Rajasthan's Desert Kingdoms, the Taj Mahal, and the Sacred Himalayan Valley of Kathmandu
Sixteen days that pair the full breadth of Rajasthan with a genuinely different closing chapter across the border in Nepal — a single journey spanning painted desert havelis, living forts, the world's most celebrated monument, and the temple-filled Kathmandu Valley beneath the Himalaya.
A note on the published itinerary: the original listing for this tour contained three different duration figures in three different places — the page heading said '16 Days', the introductory text described a '13-day journey', and the stated duration field read '12 Nights/13 Days' — while the actual night-by-night breakdown (Delhi 2N, Mandawa 1N, Bikaner 1N, Jaisalmer 1N, Sam Dunes 1N, Jodhpur 1N, Udaipur 2N, Jaipur 2N, Agra 1N, Kathmandu 3N) totals 15 nights and 16 days. We have built this page around that itemised, verifiable breakdown — the figure the original page's own heading agreed with — rather than the shorter, inconsistent numbers found elsewhere in the listing.
The Rajasthan portion follows our well-proven desert circuit: Mandawa's Shekhawati frescoes, Bikaner's Junagarh Fort, Jaisalmer's living fort, a night camped at the Sam Sand Dunes, Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort, two days on Udaipur's lakes, and two days of Jaipur's royal heritage, before the Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra.
From Agra, a flight to Kathmandu opens an entirely different three-day chapter: Pashupatinath Temple, one of Hinduism's holiest Shiva shrines, the UNESCO World Heritage Durbar Square, the hilltop Swayambhunath Stupa (the 'Monkey Temple'), and — on a clear day — distant Himalayan views that bring this cross-border journey to a fittingly spiritual close.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to India! Transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free to explore Connaught Place or simply settle in after your flight.
A full day across Old and New Delhi. The Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb — three of the city's most significant UNESCO and historic sites.
Drive to Mandawa (170 km, ~4 hrs), the heart of the Shekhawati region's open-air fresco gallery. Afternoon walking tour: Goenka Double Haveli and Murmuria Haveli, their facades depicting deities, royal processions, and early motor cars painted by artists who had only heard them described.
Drive to Bikaner (190 km, ~4 hrs). Junagarh Fort, built on flat ground and never successfully captured. Optional excursion to the Karni Mata 'Rat Temple' at Deshnoke.
Drive to Jaisalmer (330 km, ~6 hrs). Evening: explore Jaisalmer Fort, one of the few 'living forts' in the world, where homes, shops, and temples still operate within its golden sandstone walls.
Morning: Patwon ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli, intricately carved merchant mansions. Afternoon: drive to the Sam Sand Dunes (42 km, ~1 hr) for a camel trek across the dunes at sunset, followed by folk music and dinner at a desert camp under an exceptionally starry sky.
A peaceful desert sunrise before checkout. Drive to Jodhpur (285 km, ~5.5 hrs). Afternoon: Mehrangarh Fort, rising 125 metres on a sheer rock face, widely regarded as India's most dramatic fort.
Drive south through the Aravalli hills to Udaipur (250 km, ~5 hrs), stopping at Ranakpur's extraordinary Jain temple, its interior supported by over 1,400 intricately carved marble pillars, no two alike.
A full day in the City of Lakes. The City Palace complex, a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola past the floating Lake Palace, and the formal gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari.
Drive to Jaipur (395 km, ~7 hrs). Check in. Evening at leisure to explore the old walled city's bazaars.
A full day in the Pink City. Amber Fort by jeep, the City Palace, and the iconic Hawa Mahal. Evening: folk dance, puppet shows, and a traditional Rajasthani dinner at Chokhi Dhani village.
Drive to Agra (240 km, ~5 hrs). Check in. Evening: visit the Taj Mahal grounds for sunset views, ahead of tomorrow's sunrise visit.
Rise early for the Taj Mahal at dawn — soft light, fewer crowds, and the most celebrated view in India. Visit Agra Fort. Drive to Delhi (200 km, ~3.5–4 hrs) and transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu (~1.5 hrs). Arrive and check in to your hotel in the Nepalese capital.
Pashupatinath Temple — one of the holiest Shiva shrines in Hinduism, on the banks of the Bagmati River, with cremation ghats and a constant flow of pilgrims and sadhus. Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage) — the ceremonial heart of the former royal city, with palaces, courtyards, and temples dating back several centuries.
Swayambhunath Stupa — a 2,000-year-old Buddhist site on a hilltop above the city, affectionately nicknamed the 'Monkey Temple', with panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley and, on clear days, distant Himalayan peaks. Boudhanath Stupa — one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and a major centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture, with prayer wheels and fluttering flags encircling its base.
A relaxed final morning — perhaps a last walk through Thamel's bazaars for Nepalese handicrafts, pashmina, or prayer flags. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward departure. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 15 nights accommodation in handpicked hotels & one desert camp
- ✓ Daily breakfast throughout; dinner on Sam Dunes & Jaipur nights
- ✓ International flight, Delhi to Kathmandu
- ✓ Private air-conditioned vehicle for all road transfers & sightseeing in India
- ✓ Local guide & vehicle for all sightseeing in Kathmandu
- ✓ Sunset camel trek & overnight desert camp at Sam Sand Dunes
- ✓ All monument, fort, haveli & temple entry fees in both countries
- ✓ Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
- ✓ Chokhi Dhani village evening experience
- ✓ All applicable taxes
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International flights to / from Delhi or Kathmandu (excluding the Delhi-Kathmandu flight, which is included)
- ✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ✗ Nepal visa fees (available on arrival for most nationalities)
- ✗ Lunches throughout
- ✗ Camera fees at monuments (nominal)
- ✗ Personal expenses & shopping
- ✗ Gratuities for driver-guides
Your questions, answered
We found three different figures in the original page: the heading said '16 Days', the introduction described a '13-day journey', and the stated duration field read '12 Nights/13 Days'. Only the heading matched the actual night-by-night breakdown once every destination is counted (Delhi 2N + Mandawa 1N + Bikaner 1N + Jaisalmer 1N + Sam Dunes 1N + Jodhpur 1N + Udaipur 2N + Jaipur 2N + Agra 1N + Kathmandu 3N = 15 nights, 16 days). We've built this page around that verified, itemised total rather than the shorter, inconsistent figures found elsewhere in the original listing.
Yes — Nepal requires its own visa, separate from your Indian visa. Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, paid in cash or card (USD is widely accepted). We recommend checking current requirements for your specific nationality before travel, as policies can change.
Three days allows a good, unhurried introduction to Kathmandu's core UNESCO World Heritage sites — Pashupatinath, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath — without feeling rushed. If you would like more time, particularly to add a mountain flight for closer Himalayan views or an excursion to Bhaktapur or Patan's own Durbar Squares, we can extend this section by 1-2 days; please let us know when booking.
October to March is ideal — comfortable temperatures (15–28°C), clear skies, and the best conditions for sightseeing, fort treks, and wildlife safaris. April–June brings intense heat (up to 45°C); July–September is monsoon, with some relief from the heat but reduced safari access in the tiger reserves.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, swap destinations, change hotel categories, or add extensions. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will redesign the itinerary for you at no obligation.
We include carefully selected 4-star and 5-star hotels throughout — heritage havelis, palace hotels, and well-appointed properties near the wildlife reserves, all personally vetted by our team. Upgrades to palace hotels or luxury tented camps are available on request.
Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days and costs $25–$80 USD depending on your nationality. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
