India
with Kathmandu, Nepal & Mt. Everest 18 day tour - October 22, 2025Information
Why Now is the Best Time to Explore India
We build our India tours around the rare opportunity to visit the best part of the Pushkar Festival that only happens during 5 days each year. The timing of the festival for 2025 has allowed us to design our tour with advantages we have not had in the past.
Here is why you should choose 2025 as the year to take our tour to India:
- The purchase power of the dollar this year compared to past years: In the past for every dollar we traded for Indian Rupees (India’s money), we received somewhere between 42 to 50 Rupees. This year for every dollar we are able to get over 80 Rupees per dollar. This is the best exchange rate we have ever seen. We are purchasing the Indian Rupees now and putting them in the bank to insure the huge savings for our 2025 group. No one knows when the number of Rupees per dollar will go back into the 40s per dollar.
- Pushkar Festival: As part of your tour, you will have the rare opportunity to experience the famous Pushkar Festival. The Pushkar Festival is considered the oldest festival in the world. It has been held annually for over 1,000 years. National Geographic created a list of the ten places you should see before you die. Pushkar Festival was on that list. Less than 2% of the visitors to India get the opportunity to attend a Pushkar Festival.
- The date of the Pushkar Festival fluctuates from year to year, at times causing the tour dates of the tour to go over Thanksgiving. In 2025, the festival is held at a time that does not cause our passengers to be gone over Thanksgiving.
The Quality of Hotels Are Critical in India
The quality of hotels in India can make or break your tour. Most 3, 4 and even some 5-star hotels are not up to US standards. Almost all of our luxury hotels are their own gated community with large private areas, pools and manicured gardens AND most important – they have the highest quality of food that is needed when you are traveling in a 3rd world country. Our hotels, for the most part beat 5-star US standards. Taj is one of the top hotel brands in the world, exceeding Hilton, Marriott and others. Many of our hotels in India are in Taj hotels. Your tour includes real 5-star opulent luxury palaces (built by Maharajas), along with 5-star luxurious hotels! Here is a list of hotels we expect to use on your tour: the 5-star Taj Palace, Hotel Deli (found on lists of top hotels in the world) – The 5-star Marriott Hotel Kathmandu – The 5-star Taj Ganges in Varanasi (with 42 acres of gardens) – the 5-star Jaypee Palace Agra in its own vast expanse of greenery and gardens. The 5-star Taj Mahal Palace in Jaipur, with over 17 acres of manicured gardens and pools – The 5-star Taj Hari Mahal in Jodhpur, with 6 acres of private gardens and pools – The 5-star Pushkara Resort and Spa with its 9 acres of private property – the 475 year old 5-star Samode Palace, the grounds are huge covering the canyon it is in, plus the surrounding hills and the fortress on top of the hills. Normally you have to arrange 2 years in advance to stay in this special palace. The owners know the Prince that owns the palace and he has decided to let us have the whole palace for our groups stay. We all stay in the main palace not in the wings surrounding the gardens.
A FEW of the Fantastic Highlights you’re going to experience!
India will amaze you, everyone we take to India, comes away stating “it was their best trip anywhere in the world”. You need to move it to the top of your bucket list.
Here is a small list of the highlights you will experience:
- Kathmandu, Nepal: you will love the ancient architecture and old villages.
- Flight to Mt. Everest: We charter planes to give you views of Mt Everest.
- The Ganges: Most tours do not include Varanasi and the sacred river, the Ganges. In the Hindu religion, the river Ganges is revered as a goddess whose purity cleanses the sins of the faithful and aids the dead on their path toward heaven. You will witness some of their religious traditions.
- The Taj Mahal: Considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
- The Jaipur Amber Palace: you will ride elephants to the top of the hill containing the Amber Fort made out of pale yellow and pink sandstone, along with white marble. A true highlight.
- Jodhpur the Blue City: Blue is considered a sacred color. Settlers in the region dabbed their houses in blue hues. Jodhpur has become known as the blue city.
- The massive Mehrangarth Fort in Jodhpur: This is the most beautiful ancient fortress palace in all of India and should not be missed.
- Pushkar Festival: With so few days in a year that the 1,000 year old festival is held and so few places to stay in the out of the way Pushkar area, very few tourists are ever able to experience the Pushkar Festival. Most have to stay in tent camps, but we have one of the few 5-star resort hotels for our passengers. This is only available to our passengers because of connections the owners of Fun For Less Tours have in India.
- Maharaja Palaces: Many of them are so stunning that they become an attraction unto themselves. We usually leave early and return around 4pm back to the Maharaja Palaces. This gives our passengers time to leisurely explore the beautiful grounds, take a swim in some of the beautiful swimming pools and enjoy dinner on patios overlooking the manicured gardens.
- The Country of Bhutan: Few, if any, tourists ever get permission to visit Bhutan – stepping back in time where little has changed in hundreds of years. This is an optional extension, but if you have time and have the money we highly recommend it. Bhutan wants to limit the number of tourists. One of the ways is that they charge $200 a day per tourist, in addition to any visas, flights, hotels and other expenses related to the trip. That means, with our group staying 4 nights, we are paying between $800 and $1,000 per person just for the right to enter Bhutan. Expensive, but we believe it is worth it.
Pricing
Package Price Includes:
- 3 nights 5-Star Luxury Taj Palace Hotel Delhi.
- 2 nights 5-Star Luxury Marriott Hotel Kathmandu.
- 1 night 5-Star Deluxe Taj Ganges – Varanasi.
- 2 nights 5-Star Luxury Jaypee Palace – Agra.
- 2 nights 5-Star Luxury Taj Jai Mahal Palace – Jaipur.
- 2 night 5-Star Luxury Pushkara Resort Pushkar.
- 1 nights 5-Star Luxury Taj Hari Mahal in Jodhpur.
- 2 night 5-Star Luxury Samode Palace.
- 5 Airfares
- Delhi, India to Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Kathmandu, Nepal to Delhi, India.
- Delhi, India to Varanasi, India (the Ganges River).
- Varanasi, India to Delhi, India.
- Jodhpur, India to Jaipur, India.
- Special flight to view Mt. Everest.
- The famous Pushkar Festival.
- Boat ride on the Ganges.
- Elephant ride to the Amber Fort.
- Option to purchase International air into and out of India.
- Option to purchase 5-day extension to Bhutan.
- All entrance fees, buses, guides and tours.
- Fun for Less Tour managers throughout.
Package Price: $7,495*
**Per person cash discount price, based on double occupancy.
Does not include international airfare, tips and visas or Bhutan extension.
Optional 5 Day Extension To The Ancient Country of Bhutan:
Bhutan is a small picturesque country located high in the Himalayas with a border to Tibet. It was almost completely cut off for centuries with no roads in or out. It has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its ancient traditions. They still wear clothing styles that are from the 16th century. Bhutan “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, only began to open up to outsiders in the 1970s.
Bhutan’s ancient Buddhist culture, friendly people and breathtaking scenery makes it a natural tourist attraction. Tourism is very restricted. They limit the number of visas each year and all visitors must travel as part of a pre-arranged package or guided tour, it is not open to independent travelers. Fun For Less Tours’ owners have been to Bhutan and have worked hard to obtain a chance for our passengers to visit this wonderful country. We highly recommend you add this optional extension!!!!
Itinerary
Day By Day India Itinerary (Always subject to change)
Day 1: October 22: Fly to Delhi India
Day 2: October 23: Arrive Delhi
We arrive late this evening. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met outside the arrival lounge of the Airport and then transferred from the Airport to the 5 Star Luxury Taj Palace Hotel, an oasis in a busy city with over 7 acres of gardens and water features. Overnight Delhi. (Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.)
Day 3: October 24: Delhi
Today after breakfast, we will start our tour of Delhi. We will visit the old city of Delhi including Jama Mosque, drive past Red Fort and visit Rajghat. We will also visit Sikh Temple at Bangla Sahib, India Gate and drive past the President’s House and Parliament buildings. We will also visit the mighty Qutub Minar (Victory Tower). Late this afternoon we will return to our Taj Palace Hotel.
Day 4: October 25: Delhi – Kathmandu flight
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport to board our flight to Kathmandu. After we arrive we will visit Swayambhunath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, dedicated to Buddhism and is situated in a hillock 80 m above the ground level and is claimed to be 2000 years old. There are numerous Buddhist monasteries (Gumba) around. The view of the valley is spectacular from here. Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley is worth visiting. It was the center of ancient and medieval Kathmandu. You will visit the Hanumandhoka Palace of Malla Kings. After we are done with our tour we will transfer to our 5 Star Luxury Marriott Hotel.
Day 5: October 26: Kathmandu valley
Early This morning, we will head to the airport to enjoy a fantastic highlight – Our Mount Everest flight. After our amazing flight, we will drive to Boudha Nath Stupa, the biggest stupa in the world. This is one of the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley. After we will visit the Pashupati Nath Temple, the holiest Hindu Temple that draws devotees from all over Nepal and India. This temple is situated on the bank of Bagmati River, which is considered as holy as the Ganges. Cremation goes throughout the days and nights on the bank of Bagmati River. Later visit Bhaktapur, one of the three principalities of medieval Kathmandu. Bhaktapur, the youngest city in the valley has preserved its ancient look and originality. We then return to our hotel. Overnight at 5 Star Luxury Marriott Hotel.
Day 6: October 27: Kathmandu – Delhi
We will finish any missed touring in Kathmandu. We then head to the airport for our flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival we will transfer to our 5 Star Luxury Taj Palace Hotel.
Day 7: October 28: Delhi – Varanasi
This morning after breakfast we head back to the airport to catch our late morning flight to Varanasi located near the River Ganges. The river Ganges is revered as a goddess whose purity cleanses the sins of the faithful and aids the dead on their path toward heaven. We will do an afternoon sightseeing tour, followed by the evening Aarti on the banks of the Ganges. You’re staying in the Deluxe Taj Ganges.
Day 8: October 29: Varanasi – Delhi – Agra
We will have an early morning boat ride at sunrise on the Ganges River. After we will return to the hotel for breakfast. Late morning we will fly from Varanasi back again to Delhi. Upon arrival we will drive the approximate 5 hours to our next destination, Agra. Upon arrival, Later we will check-into your 5 Star Luxury Taj View in Agra.
Day 9: October 30: Agra
After breakfast, we will visit the world-famous Taj Mahal, regarded as one of the Wonders of the World. For many people throughout the world, the Taj Mahal mausoleum of the Mughal Empress Mumtaz Mahal is synonymous with India. Later we will visit Agra Fort, which has been the seat of Mughal rulers for several hundred years. We will also visit Itimad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, built by Empress Noor Jahan, in memory of her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg in 1622-25AD. Overnight 5-Star Deluxe Taj View Agra .
Day 10: October 31: Agra – Jaipur
This morning after breakfast we drive to Jaipur, enroot we will visit Abhaneri step wells. Arrive and overnight in the 5 Star Luxury Taj Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.
Day 11: November 1: Jaipur
After breakfast, we will start the day by climbing up to the Amber Fort by Elephant. Our tour of the wonderful Amber fort includes Sheesh Mahal, Ganesh Pol, Shila Devi Temple, Kesar Kyari Bagh. In the afternoon we continue our tour of the Pink City that will include Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, Jantar Mantar, the observatory of stone and the City Palace. Overnight in the 5-Star Luxury Taj Jai Mahal Palace.
Day 12: November 2: Jaipur – Pushkar
After breakfast this morning we will drive to Pushkar. It is a bit of a drive into the desert to witness this amazing event. We will arrive and check into our hotel. We overnight Pushkar.
Day 13: November 3: The Famous Pushkar Festival
Pushkar is often considered the oldest continues festival in the world, dating back over 1,000 years. This morning we will take camel carts to the Pushkar fairgrounds, to see the thousands of camels for sale along with other animals. It is a sight to behold. We will also be visiting Pushkar lake. You will have some free time to experience the festivities and carnival like atmosphere that is Pushkar. Later in the afternoon we will return to our Pushkar Resort to overnight. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 14: November 4: Pushkar – Jodhpur
Today after breakfast we will head to what we consider to be the most beautiful fortress in India. The Mehrangarh Fort is a symbol of the glorious history of the Maharajas of Marwar Kingdom. It is our favorite fort in all of India and worth the trip to Jodhpur to experience it. After our tour we will transfer to our hotel to overnight.
Day 15: November 5: Jodhpur – Samode
This morning we will transfer to Jodhpur airport to catch a flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival we will travel a few hours to Samode. Upon arrival, we will visit the Samode Bagh, which is the private garden retreat of the Samode Royal family. It is one of the oldest functional Mughal gardens of Rajasthan. We will relax with what they call high Tea in the afternoon before heading to the Samode Palace where will overnight.
Day 16: November 6: Samode Palace
The Samode Palace is wonderful and guests have to reserve it usually over two years in advance to be able to get a reservation. Fun For Less tours owners know the Prince that owns the Palace. He has given us the full Palace, only for our passengers to enjoy this wonderful opulent Palace. Today you can slow down, relax and unwind from you many days of touring. You can swim in the wonderful Samode Pool or hike the surrounding hills to the fort or go shopping in the old streets of Samode. You may even choose to take a canal ride. You overnight in the Samode Palace.
Day 17: November 7: Samode Palace – Delhi
After breakfast, we will drive to Delhi. Those that are doing the Bhutan Extension will check into the hotel. Those going home will have time to relax and go out to eat, while they wait for their transfer to the airport to catch their late-night plane back to the U.S. – non-extension group flies’ home. (Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.)
Day 18: November 8: Non-extension group arrives home
BHUTAN Extension
Important note: Tourism is very restricted in Bhutan. They limit the number of tourists visas each year and all visitors must travel as part of a pre-arranged package or guided tour, it is not open to independent travelers. Airfare into Bhutan is limited, usually only flown 3 days during a week. Bhutan charges a large number of expensive tourist and visa fees to discourage tourism. In fact, almost ½ of your cost to visit Bhutan can be found in the many fees and the cost of the airline into and out of Bhutan. Having stated all of the above, our group does have permission to tour Bhutan and even though it is expensive – WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!
Bhutan optional Tour Package Price Includes:
- Bhutan Daily Tourist Fee.
- Bhutan Visa Fee.
- Bhutan Royal (King) Fee.
- Bhutan Entrance and Exit Fees.
- Bhutan National Park Fees.
- Bhutan Airfare Delhi to Paro Bhutan.
- Bhutan Airfare Paro to Delhi India.
- All taxes, fuel surcharges and fees.
- Bhutan 5-Star Luxury Package that includes:
- 2 nights 5 Star Luxury Taj Tashi Hotel in Thimpu.
- 2 nights 5 Star Luxury Le Meridien Paro Hotel.
- Breakfast AND Dinner daily while in Bhutan.
- Tour Guides and Bhutan Tour escorts while in Bhutan.
- Horses with individual horse guide per person for partial treak to “Tigers Nest” – A Himalayan Buddhist Temple.
- All buses, transfers, guides and entrance fees.
- 1 Night 5-Star Luxury Taj Royal Palace Delhi.
- Transfers in Delhi.
- Fun For Less Tours Staff throughout.
- Use of our “Whisper Perfect” headset receivers.
Bhutan Optional Extension Package Pricing: $5,695
Bhutan Extension Itinerary:
Day 17: November 7: Delhi
After breakfast, we will drive to Delhi. Those that are doing the Bhutan Extension will check into the hotel. Those going home will have time to relax and go out to eat, while they wait for their transfer to the airport to catch their late-night plane back to the U.S. – non-extension group flies’ home.
Day 18: November 8: Bhutan
This morning we will fly through breathtaking mountains before we land in Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our 5-Star Luxury Taj Tashi hotel in Thimpu. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 19: November 9: Thimpu Valley
This morning you will drive to Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world and is Bhutan’s seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family. In Thimpu we will visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), the National Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums, and the Tashichho Dzong, this impressive fortress/monastery houses the secretariat building, the throne room of his majesty, the king and various government offices. This evening we will return to the Taj Tashi – dinner is included.
Day 20: November 10: Paro Valley
Today we will visit Ta Dzong which was built as a watchtower to Rinpung Dzong. It is now a national museum. After the museum, we will visit Rinpung Dzong, which was built in 1646 and is also called the “fortress of the heap of jewels”. After we are done touring we will transfer to our 5-Star Luxury Le Meridian hotel. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 21: November 11: Tiger’s Nest
Today will be the best highlight day of all of India, Nepal and Bhutan. We will visit the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, which is nestled up on a cliff of the mountain. We will ride horses 1/2 of the way up and then we will have to hike and climb many stairs the rest of the way. We will have to hike down to the bottom. We will then drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought off Tibetan invader’s centuries ago. End back at our hotel.
Day 22: November 12: Fly to Delhi and continue home
This morning we will be leaving beautiful Bhutan and fly back to Delhi. Then continue later this evening with our flights back to the USA and home. (Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.)
Day 23: November 13: Arrive home
