Touring India and Nepal
Carolyn Kinkade
Wenatchee, WA
Corporate and Leisure Specialist
Primarily a corporate agent, I have over 30 years of experience in international, domestic, business and leisure travel. I am a certified Australia and Hawaii specialist.
I enjoy creating independent/custom itineraries, including ...
Primarily a corporate agent, I have over 30 years of experience in international, domestic, business and leisure travel. I am a certified Australia and Hawaii specialist.
I enjoy creating independent/custom itineraries, including small groups.
It is my belief that everyone travel as much as possible. To me that can mean traveling to an exotic destination like India, or perhaps places a little closer to home like America's National Parks.
As your travel adviser I am here to protect you before, during and after your vacation. With my advice, expertise and connections, I can plan your next awe-inspiring adventure worry free.
Can Be Reached At
1-509-293-8080
In India we began our morning on a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, the former imperial capital. We explored the 300-year-old Chandni Chowk market, a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items. We also visited Jama Masjid believed to be the largest Mosque in India.
In the city of Agra two highlights are Agra Fort and the stunning Taj Mahal. Along the way from Agra to Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri. Built of red sandstone, this collection of striking buildings is still as pristine and perfect as when it was chiseled.
Jaipur is known as the pink city because of the many pink and orange buildings. The City Palace consists of several museums including a textile gallery exhibiting a fine selection of textiles and costumes of the royal collection. An interesting sight is the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in 1827. In addition, the Amber Fort is one of the finest examples of a combination fort – palace.
Udaipur was built on the shores of Lake Pichola in 1559. Known as the “City of Sunrise” it is often described as the most romantic city in India and was built around four man-made lakes. Stay at the Lake Palace Hotel, which is an original historic palace dating back to the 18th century. Don’t miss the Crystal Gallery in the City Palace, which has an eclectic collection of Crystal Object d’art and furniture.
The holy city of Varansi is where you find the Ganges River. As you make your way through the streets you will see vendors selling garlands and incense sticks to be used at the shrines and temples before coming to the banks of the Ganges. It is believed that if you are cremated in Varanasi you are released from the endless cycle of rebirth.
In Kathmandu we viewed the Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet where merchants rested and offered prayers. The Boudhanath area is visual feast where colorful thangkas, Tibetan jewelry, hand-woven carpets, masks and khuri knives are sold in the nearby stalls.
On the other side of Kathmandu is Patan and Bhaktapur. Patam is the valley’s second largest city and is separated from Kathmandu by the Bagmati River. Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines.T
The charming town of Bhaktapur is the smallest of the three cities in the valley. Durbar Square has one of the finest collections of Newari architecture. The showpiece of this collection in the towering Nyatapola Mandir, the tallest pagoda temple in Nepal.
Over 200 km to the north and west of Kathmandu is Pokhara, a subtropical region of lakes which are fed by the glacial waters of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. All around you are some of the highest mountain peaks in the world. The International Mountain Museum showcases the mountains of Nepal and the mountaineers who climbed them. On display is original gear from many of the early Himalayan ascents as well as displays on the history, culture, geology, flora and fauna of the area. Pokhara’s Phewa Tal is the second largest lake in Nepal and its steep southwestern shore is densely forested and alive with birdlife. Be sure to arrange for a hike to Australian Camp and Dhampus Village which of course I will help you do!