Grand Tour of India, Nepal and the Himalayas

Our incredible holiday gets under way as we meet our fellow travellers and Tour Manager at London Heathrow this morning ready for our flight to India, changing in Doha, Qatar.

Our destination, Amritsar, is the centre of the Sikh religion, and it is believed the city was founded by Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru, in the 16th century. Located in Punjab in the far northwest of India, between Pakistan and the Himalayan foothills, this is the ideal place to begin our exploration of India and Nepal. Brimming with spirituality, the vibrant city of Amritsar provides a great introduction to this mystical region as we embark on a discovery of India's ancient temples and sacred sites.

Landing in Amritsar in the early hours, we are met at the airport by a local guide and transfer to our 5-Star hotel. The rest of the night and morning is free to catch up on sleep, but breakfast is available for early risers.

After lunch, we head about 20 miles out of Amritsar to the border of India and Pakistan to witness a culturally significant and symbolic spectacle. During the partition of India in 1947, the 'Radcliffe Line' split the historic province of Punjab in two, with east Punjab becoming part of a newly independent India, while the west was absorbed by the new country of Pakistan.

Serving as a powerful representation of the relationship between India and Pakistan, the Beating Retreat Ceremony happens every evening at the Wagah-Attari border. The elaborate, synchronised drills and ritual lowering of the flags creates a vibrant spectacle and also demonstrates the hope for a peaceful future from both sides of an often-turbulent divide.

Returning to our Amritsar hotel, we gather for our first group dinner together in the restaurant this evening.

After breakfast, we explore Amritsar with a local guide, including its most famed attraction - the Golden Temple.

Around a sacred pool sit several important buildings - including the five-storey Akal Takht, the primary seat of Sikhism. The religion's humility is symbolised by the Golden Temple. Although covered in gold, the temple is built at a lower level than its surroundings, appearing as if it is floating on the tranquil pool, while the four entrances from all directions signify that all people are welcome. The complex also houses the world's largest free kitchen, feeding more than 500,000 people each day, regardless of religion, caste, gender or status.

Nearby, we also visit Jallianwala Bagh, a sombre memorial to the events of 13th April 1919, when British troops opened fire on people peacefully celebrating the Punjabi new year.

There is time to enjoy lunch independently before we board the Shatabdi Express for an evening journey to Delhi, with a picnic dinner to eat in our AC Chair Class seats. Arriving in Delhi late this evening, we are transferred to our hotel for the night.

Initially a walled city named Shahjahanabad after Shah Jahan, the 17th-century Mughal emperor who called for its construction, India's capital retains many spectacular sights which we view after breakfast.

Our tour begins in Old Delhi, where we admire the 17th-century Jama Masjid is one of India's largest mosques, while the simple but moving Raj Ghat is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Passing the striking Red Fort, we enter the lively streets of Chandni Chowk bazaar, where we view craftspeople at work in an authentic area of the old city.

There is free time over lunch before we explore New Delhi's wide, leafy avenues. With large parts designed by Edward Lutyens, the city was lauded as a testament to Britain's imperial aspirations when it became the seat of government in 1931. Admiring the imposing India Gate and the president's residence, we also visit to the opulent 16th-century tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun, and the towering Qutab Minar, a UNESCO-listed minaret dating from the early 13th century.

We return to our 5-Star hotel this evening in time for dinner.

Leaving Delhi aboard the early morning Gatimaan Express in AC Chair Class, we look forward to a highlight of any visit to India.

Our destination is Agra, and on arrival we visit the imposing red sandstone Agra Fort. The centrepiece of this historic complex is the Musamman Burj, an octagonal tower with a marble balcony. Inside the fort are some exquisite specimens of Mughal architecture, including the Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque.

After checking in to our 5-Star hotel and free time for lunch, we head to the city's most famous attraction, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. This UNESCO-listed mausoleum complex was built by emperor Shah Jahan to honour his wife Mumtaz Mahal and is regarded as the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. 'Poetry in white marble', the spectral Taj Mahal is a monument to undying love. We enjoy a guided tour of the sumptuous complex, admiring the towering minarets, onion dome and magnificently manicured grounds before returning to our hotel for dinner this evening.

Boarding a comfortable coach after breakfast at our hotel, we travel across rural Uttar Pradesh to the state capital, Lucknow.

On arrival at our 5-Star hotel, there is time to unwind amid the 10 hectares of private grounds or stroll alongside the nearby riverbank. Lucknow is a historic city that played an important role during the Mughal and colonial periods. This sprawling and fascinating metropolis has long been regarded as the cultural and artistic hub of northern India. At the epicentre of elaborate Mughal cuisine, including varieties of tikkas, biriyanis and kebabs popular across the world, Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh excel when it comes to delicious food.

With free time this afternoon, you could sample these delights in Aminabad, in the old part of the city, where you can also find examples of the Chikan embroidery for which Lucknow is also famed. Returning to our hotel this evening, we gather for dinner together.

Setting out to explore Lucknow after breakfast, we begin our guided sightseeing tour at the magnificent Bara Imambara. This huge Shia complex contains an ornate gate, courtyard and mosque, but the most surprising aspect is the labyrinth on the upper floor of the imambara. This maze of nearly a thousand linked passageways is actually an ingenious architectural feature that reduces the weight of the ceiling and allows the arched chamber below to be free-standing.

Afterwards, we visit the nearby Clock Tower and 18th-century Rumi Darwaza - both icons of the city - and the famous La Martinière College, founded in 1845 following an endowment from Major-General Claude Martin of the British Empire. There is free time to lunch independently before our explorations continue at the Residency. Built in 1800 to house the British Resident General after the annexation of the former Indian state of Awadh by the British East India Company in 1857, it became the site of a bloody siege, with the bullet holes, cannon damage and other battle scares remaining untouched. Dinner this evening is back at our 5-Star hotel.

While our luggage is transported separately, we embark on an early morning train journey from Lucknow to the holy city of Varanasi. With a picnic breakfast to enjoy at our seats, we head to one of the world's oldest living cities.

On arrival, we transfer to our 5-Star hotel for free time to relax before exploring Varanasi in the early evening. Known as the cradle of humankind, it has a spiritual legacy of more than 3,000 years. The focus of this authentic, ancient city is the sacred Ganges and from our boat this evening, we view a Ganga aarti ceremony conducted by thousands of locals and pilgrims. At one of the oldest and busiest riverside ghats, we marvel as prayers are offered to the Mother Ganges. Our boat stops right beside the shore, providing an incredible view of priests carrying tiered metal lamps, moving rhythmically to the sounds of sacred Hindu songs as the flames sway in unison, creating an entrancing atmosphere.

We can discuss the evening's fascinating sights over dinner back at the hotel.

Rising early this morning, we set out for an unforgettable experience in Varanasi - a sunrise boat ride along the Mother Ganges. Admiring the sun as it spreads its first orange hues on the slate-coloured water, we view incredible scenes of devotees coming down to the sacred river to pay homage to the sun god, Surya. Each morning, offerings of water are made to the deity by locals and pilgrims alike to express gratitude,

After observing this enchanting spectacle, we return to the hotel for breakfast, later enjoying an excursion to Sarnath. It is here that Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon in 528BC after attaining enlightenment. This stunning site holds great significance for Buddhists, and we explore the grounds, archaeological remains and ancient monuments including the Dhamekh Stupa, as well as the sprawling temple complex and fascinating museum.

This afternoon, we transfer to the airport for a flight back to New Delhi, where we spend the night. We dine at our hotel this evening, looking forward to heading into the mighty Himalayas tomorrow.

After breakfast at our New Delhi hotel, we are transferred to the airport for a flight to the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.

This mountainous, landlocked country occupies a strip of land about 150 miles wide between India and Tibet. Containing eight of the ten tallest mountains on the planet - including its highest, Mount Everest - Nepal is a mecca for mountain climbers. Its capital delivers an exhilarating atmosphere, blending bustling alleyways, historic landmarks and the gentle wafts of incense from serene temples.

On arrival, we check in to our 4-Star hotel and have time to relax or head out for lunch independently. While not as well-known as Indian cuisine, Nepalese food is increasingly popular. Blending spices, rice, lentils, noodles and dumplings, it is often seen as a cross between Indian and Chinese food. The most popular dishes are dal bhat (lentil curry) and momo (decorative steamed dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, cheese or tofu).

Back at the hotel this evening, we gather for dinner together in the restaurant.

We begin to explore Nepal after breakfast this morning, starting near our hotel in historic Patan. Our first destination is the UNESCO-listed Durbar Square, where we view a stunning, tightly packed display of ancient temples, golden pagodas, and ornate stupa. We also experience the sensory singing bowls, renowned for their healing and relaxing qualities.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we marvel at the astonishing Boudhanath Stupa. As one of the largest stupas in the world, this highly symbolic and sacred site is quite amazing due in part to its massive size. From here, we head into Kathmandu to visit the royal square, bedecked with towering temples and noble courtyards. Nearby, we also uncover remnants of the Flower Power era, when Kathmandu was the terminus of the hippie trail. Later, we admire local life during a rickshaw ride through narrow alleys to Thamel, a buzzing part of the city.

Tonight, we visit the well-known Rum Doodle restaurant. Once a hangout for brave mountaineers, we hear from a local Sherpa as they relive their experiences of climbing Everest before we dine.

Leaving Kathmandu after breakfast, we stop at the Monkey Temple, known as Swayambhunath stupa. Nestled on a hilltop above the capital, and offering great views across the valley, this is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Believed to date back almost 2,500 years, the complex is dotted with ancient stupa, historic buildings, charming pagodas - and monkeys.

Nepal has incredible wildlife, and our next destination showcases this like nowhere else. On a coach journey through Nepal, with lunch at a restaurant enroute, we observe rural life from our windows as we travel through verdant valleys, bustling villages and incredible countryside on our way to Chitwan National Park.

Our hotel is located on the edge of the Rapti River, surrounded by dense jungle. After checking in, a local naturalist briefs us about the fantastic wildlife we might see over the next couple of days. Next, we walk to a nearby village populated by the Tharu People to learn about their unique way of life. After enjoying a jungle sunset from our hotel, we gather in the restaurant for dinner.

Today is all about the wonderful wildlife that calls this stunning area home. After breakfast at our jungle retreat, we visit a breeding centre for gharials - Indian crocodiles. We discover how this endangered species is bred and monitored to prevent extinction.

Nepal is bucking the trend when it comes to biodiversity and has a number of success stories, none more than the one-horned rhino. This majestic animal is now thriving in Chitwan and we hope to spot one on an incredible Jeep safari through the jungles and savanna. Guided by experts who use their local knowledge to give us the best possible chances of sightings, we follow animal trails while a naturalist offers insightful information about what we are viewing. The sheer variety of wildlife in Chitwan is jaw-dropping, and we will also keep our eyes peeled for elusive Bengal tigers, leopards, hyenas, elephants, jackals and even sloth bears.

Before dinner back at our hotel, we can enjoy a Tharu cultural dance show.

A coach journey through breathtaking scenery follows a leisurely breakfast today as we say farewell to Chitwan National Park and head into the Himalayas. Enroute, we pass glacial rapids and towering mountains draped in dense jungle on our way to Pokhara. Our journey displays the natural beauty of Nepal and how the commanding Himalayas shape life in this absorbing part of the world.

Picture-perfect Pokhara benefits from a prime position among forested hills backdropped by shining Himalayan summits, including the impressive Annapurna range. One of this peaceful city's many charms is its location on the shore of the freshwater Lake Phewa, which reflects the nearby mountains in its deep green waters. Our hotel for two nights is a spectacular 5-Star lodge complex on the banks of Lake Phewa, surrounded by stunning panoramic views of mountains and water.

There is free time after checking in to bask in the glorious vistas and savour the sense of serenity in this scenic and sacred destination. Later this evening, we gather in the hotel restaurant for dinner together.

An early start takes us to Sarangkot for an awe-inspiring way to welcome the day. Here, we witness a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the sun rise over the snow-capped Annapurna range, including the prominent Machhapuchhare, or Fishtail Mountain. Watching shimmering peaks bathed in the first light of the day and multi-hued layers of mountains being revealed out of the darkness is spellbinding.

After breakfast at our hotel, we embark on a guided tour of beautiful Pokhara. At the Gurkha Memorial Museum, we learn about the lives of soldiers and have the chance to chat to a former British Army Gurkha. Our tour continues at Bindhyabasini Temple, the oldest in Pokhara, and the timeless Old Bazaar. At a Tibetan settlement, we learn about the lives and culture of displaced people from the annexed region. There is then free time to lunch independently.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a scenic cruise across tranquil Lake Phewa, admiring the panoramic views of lofty mountains and the forested slopes of Anadu Hill surrounding us. Dinner is back at our lakeside hotel this evening.

There is a free day after breakfast today for you to explore Pokhara at your own pace. You could drink in the remarkable views across the Annapurna Massif, Pokhara and Lake Phewa from Shanti Stupa at the top of Anadu Hill. Built in 1973 by Japanese Buddhist monks as part of a series of shrines to world peace during the Cold War. Standing 115 feet tall, this two-tiered white pagoda displays four statues of the Buddha from different countries. There are two ways to reach the stupa, including by taxi direct from Pokhara. Alternatively, take a local boat across Lake Phewa and pick up a walking trail to the summit, enjoying a stroll through beautiful woodland for about an hour. There are a number of other trails in the area, including near our hotel.

Lake Phewa acts as a focal point for daily life in Pokhara and a stroll along its shore reveals many attractive sights and beautiful views, including of the Tal Barahi Temple - a Hindu shrine on an island that can be reached by boat. There are many cafés and restaurants near to the lakeshore and you are free to sample them for lunch and dinner today.

Waking up in charming Pokhara, we enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving back to Kathmandu. Our journey passes through bustling outposts squeezed between the Trishuli river valley and the lush, jungle-carpeted mountains it winds between. Our windows onto rural Nepalese life reveal snapshots of traders selling fresh, exotic fruits and craftspeople hard at work. Waterfalls and bridges dot our route as the sun casts a multi-hued light over the surrounding peaks.

Enroute, we stop for lunch before checking back into our 4-Star hotel in the Nepalese capital. On arrival, there is free time to relax and maybe enjoy the hotel's rooftop pool.

Afterwards, we gather together for a farewell dinner in the hotel's restaurant, where we can begin to look back on our wonderful time in fascinating and friendly Nepal.

Our fantastic exploration of India and Nepal comes to an end today as we transfer to Kathmandu airport this morning, with a picnic breakfast provided by the hotel.

Flying back to London Heathrow via Doha, Qatar, we can recall the many incredible highlights of this amazing holiday that saw us travel overland from gleaming Amritsar to sacred Varanasi, before flying to Nepal and exploring this fascinating Himalayan country. Enroute, we marvelled at iconic sights such as the Golden Temple and Agra's astounding Taj Mahal. Guided tours showcased the delights of Delhi and Lucknow, while we witnessed Varanasi's spiritual ceremonies during a cruise on the Ganges.

Nepal revealed holy temples and breathtaking mountain views, including sunrise over Annapurna, as well as the charms of vibrant Kathmandu, lakeside Pokhara and historic Bandipur.

Landing in London, we say a fond farewell to our Tour Manager and fellow travellers, with whom we have shared these unforgettable experiences that will live long in the memory.