8-Day Golden Triangle & Kathmandu Tour: India & Nepal Highlights

Summary

Guided India Golden Triangle with Nepal: Culture, History & Local Life

You’ll walk ancient streets in Delhi, watch sunrise over the Taj Mahal, explore Jaipur’s palaces, then fly straight to Kathmandu for temples and lively markets—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

Delhi hits you right away—there’s this mix of old and new that you just can’t miss. We started in the tangled lanes of Chandni Chowk, dodging rickshaws and catching the smell of cardamom from a chai stand. Our guide, Anil, pointed out Humayun’s Tomb as we passed—he said it inspired the Taj Mahal. The Red Fort looked almost pink in the late afternoon haze. I remember hearing the call to prayer at Jama Masjid while kids played cricket nearby. Later, driving past India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan felt like flipping through a history book but with real traffic jams.

Agra was all about anticipation—the Taj Mahal at sunrise is something you feel more than see. There was a light mist over the Yamuna River; our group got quiet as we walked up with the battery cart (no cars allowed near). Even after seeing it in photos for years, standing there is different—the marble feels cool under your hand. Mehtab Bagh across the river gave us a peaceful view away from crowds. Agra Fort’s red sandstone walls echoed with stories; our guide shared how Shah Jahan watched the Taj from his window when he was imprisoned.

Jaipur brought color everywhere—women in bright saris at Bapu Bazaar, painted elephants lumbering up to Amer Fort (we took a jeep instead). Hawa Mahal’s honeycomb windows let in little breezes; I could hear street vendors calling out below. Jal Mahal seemed to float on its lake in the morning light. We squeezed in time for Jantar Mantar’s giant sundials and even tried some spicy kachori at a roadside stall (my lips were tingling for hours). The city feels royal but lived-in.

Kathmandu was a world apart—temple bells ringing early at Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), incense drifting through Durbar Square where pigeons scatter if you get too close. Our local guide Maya led us through narrow alleys to Thamel for momos and sweet tea. Bhaktapur’s medieval squares felt frozen in time; I watched an old man carve wood outside his shop while kids zipped by on bikes. At Pashupatinath, we saw pilgrims bathing by the river—there’s a sense of devotion everywhere here that sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Delhi Exploration

• Visit Old Delhi
• Explore New Delhi

Day 2 — Agra and Taj Mahal

• Visit Taj Mahal
• Tour Agra Fort

Day 3 — Jaipur City Tour

• Visit Amber Fort
• Explore City Palace
• See Hawa Mahal

Day 4 — Fly to Kathmandu

• Flight from Jaipur to Kathmandu via Delhi

Day 5 — Kathmandu Heritage Tour

• Visit Durbar Square
• Explore Pashupatinath Temple
• See Boudhanath Stupa

Day 6 — Kathmandu Cultural Sites

• Visit Swayambhunath Stupa
• Explore Patan Durbar Square

Day 7 — Leisure and Shopping

• Shopping in Thamel
• Relax in Kathmandu

Day 8 — Departure

• Transfer to Airport

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

Yes, most areas are wheelchair accessible and specialized seats or prams are available for infants or those needing extra support.

Do I need visas for both India and Nepal?

You’ll need a valid visa before arriving in India; Nepal visas can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport.

What happens if my scheduled Taj Mahal visit falls on a Friday?

The itinerary will adjust so you visit the Taj Mahal on another day since it’s closed every Friday.

Are flights between Jaipur and Kathmandu included?

Yes, your flight from Jaipur to Kathmandu via Delhi is included along with checked baggage allowance up to 20 kg.

What’s included

Your stay covers 7 nights’ hotel accommodation (twin sharing if booked), private air-conditioned transport throughout, guided sightseeing tours as listed, all entrance fees to monuments mentioned in the itinerary, unlimited bottled water during drives, dinner each night, free Wi-Fi during your trip, battery cart rides at Taj Mahal/Fatehpur Sikri, private jeep ride to Amer Fort (if you’d rather skip walking), plus your flight from Jaipur to Kathmandu via Delhi. Wheelchair access and infant seats are available if needed.