India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu
9 days, Varanasi 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 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!
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.
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.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Day 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!
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.
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
Enjoy some free time.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
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.
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 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.
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.
This will be a longer travel day as it may take up to 12 hours to reach the city of Lumbini. Settle in with your fellow travellers and get to know each other as you take in the scenery.
It is possible for most nationalities to get a Nepalese visa at the border for $30 USD. Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of India, time wise.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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 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.
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 dance and song.
Your G for Good Moment: Barauli Community Connection
The Barauli Community Homestay is G Adventures–supported and designed to help preserve the culture of the local Tharu people. This homestay project is completely run by women, bringing diversified income and sustainable tourism to the region. This is a fantastic experience for both visitors and hosts, to make meaningful connections and learn about each others lives.
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.
Optional Activities - Day 4 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 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.
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 5 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.
Barauli Community Immersion
Experience traditional Chitwan life by opting to participate in a cultural dinner and dance held by our Barauli hosts.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Pokhara Orientation Walk
Breathe in the fresh air and take in the views of the Himalayas and Phewa Lake while getting your bearings around this scenic city.
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!
In the morning, watch a spectacular Himalayan sunrise over the mountains before visiting a Planeterra project that benefits the local community.
Your G for Good Moment: Sharing Seeds Experience
Sharing Seeds is a women led enterprise in Sarnagkot - Tallathar village, which supports local farmers to produce organic arabica coffee and beekeeping, and offers opportunities to the women of Pandeli Village to produce recyclable, hemp handicrafts. Sharing Seeds has ensured that this community gains new skills and employment opportunities while retaining their culture and addressing the problem of rural urban migration.
Enjoy a local breakfast in the fields of the picturesque village of Tallathar, led by women from this rural community, and take a walk through the village to learn more about the coffee grown in the region.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Lakeside Bar
Follow your CEO to best lakeside bar with a mountainous view and cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just experienced.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
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.
Meals 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!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Kathmandu Orientation Walk
Get a taste of this lively capital city, which is fascinating at every turn.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Flight: Pokhara to Kathmandu
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
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.
If you wish to partake in the Everest Flight optional activity on the final day of tour, please do not book any outgoing flights from Kathmandu earlier than 12:00 noon.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 9 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!