Mysteries of India: Delhi to Kathmandu

15 days

If you’re looking to experience the diversity of India and Nepal, this 15-day trip contrasts the colourful culture of India with the pristine serenity of Nepal's Himalayan mountains. From the ghats that line the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi to a 4x4 safari in Chitwan National Park, our expert CEOs will take you through a region of unsurpassed natural beauty and spirituality before revealing to you the rugged Himalayan landscape of Nepal’s magical capital, Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Delhi

Arrive at any time. Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travelers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.

There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting. Afterward, head out for an optional dinner with the group.

Day 2 - Delhi / JAIPUR

Get a taste of India's capital city, Delhi, through a visit to Connaught Place by metro and a walk to India Gate, a stately memorial built for Indian soldiers who died in World War I.

Travel on to Jaipur, commonly called the "Pink City", for its unique architecture and markets. Get to know this colourful city on an orientation walk.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY - request current pricing

Visit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film.

Day 3 - jaipur

Explore Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.

With free time, opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or visit the nearby village of Sanganer to see colourfull pottery, handmade paper, and hand block printing. Catch a classic Bollywood film in the spectacular Art Deco film house — the Raj Mandir. Or choose to visit Kitchen With A Cause and have a delicious meal that allows you to give back to the community.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES - request current pricing

1. Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit - Enjoy a visit to the intricately-carved Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds," which is named for the cool breeze that comes through the structure and keeps it comfortable, even in the hot Jaipur summers. Explore the main complex, blossoming gardens, and the lake.

2. City Palace Visit - Explore the courtyards, gardens, and buildings that make up the City Palace. Located in the heart of the Old City, it is a striking blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Visit the palace's museum to look at ancient carriages and the former maharaja's gold-embroidered wedding outfit. 

3. Hungry? Visit Jaipur's Kitchen With A Cause before, during, or after your tour for a delicious meal that gives something back to the local community. It is more than a bustling restaurant – it’s a product of the G Values Fund* filled with mouth-watering action. Dishes are prepared by talented chefs who celebrate the deep, traditional flavours prevalent in Indian cuisine. The restaurant provides further career and training opportunities to young adults who are graduates from the G Adventures-supported City Walk project, an organization that aids local disadvantaged youth. Here, the cost of your meal gets you so much more than just a full stomach.

4. Jaipur Ballon Ride - Begin your day at dawn, just as the sun starts to rise over the incredible city of Jaipur. As you drift into the sky, enjoy the silence and serenity of the morning, watching as the day starts for the colourfully dressed inhabitants below. From high in the sky, you may float over ancient forts, exquisite palaces, and lively villages moving with people - and elephants! You may never want to come back down.

5. Jantar Mantar Visit - Visit the Jantar Mantar observatory to see how people looked at the stars and planets in ancient India. Explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.

6. Jaipur Cycle Tour - With its many lanes and organized layout, Jaipur is the perfect location to explore by bicycle. Choosing to cycle through the city on this morning tour will introduce you to sights, sounds and smells that a vehicle just can't match, so grab a helmet and jump on your bike! Navigate the streets of the 'Pink City' with the help of your experienced guide, starting the day with a traditional Indian yoghurt drink of Lassi. Marvel at the architectural wonders as you enter the walled part of the city and stop at the City Palace to visit the Govind Dev temple. Wander through the historical spices and sweets market, stopping for tea and a tasty snack of pakoras before heading towards the majestic Albert Hall Museum where the tour ends. Taxi transfers from the hotel to the starting point and from the finishing point back to the hotel are included in the price of this cycle tour.

Day 4 - Jaipur / Āgra

Take in the arid terrain and small towns on the ride to Agra for a sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. Marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture and immerse yourself in the mausoleum's unique history.

Day 5 - Āgra / Orchha

Travel by train and rickshaw (a three-wheeled mini-taxi) to reach peaceful Orchha along the Betwa River. Enjoy some time away from India's bustling cities and gain insight into rural life. Visit the three separate palaces, or "mahals," in this complex: the Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, and Rai Parveen Mahal. Enjoy the medieval architecture and learn about its rich history.

Opt to witness an evening puja, a Hindu prayer ceremony, presenting flowers, incense, and food to an image or idol representing a deity.

Day 6 - Orchha / Varanasi

Visit Tarragram, a unique paper-making plant set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp. After, enjoy free time to explore Orchha.

Opt to rent a bike, stroll along the river, or take a cooking class and enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch.

In the evening, catch and experience an overnight train to Varanasi and travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop. 

Day 7 - Varanasi

Arrive in Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Experience the spiritual energy with an orientation walk through the holy city, filled with temples, shrines and Hindus from all over India and the world.

Opt to visit a temple honoring the Hindu monkey-god, Hanuman (NOTE: this will also be available on Day 8).

Enjoy views of the sacred River Ganges and embark on a boat trip at sunset to witness a candlelit flower ceremony. This is where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Participate in the candle and flower ceremony while on the water. 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY - request current pricing

Guided Visit of Sarnath - A day of exploration begins with a tuk-tuk ride from Varanasi towards Sarnath, where your local guide awaits. One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, Sarnath is the birth place of Buddhism where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. For nearly 1700 years the site remained a centre for great learning, a place of pilgrimage, and a Vihara (Monastery) for monks and scholars. Guided by a local expert, discover the archeological ruins of the monastery, the ancient Dhamek stupa. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan. Stop to admire the Buddha statue located at the Thai Buddha vihara. Some eighty feet tall, it is considered to be the tallest standing Buddha statue at Sarnath. After three hours of guided exploration, your guide will bring you back to your awaiting tuk-tuks bound for your hotel. NOTE: This activity will also be available on Day 8.

Day 8 - Varanasi

Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river before free time to explore this holy city. Walk the narrow alleys, visit some of the hundreds of temples and shrines, or wander the Old City.

Opt to visit the site of the Buddha's first sermon or sit on the banks of the Ganges watching life unfold around you.

Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES - request current pricing

1. Guided Visit of Sarnath - offered as well on Day 7, see above for details

2.  Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras - Set off an engaging walking tour of Old Varanasi City. Wander through puzzling alleys, vibrant bazaars, explore temples, and gain a deeper understanding of Varanasi’s history, culture, and spirituality.

   The Varanasi Heritage Walk begins from the Godaulia intersection and our first visit is to the Mata Kali Temple, one of the highest revered places of worship in the city. It was built by the Maharaja of Varanasi in 1885 and features carved pillars that capture visitors’ attention. Then we will visit the Ganesh temple before heading to the Tedhi Neem Gali for a walk through the colorful market dotted with many different shops. Afterward, we will go towards the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and witness Varanasi’s principal cremation site – the Manikarnika Ghat. The sacred fire here has been alive for the last 3,000 years.

   Next, we’ll walk past the Alam Gir mosque, visit the shrine of a Hindu Yogi and mystic Guru Shri Tailang Swami, the Mangla Gauri Temple, and the Sankatha Mata Temple. Towards the end of the walk, we will try the famous white butter toast with tea at Laxmi Chai shop or Dwarika Lassi.

   During the walk our guide will focus more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing or chanting and gain an understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Day 9 - Varanasi / Lumbini

Cross the border into Nepal and step back in time as you experience Buddha's birthplace - Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pilgrimage centre. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, where the Queen gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. Explore the numerous monasteries in this World Heritage Site.

Today is a long travel day, so get comfortable, sit back and relax, and enjoy the changing landscape. Get ready to learn about the history and culture of Nepal.

Day 10 - Lumbini / Royal Chitwan National Park

Journey through a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas, and forests at the base of the Himalayas. The region is home to rhinos, elephants, Bengal tigers, bears, and leopards. Enjoy an overnight homestay and hospitality of the Tharu, an indigenous community from the Teral belt of Nepal who live in eco-friendly homes. Experience their unique culture through dances and songs.

Opt to go on a cycling excursion through the area.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY - request current pricing

Explore the village and its surroundings with a guided bike ride. Enjoy sunset on the banks of the Narayani river over a cup of tea. 

Day 11 - Royal Chitwan National Park

Explore the diverse ecosystems of Royal Chitwan National Park from the comfort of a 4x4 vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for the many animals that live there, including birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and rhinos. If you're lucky, you might get to see an elusive tiger. Walk through the village and rice paddies.

Settle in for another night of dance, songs, and Nepalese food with your Tharu community hosts.

Day 12 - Royal Chitwan National Park / Pokhara

Travel toward the beautiful scenery of the Annapurna Range to Pokhara. On arrival, take in the pristine lakes and stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.

Opt to relax in a café, hire a boat and float around the lake, or shop for Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs in the endless stalls and shops.

Day 13 - POKHARA

Visit nearby Sarangkot for a sunrise walk with breathtaking views of the Annapurnas. The walk back from Sarangkot through farms and forest is wonderful and takes between 2-2.5 hours.

Visit this G Adventures-supported grassroots organization that is helping to support rehabilitated survivors of human-trafficking and other at-risk women. SASANE, our project partners, trains once vulnerable women to be certified paralegals, so that they are the first point of contact for other women coming out of abuse. G Adventures has helped catalyze a hospitality program for these women to be reintegrated into a dignified work environment. The survivors will teach you how to make momos (traditional dumplings) and then enjoy a Nepali lunch together. This program helps support SASANE's trafficking prevention and re-integration programs across Nepal.

Explore Pokhara during free time in the afternoon.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES - request current pricing

1. World Peace Pagoda Excursion -  Walk up to the World Peace Pagoda, which was constructed by Buddhist monks. Enjoy the structure and the beautiful view around it.

2. Bike Rental - Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.

3. Gorkha Museum Visit - Learn about the renowned Gurkha soldiers, famous for their bravery.

Day 14 - Pokhara / Kathmandu

Drive to Kathmandu, visiting the iconic Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) en route. Arrive to the capital in the afternoon and get your bearings on an orientation walk. Highlights in Kathmandu include world-famous Durbar Square, the King’s Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath, and the Boudhanath Stupa.

Swayambhunath is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles. To reach Swayambhunath climb 365 steps that lead up the hill. Be sure to check out the Buddha's eyes painted on each side of the Stupa. The site is also known as the monkey temple, for the vast amount of creatures who call the complex home. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with temples, painted images of deities, and numerous other religious objects.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES - request current pricing

1. Flight: Pokhara to Kathmandu -  Swap the scenic route for speed. Opt to upgrade to a flight straight from Pokhara to Kathmandu and give yourself more time to explore the sights of Kathmandu.

2. Everest Flight - Get a close look at awesome Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world, without having to do any climbing; this one-hour plane tour will give you an unforgettable experience.

Day 15 - Kathmandu

There are no activities planned for today and you are free to depart at any time.