Overnight international flight to New Delhi.

Upon arrival and airport reception, transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Here see Red Fort, recognized as the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk; the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars.


Also visit Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Chandni Chowk, and the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial center of Delhi in the old time; see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts, and Raj Ghat. Raj Ghat has a simple memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948. A commemorative ceremony is held here every Friday. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, was also cremated to the north of the memorial at Shanti Van (Forest of Peace). The area is now a beautiful park laden with trees. The Zinat-ul Masjid (Most Beautiful of Mosques) towers over the Raj Ghat.


After the metro ride continue to visit New Delhi where two monuments from Delhi's past - Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb – will be visited. In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. Humayun's tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun's wife, took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The emperor's wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the structure is the first of its kind built in the centre of a well-planned garden. The combination of white marble and red sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecture. It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.


The drive meanders along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate. At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an Arc-de-Triomphe like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the North-western Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The Presidential House is a palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, originally as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen and the Parliament House.
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The area around the Taj Mahal is a protected area and the parking is approximately one kilometer away from the monument. Here, disembark and board battery buses to the Taj.


That magnificent monument of love - The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori.


In the impressive Agra Fort, stroll through the chambers of this royal residence. Driving through the city, witness the local life and bazaars and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Agra Fort is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort is often described as a walled palatial city and as the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travellers and the highest dignitaries who made history in India.
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Fatehpur Sikri was the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them.


As one enters Sikri from the Agra Gate, one of the nine gateways on the way to the palace complex, Diwan-I-Aam, or the hall of public audience appears first. It is a huge rectangular walled-in courtyard where petitions were heard, proclamations were made, ambassadors were received and entertainment programs were held. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.


The Amber Fort was originally built by the Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as Gatta Rani or Queen of the Pass. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands today was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar's army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers, in 1592. The initial structure of the fort was entirely completed by his descendant, Jai Singh I. Amber was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II.


The sound and light show at the Fort was scripted by the noted lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar for which superstar Amitabh Bachchan will lend his baritone. The one-hour show, which will be in English, will blend the visual splendor of a light show with the gripping historical narrative surrounding the Amber Fort's history.
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This morning return to the Amber Fort for a half day excursion. Strolling through the magnificent rooms and chambers, observe the various intricate ivory, mirror and glass work. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that will begin at the City Palace Museum, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726), and great photographic opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds – a spectacular five storied, honeycomb styled building exemplifying superb Rajput artistry.


Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) of an evening elephant safari. After a chance to feed these gentle creatures, ride upon their backs through a private jungle area, passing many villages, fields, and a medieval fortress as the sun sets. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.
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Drive approximately 5 hours to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After a morning at leisure, begin an afternoon tour of the city. Exploring the second largest city of Rajasthan, first visit the Mehangarh Fort. Within its great walls (which remain scarred from cannon balls), meander through its impressive courtyards and many small palaces.
Of these, the most notable palaces to visit are Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. Then, visit the fort’s museum, which hosts a fine selection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Stroll to the top of the fort for great photographic views of the sprawling Blue City that lies below. Then visit the spectacular Jaswant Thada, a pure white marble memorial built to commemorate Maharaja Singh II.


Note: Yampu recommends a Jeep Safari to the nearby Guda Bishnoi Village (at added cost) to experience a sense of tribal India comes highly recommended. 25 kilometers outside of Jodhpur, find the Bishnoi community, a group of faithful worshipers of nature and the sanctity of plant and animal life. A natural desert oasis, this is a great place to experience the customs of tribal life and enjoy its beautiful natural surroundings.
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Awake early for a ground transfer through the Thar Desert and to the city of Jaisalmer. This is approximately a 5-6 hour drive. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

This morning, embark on a tour of Jaisalmer. The first stop is the golden hued fort, a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 meter high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis, three beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.


Gadsisar Lake: A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular variety of birds. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.


Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right wings of the mansion which were carved by two brothers are not identical but very similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.


Patwon-ki-Haveli: The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
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Transfer to Jodhpur by ground for a flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. For a relaxing afternoon, take some time to explore the jumbled streets of the old city, go shopping, or walk along the shoreline of Pichola Lake.

This morning, begin by visiting the City Palace Museum. The museum preserves the architectural extravagance of the palace; the granite and marble balconies, lavish arches and cupolas, and octagonal towers that offer fine views of the surrounding lake and city. Adjacent to the north entrance, visit the Jagdish Temple. Lavishly designed and enshrined with stone images of Krishna, this is celebrated as the city’s largest temple. Then, visit Sahelion Ki Bari, a remarkable garden once designed for the royal ladies of the palace.
Later in the afternoon, relax on a boat cruise upon the serene Lake Pichola. See the fascinating Jagmandir Island Palace. Before returning to the hotel, there will be time to peruse through the open air markets that sprawl behind the City Palace.


Note: Yampu recommends a tour of the Crystal Gallery (price not included), which displays a breathtaking collection of crystal items, including tables, sofa sets, dressers, fountains and even beds comes highly recommended. Also offered is horseback riding (price not included) through the peaceful nature and stunning landscape outside of the city. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
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Depending on departure time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for the night.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Leh. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to begin acclimating to the altitude. Leh is situated at 3520 meters (11548 feet) above sea level.

Today, explore the lovely Saboo Valley and its rural landscape on foot, learning about the Ladakhi way of life. Then enjoy lunch and visit a traditional Ladakhi house where there will be an opportunity to sample "butter tea" and/or "chang" (barley beer). Continue from there to Leh for a tour of the city. Start with a visit Leh Palace, which was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. The palace has 9 stories, part of which is in ruin, and some of the sections display fine traces of Ladakhi architecture. After visiting the palace, take a short walk to the Ladakh Arts & Media Organization Center (LAMO), passing amazing old houses on the way.


The center is housed in one of the most important heritage houses, Munshi (Togoche) House, which is situated at the foot of Leh Palace. Following a tour of the house, there will be a short presentation by a Ladakhi scholar on the architectural heritage of the Old City. Enjoy a view of the Old City from the terrace of the Munshi House sipping Ladakhi tea and enjoying light snacks. The Heritage exploration continues from the Munshi House through the old city, and ends in the bazaar.
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Morning excursion to the Spituk and Phyang Monasteries. Situated atop a hill near the Indus, the Spituk Monastery lies just 18 kilometers from Leh. It was founded in the 11th century by Od-De, the eldest brother of Lha Lama Changchub-od. The monastery was then named Spituk by the Gompa when a translator came to declare that an exemplary religious community would rise here. Initially belonging to the Kadampa school, it then fell under the Gayluk Pa order under King Gragspa Bumide.
Likewise, the Phyang Monastery belongs to the Dingung order and was founded in the 15th century by Chosje Danma Kunja Dragpa. Also going by the name of Tashi Chosang, this monastery marks the first established teachings of the Dingung in Ladakh. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
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After breakfast depart for the Shey, Thiskey and Hemis Monasteries. Shey Monastery is set up on a hill, and the monastery has a two-story statue of the sitting Buddha wrought of copper and gold. Continue from there to the Thiksey Monastery, which site upon a crag overlooking the flood plains of the Indus River and offers amazing panoramic views of the Indus Valley. The monastery was part of the original Gelupa Order in the 15th century and remains one of the most imposing monasteries in the region. It houses beautiful tankas and there are 60 resident lamas.


Next, head to Hemis Monastery, which is located in a hidden gorge and surrounded by spectacular green mountain scenery. Hemis Monastery is the largest monastery in Ladakh. It contains quite a few gold statues and stupas decorated with precious stones, as well as incredible collections of tankas, including the largest tanka in existence. Return to Leh in the late afternoon.
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Depending on the departure time, spend the day at leisure. Then transfer to the airport for a connection to New Delhi and flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.


Note: Check out of the hotel is at 12 pm. Late check out may be available directly at the hotel subject to availability. Regardless, store luggage at the hotel until departure for the airport.