INDIA  NEPAL 103 INDIA & HIMALAYAS The Road to Kathmandu Imaginative Facts Tour code: HARK • Activities: Camel safari, boat trip on the Ganges, optional jeep safari • Accommodation: 17 nights simple hotels, 2 nights heritage hotel, 1 night sleeper train, 1 night tented camp • Transport: Train, private coach, public bus, camel • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Royal Chitwan National Park Extension' DAY 1: MUMBAI ( BOMBAY) - Arrival day. DAY 2: AHMEDABAD- Early morning express train to Ahmedabad. A major attraction here is the ashram where Mahatma Gandhi lived for many years. DAYS 3 & 4: UDAIPUR- Travel to the beautiful ' White City' of Udaipur, arguably the most stunning of Rajasthani cities, situated on Lake Pichola. Take a morning tour of the intricate palaces and temples. DAY 5: JODHPUR- Drive via the Jain temples at Ranakpur to the ' Blue City' of Jodhpur. DAYS 6 & 7: JAISALMER- Morning visit to the impressive Meherangarh Fort. Cross the desert to the ' Golden City' of Jaisalmer, looming magically out of the horizon. Within the fortress walls the cobbled streets are strewn with stunning palaces and temples. DAY 8: CAMEL SAFARI- Drive into the Thar Desert to start our camel safari. We spend the night in a beautiful tented camp. DAY 9: CHANDELAO- Drive via the temple town of Osian to the small heritage hotel of Chandelao Garh. Here you can interact with the community and learn about Rajasthan. DAY 10: KHEJARLA- Morning optional jeep safari to villages near Chandelao where we will see local craftsmen at work. In the afternoon we continue to Fort Khejarla, the stunning residence of the former ruling family. DAY 11: PUSHKAR- Drive to Pushkar, a desert oasis on a holy lake. Afternoon at leisure or hike into the surrounding hills. DAYS 12 & 13: JAIPUR- A short drive to the ' Pink City' of Jaipur. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Amber Fort. The next morning enjoy an orientation tour of Jaipur with its many palaces including the famous facade of the ' Palace of Winds'. DAYS 14 & 15: AGRA- Drive to Agra via the abandoned former Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Enjoy a morning visit to the Taj Mahal. Board the sleeper train to Varanasi. DAYS 16 & 17: VARANASI- Join the pilgrims praying on the banks of the Ganges, explore the exotic temples dotted along its banks or bargain in the bazaars. The focus of this holy city are the ghats that line the riverbanks and on Day 17 we take an early morning boat trip along the Ganges to view the daily ceremonies of the pilgrims bathing. DAY 18: BHAIRAWA- Travel to the border between Nepal and India. DAYS 19- 21: KATHMANDU- Continue to Kathmandu, the exotic capital of Nepal and gateway to the Himalayas. Take a walking tour of the many temples and bazaars. DAY 22: KATHMANDU- Tour ends. Note: An amended itinerary will operate for the Pushkar Fair departure. See dossier. Through the Rajasthan desert to the Nepalese Himalayas • Visit the Rajasthani cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer • Take a boat ride along the Ganges through the ancient city of Varanasi • Take a camel safariinto the Thar Desert to a magical tented camp • Experience rural Indian life at the Pushkar oasis and remote Chandelao • Explore the temples of Kathmanduand the magnificent Taj Mahal The Best of India & Nepal Imaginative Facts Tour code: HABI • Activities: Walking, boat ride on the Ganges, optional safaris in Chitwan • Accommodation: 16 nights simple hotels, 1 night heritage hotel, 2 nights jungle lodge, 1 night overnight train • Transport: Trains, private bus, public coach • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader DAY 1: DELHI - Arrival in Delhi. DAYS 2 & 3: JAIPUR- We take the early morning express train to Jaipur, the captivating ' Pink City'. Visit the nearby fabulous Amber Fort. The city of Jaipur never fails to thrill. There are palaces ( including the famous façade of the ' Palace of Winds'), observatories, bazaars - a total riot of colour. DAY 4: MADHOGARH- Drive to Fort Madhogarh, fabulously situated atop a lone hill. We also have the opportunity to explore the nearby village for an insight into rural life. DAYS 5 & 6: AGRA- Continue to Agra via the abandoned former Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri. In Agra enjoy the Taj Mahal, a sight which will leave you breathless. DAY 7: KHAJURAHO- Early morning express train to Jhansi. From here we continue to the tiny village of Khajuraho. DAY 8: KHAJURAHO - ORCHHA-Khajuraho is known for its temples representing the finest art and architecture of mediaeval India. Every inch is covered by superb stone carvings and sculptures - sublime and sensuous at the same time depicting several themes of celestial nymphs, ascetics in penance, hunting and war scenes, group dances and royal processions. The most famous are the erotic sculptures. Nothing is left to the imagination, and you will be surprised, shocked, and impressed. We visit the Khajuraho temples in the morning and drive to Orchha in the afternoon. DAY 9: ORCHHA- During the 16th and 17th centuries this magnificent series of fort palaces and temples was the island capital of the Bundela dynasty. We have the full day to explore Orchha before we take the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. DAYS 10 & 11: VARANASI- Varanasi is the most important pilgrimage place for Hindus. The principal attraction of Varanasi is the long string of bathing ghats which line the River Ganges from which pilgrims make their sin-cleansing dip and on which bodies are cremated. Watching the religious rituals ( best at sunrise and sunset) is a unique and profound experience. Take a boat ride on the Ganges at dawn, when it is full of pilgrims and wander the chaotic, crowded but fascinating narrow lanes of this colourful city. DAY 12: BHAIRAWA- Travel to the border between Nepal and India. DAYS 13- 15: KATHMANDU- Continue to Kathmandu, the exotic capital of Nepal and gateway to the Himalayas. On Day 15 take a morning walking tour. DAYS 16 & 17: POKHARA- Drive to Pokhara, a market town in western Nepal set on a beautiful lake amid a spectacular Himalayan backdrop. Take a boat ride on the lake, hike into the hills, visit the Tibetan refugee centre or simply hire a bike and enjoy this laid back lakeside town. DAYS 18 & 19: CHITWAN- Travel to Chitwan National Park. This famous wildlife park is home to elephant, single- horned rhino, leopard and the elusive Bengal tiger amongst others. Explore the park on foot, canoe - or elephant- back! DAY 20: KATHMANDU- Back to Kathmandu. DAY 21: KATHMANDU- Tour ends. See some of the finest sites these two wonderful countries offer • Enjoy Rajasthani life in theiconic ' Pink City' of Jaipurand Fort Madhogarh • Visit the sculptures at Khajuraho, the palaces at Orchha and the Taj Mahal • Take a boat ride along the Ganges through the ancient city of Varanasi • Chance to take an elephant- back safariin Chitwan • Relax amongst the Himalayasin the lakeside town of Pokhara • Seasonal Supplement £ 45 * Pushkar Fair Supplement £ 45 Single Supplement £ 385 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 16.86 * Price includes tour price of £ 725and local payment of INR10,000All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 849pp Land Only *• Seasonal Supplement £ 45 Single Supplement £ 235 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 16.29 * Price includes tour price of £ 780and local payment of INR10,000All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 899pp Land Only * adventureradventurer Tour duration 22 daysTour duration 21 days Starts SunEnds Sun MumbaiKathmandu 2009 04- Jan- 0925- Jan- 09 18- Jan- 0908- Feb- 09 01- Feb- 0922- Feb- 09 15- Feb- 0908- Mar- 09 01- Mar- 0922- Mar- 09 15- Mar- 0905- Apr- 09 29- Mar- 0919- Apr- 09 05- Jul- 0926- Jul- 09 19- Jul- 0909- Aug- 09 02- Aug- 0923- Aug- 09 16- Aug- 0906- Sep- 09 30- Aug- 0920- Sep- 09 13- Sep- 0904- Oct- 09 27- Sep- 0918- Oct- 09 11- Oct- 0901- Nov- 09 25- Oct- 0915- Nov- 09 * 08- Nov- 0929- Nov- 09 22- Nov- 0913- Dec- 09 06- Dec- 0927- Dec- 09 • 20- Dec- 0910- Jan- 10 • * Pushkar Fair departure Starts SunEnds Sun MumbaiKathmandu 2010 03- Jan- 1024- Jan- 10 17- Jan- 1007- Feb- 10 31- Jan- 1021- Feb- 10 14- Feb- 1007- Mar- 10 28- Feb- 1021- Mar- 10 14- Mar- 1004- Apr- 10 28- Mar- 1018- Apr- 10 04- Jul- 1025- Jul- 10 18- Jul- 1008- Aug- 10 01- Aug- 1022- Aug- 10 15- Aug- 1005- Sep- 10 29- Aug- 1019- Sep- 10 12- Sep- 1003- Oct- 10 26- Sep- 1017- Oct- 10 10- Oct- 1031- Oct- 10 24- Oct- 1014- Nov- 10 07- Nov- 1028- Nov- 10 * 21- Nov- 1012- Dec- 10 05- Dec- 1026- Dec- 10 • 19- Dec- 1009- Jan- 11 • • X- Mas & New Year Supplement Starts MonEnds Sun DelhiKathmandu 2009 12- Jan- 0901- Feb- 09 02- Feb- 0922- Feb- 09 23- Feb- 0915- Mar- 09 16- Mar- 0905- Apr- 09 06- Apr- 0926- Apr- 09 06- Jul- 0926- Jul- 09 27- Jul- 0916- Aug- 09 17- Aug- 0906- Sep- 09 07- Sep- 0927- Sep- 09 28- Sep- 0918- Oct- 09 19- Oct- 0908- Nov- 09 09- Nov- 0929- Nov- 09 30- Nov- 0920- Dec- 09 21- Dec- 0910- Jan- 10 • Starts MonEnds Sun DelhiKathmandu 2010 11- Jan- 1031- Jan- 10 01- Feb- 1021- Feb- 10 22- Feb- 1014- Mar- 10 15- Mar- 1004- Apr- 10 05- Apr- 1025- Apr- 10 05- Jul- 1025- Jul- 10 26- Jul- 1015- Aug- 10 16- Aug- 1005- Sep- 10 06- Sep- 1026- Sep- 10 27- Sep- 1017- Oct- 10 18- Oct- 1007- Nov- 10 08- Nov- 1028- Nov- 10 29- Nov- 1019- Dec- 10 20- Dec- 1009- Jan- 11 • • X- Mas & New Year Supplement Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

INDIA & HIMALAYASNEPAL 104 " The tour had a good amount of free time. I feel like I have had a holiday and not just rushed around." Kate Thomas india & himalayas Classic Everest Base Camp Imaginative Facts Tour code: HAEB • Activities: 12 day trek. Trek grade - Strenuous • Accommodation: 4 nights simple hotels, 12 nights teahouse lodges during trek • Transport: Private coach, plane • Flights: Kathmandu to Lukla return • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller trek leader, services of porters • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Search for Nepal's amazing wildlife on our ' Royal Chitwan National Park Extension' DAYS 1 & 2: KATHMANDU- Arrival in Kathmandu, gateway to the Himalayas. The next day take a walking tour. DAY 3: PHAKDING ( 2,600m)- Take the dramatic flight through the mountains to Lukla. Here we meet our porters and Sherpas then set off to our overnight stop at Phakding, oddly enough descending at first! DAYS 4 & 5: NAMCHE BAZAAR ( 3,440m)- We follow the roaring Dudh Kosi river, passing friendly villages interspersed with magnificent forests of rhododendron and crossing dramatic swing bridges, decorated with colourful prayer flags. We pass many ' mani walls', covered in Buddhist prayers en route. The pace will be steady to allow for altitude and to enjoy the stunning sights. Gradually make our way up to Namche Bazaar. It is here you may get your first views of the Everest range. The following day is an important day to acclimatise. We ascend to Songbuche ( 3,800m) for superb views of the snowy peaks of Teng Kangpoche ( 6,500m) and Kwangde ( 6,187m) before returning back down to Namche - ' climb high, sleep low'. DAY 6: TYANGBOCHE ( TENGBOCHE) ( 3,800m)- From Namche we trek to Khumjung at the foot of sacred Khumbila peak ( 5,761m). The stunning jagged lines of mighty Ama Dablam dominate your route to Phunki and eventually Tyangboche, site of one of the highest working monasteries. Here you should find one of the most magnificent views in the world; an awe- inspiring panorama of Himalayan giants: Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kategna and Thamserku. DAYS 7 & 8: DINGBOCHE ( 4,300m)- Cross the turquoise Imja Khola river and continue through terraced fields and rolling pastures where yaks graze, to Pangboche ( 3,860m). The following day is a further important acclimatisation day - it may be possible to visit the Himalayan Health Post at Phakding. DAY 9: LOBUCHE ( 4,900m)- The trail climbs up through the Lobuche Pass to a tranquil grass- carpeted valley full of chortens to fallen climbers. It continues along the Khumbu Glacier to reach the barren settlement of Lobuche. DAY 10: EVEREST BASE CAMP ( 5,300m)- Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep, the last settlement before Base Camp. Trek along glacial scree and boulders to Everest Base Camp. Stand in awe, surrounded by imposing white peaks and the intimidating infamous Khumbu Icefall, a jumble of fallen ice blocks dropping hundreds of metres to Base Camp. Return to Gorakshep. DAY 11: KALA PATTAR ( 5,600m)- An early start to climb Kala Pattar hill, the best vantage point for viewing Mt Everest. The views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are stunning. Descend to Pheriche ( 4,280m). DAY 12: NAMCHE BAZAAR ( 3,440m)- Walk back to Namche. One last chance to shop in this famous market settlement. DAY 13: PHAKDING ( 2,600m)- We continue our descent to Phakding. DAY 14: LUKLA ( 2,800m)- Return to Lukla. DAYS 15 & 16: KATHMANDU- Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. DAY 17: KATHMANDU- Tour ends. The ultimate trek in the footsteps of Edmund Hillary • Spend two weeks in the throne of the mighty Himalayas • Trek through Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests and glacial landscapes • Interactwith your porters and the local community • Enjoy two days standing in awe beneath majestic Mt Everest • A rewarding trek suitable for anyone with the right preparation Nepal Kathmandu Chitwan National Park Everest trekking area Annapurna trekking area Classic Everest Base Camp Annapurna Sanctuary Royal Chitwan National Park Nothing can possibly prepare you for the incredible scenery that awaits you on a trek in Nepal. Whether you go to the Annapurnas or to the Everest region, you will encounter mile after mile of breathtaking landscapes, the terraced rice fields and small villages overshadowed by snowcapped Himalayan peaks. In order to enjoy your time in Nepal to the full it is extremely important that you choose your trek carefully and prepare accordingly. There is no point getting to the mountains and then not enjoying the views as you are too busy trying to catch your breath. Remember, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. You should not worry about holding the rest of the group up or about wanting to ' race ahead' as our Sherpa team are able to accommodate all speeds. A slow pace is the best way anyway to acclimatise at altitude as well as keeping well hydrated. Trek Grading All of our treks are graded so that you know what to expect. We strongly advise against being too ambitious first time out - most trekkers return to Nepal again and again and you can gradually increase your trek grade each time. Easy- These trips can be enjoyed by anyone who leads a reasonably active life. The walking part of the trip is fairly easy, usually between 5 and 6 hours a day. Note: Even on an ' Easy' trek there will be tough uphill sections on some days. Moderate- You will be walking 5- 7 hours a day and will encounter some steep uphill and downhill sections. Some days will be at altitude. You should be fit before considering a ' Moderate' trek. Strenuous- A combination of moderate and strenuous walks, with some very steep uphill and downhill sections, often at altitude. You will generally be walking 6- 8 hours a day. You must be fit and should prepare physically before taking a ' Stenuous' trek. Nepal Treks Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 17.11 * Price includes tour price of £ 499and local payment of US$ 200All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 599pp Land Only * adventurer Tour duration 17 days © Imaginative Traveller Starts SatEnds Mon KathmanduKathmandu 2009 14- Feb- 0902- Mar- 09 28- Feb- 0916- Mar- 09 14- Mar- 0930- Mar- 09 28- Mar- 0913- Apr- 09 11- Apr- 0927- Apr- 09 25- Apr- 0911- May- 09 09- May- 0925- May- 09 03- Oct- 0919- Oct- 09 17- Oct- 0902- Nov- 09 31- Oct- 0916- Nov- 09 14- Nov- 0930- Nov- 09 28- Nov- 0914- Dec- 09 Starts SatEnds Mon KathmanduKathmandu 2010 13- Feb- 1001- Mar- 10 27- Feb- 1015- Mar- 10 13- Mar- 1029- Mar- 10 27- Mar- 1012- Apr- 10 10- Apr- 1026- Apr- 10 24- Apr- 1010- May- 10 08- May- 1024- May- 10 02- Oct- 1018- Oct- 10 16- Oct- 1001- Nov- 10 30- Oct- 1015- Nov- 10 13- Nov- 1029- Nov- 10 27- Nov- 1013- Dec- 10 Trek grade - Strenuous Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243