During your voyage, enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations in small, private groups, with knowledgeable guides to help you discover off –the-beaten- path gems.
On this extensive program, explore the key attractions in and around Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu, many of them World Heritage Sites, including temples, royal cities and other architectural treasures.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Day 1 – Monday, April 25, 2022
After clearing immigration and customs in Myanmar, you will transfer to the airport and fly to Bangkok. A snack with refreshments is served aloft.
Upon arrival, you will be assisted for a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Snacks with refreshments is served onboard.
Home to eight of the world’s 10 tallest peaks, the tiny kingdom of Nepal is ringed by the Himalayas. It is a land of contrasts, harboring a wealth of Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture. Nepal’s colorful capital city Kathmandu reflects 2,000 years of peaceful co-existence and exudes a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, which is distinctly Nepalese in character.
Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be helped with visa issuance and baggage collection.
NOTE: Please have on hand, US $30 cash per person and 1 passport sized photo for the Nepal Visa, which will be collected by Tour Manager in flight.
You will then have a short transfer to the Dwarika’s Hotel. Described as a “living, breathing museum, displaying Nepal’s best craftsmanship from the 13th Century,” the hotel rooms and public areas reflect medieval architectural traditions. Every brick is handmade, every piece of wood original and centuries old.
Nepal has eight World Heritage sites and has won two Heritage Awards, one for the city of Bhaktapur and the other for the Dwarika’s Hotel, where you will spend the evening. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 2 – Tuesday, April 26, 2022
After breakfast, drive to visit Patan, one of three royal cities in the valley. Commissioned by India’s great emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century, this World Heritage Site within four stupas is known as the City of Fine Arts.
The temples around the main square are impressive as is the Patan Museum, which is housed within a picturesque palace setting. In an international campaign by UNESCO for safeguarding monuments in Kathmandu Valley, the Austrian government joined hands with Nepal to restore and preserve Patan.
Newari architectural style blossomed in the form of temples, palaces, residences and squares between the 12th and 18th centuries, representing a timelessness in Nepalese architecture and its definitive characteristics, often guided by religious and socio-cultural norms.
You will enjoy a cup of tea in a 150-year-old restored Newari home. Its ground level is for daily activities and storage, while the floors above contain living spaces and bedrooms. The top floor serves as the family shrine and cooking and dining area.
You will see Patan’s Living Goddess, who typically acknowledges greetings of devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Known as kumaris, Nepal’s living goddesses live in seclusion and rarely speak in public.
After a private audience with the goddess, lunch is at the Patan Museum Café.
Another feature in Patan is its Singing Bowl workshops. According to the oral traditions, singing bowls were brought to Nepal from India in the 8th century along with Buddha’s teachings. The Nepalese were expert bronze makers which allowed them to perfect these bowls which are commonly used as a tool for meditation. The beautiful rich tones the bowls produce are thought to help achieve a state of deep relaxation.
Also visit the Thangka Painting Studio, which renowned artist Lok Chitrakar founded. The sacred art form of Thangkas is a visual interpretation of Buddhist and Hindu philosophies that date from before the 7th century C.E.
There’s time for individual exploration before you depart for Durbar Marg, Kathmandu’s main avenue. Enjoy drinks and dinner at local favorite Sam’s One Tree Café. You will then transfer back to the Dwarikas hotel for the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 3 - Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Early in the morning, you will transfer to the airport for a flight-seeing excursion, soaring over glacier-clad, cloud-shrouded peaks and other landscapes around Mount Everest (weather permitting). Afterwards, you will return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will drive to the World Heritage city of Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur. Founded in the 9th century, Bhaktapur, also known as the City of Devotees, is revered for its medieval art and architecture. As you meander around Durbar Square, you will see the 55 Window Palace and Nyatapola temple, considered to be the finest example of Pagoda-style architecture.
Following lunch at Kathmandu’s popular Chez Caroline Restaurant, you will return to the hotel.
Later, you will visit the great Stupa at Bodhnath, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Constructed in the 14th century, the stupa is built on an octagonal base, inset with prayer wheels. Bodhnath is also a center of the Tibetan community in Nepal. Visit a nearby monastery in this settlement for an interaction with a senior monk or High Lama.
You will then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu temples and a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the god Shiva. Situated within a natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple features a pagoda style, a gilded roof and a richly carved silver door.
After watching the Aarti prayer offering ceremony at the temple, you will return to the hotel to spend the evening. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 4 – Thursday, April 28, 2022
After tea, coffee and juices, transfer to the International airport for the flight to Delhi. Breakfast is served onboard. Upon arrival at the Delhi airport, complete immigration & custom formalities and drive to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway.
Arrive Agra and check-in to the acclaimed Oberoi Amarvilas hotel with uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. Its classical architecture is complemented by elaborate Mughal gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions.
A late lunch is served at the hotel.
Agra, the city of Taj Mahal was one of the grand cities of South Asia. With the arrival of the Mughals in 1526 led by Babur, Agra entered a completely new era during the reign of emperors Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it a great center for learning, art, commerce and culture. Its cosmopolitan bazaars and its strategic location on the river Jamuna, was altogether a worthier setting for the focus of an empire.
Here you will visit the Taj Mahal at sunset, the monument appearing to change its hue, tinted by the glow of the setting sun. The Taj Mahal, with its incredible lacy white grandeur is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. In memory of his wife, the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan planned this most extravagant and incomparable monument built for love. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close-up detail, which is really astounding.
Back at your hotel, enjoy the classical dance form of Kathak in the ballroom, along with wine, beer and soft drinks. Dinner follows the dance performance.
This Mughal Court dance arose from the fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultures during the Mughal era, characterized by rhythmic footwork, spectacular spins, mime and gestures that are a dramatic representation of themes from Persian poetry synthesized with Hindu mythology.
Day 5: Friday, April 29, 2022
After an early breakfast, checkout and drive back to the Delhi airport. On arrival, receive your boarding passes and proceed through security for the flight to Cochin. Lunch is served aloft.
Upon arrival in Cochin, transfer to the pier where you will re-board the ship.
Overland Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations beyond our control. All program details, including timings and flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Destination Services will provide a final itinerary with up-to-date details once you board the ship. Please review the final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1 - timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once
confirmed
6:00am After completing immigration and custom formalities, transfer to the Yangon airport
7:30am Arrive at the airport and complete check-in formalities, receive boarding passes and proceed through security
10:30am Depart Yangon by Bangkok Airways flight # PG 702 for Bangkok (Flight details subject to change)
– A snack with refreshments is served on board
12:30pm Arrive Bangkok and proceed to complete check-in, immigration and other formalities for the
flight to Kathmandu
5:00pm Depart for Kathmandu (flight details TBA and subject to change) – Light snack served onboard
7:15pm Arrive Kathmandu. Meet at immigration, assistance with visa issuance
(US $30 per person and 1 passport photo required) customs and transfer to your hotel
8:00pm Arrive at your hotel and check in
8:30pm Dinner is at the hotel
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar hotel
Day 2
7:30am Breakfast in the Toran Restaurant
9:30am Transfer to Patan
10:15am Visit Patan; its Museum, Main Square and ancient temples, private Newari House and Living Goddess
1:30pm Arrive at Patan Museum Cafe for lunch
3:00pm Visit the Singing Bowl workshop and Thangka Paining School.
4:00pm Gather and transfer to Thamel
4:30pm Arrive and walk around with our guide
5:30pm Transfer to Kathmandu’s Main Avenue
5:45pm Drinks and dinner at Sam’s One Tree Café or similar
7:30pm Return to Dwarikas hotel in Kathmandu
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar hotel
Day 3
5:30am Tea and coffee served in the lobby before transferring to the airport
6:00 am Transfer to the domestic terminal
6:15am Arrive, receive boarding passes and proceed to security before boarding the aircraft
6:45am Depart on an hour’s flightseeing (weather permitting) to the Everest Region, featuring Mt. Everest
and other legendry Himalayan peaks
7:45am Return to Kathmandu Airport and transfer back to Dwarikas
From 8am Breakfast in the Dwarikas Courtyard
9:30am Proceed to visit Bhadgaon City (Bhaktapur) and later walk around its
Durbar Square to see the Palace of 55 windows and Nyatapola temple
12:00pm Lunch at the Chez Caroline restaurant
1:30pm Return to the hotel
3:30pm Depart for Bodhnath Stupa
3:45pm Arrive and visit Bodhnath Stupa followed by time for individual exploration
5:00pm Visit the nearby Tibetan Monastery & have a private audience with a senior Monk or the High
Lama
5:45pm Depart Bodhnath for Pashupatinath temple
6:15pm Visit Pashupatinath and witness the Aarti Ceremony (Evening Prayer Ritual)
7:00pm Dinner is at the hotel
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar hotel
Day 4 - timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once
confirmed
Early Tea, coffee & juices are served prior to departure
5:45am Check-in bags are picked up from rooms and transferred to the airport for a pre-check-in
6:00am Checkout and transfer to the International Airport for the flight to Delhi (flight details TBA and subject to change)
6:30am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes before proceeding to immigration & security
9:00am Flight departs for Delhi – Breakfast is served onboard
10:15am Arrive Delhi, pass through immigration & customs and drive to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway
2:00 pm Arrive Agra and check-in to your hotel
2:30 pm Buffet lunch is served at the hotel
4:00 pm Comprehensive visit of the Taj Mahal followed by the sunset experience
7:00 pm Return to the hotel
7:30 pm Classical ‘Kathak’ dance performance followed by dinner
Overnight in Agra at the Oberoi Amarvilas or similar hotel
Day 5 - timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once
confirmed
From 6:00am Breakfast at the hotel
7:00am Checkout and drive to Delhi airport
10:30am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security
11:50am Depart Delhi and fly to Cochin. Lunch is served aloft
Flight details TBA and subject to change
2:55pm Arrive Cochin and transfer to the pier
A separate van transports luggage to the pier
5:00pm Arrive at the pier and re-board your ship
Expected Weather:
Days are expected to be pleasant and sunny. The average daytime temperatures are around 20°C or 68°F whereas the minimum temperatures are about 10°C or 50°F in Kathmandu. However, the early mornings and evenings can sometimes get a bit chilly so it’s best to carry a light sweater or jacket. In India, the day would be warm with temperatures between 35 to 20°C.
What to Bring:
Casual wear for the day. Also, important is sun block, hat, shades and comfortable walking shoes. As the Taj Mahal is also a mausoleum there are certain religious customs to be observed. As a token of respect, it is customary to remove your footwear before entering. Avoid spaghetti straps and short shorts for ladies – knee length shorts are okay for ladies and gents.
Currency:
Nepali Rupees and Indian Rupees. The hotels have an exchange facility.
Electricity:
Nepal has a 230-volt, 50-hertz cycle power supply and 2-pin cylindrical sockets and plugs. However, the rooms are fitted with the necessary adaptors
Aircraft type (subject to change):
Bangkok Airways – Airbus 320/Boeing 757
Nepal Airlines – Airbus 320/Boeing 757
Go Air – Airbus A 320
Flightseeing tour – ATR, Yeti Airlines, 35 seats
Upgrades not available
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights in India (as per Airline regulations):
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least 1 month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations will result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Luggage information:
On internal flights, check-in bags are not to weigh more than 15kg (33 lbs) and the carry-ons are max of 7 kgs (15 lbs)
Documents and Visa Requirements:
It is essential to have a single entry valid Indian Visa for the trip obtained in advance
*Nepal visa will be issued on arrival – all guests will be required to have US $30 cash per person and 1 passport photo for this Visa
Accommodation:
Dwarikas’ Hotel
Battisputali Kathmandu, Nepal, P.O. Box: 459,
Phone: (977-1) 4479488
Oberoi Amarvilas
Taj East Gate Road
Agra – 282001
Phone: (+91-562) 2231515
Program Includes:
•3 nights at the Dwarika’s, Kathmandu in Heritage Deluxe rooms
•1 night at the Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra in Premier rooms
•All meals inclusive of mineral water, sodas, beers & house-wines
•Transfers and sightseeing in Nepal & Agra as indicated in the itinerary using an air-conditioned coach with local English-speaking guide
•Mineral water and sodas will be provided in the vehicles
•Mountain flightseeing
•Scheduled flights from Yangon to Bangkok to Kathmandu and Kathmandu to Delhi to Cochin all in economy class (upgrades not available)
•Entrance fees and camera charges at monuments
•The services of our Tour Manager to accompany the group from Yangon until Cochin
•Kathak dance performance in Agra
Not Included:
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights
•Multiple entry Indian Visa
•Nepal visa (to be purchased upon arrival by each guest in Nepal)
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
