Golden Triangle with Kathmandu
Bespoke Journey

Golden Triangle with Kathmandu

A majestic journey across Northern India's imperial capitals & Nepal's sacred valleys.

Duration

12 Days / 11 Nights

Regions Visited

Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kathmandu Valley

Accommodations

Royal Palace Suites & Boutique Mountain Lodges

Indicative Investment

On Request per person

Transfer

Private SUV & Scenic Himalayan Flight

Optional add-ons: chauffeured fleet · private charter

Why This Journey, With This House

Privately yours

No groups, no strangers — this route, recomposed around you alone.

Owned ground operations

Our own fleet and drivers — two decades on these exact roads.

Doors already open

Curators who are known by name at every palace, lodge and atelier en route.

One accountable house

Road, air, stays and moments — one desk answers for all of it.

Any date you choose

Private journeys depart when you do; we advise on the finest windows.

Delhi
DAY 1
Delhi
DAY 2
Delhi
DAY 3
Agra
DAY 4
Agra
DAY 5
Jaipur
DAY 6
Jaipur
DAY 7
Jaipur
DAY 8
Kathmandu
DAY 9
Kathmandu
DAY 10
Kathmandu
DAY 11
Kathmandu
DAY 12
DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
Delhi

Day 1 | Arrival & Welcome

Arrive at New Delhi's international airport, where you are received with private VIP tarmac assistance and chauffeured to your legendary heritage hotel. Settle into the timeless grandeur of the capital.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingThe Imperial, New Delhi (Heritage Room)
The Imperial New Delhi
The Imperial New Delhi

Delhi is a palimpsest of seven historic cities — MughalMughalRelating to the Muslim dynasty of Central Asian descent that ruled most of the subcontinent from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century.Read in the glossary grandeur, bazaar energy and Lutyens' imperial geometry in one day's arc.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Delhi

Day 2 | Old & New Delhi Tour

Explore the dramatic contrasts between the walled city of Old Delhi and the imperial avenues of New Delhi. Wind through Chandni Chowk's lanes by private rickshaw and stand before the majestic Humayun's Tomb.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingThe Imperial, New Delhi
Meal OptionsFine contemporary dinner · Local thali meal
Historic architecture and Mughal monuments of Old Delhi
Historic architecture and Mughal monuments of Old Delhi

Old and New Delhi are separate cities that happen to share an airport; give each its own morning and the capital makes sense.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Delhi

Day 3 | Delhi Art & Sufism

Dive into Delhi's rich contemporary art scene in the morning, visiting private galleries. In the evening, witness the soul-stirring live QawwaliQawwaliThe devotional music of Sufi Islam, sung by a group with harmonium, percussion and driving handclaps, intended to carry singer and listener towards religious ecstasy.Read in the glossary music performance at the Nizamuddin DargahDargahThe shrine built over the tomb of a Sufi saint, visited as a place of pilgrimage by people of many faiths.Read in the glossary shrine.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingThe Imperial, New Delhi
Meal OptionsLocal thali meal · Old Delhi street-food tasting
Qawwali music performance at the Nizamuddin Dargah shrine
Qawwali music performance at the Nizamuddin Dargah shrine

The Imperial's corridors, hung with five thousand colonial-era works, are a museum that serves breakfast — leave time for them.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Agra

Day 4 | Delhi to Agra Drive

Chauffeur-driven to Agra along the Yamuna expressway. Check into your luxury suite featuring uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. At sunset, stand before the monument as the marble shifts from white to golden amber.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingThe Oberoi Amarvilas (Premier Room, Taj view)
Meal OptionsMughlai cuisine & dining experience · Taj-view terrace dinner
The Taj Mahal reflecting the golden hues of sunset
The Taj Mahal reflecting the golden hues of sunset

Hotel Recommendations

  • Oberoi Amarvilas Agra
  • ITC Mughal
  • Taj Hotel & Convention Centre

Agra exists on an itinerary for one reason, and the reason justifies everything: the Taj at dawn, before the day's heat and crowds, is architecture's most complete sentence.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Agra

Day 5 | Agra Heritage Tour

Visit the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, walking through its royal chambers. In the afternoon, discover the delicate marble carvings of the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, affectionately known as the 'Baby Taj'.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingThe Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Meal OptionsTaj-view terrace dinner · Awadhi-Mughlai tasting lunch
The sandstone gates of the magnificent Agra Fort
The sandstone gates of the magnificent Agra Fort

Hotel Recommendations

  • Oberoi Amarvilas Agra
  • ITC Mughal
  • Taj Hotel & Convention Centre

The marble changes costume through the day — pearl-grey before dawn, amber at sunset. Meet it at the right hour and it silences even the well-travelled.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Jaipur

Day 6 | Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri

Drive to the pink city of Jaipur, stopping at the abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Enter Rajasthan's royal heartland and check into a palace hotel surrounded by peacocks.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingTaj Rambagh Palace (Palace Room, garden view)
Meal OptionsRoyal Rajasthani thali · Fine contemporary dinner
Rambagh Palace - the jewel of Jaipur's royal heritage
Rambagh Palace - the jewel of Jaipur's royal heritage

Hotel Recommendations

  • Rambagh Palace Jaipur - Historical Suite
  • The Oberoi Rajvilas - Premier Room
  • Samode Haveli - Luxury Suite

Culinary Suggestions

  • Refined Local Tea and Snack ExperienceA relaxed introduction to Jaipur's contemporary regional flavours.
  • Modern Jaipur DiningA polished culinary experience shaped around seasonal Rajasthani influences.
  • Heritage Sweets and Local SnacksA curated tasting of Jaipur's classic mithai and savoury traditions.

Jaipur carries its royal legacy in working order — Amber still commands its hilltop, the City Palace still houses a royal family, and the Hawa Mahal's 953 windows still catch the morning light as intended in 1799.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Jaipur

Day 7 | Jaipur Heritage Tour

Ascend the hillside Amber Fort by private open jeep. In the afternoon, explore the City Palace and marvel at the intricate pink sandstone facade of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingTaj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Meal OptionsFine contemporary dinner · Heritage sweets and street-food tasting
Jaipur City Palace
Jaipur City Palace

Hotel Recommendations

  • Rambagh Palace Jaipur - Historical Suite
  • The Oberoi Rajvilas - Premier Room
  • Samode Haveli - Luxury Suite

Culinary Suggestions

  • Refined Local Tea and Snack ExperienceA relaxed introduction to Jaipur's contemporary regional flavours.
  • Modern Jaipur DiningA polished culinary experience shaped around seasonal Rajasthani influences.
  • Heritage Sweets and Local SnacksA curated tasting of Jaipur's classic mithai and savoury traditions.
  • Sightseeing by Vintage CarTour Jaipur's monuments and old-city boulevards in a chauffeured vintage motor car from a private royal collection.

This is a city of living workshops: block printers, gem cutters, miniature painters and puppeteers whose trades predate the city itself.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Jaipur

Day 8 | Jaipur Craft & Culture

Spend the day with master block-printers, gem-cutters, and miniature painters. Discover how the city's ancient design guilds continue to influence contemporary luxury fashion and jewellery.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingTaj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Meal OptionsHeritage sweets and street-food tasting · High tea on the peacock lawns
Traditional hand-block printing artisans of Jaipur
Traditional hand-block printing artisans of Jaipur

Hotel Recommendations

  • Rambagh Palace Jaipur - Historical Suite
  • The Oberoi Rajvilas - Premier Room
  • Samode Haveli - Luxury Suite

Culinary Suggestions

  • Refined Local Tea and Snack ExperienceA relaxed introduction to Jaipur's contemporary regional flavours.
  • Modern Jaipur DiningA polished culinary experience shaped around seasonal Rajasthani influences.
  • Heritage Sweets and Local SnacksA curated tasting of Jaipur's classic mithai and savoury traditions.

Rambagh was the MaharajaMaharajaA ruling Indian prince — literally 'great king'; a maharani is his queen, or a princess ruling in her own right.Read in the glossary's own residence until 1957 — returning to the hotel is an event, not an interlude.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Kathmandu

Day 9 | Flight to Nepal

Fly from Delhi to Kathmandu, Nepal. As you land in the valley, the snowy peaks of the Himalayas welcome you. Check into a beautiful heritage hotel built in traditional Newari style.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingThe Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Deluxe)
Meal OptionsNewari cuisine and thali meals · Fine-dining culinary experience at Krishnarpan
Kathmandu Valley nestled beneath the Himalayan peaks
Kathmandu Valley nestled beneath the Himalayan peaks

Kathmandu's valley holds seven UNESCO monument zones in a morning's radius — living squares where medieval Newari architecture still frames daily worship, markets and festival processions.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Kathmandu

Day 10 | Kathmandu Valley Tour

Visit the ancient Buddhist stupaStupaA solid domed Buddhist monument, built to house relics and walked around by worshippers as an act of devotion.Read in the glossary of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) looking over the valley. Later, walk through the sacred Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath along the Bagmati River.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingThe Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu
Meal OptionsFine-dining culinary experience at Krishnarpan · Momo and market tasting in Asan
Bagmati river ghats and sacred shrines in Kathmandu
Bagmati river ghats and sacred shrines in Kathmandu

The Dwarika's is itself a preservation project: fifty years of rescued carved windows and doors, rebuilt into Nepal's definitive heritage hotel.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Kathmandu

Day 11 | Bhaktapur & Patan Durbar Squares

Explore the medieval kingdoms of Bhaktapur and Patan, filled with red-brick palace squares and golden temple roofs. Meet woodcarvers and bronze-smiths in their traditional workshops.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingThe Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu
Meal OptionsMomo and market tasting in Asan · Newari cuisine and thali meals
Patan Palace Museum
Patan Palace Museum

Kathmandu's valley holds seven UNESCO monument zones in a morning's radius — living squares where medieval Newari architecture still frames daily worship, markets and festival processions.

The curator's advisory, daily highlights and optional experiences for this day are shared privately — tap Hidden Gems above.

Kathmandu

Day 12 | Kathmandu Depart

Enjoy a final peaceful breakfast overlooking the hotel gardens. Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your return flight home, taking in a last view of the snowy Himalayan range.

DELHIAGRAJAIPURKATHMANDU
LodgingDay use as required
Meal OptionsFarewell breakfast
Departure flight out of Kathmandu Valley
Departure flight out of Kathmandu Valley

The Dwarika's is itself a preservation project: fifty years of rescued carved windows and doors, rebuilt into Nepal's definitive heritage hotel.

Travel Curator Advisory

"Try to sit on the right side of the aircraft during your departure flight for the best aerial views of Mount Everest."

Daily Highlights
VIP Departure Lounge Himalayan Peak Vistas
Sanctuaries of Rest

Elite Accommodations

We select working palaces, boutique sanctuaries, and historic lodges built around architectural integration, heritage preservation, and absolute luxury.

The Imperial Delhi

The Imperial Delhi

An iconic 1930s colonial masterpiece blending Victorian charm with classical art deco architecture.

The Oberoi Amarvilas

The Oberoi Amarvilas

Positioned just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, featuring direct monument views from every room.

Rambagh Palace Jaipur

Rambagh Palace Jaipur

The former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, featuring opulent gardens and historic royal suites.

Dwarika's Hotel Kathmandu

Dwarika's Hotel Kathmandu

A stunning sanctuary designed around local heritage preservation, housing an exquisite collection of medieval woodcarvings.

At a Glance

The Route

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At a Glance

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
  • Best time
  • Next best
  • Best avoided
Oct – Nov · Autumn

Comfortable across the north and centre after the monsoon; some warm days remain.

Dec – Feb · Winter

Peak season for Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra — sunny days, cold mornings, occasional dawn fog. The south stays warm.

Mar – Apr · Spring

Pleasant in March, hot by April, especially across the north and Rajasthan.

May – Jun · Summer

Very hot in the north and centre; the Himalaya and parts of the south stay comfortable.

Jul – Sep · Monsoon

Intermittent rather than constant rain, landscapes at their greenest; some hill roads and wildlife parks close.

The colour bar is tuned to this journey's region; the notes above summarise India's seasons overall. Every journey is private and can be arranged year-round — your curator will advise the finest window for your dates.

How this is run

Good to know

More good-to-know →
Your guide & driver

A licensed guide for sightseeing, plus a private chauffeur who drives, waits and looks after you — two roles, both included.

How it's run

A framework, not a fixed schedule — adjusted with you each day for pace, weather and what interests you most.

Good to know

Parks close Jul–Sep; museums shut Mondays; the Taj closes Fridays; 20 Dec–5 Jan is peak and busy. We plan around all of it.

Stays & availability

Quoted on base-category rooms subject to availability; if needed we secure a comparable alternative, always discussed first.

Know before you go

Before you travel

Read the full guide →
When to go

Oct–Mar is peak; the monsoon is green and quieter.

Power & plugs

230V; socket types C, D, M — bring a universal adaptor.

Money

Cards widely accepted; carry some rupees for markets.

What to pack

Light, breathable, modest — cover shoulders and knees at temples.

Etiquette

Shoes off at temples; ask before photographing people.

Water

Drink sealed bottled or filtered water.

The Journal

Related Reading

The sandstone canopy on the ceremonial axis at India Gate, New Delhi
Region · Delhi

Delhi: The Imperial Capital for the Discerning Traveller

Layered with a thousand years of empire, Delhi rewards those who look past the traffic. How to read India's capital through its monuments, markets and tables.

Red sandstone courtyard of Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
Planning · Regions

Golden Triangle vs the Road Less Travelled: Which First India Trip?

The classic Delhi–Agra–Jaipur circuit, or something quieter and more unexpected? A clear-eyed look at how to choose your first journey through India.

Boudhanath Stupa with prayer flags at dusk, Kathmandu, Nepal
Region · Nepal

Nepal After India: Pairing the Himalaya With a Palace Circuit

India's palaces and plains, then Nepal's mountains and monasteries. Why the two countries make one of the most complete journeys in the world.

Private luxury transport background
The Conversation Begins

Craft Your Private Passage

Every itinerary is individually tailored around your preferred pace, travel dates, and chosen level of accommodation exclusivity. Connect with a curator to begin your journey.

Speak With a Journey CuratorExplore Private Journeys
12 Days / 11 Nights Private JourneyDelhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kathmandu Valley
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Dates & Private Departures

This journey departs when you do.

Every departure is private — your dates, your pace. The finest windows fill first: palace suites ask 4–6 months’ notice in the golden season, and festival weeks a year.

Oct – MarThe Golden SeasonNov 2026Pushkar & DiwaliOct – AprTiger Season
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Verifiable, Not Merely Claimed

5.0 · 621+ Reviews

A Travellers' Choice award and a five-star average on TripAdvisor — earned on the ground by India Personal Tours (IPT Travel), the ground-operations arm that runs every Elevated India journey.

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IATO & Ministry of Tourism

Member of the Indian Association of Tour Operators and a Recognised Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India — operated in-house by IPT Travel Private Limited, New Delhi (CIN U63040DL2012PTC237342). Nothing is subcontracted.

See the accreditations →

Your Curators

Hariom Sharma
Hariom SharmaSenior Journey Curator
Manu Singh
Manu SinghCo-Founder · Senior Journey Curator
Gulab Singh
Gulab SinghSenior Journey Curator

Every enquiry is answered personally by the curator who knows your route best — usually within hours.

Speak With a Journey Curator