3-Day Northern India Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Northern India tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNorthern India travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day North India Itinerary, incl. Delhi and Agra

  Your three-day tour through Northern India showcases Delhi's Qutab Minar and Red Fort, plus Agra's Taj Mahal at sunrise. Rest at 4-star Golden Grand Delhi and Fern Agra hotels with daily breakfast included.

  

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  • Day 1

    New Delhi Exploration

    Visit the 11th-century Qutab Minar early before crowds fill the UNESCO site. The morning sunlight offers perfect photo opportunities. Visit India Gate and the government buildings late morning. "The guides were very knowledgeable, bringing out rich historical details that only locals would know." Head to Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk area for lunch. Walk through the spice market with a guide. The narrow lanes feel chaotic but give you a real taste of local life. Visit the Red Fort in the afternoon when it's cooler. Finish your day with a peaceful visit to Birla Temple. Remember to plan extra time between locations. Delhi traffic can be unpredictable, but experienced drivers know the best routes.

    
  • Day 2

    Delhi to Agra & City Tour

    Start your journey to Agra by 7 AM. The 4-hour drive goes along a modern highway that can get crowded. Pack some water and snacks for the trip. After checking in, visit Agra Fort. "The fort's red sandstone architecture was incredible, and our guide's stories about the royal court really brought the place to life." Visit the Baby Taj when the afternoon heat starts to fade. Watch the sunset from Mehtab Bagh gardens across from the Taj Mahal. You'll get beautiful photos without fighting through crowds.

    
  • Day 3

    Sunrise Taj Mahal & Return to Delhi

    Get up early for the Taj Mahal sunrise visit (5:30 AM in summer, 6:30 AM in winter). Morning mist often creates stunning photo opportunities. Use the East Gate for shorter lines. "Get there 30 minutes before opening to be among the first inside. Bring a shawl as mornings can be cool." Take your time at the Taj and gardens. Plan about 2-3 hours here. After breakfast at your hotel, drive back to Delhi. If you have an afternoon flight, leave extra time for airport traffic.

    

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• 3 Days in Northern India, incl. Delhi and Agra

  Historical wonders await in this 72-hour Northern India adventure from Delhi's 6th century sites to Agra's Mughal treasures. Features sunrise Taj Mahal visit, Agra Fort tour, and comfortable stays at DoubleTree by Hilton with expert local guides.

  

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  • Day 1

    Delhi to Agra

    Get an early start in Delhi to avoid traffic. Visit Humayun's Tomb at 8:30 AM for the best light and smaller crowds. The 16th-century tomb showcases stunning Persian-influenced architecture. Your next stop is Qutab Minar. Consider getting a licensed guide at the entrance for about $15 since the complex's rich history isn't well-marked. Have lunch before starting your 4-5 hour drive to Agra on the Yamuna Expressway. Keep in mind there might be some construction delays. Stay in the Taj Ganj area near the Taj Mahal to make your next morning easier.

    
  • Day 2

    Agra

    Get up by 5:30 AM for the Taj Mahal sunrise visit. Remember to dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees. Head to the Diana Bench around 6:30 AM to catch the morning light on the marble. After breakfast go to Agra Fort when it opens at 9:30 AM. The morning visit helps you avoid the intense heat that builds up in the red sandstone walls. Visit Itmad-ud-Daula (Baby Taj) in the late afternoon. A good tip is to watch the sunset at Mehtab Bagh gardens across the river. You'll get a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal without the usual tourist crowds. End your day at Kinari Bazaar looking for local crafts. Start your bargaining at 40% of the initial price.

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Delhi

    Leave Agra around 9 AM to miss rush hour in both cities. The drive takes 4-5 hours. If you're flying out of Delhi's Terminal 3 get to the airport at least 3 hours early since security lines can get long especially in the evening.

    

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• 3 Day Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek Itinerary, incl. Hunza Valley and Minapin

  Karakoram's majestic peaks form the backdrop of this 3-day Northern Indian adventure. The route leads from Minapin Village to Rakaposhi Base Camp at 7,788 meters. Luxury camping beneath towering summits included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Hunza to Rakaposhi Base Camp

    Leave Hunza at 6 AM to avoid strong mountain sun. The jeep ride to Minapin village takes about 1.5 hours on mountain roads. Bring motion sickness tablets if needed. From Minapin (2,000m), you'll trek 6-7 hours to reach Rakaposhi Base Camp (3,500m). The path begins through farmland before getting steeper and rockier. You'll need sturdy boots with good ankle support since the glacier moraine near the top isn't stable. Stop often to adjust to the 1,500m altitude increase. Your porter will handle camp setup while you take in your first views of Rakaposhi's north face.

    
  • Day 2

    Base Camp Exploration

    Wake up before sunrise at 5 AM to see incredible morning light on Rakaposhi. Base camp temperatures can go below freezing even in summer, so pack a warm sleeping bag rated for -5°C/23°F. When hiking around base camp, stay on marked trails because the glacier has hidden crevasses. You'll notice the thin air at 3,500m makes walking more difficult. Take your time and drink 3-4 liters of water throughout the day.

    
  • Day 3

    Descent to Hunza

    Begin heading down by 8 AM to avoid afternoon valley heat. The trek back to Minapin takes 4-5 hours and can be rough on your knees. Consider using trekking poles. Your jeep will pick you up for the return to Hunza, getting you there by late afternoon. Book your Hunza accommodation ahead since the town fills up in peak season (June-September).

    

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