Trip code: INDK
Trip Highlights
- See the sights of Old Delhi
- Be romanced by the Taj Mahal
- Explore ruins and rural life in Orchha
- Sail the River Ganges
- View sunrise over the holy city of Varanasi
- Visit the birthplace of Buddha
- Safari in Chitwan National Park
- Breathe in the beauty of Himalayan panoramas
- Discover the sights and sounds of Kathmandu
Trip Summary
See full itineraryFrom reminders of the Mughal dynasty in northern India to the snow-capped Himalayas of Nepal, this trip will truly inspire. Witness the colour and contrast between the bazaars of Delhi, the jungle in Orchha and the sacred Ganges. Be awed by the Taj Mahal and see sunrise over the holy city of Varanasi.
Come face-to-face with pilgrims, villagers, holy men and shopkeepers. For those wanting to travel by land between these two very different neighbours, this is the perfect journey.
When do I want to go?
Showing all departures (0)
| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
What will I be doing?
-
Delhi to Agra (Days 1 - 2)
-
Orchha to River Ganges Boat trip (Days 3 - 6)
-
Varanasi to Lumbini (Days 7 - 9)
-
Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu (Days 10 - 15)
Delhi to Agra: Days 1 - 2
Next LegDestination info
India is the second most populated country in the world, just behind China. Its slogan, ‘Unity in Diversity’ sums up the country rather well, and its citizens are deeply proud of this fact. All of the world’s major religions put in an appearance here, the best represented being Hindu (hence the many ‘sacred’ cows causing traffic jams in the capital, New Delhi!) as well as Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. The hustle and bustle is virtually constant, but there are always peaceful, spiritual spots that you can escape to easily. With a population of over 1.1 billion (2007 est.) it’s not really a surprise that it’s a bit noisy!
- Location: India
Day 1 Delhi
Colourful, chaotic and steeped in history, this city will leave a lasting impression. Visit fortified Old Delhi - the crowded, narrow alleyways overflow with exotic sights and smells. Explore India's largest mosque and stop by a Sikh temple.
Day 2 Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal - the ultimate monument to love. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the ornate carvings and bejewelled marble of this mausoleum are truly breathtaking. Also see where Shah Jahan was later imprisoned at the Red Fort.
Destination info
India is the second most populated country in the world, just behind China. Its slogan, ‘Unity in Diversity’ sums up the country rather well, and its citizens are deeply proud of this fact. All of the world’s major religions put in an appearance here, the best represented being Hindu (hence the many ‘sacred’ cows causing traffic jams in the capital, New Delhi!) as well as Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. The hustle and bustle is virtually constant, but there are always peaceful, spiritual spots that you can escape to easily. With a population of over 1.1 billion (2007 est.) it’s not really a surprise that it’s a bit noisy!
- Location: India
Days 3-5 Orchha
Soaring temple spires and domes rise from the jungle in the crumbling Orchha palace complex. Witness a cooking demonstration by a local family and visit a community project for an insight into papermaking.
Day 6 River Ganges Boat Trip
Sail down India's sacred Ganges and camp overnight on the riverbank.
Destination info
India is the second most populated country in the world, just behind China. Its slogan, ‘Unity in Diversity’ sums up the country rather well, and its citizens are deeply proud of this fact. All of the world’s major religions put in an appearance here, the best represented being Hindu (hence the many ‘sacred’ cows causing traffic jams in the capital, New Delhi!) as well as Muslims, Christians and Buddhists. The hustle and bustle is virtually constant, but there are always peaceful, spiritual spots that you can escape to easily. With a population of over 1.1 billion (2007 est.) it’s not really a surprise that it’s a bit noisy!
- Location: India
Days 7-8 Varanasi
Nestled on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is India's sacred heart and the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims. Wander the Old City, take part in a traditional candle-lit flower ceremony and boat down the river at sunrise, past pilgrims absolving their sins on the ghats.
Day 9 Lumbini
Travel to the birthplace of Buddha, the beautiful town of Lumbini on the Nepalese border.
Previous Leg
Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu: Days 10 - 15
Destination info
Nepal is a country of superlatives. It’s in the Himalayas and the country has eight of the world’s 10 tallest mountains and 240 peaks over 20,000 feet. And, of course, it is home to Mount Everest, the highest point on earth (let’s give it its Nepalese name: Sagarmatha).
- Location: Nepal
Days 10-12 Chitwan National Park
Visit an elephant breeding centre and keep an eye out for rhinos, monkeys, deer and the infamous Nepalese wild chickens.
Days 13-15 Kathmandu
Pass rice terraces, deep gorges, pounding rivers and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya en route to Kathmandu. Visit the 'Monkey Temple', see the Pashupatinath pires and join the pilgrims at Bodhnath Stupa.
Trip Notes Download
To get a detailed PDF of information for this trip including full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather, download our trip notes. By doing so you’ll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
What's included?
- All accommodation
- Some meals
- Activities and entrance fees as stated in your itinerary
- Services of tour leader throughout the trip
- 24 hour emergency support
What's not included?
- All flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Some meals
- Airport transfers
- Drinks
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature including spending money
- Tips and gratuities
Additional Information & FAQs
Minimum age
The minimum age is 18 years old. These trips can and do attract a variety of ages and customers will be of different nationalities too. It's all about having a passion for travel which is age-less!
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (10 nts), camping (1 nt), air-conditioned permanent tent/cottage (2 nts), overnight train (1 nt)
Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only.
The style of accommodation described in the day to day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi share basis. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different trips than your own.
Meals
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price.
This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section of these notes for details of meals included.
Allow USD $290 for meals not included.
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
What will I see in India and Nepal?
16 photos
What other travelers thought
I've done this trip
Write reviewLouisa Hills - February 2012
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Brilliant, full on adventure in amazing places.
Please rate the service received from our team before departure
Please rate the service provided by the team in country
Please rate the accommodation during your stay
Please rate the worthwhileness of any volunteering in your trip if applicable.
What were the highlights of your trip?
Sailing down the Ganges, and seeing wild Rhino in Chitwan National Park.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Girls - bring sports bras - if you need them for sport then you WILL want them for the Nepalese roads! If you feel sick tell your tour leader straight away - not only can they advise medical help, it gives them time to make any adjustments to your itinary. Use the police booth in the airport to book a taxi rather than getting one outside.
Would you travel with our company again?
Yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
