Majestic wildlife of India and Nepal

Spend your days in this fascinating city exploring cultural landmarks such as the 18th century Kumari Ghar Palace and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Durbar Square. You have our top recommendations for activities, restaurants and shopping so that you can make the most of your time here. If you would like us to organise your time here with a privately-guided tour, according your interests, we can do so.

Nepalese cuisine is a blend of Indian and Tibetan influences and is simple, subtle and satisfying. Enjoy a traditional Nepali-themed dinner and get to know Nepalese flavours.

Early this morning you'll be transferred to Kathmandu's domestic airport to board your private helicopter and enjoy a scenic flight over the Himalayas, soaring above gorges, glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of this majestic mountain range. The helicopter will make a stop at a selected location, allowing you to enjoy, photograph and savour the breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the majestic peaks that surround it.

Today your private guide will meet you and transfer you to three impressive Nepalese sights: Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Bhaktapur. The stunning half dome of Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest in the world. Your fascinating guided tour which will teach you about modern Buddhist life in Kathmandu, and there will be the chance for you to light butter lamps. Then explore two of the most incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bhaktapur and Pashupatinath. One of the holiest temples in the Hindu religion, Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the three main gods in Hinduism. Your final stop is Bhaktapur, one of the three ancient cities within the Kathmandu Valley. Compared with other royal cities in Patan and Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is the most original and without a doubt the most historically authentic. Try your hand at pottery and make a customised pot to take home as a souvenir.

Spend your days discovering the rich wildlife of Chitwan National Park. Delve deep into the jungle on exciting treks, canoe tours and jeep safaris. Our expert travel designers can arrange an array of tailor-made tours for your time here.

Take some time to visit Chitwan's elephant breeding centre and bathing site to learn more about these majestic creatures.

Enjoy your breakfast overlooking the river before embarking on an exciting jungle trip. You'll cross the Rapti River by boat before beginning a jeep safari which will take you from the open grassland, to the riverine forest, the dense Sal Forest and then across the Reu River. Look out for the varied wildlife in the park as well as aquatic birds. Later, you will be driven to a point from where you will take a canoe trip down the serene river, with the opportunity to spot more of the diverse animals and birds that call the park home. End the day with sundowners on the banks of the Rapti River.

Today, you'll take a short walk before being brought on a memorable bullock cart ride to experience first hand how the locals live in the village. Your guide will brief you along the way about the important social and cultural aspects of what you see around you and life in the village.

Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It rests on a hillock 3km towards the western edge of Kathmandu and is one of the most important and the most sacred Buddhist shrines in Nepal. Legend has it that when Kathmandu Valley was a lake 2000 years ago, a single lotus flower grew at the centre of the lake. When Saint Manjushree, the Bodhisatva, drained the lake with a single slash of his sword, the lotus settled on top of a hill and magically turned into a stupa. Thus Swayambhunath is also known as a self-created stupa.

This afternoon, your expert guide will take you to visit a local vegetable and spice market in Ason, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kathmandu's Durbar Square. The square is in fact the plaza in front of the old royal palace and is surrounded with the spectacular elaborately-carved wooden architecture of Newar artists. If you're lucky, you might just get a glimpse of the Kumari or "Living Goddess", a prepubescent girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. You can also take a rickshaw ride to Thamel, a popular tourist hub.

It has graced the pages of books for centuries but nothing quite prepares you for seeing the Taj Mahal for the very fist time. The ultimate symbol of eternal love, this is one of India's most memorable and emotive sights. The Taj Mahal sits on the banks of the holy Yamuna River within 42 acres of beautiful gardens. The domed mausoleum sits 52m above the river bank, surrounded by minarets on all four sides. It is flanked by a mosque and a guest house, both made from red sandstone and mirror images of each other. There is no denying that the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is one of the main reasons people visit Agra. However, it’s well worth lingering to explore the city’s magnificent fort that lies just 3km to the west.

As the light changes, so too does the colour of the Taj Mahal. One of the best times to visit is in the early hours when it is bathed in the ethereal glow of the morning light.

Just a few kilometres from the Taj Mahal sits the impressive Agra Fort, where the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son. Here you will see the art and crafting of the white marble that has made the area so famous, the Pearl Mosque and the Halls of Public and Private Audience.

En route to Ranthambore, you may like to visit the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after just 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, the Panch Mahal and other palaces.

With its population brought back from the brink late last century to over 50 by 2015, Ranthambore’s tiger density makes it one of the most popular places to get close to these remarkable animals. Ranthambore’s forest is also alive with the alarm calls of chital and sambar deer, galloping nilgai, leopard, striped hyena, loping sloth bears and wild boar. The lakes are also brimming with crocodile and a huge draw for some 272 species of bird.

Located in the southeastern corner of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is perhaps the most famous place to spot wild tigers in India - and for good reason. You'll drive through the park in search of these beautiful and awe inspiring creatures with an expert guide who knows the park and its big cats like the back of their hand. As well as being a top tiger spotting destination, Ranthambore is a beautiful park to explore with the 10th-century fort towering over the surrounding plain, its crenellations now sun loungers for Hanuman langurs looking down onto the lakes below. The rest of the park’s jungle is littered with ancient temple ruins, often a favoured rest stop for wandering tigers.

Spend some time relaxing at this charming family owned palace. Whether relaxing by the pool, exploring the grounds and its working farm or perhaps boating out on the lake, life is unhurried here. In the morning, take a walk around the lake and do some bird-watching. There are thought to be over 180 different species of birds in the area.

Explore this remote corner of Rajasthan on a variety of beguiling activities. Morning and evening you, will be taken out to track leopard with the camp’s experienced trackers and drivers, travelling in customised 4x4 safari jeeps. While taking the jeep drives and other than searching for leopards, you will see what is known in the India as “Gaudhuli” or the cow dust hour, a name which is result of the dust raised by cattle leaving or returning home at this hour. It is a magical time to be out in the countryside. Sunrise and Sunset are considered auspicious times in India, and as you drive through the village you will see small rituals performed to welcome in the night and to ward off the dark spirits, a rare opportunity to see life in rural India. There are 170 species of birds here including flamingos to spot and you can take strolls with the local shepherds or more challenging treks. You can also visit nearby temples and forts, take mountain bikes out to discover the landscape or relax with yoga sessions in wonderfully secluded locations.

Head out on a 4x4 jeep with experienced trackers and drivers to track the area's elusive leopards. You will also get to experience "gaudhuli" or the cow dust hour, named for the dust raised by cattle. Sunrise and sunset are considered auspicious times in India, and as you drive through the village you will see some of the small rituals that are performed to welcome in the night and ward off dark spirits.

Drive south to Udaipur, stopping en route at village of Ranakpur to see its renowned marble Jain temple, said to be the most spectacular and intricate of the Jain temples, followed by lunch nearby. You can also choose to stop for a walk in the charming village of Delwara and visit the temples at Eklingi.

The scenic city of Udaipur sits surrounded on all sides by the wooded Aravalli Hills, its grand palaces reflected in serene lakes. The old city is a bustling jumble of alleys and side streets, but tranquility is never far away, be it boating on one of the lakes or a panoramic view from the hilltop Monsoon Temple. For shoppers, Udaipur’s ancient bazaars and a vibrant arts scene make it a great place to find intricate Mughal inspired miniature paintings, marble and silver craft. For those seeking some adventure, the rolling countryside outside the city can be explored on foot or horseback.

Enjoy a guided walk through the charming small township of Delwara, located north of the main centre of Udaipur. The houses are colorful, the cows plentiful and the people very warm and welcoming.

The City Palace, sat on the banks of Lake Pichola, is one of the architectural wonders of Rajasthan, its detailed art and workmanship a tribute to the skills of local craftspeople. A collection of towers, domes and arches, the Palace illustrates several architectural styles including Moghal and Rajput. The royal family claim to be 'surya vansh', descendents of the sun, and so the whole structure faces east and there is a stunning bejewelled image of the sun at the entrance. Inside the Palace there is an interesting collection of Rajput miniature paintings and the Crystal Gallery which houses an eccentric collection of art and furniture.

Enjoy wandering the old city with your guide, winding your way through lanes that teem with cows, elephants and people. You'll pass shops, folk art hung on the walls of houses and pretty latticed haveli windows.