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India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu
9 days, Varanasi to Kathmandu
From sacred rivers to soaring peaks, this nine-day adventure through India and Nepal serves up epic sights and spiritual vibes in one whirlwind trip. Kick things off in Varanasi with a sunrise cruise on the Ganges, then cross into Nepal to explore Buddha’s birthplace, spot rhinos on safari in Chitwan, and soak up Himalayan views in Pokhara. Big on culture, nature, and connection — this is South Asia done right.
9 days
Varanasi to Kathmandu
From$449USD
was
$599
Valid on
Oct 27 2025
Trip Code: AHVK
Special Offers
Expires on Oct 01, 2025 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G26SDQ025ASI02
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 20, avg 16.
Age requirement: 18-39
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements toolSee how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
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 1Varanasi
Arrive at anytime. Meet your CEO and group in the evening for a welcome meeting, an orientation walk around Varanasi and your first night out!
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New FriendsDay 2Varanasi
This morning, hop on a boat and sail the sacred Ganges River, where you will have the opportunity to witness a candle flower ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India. Opt to bathe in the sacred waters or visit Kashi Vishwanath, the Golden Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Varanasi is your oyster!
Day 3Varanasi/Lumbini
Today we leave India and travel to the peaceful land of Nepal. Step back in time and 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.
Day 4Lumbini/Royal Chitwan National Park
Experience Nepali rural life at Barauli Village homestay, a G Adventures–supported project. Take an orientation walk, visiting friendly homes and learn about the Tharu daily life. Opt to venture to the Narayani river on a cycle tour.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your Local Living Moment Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay| Your G for Good Moment Barauli Community ConnectionDay 5Royal Chitwan 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 the diverse ecosystem of Chitwan National Park for a chance to witness rhinos, crocodiles, monkeys, and maybe even the elusive bengal tiger.
Day 6Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara
Travel from the peaceful plains towards the mystical Himalayan mountains, stopping in Pokhara. Get your bearings in town on an orientation walk. Be sure to capture a panoramic group photo with the stunning Annapurna range backdrop.
Day 7Pokhara
Enjoy breakfast at Sharing Seeds and learn how organic arabica coffee and beekeeping helps uplift the community. In the afternoon, get to know Pokhara more in-depth by freely exploring this photogenic region. Gear up for your big night out at a lakeside bar with your new friends. Cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just shared!
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your G for Good Moment Sharing Seeds Experience| Your Big Night Out Moment Lakeside BarMeals included:
BreakfastDay 8Pokhara/Kathmandu
Travel the last leg of this trip through the wild, rugged Himalayan landscape to Nepal’s capital and largest city, Kathmandu. Or opt to skip the drive and fly to Kathmandu for more time in the city. After the whole group arrives, 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. Check out world-famous Durbar Square, King’s Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath, or Boudhanath Stupa. Then join your crew for an optional farewell meal together!
Day 9Kathmandu
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.
What's Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Barauli Community Connection, Royal Chitwan National Park
- Your G for Good Moment: Sharing Seeds Experience, Pokhara
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay, Royal Chitwan National Park
- Your Big Night Out Moment: Lakeside Bar, Pokhara
- Varanasi Orientation Walk
- Free time in Varanasi
- Morning Ganges Boat Tour
- Maya Devi Temple Buddha's Birthplace Visit
- Barauli Community Experience & Orientation Walk
- Pokhara Orientation Walk
- Sharing Seeds Experience
- Free time in Pokhara
- Kathmandu Orientation walk
Accommodations
Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (6 nts), homestay (2 nts).
Meals
1 breakfast
Allow USD215-280 for meals not included.
Transportation
Train, private vehicle, walking, tuktuk, boat.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Everest Flight - From $260.00
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!
Flight: Pokhara to Kathmandu - From $133.00
Want more time in Kathmandu? Skip the long drive and hop on a quick flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Note: this is an upgrade to a flight from the included drive
Guided Tour of Sarnath - From $26.00
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.
Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras - From $20.00
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 3000 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.
My Own Room - From $199.00
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.