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Map of Epic Nepal to India including India and Nepal

From the beauty of the Himalaya to Rajasthani heritage stays and the iconic Taj Mahal, this trip has it all

Fill up on momos (steamed dumplings) in Kathmandu and get ready for a huge trip. We're talking rafting adventures and beach camps. Hit the Annapurna circuit for a glimpse of the mighty Himalayas. Come face-to-face with rhinos and a host of other exotic wildlife in Chitwan National Park. Get spiritual in Varanasi, see pink in Jaipur and take the ultimate selfie in front of the Taj Mahal. This jam-packed trip covers a bit of everything. We love it, and we think you will too.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

Some of our under-30 travellers prefer to get around with people their own age. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Over 29? We’ve got over 900 other great adventures to choose from for solo travellers, friends, families, food lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and more.

Start
Kathmandu, Nepal
Finish
Delhi, India
Destinations
India, Nepal
Style
Basix
Theme
18 to 29s
Code
HHYDC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18, Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Travel solo, together

You're never alone when travelling solo with Intrepid

Why you'll love this trip

  • Spot Rhino's and other exotic wildlife in Chitwan National Park, one of the best places to view wildlife in all of Asia.

  • Set out on an awesome three-day, low-altitude trek through villages and rhododendron forests, taking in the amazing sights of the Annapurna ranges.

  • Paddle around Phewa Lake surrounded by views of the gargantuan Himalayas in super-zen Pokhara,

  • Lumbini is no ordinary town. Visit the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and tour its temples and the legendary Ashoka Pillars.

  • See pilgrims praying and bathing along the ghats of the sacred Ganges River during an unforgettable sunrise cruise in Varanasi, one of India's holiest cities.

  • The Taj Mahal may be one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, but do you know its poetic history? A local expert will fill you in.

  • It's hard not to fall in love with the tiny Rajasthani village of Tordi. The locals will feed you and you'll sleep in a 16th-century palace. Oh, and there's some ruined temples and a pretty cool fortress nearby too.

Is this trip right for you?

  • You must have a pre purchased Indian visa in your passport for this trip. Indian visa is required prior to travel and cannot be purchased at border on Day 12 of the trip. Indian e-Visas are not valid for this border crossing.

  • The Nepal section of this trip has a trekking component of up to 5 hours a day at a max of 2200 metres/7200 feet.

  • There are several long travelling days, including Kathmandu to Pokhara (7 hours), Lumbini to Varanasi (10 hours), Varanasi to Agra (12 hours).

Nepal_Kathmandu
India_Agra_Taj-Mahal
Nepal Kathmandu Holy man
India street vendor
Nepal_Chitwan-NP
india_tordi-garh_local-man-pottery-making-traveller
India_Delhi
India_Tordi-Garh
India_Varanasi
Nepal_Lumbini
Nepal_Pokhara

Itinerary
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Oh hello Kathmandu! The adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and new travel pals. Look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place.If you arrive early, there's plenty to do in this vibrant city. Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist shrine, Swayambhunath Stupa and the nearby ‘City of Devotees’ Bhaktapur are well worth a visit. For some more structure, there are a number of Urban Adventures day tours that can help you delve deeper into Kathmandu's ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage. After the welcome meeting, perhaps have dinner together or hit up one of the nearby bars. Your leader will have a tonne of recommendations for a cocktail or two.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure - USD68
  • Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight - USD240
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
From 2024, today's welcome meeting will take place at 2pm. 

If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive in time for today's welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.

Enjoy a morning drive over the rim of the Kathmandu Valley and soak up the views of the Ganesh and Lantang ranges. Arrive in either Baireni or Galaudi, for some rafting on the Trisuli River. Hit the water and enjoy the thrill of the rapids aptly named Ladies Delight, Rock Garden and Snell's Nose. Camp on the beach and enjoy a local meal under the stars.
Accommodation
  • Camping (basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Trisuli River - Rafting
  • Trisuli River – Riverside Camping
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Have more fun on the river including negotiating the Monsoon and Upset. Late morning we end rafting at Kurintar and enjoy a light lunch and drive to Pokhara (4 hours). Arrive in Pokhara in the afternoon and take a walk around with your leader who will point out some of the best sights and sounds. This evening is free for you to chill out at one of the many lakeside restaurants and bars. If you haven't already, make sure you get yourself a plate full of momos (dumplings) or a nourishing bowl of dal bhat (thick lentil or bean soup).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Trisuli River - Rafting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today we drive from Pokhara to Shyauli Bazaar, which takes around 1.5 hours. Hope you broke in your boots before the trip, cos this is where the trekking bit starts. It's all mostly uphill today - that’s some diverse terrain right there! There’s a dirt track leading to Birethanti and Shyauli villages. Then reach a stone staircase up to Kimche, where you’ll stop for lunch. Continue to follow the stone flags that lead you through fields of wheat to Ghandruk. Tonight you'll stay in your first Nepalese teahouse.
Accommodation
  • Tea House (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Annapurna Region – 3 Night / 4 Days Trekking
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time today is approximately 3.5 hours (5.7km)

Look east. That’s Landruk, the next village on the route.  Look down. That’s the Modi Kola River 600 metres below. Look around the corner. That’s Tolkha, your base for the night. What, you can’t look around corners? Ok, you’ll just have to trek there instead. Begin with a mountain view for breakfast, then start the trek towards Tolkha. It takes about 2 hours mostly descending and then its time for an ascent of around 3 hours to our next teahouse stay. 
Accommodation
  • Tea House (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time today is approximately 5 hours (6.5km)

Rhododendron is a tricky word to spell, but super pretty to look at. You’ll see a bunch of these bright pink and purple plants today. Do you know what you won’t see much of? Other people. We’ve picked a pretty remote trail from Dhampus to Hemjakot, and tonight you get to stay with a local family. The homes in Hemjakot reflect the traditional style of this part of the Himalayas: made from natural stones of the region which displays a domestic style of architecture that has largely been overshadowed in Nepal's big cities. Experience the rural way of life in the mountains, gaining insight to the local culture. The first 2 hours trekking are uphill, then itis mostly downhill from there. Pack your best smile and get an even bigger one in return.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hemjakot - Community Homestay
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure - USD55
  • Kathmandu - Kathmandu Living Urban Adventure - USD66
  • Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight (Including transfers) - USD240
  • Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Temple - NPR200
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time today is approximately 6 hours (13km)

It's a short descent to Phedi (1130m / 3707ft) before catching a transfer to Pokhara in time for lunch (approx. 40 mins). Enjoy free time in the afternoon to do all the things you didn’t do the first time round. We highly recommend taking a rowboat (doonga) out on Phewa Lake. If there’s blue skies you’ll have mountain views for miles.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pokhara - Orientation Walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total trekking time today is approximately 3 hours (5km)

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location.

Wake up among the spectacular scenery of Pokhara and enjoy a boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace, with plenty of optional activities to choose from, you can spend your time however you please! Why not start with a visit the International Mountain Museum to learn some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions. You might like to take a break by the water’s edge and indulge in the ultimate Nepalese dish for lunch – dal bhat – a hearty vegetarian meal consisting of rice and lentils. Pokhara has an interesting old area well worth exploring, as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. As the day closes, perhaps visit the Peace Pagoda – with spectacular views of the Annapurna mountains – and watch the sunset over the famous fishtail peak – Machhapuchhare.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Pop on your safari hat as you drive to Chitwan National Park by private vehicle. UNESCO (who know a thing or two about this kind of stuff) declared it a World Heritage site in 1984, and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. Think the Jungle Book come to life with rhinos, deer, monkeys and a wide array of birds, all found here. If luck is on your side, you may even spot a wild elephant, sloth bear or leopard so keep your eyes peeled.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 6 hours.

Elephant Performances & Elephant Riding: 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.

This morning you’ll hop aboard a jeep, meet your local guide and take a safari drive through Chitwan National Park. Chances are high you'll see a great one-horned rhinoceros and you might even catch a glimpse of one of the 100-or-so Bengal Tigers that call the park home. The afternoon will be all yours to enjoy as you wish. You might like to book an optional jungle walk with a local guide, take a canoe ride, hire a bike and explore the area or even visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre, to name a few. With endless ways to fill your afternoon, why not speak to your locally-based leader to get their best recommendations.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chitwan National Park - Park Entry
  • Chitwan National Park – Jeep Safari
Optional Activities
  • Chitwan National Park – Community Forest Jeep Safari (per vehicle) - INR5900
  • Chitwan National Park – Crocodile Breeding Centre - INR111
  • Chitwan National Park – Jungle Walk (per guide) - INR516
  • Chitwan National Park – Canoe Ride - INR663
  • Chitwan National Park – Additional Park Entrance - INR1475
  • Chitwan National Park – Bike Hire - INR188
  • Chitwan National Park - Boat Crossing - INR1475
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today travel by private vehicle to Nepal’s border town of Lumbini (about 5 hours). No ordinary border town, Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and one of his four holy places of pilgrimage. Check out 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
  • Lumbini - Maya Devi Temple
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today's travel time is approximately 5 hours.

This is a long travelling day as you make your way into India, crossing the border at Sunauli and continuing on to Varanasi (approximately 9 hours including stops). One of holiest cities around, Varanasi is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience this spiritual city. Overflowing with temples, shrines and devotees, it might not be one of the world's cleanest cities but there’s no doubt it’s one of the most amazing. After your arrival, enjoy an evening at leisure and perhaps head out for your first taste of Indian cuisine – chicken tikka anyone?
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 9 hours including stops.

Today’s an early start, but it’s completely worth it – a sunrise boat ride along the sacred Ganges is a revelation and even if you're not the spiritual sort, you can't help but get goose bumps. Pass the many ghats (stairs leading to the water) and temples along the river, and watch thousands of Hindu pilgrims cleanse their sins in the holy water as the sun rays bathe the surrounds in glorious shades of amber and orange. Afterwards, set off by auto rickshaw to the oldest part of the city, to explore its maze of narrow alleyways packed full of small shops, stalls and lumbering cows. See pilgrims performing rituals unchanged for hundreds of years and pass chiming temples as wafts of incense fill the air.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
  • Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Enjoy lots of free time to explore more of Varanasi before you get a unique slice of Indian life aboard an overnight sleeper train bound for Agra. You could 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 several stupas and museums to explore. There’s also the crumbling 17th-century fort and palace on the eastern bank of the Ganges, Ram Nagar Fort. Otherwise, take the chance to perfect your yoga in the ultimate chakra-balancing place.
Accommodation
  • Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Varanasi - Sarnath - INR250
  • Varanasi - Ram Nagar Fort - INR250
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Tonight’s sleeper train is approximately 10 hours.

Agra might not be the prettiest city in the world, but the minute you check out its top-notch site that won’t matter one bit (of course, we're talking about the glorious Taj Mahal). You’ll arrive on a Friday, so the Taj is closed to visitors, but there are outstanding views from almost every hotel rooftop in the area. Enjoy a free day to explore Agra's alternative highlights. An optional trip on a motorised rickshaw takes you to some of the city’s best monuments. If you’ve got the energy, head out to Agra Fort and stroll the palatial gardens of this red sandstone stronghold (with cheeky monkeys in tow) or check out Akbar's Mausoleum, a beautiful sandstone and marble tomb built for the greatest of the Mughal emperors.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Agra - Agra Fort - INR600
  • Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum - INR300
  • Agra - Additional entries to Taj Mahal - INR1300
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

It doesn’t matter who you are, the Taj Mahal will explode all your expectations with the morning light shimmering off its white marble surface. After your visit, jump into private transport and head off to the village of Tordi. This remote and rarely visited township offers a fantastic glimpse of the real Rajasthan, the locals will feed you and you'll sleep in a 16th-century palace with its owner as your host (and there's a ruined temple and fortress nearby). Settle in, then savour delicious local flavours in tonight’s included dinner.
Accommodation
  • Heritage Property (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
Meals Included
  • Dinner

Kick on in a private vehicle to Jaipur, India's oh-so-pretty Pink City. You'll have plenty of free time here to haggle to your heart's content at the bazaars and backstreets where vendors sell a variety of textiles, precious and semi-precious gems and stunning blue pottery. Drop by one of India’s finest palaces, the Royal City Palace, where the guards’ moustaches are almost as impressive as the building itself. Food lovers will want to hit the streets for raj kachori chaat, a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato. Then cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road, Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop. Cinema buffs won't want to miss the chance to take in a Bollywood blockbuster at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - City Palace - INR700
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 3 hours.

If you're keen for a different view of the Pink City, an optional early morning hot air balloon ride is a trip highlight for many visitors. For more information please see the 'Important Notes' section of your trip notes. Later in the morning, you’ll drop by Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), the impressive five-storey facade with pink and honeycombed windows is it the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal. Then it’s out to the old capital of Amber and an exploration of the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you like.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind)
Optional Activities
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
  • Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Take a train ride to India's capital. This exciting city is overflowing with incredible historic sites, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars. Watch one of the world's greatest shows unfold as people, cars, rickshaws and cows all work together in a kind of organised chaos. Sit back with a chai and let it all soak in. Later today, take the modern metro to Old Delhi and visit the old city's market area by foot, exploring Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place. Visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, one of the oldest and most iconic Sikh shrines in Delhi and try your hand at making chapatis in the community kitchen. This shrine is visited by devotes on a regular basis and everyone is welcome here irrespective of their religion, caste or gender. To end your day, have an optional dinner tonight with your group to say goodbye to this incredible country.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Optional Activities
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
  • Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 5 hours.

Your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you'd prefer to stay on in Delhi a little bit longer, we'll be happy to help with additional accommodation, which can be booked prior to travel (subject to availability).
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, 4x4 Safari Vehicle/Jeep, Auto rickshaw, Cycle rickshaw, Shuttle Bus, Train, Canoe, bike

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Heritage Property (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Tea House (2 nights), Sleeper Train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Trisuli River - Rafting
  • Trisuli River – Riverside Camping
  • Annapurna Region – 3 Night / 4 Days Trekking
  • Hemjakot - Community Homestay
  • Pokhara - Orientation Walk
  • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
  • Chitwan National Park - Park Entry
  • Chitwan National Park – Jeep Safari
  • Lumbini - Heritage Park
  • Lumbini - Maya Devi Temple
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
  • Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind)
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Epic Nepal to India trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. An excellent level of fitness is required for this trip as there are long trekking days in difficult terrain.
2. Altitude does not exceed 1950 metres/6400 feet on this trip.
3. Rafting on the Trisuli River is grade 3+
4. Please ensure you bring a passport size photo for our Annapurna trek permit application.
5. A sleeping bag is required for this trip. Please bring your own or hire in Kathmandu for a few dollars a day.
6. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 4 and 5 (Tea House) and Days 10 and 14 (Overnight sleeper train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 7. A valid Indian visa is required prior to travel. This trip arrives into India overland from Nepal and e-visas are not valid at land borders.
7. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. 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 must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP only and is USD$260pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
8. This trip is a combination of HNYU and HNYD our most popular itineraries. As such the make up of your group and your leader may change on day 7.
9. Please be aware that in the event of an emergency evacuation, Intrepid does not have control over which helicopter service may be used. Some helicopters are not in regular use with Intrepid and have not passed our internal safety auditing.

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

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