Trip details
If youre looking to experience the diversity of India and Nepal, this 15-day trip contrasts the kaleidoscope of culture and colour that is India with the pristine serenity of Nepal's Himalayan Mountains. From an elephant safari in Chitwan National Park to the ghats that line the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, our expert CEOs will take you from Nepals magical capital of Kathmandu through the rugged Himalayas and into the spirituality and unsurpassed natural beauty of India on your way to the hectic pace of Delhi.
What's Included
India Gate and Connaught Place, Amber Palace, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Orchha Palace Complex, River Ganges Boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including candle flower ceremony), Orientation walk along the ghats and Old city in Varanasi, Buddha's birthplace in Lumbini, Guided walk in Chitwan National Park, Sarangkot sunrise excursion, Kathmandu orientation walk
No meals are included. (Allow USD215-280 for meals.)
Guesthouses/hotels (12 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Deluxe air-conditioned tents (1 nt).
Train, Metro, Local bus, Charter bus, Auto-rickshaw, Cycle-rickshaw, Tempo, River boat
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10
Day 1 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu at anytime. Time permitting you could opt for a Mountain flight to view Everest.
Day 2 - 3 Pokhara
Drive through the Himalayas to the picturesque city of Pokahara. Sunrise at the spectacular Sarangot point, option to trek back down the valley after.
Day 4 - 5 Chitwan National Park
Drive through the Terai plains to Chitwan National Park, here we do an elephant safari and you can if you want try your hand at washing an elephant or visit the local village and wander the peaceful counrtyside.
Day 6 Lumbini
Today we visit Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Day 7 - 9 India/Nepal Border & Varanasi
Today we bid a fond farewell to Nepal and a big hello to Incredible India. In Varanasi we walk along the Ghats in this holiest and most ancient of cities. We do a sunrise and sunset boat ride on the Ganges experiencing the Aarti evening ceremony. Sarnath, where Buddha first preached is a great option in your free time. On our final night we board an overnight train which is a great Indian journey in itself.
Day 10 Orchha
We explore the many gems of this rural village, our local guide shows us palaces and temples, a puja at the Ram Raja Temple is a highlight. We visit Tarragram a unique paper making cooperative. There is plenty of free time to hire bikes or simply walk the river banks and mix with the locals
Day 11 Agra
Today we visit the majestic Taj Mahal and a cycle rickshaw takes us to the great Red Fort of Agra where Mughal history comes to life.
Day 12 - 13 Jaipur
A day train brings us to the pink city of Jaipur, where we visit the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace and the imposing Amber Fort. Raj Mandir the art deco cinema hall for a Bollywood classic is a great option as is Saganer village home of blue pottery. If your interest is astronomy then check out Jantar Mantar.
Day 14 Delhi
Our morning train ride brings us to New Delhi, where there is free time to explore perhaps the world heritage sites of Qutab Minar, Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb, or Lyutens New Delhi, Old Delhi with its winding lane, markets and vibrancy is an amazing site. Dilli Haat offers great shopping for those who want to shop local. final night dinner brings our great journey to a close.
Day 15 Depart Delhi