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Tour India and Nepal from the Ganges to the Himalayas

From the sacred River Ganges to the summits of the Himalayas, tour India and Nepal on a trip where adventure and discovery await. From the most exciting places to visit in Delhi to the towering peaks surrounding Kathmandu, discover the spirit, culture and nature of this fascinating region. Visit the Taj Mahal of Agra, experience the chaos and colour of India's villages and marvel at the daily pilgrimage to the ghats of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges. Delve into the history and religion of these two fascinating countries as you enjoy the highlights of India and Nepal.

Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Kathmandu, Nepal
Destinations
India, Nepal
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
HHSEC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Float among the clouds over Jaipur and watch an Indian sunrise from the basket of a hot air balloon

  • The Taj Mahal is not only an sumptuous masterpiece of Indian architecture, but also a truly meaningful stop on any traveller’s journey. Here's what you need to know about your visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/taj-mahal-travel-guide/

  • Overlooking the picturesque scene of Moata Lake, the monumental Amber Fort is one sight that will forever be under India’s protection

  • Experience authentic Rajasthani luxury with a heritage stay at the lavish Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli

  • Old and New Delhi fuse to create a city that pays homage to past empires, while wrestling with its modern identity

  • For those with limited time, long travel days are kept to a minimum, which is perfect for visiting several icons of northern India

Is this trip right for you?

  • Old Delhi can be very busy and crowded. While it’s an exciting place to see local life moving around you, be aware that on the walking tour you’ll need to navigate through people, tight spaces and walkways.

  • Rajasthan can reach extremely high temperatures in the summer. While we aim to do our walking tours early in the morning when it’s cooler, remember to keep hydrated and to bring a hat, sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt and anything else that will protect you from the sun.

  • We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees.

  • This trip crosses from India to Nepal on day 13

  • There are several long travel days on this trip incl Agra-Varanasi (approx. 12hrs) and the drive from Varanasi-Lumbini, incl crossing the border (10hours)

  • Long distance and overnight trains can often be delayed and occasionally cancelled due to heavy fog between Dec-Feb. Please see the transport section of the essential trip information.

Map of Highlights of India & Nepal including India and Nepal
Flying birds in Bodhnath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal
Couple hugging in a balloon ride over Jaipur in India on an Intrepid Travel tour.
nepal chitwan rhino
Colourful river houses on The Ganges, Varanasi, India
Traveller with a group of Sadhu's in Kathmandu, Nepal
Woman smiling in front of the Taj Mahal on an Intrepid Travel tour of Agra, India.
Local women in colourful sari's walking near the Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Traveller drinking coconut water from a freshly cut coconut in Mumbai, India on an Intrepid Travel tour.
Traveller and friendly local spiritual men conversing in Kathmandu, Nepal on an Intrepid Travel tour.
Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal
nepal chuchepati buddha temple prayer flags
Woman praying at a temple in Rajasthan in India
Travellers looking at locally made pashmina scarves on a busy street in Udaipur, India
View from a train window, India

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2019 - 31 December 2019

Namaste. Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. Perhaps visit the World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar or Red Fort of Delhi if you have any spare time.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR500
  • Delhi - Red Fort - INR500
  • Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2700
  • Delhi - City Food Crawl Urban Adventure - INR3500
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Join your group leader on an excursion through Old Delhi. Ride the city’s metro system, and then hop in a rickshaw to the once water-filled square of Chandni Chowk. Discover the Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque, before learning about the history of the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delhi - Old Delhi walking tour
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Travel by private vehicle into Rajasthan and on to its capital, Jaipur (approximately 5 - 6 hours). A friendly, busy town crammed with palaces and bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts, Jaipur is a favourite for many travellers. Our suggestions are to stop by the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), then head over to Jaipur's Royal City Palace and explore its extravagant rooms and apartments. Later, discover one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
  • Jaipur - City Palace - INR500
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Choose to take an early morning hot air balloon experience, often a highlight of visiting Jaipur. Ballooning can be done over Jaipur on the morning of day four between September and June. Mid afternoon visit the Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD260
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Leave the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur behind and drive to Karauli (approximately 5-6 hours). This delightful town was founded in 1348 and is packed with rural ambience and traditional temples. Take a guided walk around the Old Quarter, interacting with friendly locals and learning about rural Indian life off the tourist trail. Be sure to visit the eclectic market stalls along the way and sample some seasonal local sweets made from Indian ingredients, including petha (pumpkin), jiggery (organic sugar), peanut brittle and gazak (sesame seeds). Stay in a restored heritage property tonight where dinner is included.
Accommodation
  • Heritage Property (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Karauli - Village walk
Meals Included
  • Dinner

On the journey to Agra, stop en route at the one-time capital of the Mughal empire, Fatehpur Sikri (approximately 4 hours). Its stunning mosque displays both Persian and Hindu design and is secured by a 54-metre high entrance. Once in Agra, there’s the option of visiting the marble tomb that was saved for the greatest of the Mughal Emperors, Akbar's Mausoleum. The day then culminates in a visit to the Taj Mahal. It doesn’t matter who you are, the Taj Mahal will exceed all your expectations with the light shimmering off its white marble surface. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th century Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group composition as well as your tour leader may change today.

Agra is also home to one of the finest looking forts in India. This morning you’ll enter the dark red sandstone stronghold of Agra Fort - part fortress, part palace and part prison - and search through throne rooms and tiny but incredibly decorated mosques. Later, travel by air-conditioned train from Agra to Jhansi (approximately 3 hrs). Upon arrival in Jhansi, travel through traditional rural Indian landscapes to reach the beautiful town of Orchha on the banks of the Betwa River (approximately 45 minutes). Here you’ll have the opportunity to uncover a very different side of India. Initially a hunting area, Orchha has changed very little over the centuries. Despite its small size it is filled with many beautiful temples and palaces, build here in the 16th century by the ruling Bundelas clan. This evening witness the Ram Raja Temple puja (prayer) ceremony at the shrine at the heart of the city. Stay in a restored heritage property tonight.
Accommodation
  • Heritage Property (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Orchha - Orientation walk
  • Orchha - Ram Raja Temple ceremony
  • Agra - Agra Fort
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today you'll visit the stunning Orchha Palace, built by Bir Sing Deo for his friend Jehangir, the great Mughal ruler. Take note of the grand Iwans (domes) that were built large enough to allow the movement of war elephants. You’ll also make a stop at Taragram, one of our Responsible Tourism projects. Taragram is a paper making factory that enables local tribal women to work outside the realm usually afforded to them. The paper is crafted from wood pulp and recycled clothing.
Accommodation
  • Heritage Property (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Orchha - Orchha Palace
  • Orchha - Taragram visit
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today you'll get to soak up more of the unique atmosphere of Orchha, and excitingly you'll get to soak up the local flavours too. Learn about the local cuisine, it's ingredients and how it's prepared, in a cooking demonstration with our local friends. Taste the unforgettable results. This evening you’ll return to Jhansi and board an overnight train to Allahabad (approximately 9 hours), the starting point for your Ganges boat trip.
Accommodation
  • Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Orchha - Cooking demonstration
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Read more about food and cooking on Orchha here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cooking-demo-connections-india/

Sleeper trains are usually comfortable and air-conditioned (sometimes fan-cooled), and are a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Most of the time sheets, pillow and blanket are provided but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Please note you may be sharing with locals in a same/mixed gender situation.

Arrive in Allahabad and transfer to the Ganges (approximately 2 hours) by small riverboats for the sailing trip. You'll experience the sacred River Ganges, lifeblood of millions of Indian people, with a boat cruise through the heart of rural India. A support crew will be on hand as you sail down this iconic waterway, passing village communities and viewing river life as it goes on around you. The boats are equipped with life jackets, the deck has mattresses and cushions to relax on, and it’s all covered with a cloth roof for sun protection. Arrive at your campsite and relax riverside, read a book or play some cricket. Watch the sun go down and eat a delicious vegetarian meal prepared by the boatmen.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • River Ganges - Boat trip & camping
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
ents are twin share with mattresses and blankets provided. It gets cold in winter, so a sleeping bag is recommended if travelling at this time. There is a squat toilet tent, and no showers available. Lunch, dinner and breakfast are provided during you time camping. Water and soft drinks are available to purchase, but no alcohol is allowed here, as the Ganges is a sacred place. Please note that due to high water levels on the River Ganges and the associated safety concerns, the boat trip won't operate during the monsoon or other times of heavy rainfall. Departures affected by such safety concerns will be communicated during the trip by your leader – it's difficult to know well in advance how much rain there's likely to be at any point in time. In these cases, an extra night will be spent in Varanasi including a visit to the temple complex of Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.

Leaving your boats at Chunar, transfer by private vehicle to Varanasi (approximately 2 hours). This is one of holiest cities around, the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience this spiritual city. Overflowing with temples, shrines and devotees, there’s no doubt it’s one of the most amazing cities. Set off on a walking tour of the oldest part of the city, bustling with tourists and priests, and see different rituals being performed. Wander through the Old City with its maze of narrow alleyways packed full of small shops and stalls, and lumbering cows. This evening soak up the unique magical atmosphere of a candle flower ceremony as the sun sets.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle ceremony
  • Varanasi - Old City tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where you can watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river as you pass. The rest of the day is free for you to use as you like. There’s an option to take a trip to nearby Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Or perhaps visit Ram Nagar Fort, a crumbling 17th century fort and palace on the eastern bank of the Ganges, that’s the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Alternatively the day can be spent exploring the laneways and alleys behind the ghats, picking up some examples of the excellent local silk industry, or perfecting yoga in this most chakra-balancing of places.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Varanasi - Sunrise boat trip
Optional Activities
  • Varanasi - Ram Nagar Fort - INR150
  • Varanasi - Sarnath day trip (entry only) - INR250
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today it’s wave goodbye to India and say namaste to Nepal, as you cross the border at Gorakhpur. Though there’s always something to look at out the windows, it’s a good idea to have some other entertainment on hand for the long day of travelling ahead (approximately 8-10 hours including stops). For groups of less than 5 you will travel by car and for bigger groups by bus. On entering Nepal, take a private bus to your hotel in Lumbini (approximately 1 hour). This is no ordinary border town, but the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and one of his four holy places of pilgrimage. It's said in the Parinibbana Sutta that Buddha identified the sites as those of his birth, enlightenment, first discourse and death. You’ll visit the beautiful Ashoka Pillars and hop on cycle rickshaws to the Maya Devi Temple, the actual site where Lord Buddha is thought to have been born.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lumbini - Heritage Park
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Continue your journey by private vehicle through the Terai to Chitwan National Park (approx 5 hours), which sits at the base of the Himalayas. UNESCO declared the area a World Heritage site in 1984, and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia, with rhino, deer, monkeys and a wide array of birdlife. Arrive and settle in to your accommodation before jumping on a bike to explore a local village. In the evening, prepare for tomorrow’s exploration of the park with a presentation on the park's history, flora and fauna.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chitwan - Village Bike Tour
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please be aware that due to safety concerns we have suspended all wildlife jungle walks within Chitwan National Park.

Today after breakfast, take a walk to the Rapti river from where you’ll be taken by boat to Ghagtai village (approximately 3.5 hours). Enjoy some brilliantly-coloured-bird watching along the Rapti river and a picnic lunch. Keep your eyes peeled for gharials - this fish-eating crocodile has long been hunted for the supposed aphrodisiac qualities of its snout. Learn more about them when you drop by the crocodile breeding centre. Spend the night in a guesthouse with a view of the river and plenty of jungle ambience in Ghagtai tonight. Toilet and bathroom facilities are shared here.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chitwan - Canoe trip
  • Chitwan - Canoe safari, Bird Watching walk or Jeep safari
  • Chitwan NP - Park entry
  • Chitwan - Crocodile breeding centre
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
From October (to June) when jeep safaris resume you will boat part of the way before meeting drivers and touring the national park by vehicle (approximately 3-4 hours), finishing in Ghatgai in the late afternoon.

Today you’ll return to your lodge in Chitwan National Park via Twenty Thousand Lakes (Bis Hajaar Tal). Nepal’s second largest natural wetland, this beautiful reserve area is a maze of small lakes that teems with wildlife. Home to numerous crocodiles, this is one of the park’s best areas for birdwatching, with hundreds of species using it as a migratory route stop. If you’re lucky you might catch some sight of the Indian rhino. Once back at your accommodation there’ll be time to relax, or to take part in a number of optional activities offered by the park.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
While we respect each individual’s decisions while travelling, Intrepid does not include elephant rides or unnatural performance activities on any itinerary, and we recommend you bypass these activities should they be offered to you during your stay. Professional wildlife conservation and animal welfare organisations, including the World Animal Protection (formerly the World Society for protection of Animals) advise that contrary to common belief, captive elephants remain wild animals and despite good intentions, unfortunately many venues are unable to provide the appropriate living conditions elephants require and this ultimately impacts their well-being. While there is some merit in the argument that the money that you pay for the activity goes towards keeping the elephants and their mahouts employed, we know that it also fuels demand for elephants to be captured in the wild or captive bred. We thank you for your support in improving the welfare of these majestic creatures.

Today you'll journey by bus from Chitwan to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu (approximately 6 hrs). This is a ride that takes in all the sights that define Nepal: iridescent rice terraces, deep gorges, fast-flowing rivers and looming mountains. Kathmandu is a mixture of ancient architecture and modern development and, with its rich artistic and cultural heritage, it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows. Perhaps head out into Durbar Square, in front of the old royal palace and home to numerous beautiful temples, and browse the stalls of merchant's wares.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Durbar Square - NPR1000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you’ll head out to the ancient Swayambhunath Temple, known to tourists as the Monkey Temple and Kathmandu's most important Buddhist shrine. The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha eyes that stare out from the top have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal. You’ll also join the pilgrims at Bodhnath Stupa – the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It's the centre of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu, rich in Buddhist symbolism, and you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. You will also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating and pilgrims bathing. There are also a number of optional activities to take advantage of if you have the time, including our Urban Adventures. Maybe take-off on a flight from Kathmandu airport to see some spectacular mountain scenery. Those who don't have the opportunity to go trekking can get panoramic views of the Himalayas in just an hour.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Temple
  • Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
  • Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Early Morning Everest Scenic Flight - USD220
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Your adventure through Nepal and India ends today and you're free to leave the accommodation at any time.
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Kathmandu by Bike Urban Adventure - USD100
  • Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure - USD68
  • Kathmandu - Path to a Hidden Monastery Urban Adventure - USD57
  • Kathmandu - Kathmandu Living Urban Adventure - USD66
  • Kathmandu - Exploring Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure - USD97
  • Kathmandu - In Focus: Cook in Kathmandu Urban Adventure - USD93
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Canoe, Cycle rickshaw, Jeep, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Shuttle Bus, Train, Van

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Heritage Property (1 night), Hotel (10 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Delhi - Old Delhi walking tour
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Karauli - Village walk
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum
  • Orchha - Orientation walk
  • Orchha - Ram Raja Temple ceremony
  • Agra - Agra Fort
  • Orchha - Orchha Palace
  • Orchha - Taragram visit
  • Orchha - Cooking demonstration
  • River Ganges - Boat trip & camping
  • Varanasi - Sunset candle ceremony
  • Varanasi - Old City tour
  • Varanasi - Sunrise boat trip
  • Lumbini - Heritage Park
  • Chitwan - Village Bike Tour
  • Chitwan - Canoe trip
  • Chitwan - Canoe safari, Bird Watching walk or Jeep safari
  • Chitwan NP - Park entry
  • Chitwan - Crocodile breeding centre
  • Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Temple
  • Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
  • Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available for this trip and is applicable for all nights with the exception of the overnight train.
2. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate mornings from September to June and morning and evening from September to March. Morning flights depart around sunrise and evening flights late afternoon and last 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 must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP only and is USD$250pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to weather conditions and tickets are fully refundable in case of poor weather.
3. As this is a combination trip, the composition of your group, as well as the group leader, may change on Day 6.
4. Using mud pack therapy the Archaeological Survey of India is planning to clean the four small canopies around the main dome of the Taj Mahal from the start of April 2018. This will be followed by the cleaning of the main dome but that could take some time as ASI is yet to calculate its load bearing capacity. The ASI’s science branch officials have stated that cleaning the four canopies will take approximately 2 months while main dome cleaning will be completed in phases. We will continue to update as information becomes available.

Essential trip information

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.
View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Our Highlights of India & Nepal trips score an average of 4.53 out of 5 based on 17 reviews in the last year.

Highlights of India & Nepal, March 2018

Richard Emery

Review submitted 11 Apr 2018

Highlights of India & Nepal, March 2018

margaret Emery

Review submitted 05 Apr 2018

Our Highlights of India & Nepal trips score an average of 4.53 out of 5 based on 17 reviews in the last year.

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