Delhi to Kathmandu: River Walks & Epic Wildlife
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.
ARRIVAL DAY:
Please note that the Welcome Meeting and Delhi Orientation Walk for this tour begins at 2:00pm on Day 1.
Itinerary
Day 1Delhi
Arrive at any time. Visit the India Gate and Connaught Place in the evening.
After the group meeting in the afternoon, there will be a short orientation walk of Delhi, visiting Connaught Place by metro and walking to India Gate.
Please note that if you arrive after 14:00, you may miss the welcome meeting and orientation tour.
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.
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.
Day 2Delhi/Pushkar
Take in the great vibe of this town on an orientation walk. Opt for an afternoon camel ride.
After settling into our accommodation, we will have an orientation walk around Pushkar, including the lake, ghats, and also the the 14th century Brahama temple. Spend some time this afternoon exploring the markets, or jump on a camel and head out for a sunset ride in the desert.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Pushkar Orientation Walk
Join your CEO for an orientation to explore key parts of this desert city, including beautiful lakes and ghats. Visit the famed Brahma temple, meet a local pandit and understand/take part in the ancient rituals
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Camel Ride
Hold on and enjoy a ride on this even-toed ungulate, also known as the desert horse. Bring your camera for some fantastic photos of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Day 3Pushkar/Jaipur
Hike up to Savitri Temple in the morning to watch a gorgeous sunrise in Pushkar, then travel on to Jaipur. Enjoy an orientation walk.
Before dawn on Day 3 we climb to the hilltop Savitri temple to watch the sunrise over this holy place. Following that, we travel to the city of Jaipur.
Savitri Temple Sunrise Hike
Climb a hilltop to get to this temple honouring Savitri, the wife of the Hindu god, Brahma. Witness a gorgeous sunrise over this holy place while drinking a warm cup of chai.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
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 3 HideShow
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.
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.
Day 4Jaipur
Take a guided tour of the Amber Fort, then enjoy some free time to explore Jaipur.
In Jaipur, your CEO takes you on an included tour of the Amber Fort, which seems to cling to the surrounding hills. Opt to visit the amazing City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds".
There are so many things to do with your free time in Jaipur. You may want to discover more of the wisdom and history of the Mughals by wandering around the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 1700's or opt to sit back and relax if you like -- sip a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces, now operating as 5 star hotels.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time.
Amber Fort Guided Tour
Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of 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.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Movie at Raj Mandir
200-400INR per personVisit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film.
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.
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 5Jaipur/Āgra
Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Taj Mahal.
Travel by early morning train to the Muslim city of Agra, site of India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a guided visit to this icon of Mughal architecture.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Taj Mahal Guided Tour
Here's one to cross off your bucket list: a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a guided tour of India's most famous landmark and an icon of Mughal architecture. Built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble structure draws visitors from all over the world.
Day 6Āgra/Varanasi
Opt to visit Agra Fort and Baby Taj. Take an overnight train to Varanasi.
In your free time, opt to ride a cycle rickshaw and visit the Baby Taj and Agra Fort.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time.
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
Baby Taj Visit
310INR per personVisit this mausoleum that looks like a jewel box, built before the Taj Mahal by Queen Nur Jahan for her father. Enjoy the intricate details of the structure; it was the first Mughal building faced with white marble and where "pietra dura" (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used.
Agra Fort Visit
650INR per personEnjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.
Day 7Varanasi
Take an orientation walk along ghats and the old city. Head to the temples and explore, or hop on a boat and sail the Ganges at sunrise or sunset.
There is an included orientation walk of the city, and you can opt to take a boat out onto the sacred Ganges River. If you take an evening boat ride, you will have the opportunity to witness a candle flower ceremony.
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
Enjoy free time to explore.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Evening Ganges Boat Tour
2000INR per groupEnjoy 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.
Day 8Varanasi
Enjoy more free time to explore Varanasi.
Enjoy free time to explore Varanasi.
Your Discover Moment
Explore this quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Walk the narrow, twisting alleys, poke around the hundreds of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of rituals at dawn by the sacred River Ganges.
Day 9Varanasi/Lumbini
Step back in time and check out Buddha's birthplace.
Today we leave India and travel to Nepal. This will be a longer travel day -- it may take up to 12 hrs total to reach the city of Lumbini.
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.
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.
Day 10Lumbini/Chitwan National Park
Take an orientation walk of Barauli town, then opt for a bike ride. Enjoy an overnight homestay with the indigenous Tharu community.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Barauli Village Orientation Walk
Take an orientation walk through Barauli village. Visit local homes and learn more about the Tharu lifestyle, farming techniques, as well as the region's flora and fauna.
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 dance and song.
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.
Day 11Chitwan National Park
Enjoy a free day to explore the surrounding village and rice paddies before spending another night with the Tharu community. Opt to take a jeep safari through Chitwan National Park.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
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 11 HideShow
Chitwan 4x4 Safari
6900NPR per personExplore 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 12Chitwan National Park/Pokhara
Get your bearings in town on an orientation walk. Opt to go paragliding or catch a Himalayan sunrise up Mt Sarangkot.
Travel from the plains to the mountains by bus.
Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range. Opt to travel out to Sarangkot (1592m), only 5 kms north east of Pokhara, for a spectacular sunrise of the surrounding mountains. The walk back down through farms and forest to Pokhara is wonderful and takes between 2-2.5 hours. Paragliding is another option during your stay here.
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.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Paragliding
8500INR per personEnjoy a view from above of the beautiful city of Pokhara, which is surrounded by the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range.
Sarangkot Sunrise Walk
60NPR per personExperience a spectacular sunrise view of the surrounding the Annapurna Himalayas. Enjoy the 2.5 hour walk back down through lush farms and forests.
Day 13Pokhara
Visit the Sisterhood of Survivors Project, a grassroots organization that trains survivors of human-trafficking to become certified paralegals. Explore Pokhara during free time in the afternoon.
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.
Meals included:
LunchDay 14Pokhara/Kathmandu
Travel the last leg of this trip through the wild, rugged Himalayan landscape to Nepal’s capital and largest city, Kathmandu. Get a feel for the city on an orientation walk. As Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn, simply wander around and see where chance, fate, or the city may lead you. Opt to check out world-famous Durbar Square, the King’s Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath Stupa.
If time permits, enjoy a short orientation walk of Kathmandu with your CEO upon arrival. Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn, and some travellers prefer to simply wander, seeing where chance, fate, or the city may lead them.
If you have the time, be sure to check out world-famous Durbar Square, the King’s Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath Stupa on your own.
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.
Day 15Kathmandu
Depart at any time. Opt for an Everest flight this morning, if weather permits.
Please note that if you would like the opportunity to take the optional Everest flight, your departure flight must depart no earlier than 12pm.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
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!