continue on to the colossal complex of the Agra Fort and explore this vast red sandstone complex of striking pavilions, palaces and courtyards.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s scenic train ride takes you from Agra to Lucknow, India’s former artistic and cultural hub. On arrival, check into the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure, free to relax or explore your new surroundings.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, a half-day city tour of Lucknow visits the city’s most impressive highlights. Wander through the recently restored Hazratganj Market and visit the 1857 Memorial Museum, where the collection of old photographs, documents and objects on display offers insight into the major historical events that have shaped Lucknow. Continue on to the historic Juma Masjid mosque, the fortified royal villa and gardens of Sikander Bagh and the gilded dome and intricate inlays of Chota Imambara. Pass through the imposing 18th-century gateway of Rumi Darwaza, travelling past the stark red walls of Taluqdar Hall, the towering peak of Husainabad Clock Tower and the crumbling splendour of Kaiserbagh Palace. Enjoy the greenery of Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, before heading back to the hotel for Lunch. Spend some time relaxing at the hotel before heading to the Aminabad bazaar.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy rolling landscapes as your train carries you from Lucknow to Varanasi, India’s spiritual centre. After check-in at your hotel in Varanasi, an evening tour leads to the banks of the sacred Ganges River, lined with vast stone steps, or ‘ghats’, used daily by thousands of pilgrims in their cleansing rituals. If time permits, witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony as fire-lit offerings are floated down the river accompanied by chants and prayers.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Watch the sunrise over Varanasi with an early morning boat trip on the Ganges, allowing a different perspective of this colourful waterfront city. Disembark for a walking tour through the narrow alleys to the historic landmarks of the old town.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu, Nepal, whose ancient Buddhist temples and stupas have earned it more UNESCO recognised sites than any other city in the world. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure for exploration or relaxation.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Experience Nepal's temple-studded capital on a full day of sightseeing. Join troops of monkeys as you take in the intricate carvings of the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath under the watchful painted eyes that adorn its sides. Travel to the other famed sights of the Kathmandu Valley, including Patan, one of the oldest known Buddhist cities, where you can wander among its 136 monasteries and temples, visiting ancient Krishna Temple, the sunken bath, the soaring temple of Taleju and the detailed decorative carvings of its monuments. Return to Kathmandu for your overnight stay.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today starts with a visit to Pashupatinath temple, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and place of worship for the fascinating painted holy men of Nepal. Depart Kathmandu and drive to Chitwan, arriving in time for an afternoon visit to Tharu village, where you'll learn more about the culture of this indigenous Nepalese group, famous for their resistance to malaria. Return to your hotel for an exhibition on Chitwan: A Wildlife Paradise. One of our wildlife experts will give a short presentation about Chitwan National Park. This presentation also includes more details about the local wildlife and a brief history of the park. Guests are welcome to ask any questions.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The city of Chitwan (meaning Heart of the Jungle) is aptly named, with the wildlife haven of UNESCO Registered Chitwan National Park lying within its borders. Enjoy a full day of animal encounters, starting with a canoe ride up the Rapti River where you may spot the rare gharial, a fish-eating crocodile which was once on the brink of extinction. Continue with Crocodile Conservation Project visit, an initiative to preserve and protect the endangered crocodiles of the park. Established in 1971, the Gharial (distinguished from other crocodiles by its narrow snout) conservation center has been breeding this endangered species and releasing them to the wild every year. The naturalist will accompany you, guiding them and providing information about various methods and programmes being undertaken to increase Gharial population in the wild.
After lunch, Jeep Safari. Ride a jeep through the wilderness, experiencing the local wildlife forthemselves. We will observe bi floras and faunas, like the one-horned Rhinoceros, countless species of deer, bisons, and if lucky, even the Royal Bengal Tiger. Return back to hotel and enjoy Happy hour followed by Sundowner. Take a breather and enjoy the peaceful view of the river at the deck area, watching the wildlife and nature, lounge around the resort premises, order drinks at the bar, and just relax. The sunset is very beautiful as well and is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
In the evening, Tharu Cultural Dance. You will be able to enjoy the local Tharus from the village showcasing their traditional Tharu stick dance. The dance is an age-old tradition of the Tharus and is usually performed to appease the gods during religious festivals.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Depart Chitwan on a scenic journey through rural villages and rolling countryside to Bandipur, enroute visit elephant breeding center in Sauraha. On arrival, check into your hotel. A tour of the hilltop settlement of Bandipur explores its network of winding lanes, traditional Newari architecture and buzzing bazaar, flanked by pagoda-style temples. From your lofty vantage point, take in the sunset and sunrise over the Manaslu mountain range and enjoy spectacular mountain views.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, travel back into the Himalayan foothills as you make your way to Kathmandu for your overnight stay.
Breakfast & Dinner
Depart Kathmandu in the morning for your flight to Paro in Bhutan, offering incredible views of the entire Himalayan region. Your guide will meet you on arrival and accompany you to Thimphu, stopping en-route to admire the joining of the Thimphu and Paro Rivers at Chuzom before arriving at your hotel with some time to relax. In the afternoon visit the impressive fortress of Trashichoedzong, then 'Buddha Point' where locals chant prayers to the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan. In the evening explore Thimphu's main market area and browse through paintings, hand-woven textiles and jewellery.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Explore the Thimphu valley with a trip to the National Library and the King's Memorial Chorten - a monument constructed to represent world peace and prosperity. Taking the scenic highway back to Paro appreciate the dramatic river valleys before arriving at your hotel late morning. Next visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower during the 1864 Duar War and now home to the National Museum focussing on royal memorabilia and Buddhist art.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit the breath-taking Taktshang Monastery perched on the side of a cliff, a place of worship recognised as one of Bhutan's most famous monasteries. In the afternoon drive to the ruins of Drukgyel built back in 1649 as a control point along the route to Tibet.
Breakfast
Depart Paro after breakfast for your return flight to Kathmandu, with the rest of the day at leisure.
Breakfast
Transfer to Kathmandu airport for your flight to the UK.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
India visa requirements
A visa is required for entry into India. British Citizen Passport Holders will need to obtain a tourist visa. You can apply for an E-visa no more than 30 days in advance. Your E-visa must be valid for your whole trip so please ensure the expiry date is for the whole duration of your stay. Alternatively you can visit The Indian Visa Application Centre in London: 142-148 Goswell Road, London, EC1B 7DU. We also work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. Additionally, you will need to complete an e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before your arrival. This can be done on the Indian visa website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in . Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before you enter India. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.
Nepal visa requirements
British passport holders can now obtain their Nepal visa prior to departure for Approx £25 per person on this website https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/online A Nepalese visa can also be purchased on arrival into Kathmandu; but you will need to complete and download a form from the Nepal Embassy website and present this completed form on arrival at immigration together with your payment (currently USD $30). You must print the form with the barcode and take it with you for arrival. The barcode is only valid up to 15 days after issue so please complete this form within 2 weeks of travel. You will also need to complete an ‘arrival card’ at the airport. We recommend you check the following website before travelling for all the most up to date advice, requirements and any changes uk.nepalembassy.gov.np. We strongly advise you to check with your destinations’ Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding required passport validity.
Bhutan requirements
Your passport must have an expiry date of at least six months after the date you arrive into Bhutan. British Citizens require a visa for Bhutan but Mercury Holidays will obtain it for you. The Mercury Holidays representative will give this to you before you depart Nepal. To process the Bhutan visa, we require a colour copy of your passport page containing your passport number and picture in either a JPEG or PDF format to be emailed to mypassport@mercuryholidays.com a minimum of 45 days prior to departure. You also need to send us a colour copy of one passport size photo with a white background as well as a colour copy of your insurance confirmation including the company name and policy number. You need to make sure you request a multiple entry visa for Nepal. Failure to send us this information on time could result in you not being able to travel on your holiday and Mercury Holidays will not be liable for your lost holiday.
Please note we will require your APIS/Passport information at least 2 months in advance to pre purchase your Safari passes, this can be uploaded via our website on "Manage My Booking".
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace of India and Nepal by Rail is rated Active due to the tour being packed with activities and experiences. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, and you will be getting on and off coaches, trains and boats and climbing steps which may be irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in India is the Rupee. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in India should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. There are restrictions on taking Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to take any amount of Indian currency into the country. You can take cash or travellers' cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) and/or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in your local currency. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country.
The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee or NPR, divided into 100 paisa. US dollars and UK sterling are both also often accepted should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. There are ATMs in Thimphu and Paro but they generally only accept local cards,therefore, it is important that you take sufficient cash to exchange with you.
The currency in Bhutan is Bhutanese Ngultrum and is officially pegged to the Indian Rupee. Also Indian Rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan. There are ATMs in Bhutan but currently they only operate with their respective Bhutanese banks. Since these ATMs currently do not function with outside banks, so ATM facility can't be used by visitors. Traveller's checks / cash are the best option so please ensure you have enough currency with you when you travel.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases. Please also bear in mind that there will be several shopping opportunities throughout your tour.
It is customary to tip your guide and driver. This is at your discretion, but we recommend you allow approximately £4-£5 for each guide and £2-£3 for each driver per person per day. It is asked that you tip in pounds and not local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange. Your guide will also ask you for £1 or £2 a day to add to a kitty this is for the porters, waiters etc throughout your tour.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning you will have the services of an English-speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. Local monument guides (may) be provided in some cases, subject to the monument’s rules.
Trains
During your tour you will be getting on and off several trains. You will be booked in Air Conditioned Chair Car carriages. Seats recline and there is overhead space for a bag. Bathrooms are at the end of each carriage but toilet roll and hand sanitiser is advised. Trains in India do vary to the UK in terms of quality.
Safari Vehicles
Your safari will be taken in a canter, this is a large open roofed truck that seats up to 20 people. Safari drivers take you to areas of the park where wildlife are more likely to be seen but as with all wildlife experiences nothing can be guaranteed. Please note that many paths inside the park are bumpy and dusty.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Breakfast is always a combination of Indian and western style and served in the hotel each morning (sometimes a packed breakfast depending on train journey). Lunch and dinner where applicable will be taken in hotel/wayside restaurants. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian and non-spicy meal options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way, so to ensure your comfort and well-being, two bottles of drinking water will be provided on touring days.
There are some dry hotels in India, and some hotels where alcohol can be consumed on the premise but must be brought in from outside. Your guide will pre-warn you of this and if anyone in the group would like to purchase drinks before getting to the hotel then we will arrange for you to visit a local shop and get what you need wherever possible.
During visits to Churches/Temples please note long trousers or skirts should be worn to cover knees, long sleeved tops should be worn to cover shoulders and ladies should bring a scarf to cover your head.
Please note that plastic bottles are banned in the national parks so keep a reusable water bottle for your tour.
On your arrival in Delhi, please collect your luggage and proceed to the exit in the Customs Hall. You will be met by a representative of Jayasree Travels & Tours who will be holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Jayasree Travels & Tours representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries you may have.
Mystical Bhutan Extension: On your arrival in Paro you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Jayasree Travels and Tours, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Jayasree Travels and Tours representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries.
If you need to contact Jayasree Travels and Tours, during your stay the details are: Jayasree Travels and Tours: 341-Ground Floor Lado Sarai New Delhi 110030 Contact number: +0091 9526188860 / +0091 995 898 8719
Emergency contact information
Telephone number 24 hr: Biju Unnikrishnan +0091 952 618 8860, Ms Jayasree Vikraman +0091 974 700 5888, Mrs Samitha Azhar +0091 974 471 3380, Mrs Rekha Anil 0091 9744813380 , Mr Amit Bhardwaj +0091 995 898 8719
E-mail: biju@jayasreetravels.com
