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Take a Premium adventure through India's Golden Triangle, Varanasi and Nepal
Experience India’s Golden Triangle and Nepal’s mountain peaks on this 19-day Premium adventure from Delhi to Kathmandu. Discover the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, savour the many flavours of Lucknow cuisine and soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi. Continue to Kathmandu, where you’ll visit a Tibetan community and search for big game in Chitwan National Park. Awash with highlights, from lavish palaces and vibrant bazaars to small villages in the foothills of snow-capped peaks, this is an eclectic adventure not to be missed.
3.8
6 reviewsStart: Delhi, India
End: Kathmandu, Nepal
- Duration
- 19 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Premium
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Our best hand-picked accommodation and the highest level of service
The must-see highlights, plus authentic experiences only available on Premium trips
Trips led by our most experienced and top-rated local leaders
Why you'll love this trip
- Discover the beauty of both India and Nepal, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal to the mighty Himalayas.
- Taste the best of Indian cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a street food tour in Varanasi, a home-cooked meal hosted by a local family in Jaipur and a cooking class in Lucknow.
- Enjoy two Feature Stays – an elegant heritage hotel in Jaipur, built in 1928, and a stylish resort perfectly placed on the banks of the Rapti River.
- Uncover different sides of local culture during Exclusive Experiences, including a cruise down the Ganges with local musicians, and a cooking demonstration at a Tibetan community in Nepal.
- Spot crocodiles, elephants and Bengal tigers at the subtropical Chitwan National Park.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Until then, you can explore this exciting capital city at your own pace. Filled with historical landmarks, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. After your meeting, head out for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants. Having opened its doors more than 80 years ago, the iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining.
- The Grand Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Delhi - Welcome dinner
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
To get your bearings of Old Delhi, start today with a leader-led tour of the most ancient part of the city. Your leader will help you navigate the metro system so you can then explore the impressive Mughal architecture on foot. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to observe the capital’s spiritual side. You have a free evening ahead to relax and recharge. Tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.
- The Grand Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Old Delhi City Tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Journey to Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan – for your Feature Stay at the Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This heritage hotel, managed by the same family since its opening in 1928, has the charm of a traditional family home but with regal touches at every turn – think chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Later, join your leader on a walking tour in one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in India as you stop by bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local specialty of semi-precious stones. End the evening with a home-cooked dinner in the home of a local family and make the most of your time with your hosts, learning about their way of life.
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
- Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
After breakfast, visit Amber Fort – the crown jewel of Jaipur. On your guided tour you’ll learn stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Head to the City Palace in the heart of the Pink City – a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore at your leisure. Maybe visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory – one the world’s most accurate pre-modern observatories dating to 1729 or take in the city from the air in a hot air balloon. After, you'll probably want to sample some Rajasthani street food, like pyaaz kachori (crispy pastry filled with spiced onion).
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - City Palace
The balloon flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments, and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment can be made by credit card or cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP. Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
Today, you’ll head to Agra. After a scenic drive, settle into your new hotel before visiting India’s most iconic landmark – the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A tribute to his belated wife, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this famous monument in 1632 to house her remains. Your Taj Mahal guide will tell you its history as you stroll the grounds at sunset. For dinner tonight, your leader can recommend a great local spot to try the local curries.
- Grand Mercure Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Agra - Taj Mahal
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so trips which begin on a Monday will visit Red Fort on Day 5 and the Taj Mahal on Day 6.
This morning, you’ll visit Agra Fort – the seat of the Mughal Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The present structure was built by Akbar as the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. After, you’ll head off to Lucknow – the capital of India’s largest region, Uttar Pradesh. When you arrive, your leader will guide the group on an afternoon walk to help you get your bearings. This evening, head out for dinner at a restaurant that supports and empowers acid attack survivors. These courageous women, once too scared to leave their homes due to the physical and emotional scars of their attacks, have found refuge and a source of income through their work at the cafe.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lucknow - Orientation Walk
- Lucknow - Sheroes Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
Seize the day with a morning tour of Lucknow, where your leader will show you some of the city’s best spots. This might include a stop at the intricate Bara Imambara – a hall built in 1784 for Shia Muslims. Its labyrinthine layout of narrow passages and staircases is best navigated with the help of a knowledgeable local. If you were impressed by Lucknow’s cuisine last night, you’ll be delighted with this afternoon’s cooking class. Discover the culinary secrets of Lucknowites, gaining skills that you can hopefully put to good use at home!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lucknow City Tour
- Lucknow – Awadhi Cooking Class
It’s an early start today, but for good reason – no trip to India is complete without a scenic train ride. The journey to Varanasi offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the countryside, all from the comfort of your seat. When you’ve checked into your hotel, join the group for a walking tour of the city widely regarded as India’s spiritual capital. In the evening, set sail on a sunset cruise on the Ganges. You’ll be joined by local musicians on board, who will play as you watch the flower and candle ceremony – an experience that will surely be etched in your memory long after your time in India is over.
- Ramada Katesar or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Orientation Walk in Varanasi
- Varanasi - Evening Ganga aarti with musicians on boat
- Varanasi - Ganges candle flower ceremony
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Early risers, this one’s for you – embark on a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river while gliding past the many ghats and temples on its banks. After, you’ll hop in rickshaws for a journey through Banaras’ iconic eateries and street food stalls. For lunch, you’ll try chaat (a popular snack using potato, chickpeas or rice, topped with crunchy, sweet or spicy vegetables and sauces), samosas, jalebi (a dessert of fried batter soaked in sugar syrup), lassi and sweet paan (a betel leaf filled with chopped betel), while getting a glimpse into the city's rich culinary heritage. This afternoon, visit Sarnath – one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features several stupas and museums to explore.
- Ramada Katesar or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
- Sarnath Museum Visit
- Sarnath Stupa Visit
- Varanasi – Rickshaw Food Tour
It’s the penultimate day today and time to return to Delhi. When you land, the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. There are plenty of sites you may have missed the first time around, like Humayun’s Tomb – a garden tomb dating back to 1570 – or Qutb Minar, the highest tower in India. Your leader can help you book any activities you wish to do before your final dinner as a group. You’ll head to a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Tuck into a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a historical setting – the perfect finale to your Indian adventure.
- The Grand Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Farewell Dinner at Haveli Dharampura
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Today you’ll travel to Kathmandu for the second half of your trip. You’ll have a second group meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your new group members and leader. Until then, settle into Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities. Maybe take a walk around the Garden of Dreams or check out Kathmandu’s architecture. After your meeting, head out into the Thamel and Jyatha neighbourhoods for dinner with your leader and group – maybe try some woh (a pancake made from freshly ground black lentils) or Kukhurako Masu (chicken cooked Nepali style).
- Yak and Yeti Kathmandu (1 night)
- Dinner
- Kathmandu - Welcome dinner
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
Your transfer and flight will be unaccompanied. Your tour leader will provide you with more details on your flight information and your transfer to the airport.
After breakfast this morning, explore Kathmandu on a sightseeing tour with your leader. Head to the lively Durbar square – the once glorious centre of Nepal’s royal power. Visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the surrounding monasteries. Stop by a Thangka painting studio and gain inside knowledge on this sacred and traditional form of Buddhist art and the training that goes into being a Thangka artist. Visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, where you’ll see Hindu holy men meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon is free for further explorations.
- Yak and Yeti Kathmandu (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
- Kathmandu - Durbar Square
- Kathmandu - Boudhanath Stupa and Monastery visit
- Kathmandu - Thangka Painting Studio Visit
- Kathmandu - Everest scenic flight - USD240
This morning, visit the headquarters of Sungava Nepal – a social enterprise that works to improve the lives of disadvantaged women in Nepal. Meet the local women and hear how the enterprise has changed their lives. Tour their greenhouse and learn about Nepali vegetables, then learn some traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Master the local methods of cooking and put together some classic dishes, then sit down to lunch with your new friends. After lunch, begin the journey to Nagarkot. Along the way, stop off at Bhaktapur – a beautifully preserved ancient city, home to many temples and statues. Explore three of the most important squares – Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Pottery Square – before continuing to Nagarkot, where you'll prepare for an overnight stay at Club Himalaya, renowned for its unrestricted view of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and the surrounding areas. End the day with a toast to your amazing view over sunset cocktails.
- Club Himalaya or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bhaktapur - Leader-led walking tour
- Nagarkot - Sunset local cocktail at Club Himalaya (one drink included)
- Kathmandu - Cooking class at Sungava Nepal
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Wake up and witness an early morning 180-degree sunrise view before travelling to Kathmandu airport by chartered coach. From here, you’ll fly to Pokhara – if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan Mountain chain to the north. When you arrive, take a boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal – the second largest lake in Nepal. Visit the Peace Pagoda for excellent views of the mountains including the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and a glimpse back across to Pokhara. In the afternoon, maybe take some time to enjoy Pokhara’s mellow atmosphere and wander its colourful streets or take a stroll along the lake and see the brightly painted paddle boats in the water. Pokhara has no shortage of restaurants to tempt your taste buds so be sure to ask your leader for some great local recommendations.
- Hotel Barahi or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
- Pokhara - Peace Pagoda
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Start the day with a visit to Sarangkot Viewpoint for a sunrise over the snowcapped Himalayan peaks, from the Annapurna Ranges to Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre). Your leader will be on hand to answer any questions about the landscape. Then, head to the International Mountain Museum, which is full of fascinating tales and exploits from climbing expeditions of the past – some ending in triumph and others in tragedy. After some time at the museum, visit a Tibetan community. Hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make delicious momos (steamed dumplings), which you’ll then eat together for lunch. Enjoy a free evening in Pokhara.
- Hotel Barahi or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Pokhara - Tibetan community visit with momo lunch
- Pokhara - International Mountain Museum
- Pokhara - Sarangkot Viewpoint
After breakfast, make the morning drive to Chitwan and arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights – Barahi Jungle Lodge. Perfectly positioned on the banks of the Rapti River, opposite Chitwan National Park, this jungle oasis offers first-class service and naturally warm Nepali hospitality. After settling in, there’s some flexibility with activities in the afternoon, which may vary depending on the time of year and known wildlife movements and locations. In the late afternoon, you might like to go down to the Rapti River and enjoy a cool beverage and snacks on the banks while you watch the sunset and the birds return home. Back at the resort, you’ll have a group dinner this evening.
- Barahi Jungle Lodge (feature stay) or similar (1 night) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Chitwan NP - Village tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
The sunset snacks and private dinner may take place either today or tomorrow depending on the weather and time.
After breakfast, leave the lodge for an early morning dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. Your tour leader will help you spot marsh mugger crocodiles along with the various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but you might see one if you’re lucky! When you return to dry land, set out on a late afternoon safari, showing the varied flora and fauna of the park. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your group and relax at your accommodation’s bar while discussing the day’s sightings or listening to the songs of the jungle.
- Barahi Jungle Lodge (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Chitwan - Sunset Snacks by Rapti River
- Chitwan - Private bush dinner (on hotel grounds)
- Chitwan - Canoe Safari
- Chitwan - Jeep Safari Tour
Enjoy breakfast at the resort before driving back to Kathmandu. The afternoon free for you to learn more of Nepal’s cultural heritage – maybe visit the Nepali Folk Musical Instrument Museum, home to more than 650 unique instruments. Tonight, you might want to join your leader and group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, leaving you with a final memory of Nepal’s delicious traditional food.
- Yak and Yeti Kathmandu (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.
Your Nepali adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to extend your stay in Kathmandu, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
17 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 9 dinners
Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Jeep, Canoe
Hotel (13 nights), Jaipur Feature Stay (2 nights), Chitwan Feature Stay (2 nights)
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Delhi - Welcome dinner
- Old Delhi City Tour
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
- Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - City Palace
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Lucknow - Orientation Walk
- Lucknow - Sheroes Dinner
- Lucknow City Tour
- Lucknow – Awadhi Cooking Class
- Orientation Walk in Varanasi
- Varanasi - Evening Ganga aarti with musicians on boat
- Varanasi - Ganges candle flower ceremony
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
- Sarnath Museum Visit
- Sarnath Stupa Visit
- Varanasi – Rickshaw Food Tour
- Farewell Dinner at Haveli Dharampura
- Kathmandu - Welcome dinner
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
- Kathmandu - Durbar Square
- Kathmandu - Boudhanath Stupa and Monastery visit
- Kathmandu - Thangka Painting Studio Visit
- Bhaktapur - Leader-led walking tour
- Nagarkot - Sunset local cocktail at Club Himalaya (one drink included)
- Kathmandu - Cooking class at Sungava Nepal
- Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
- Pokhara - Peace Pagoda
- Pokhara - Tibetan community visit with momo lunch
- Pokhara - International Mountain Museum
- Pokhara - Sarangkot Viewpoint
- Chitwan NP - Village tour
- Chitwan - Sunset Snacks by Rapti River
- Chitwan - Private bush dinner (on hotel grounds)
- Chitwan - Canoe Safari
- Chitwan - Jeep Safari Tour
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
- Kathmandu - Everest scenic flight - USD240
This trip generates 101 kg of CO2-e per person per day
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Is this trip right for you?
- In the summer months, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use adequate skin protection.
- It can get foggy between December and February, which can put a spin on the already spectacular scenery. However, it may cause traffic congestion and delays.
- Exploring Chitwan National Park’s beautiful trails on foot requires a reasonable level fitness.
- In the summer months, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use adequate skin protection.
- It can get foggy between December and February, which can put a spin on the already spectacular scenery. However, it may cause traffic congestion and delays.
- Exploring Chitwan National Park’s beautiful trails on foot requires a reasonable level fitness.
Dates and prices
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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