Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure
15 days, Delhi to Kathmandu
Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 14, 2025 or March 4, 2026 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
Itinerary
Day 1Delhi
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until a welcome meeting around 6pm. Head out for an optional welcome dinner with the group.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Delhi/Jaipur
Visit the India Gate and Connaught Place in Delhi before traveling to the "Pink City." Explore this beautiful city and opt to watch a Bollywood film.
Delhi Orientation Tour
Get a taste of India's capital city 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk
Head to the markets of this "Pink City," the capital of Rajasthan, and one of the most important heritage cities in India on this CEO-led orientation walk.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Movie at Raj Mandir
200-400INR per personVisit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film.
Day 3Jaipur
Marvel Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and visit Amber Fort. With free time opt to visit nearby villages, the Jantar Mantar observatory or enjoy a drink in a converted palace.
Visit the Amber Fort clinging to the surrounding hills and stop and take a photo of the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. This famous building is in fact only an elaborately carved facade built to enable the purdah ladies in the zenana to watch the goings-on in the street below without being seen.
Opt to visit the nearby village of Sanganer to see blue pottery, hand made paper or hand block printing. After, opt to see watch a Bollywood film in the spectacular Art Deco film house — the Raj Mandir.
Amber Fort Visit
Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. Wander through the halls and courtyards and admire the intricate details.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
City Palace Visit
1000INR per personExplore 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.
Jantar Mantar Visit
202INR per personVisit the Jantar Mantar observatory for a guided tour and explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)
202INR per personEnjoy 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. Admire this architectural wonder and snap some photos.
Jaipur Balloon Ride
Begin your day at dawn, just as the sun starts to rise. 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 rolling hills, villages teeming with life, and a small monastery. You may even spot elephants—if luck is on your side.
Available September 1 - April 30.
Day 4Jaipur/Āgra
Travel to Agra and visit the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal at sunset.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Agra Fort Visit
Enjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.
Taj Mahal Visit
Visit this icon of Mughal architecture in the evening for the best light.
Day 5Āgra/Orchha
Enjoy the peaceful rural charm of Orchha and visit the Orchha Palace complex. Opt to witness an evening puja.
Travel by train and local 'tempo' to reach Orchha. Enjoy some time away from India's bustling city and gain insight into rural life.
Visit the Orchha Palace complex to learn more about the ancient history of the city.
Make time to enjoy an evening puja ceremony.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Auto Rickshaw
Scoot quickly around the big cities inside a three-wheeled mini-taxi.
Orchha Palace Visit
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.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Puja Ceremony
FreeExperience a Hindu prayer ceremony presenting flowers, incense, and food to an image or idol representing a deity.
Day 6Orchha/Varanasi
Visit Tarragram, a unique paper-making plant, set up to assist tribal women from the area. After, enjoy free time in Orchha. Opt for a cooking class and lunch with a local family. In the evening, catch an overnight train to 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 in town. Opt to rent a bike or stroll along the river.
For lunch, opt to take a cooking class with a local family and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
In the evening, head to Varanasi by overnight train.
Tarragram Visit
Enjoy a visit to this unique paper-making plant, set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time.
Taxi
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Bike Rental
Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
Cooking Class
1000INR per personCalling all foodies! Get a taste of local food of Orchha by visiting a local family for a cooking class. After the cooking demonstration sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.
Day 7Varanasi
Arrive in the holy city of Varanasi. Take an orientation walk along the ghats and visit the old city. Enjoy a boat trip on the Ganges at sunset.
With free time, 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.
Orientation Walk
Experience the spiritual energy of Varanasi with a walk through the holy city, filled with temples, shrines and Hindus from all over India and the world. Enjoy views of the sacred River Ganges.
Free Time
Explore this holy city.
Evening Ganges Boat Tour
Enjoy a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Participate in a candle and flower ceremony while on the water.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Lord Hanuman Temple Visit
FreeVisit a temple honoring the Hindu monkey-god, Hanuman.
Guided Tour 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.
Day 8Varanasi
Enjoy a sunrise boat tour along the Ganges before free time in this holy city.
Morning Ganges Boat Tour
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.
Free Time
Spend time exploring the hidden alleys, temples, and shrines found throughout this holy city -- it's the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Take time to experience the culture and history or discover the shops and stalls in the Old City.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Lord Hanuman Temple Visit
FreeVisit a temple honoring the Hindu monkey-god, Hanuman.
Guided Tour 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.
Day 9Varanasi/Lumbini
Cross into Nepal and visit Buddha's birthplace, Lumbini.
This is a long travel day to cross into Nepal. Enjoy the changing landscape and get ready to learn about the history and culture of Nepal.
Fun fact: Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of India. Set your watch.
It is possible for most nationalities to get a Nepalese visa at the border; you will need at least one passport size photograph and $25 USD. Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of India, time wise.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Taxi
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
Border Crossing (Nepal)
Have your passports and documentation ready to cross the border.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Maya Devi Temple Buddha's Birthplace Visit
Visit Maya Devi Temple, Buddha's Birthplace Visit. Explore the numerous monasteries in this World Heritage Site.
Day 10Lumbini/Royal Chitwan National Park
Travel to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy an overnight homestay with the indigenous Tharu community. Experience their culture through dance and song, along with a traditional meal. Opt to go on a cycling excursion through the area.
Travel 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. In the evening, meet the local Tharu community and discover their culture.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay
Enjoy the 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, songs, and a delicious traditional meal. Stay on the property in private guesthouses that resemble traditional village architecture of the local Tharu people. Enjoy modern conveniences like running water, comfortable beds, and mosquito nets. The 14 cottages are each named after the local woman that manages the property. There are also tended gardens and small patches of farmland in the village compound with animals tethered inside the pastures.
Any meals will be eaten in the communal dining hall and the local women will serve you food that has been sourced completely from the surrounding land and community.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Cycling
950NPR per personExplore the village and its surroundings with a guided bike ride. Enjoy sunset on the banks of the Narayani river over a cup of tea.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 11Royal Chitwan National Park
Explore the park on a 4x4 safari before a walk through the village and rice paddies. Settle in for another night with your Tharu community hosts.
Chitwan 4x4 Safari
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.
Day 12Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara
Travel into the beautiful scenery of the Annapurna Range in Pokhara.
Pokhara has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time.
Day 13Pokhara
Visit nearby Sarangkot for a sunrise walk with breathtaking views of the Annapurnas. Visit the Sisterhood of Survivors Project, a grassroots organization that trains survivors of human-trafficking to become certified paralegals. Meet some beneficiaries of the program and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings) with some of the women before enjoying an authentic local lunch. Explore Pokhara during free time in the afternoon.
Travel out to Sarangkot for a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). The walk back down through farms and forest to Pokhara is wonderful and takes between 2-2.5 hours.
Sarangkot Sunrise Walk
Experience a spectacular sunrise view of the surrounding the Annapurna Himalayas. Enjoy the 2.5 hour walk back down through lush farms and forests.
Your G for Good Moment: Sisterhood of Survivors Project
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.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
World Peace Pagoda Excursion
1000-1500NPR per groupWalk up to the World Peace Pagoda, which was constructed by Buddhist monks. Enjoy the structure and the beautiful view around it.
Bike Rental
Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
Gorkha Museum Visit
200NPR per personLearn about the renowned Gurkha soldiers, famous for their bravery.
Paragliding
8500INR per personEnjoy a view from above of the beautiful city of Pokhara, which is surrounded by the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range.
Meals included:
LunchDay 14Pokhara/Kathmandu
Drive to Kathmandu, visiting Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, en route.
En route to Kathmandu, visit Swayambhunath, the monkey temple, sitting high above Kathmandu city.
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. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with temples, painted images of deities and numerous other religious objects.
Arrive to the city in the afternoon and enjoy a short orientation walk. Highlights in Kathmandu include world-famous Durbar Square, the King’s Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath and the Boudhanath Stupa.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Swayambhunath Temple Visit
Visit Swayambhunath Buddhist temple and Unesco World Heritage Site, the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu. Explore the structure and 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.
Kathmandu Orientation Walk
Get a taste of this lively capital city, which is fascinating at every turn.
Day 15Kathmandu
Take an optional Everest scenic flight. Depart at any time.
There are no activities planned for today and you are free to depart at any time. If you are interested in a scenic flight to view Mt Everest, your CEO can assist in booking this option.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
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. At times, the weather may cover Everest, but the surrounding view is still worth the ride!