Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes in Nepal, Asia

Map of the route for Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes

Places visited

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 to your starting hotel by 2:00 pm. Varanasi is the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk along the ghats and visit the old city.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Varanasi

Enjoy a sunrise boat tour along the sacred Ganges 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. In the evening, embark on a Ganges boat trip at sunset to witness a candlelit flower ceremony.

Day 3Varanasi/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.

Day 4Lumbini/Royal Chitwan National Park

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. Enjoy an overnight homestay with the indigenous Tharu community and discover their culture through dance and song. Opt to go on a cycling excursion through the area.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Barauli Community Immersion|Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay

Day 5Royal Chitwan National Park

Explore the diverse ecosystems of the UNESCO Chitwan National Park on a 4x4 safari before a walk through the village and rice paddies. Settle in for another night of dance, songs, and Nepalese food with your Tharu community hosts.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Barauli Community Immersion

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 6Royal 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. 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 7Pokhara

Visit nearby Sarangkot for a sunrise walk with breathtaking views of the Annapurnas. Enjoy breakfast at Sharing Seeds and learn how organic arabica coffee and beekeeping helps uplift the community. Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during a traditional lunch. Explore Pokhara during free time in the afternoon.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Sharing Seeds Experience

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Pokhara/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. In your free time, choose between highlights in Kathmandu including world-famous Durbar Square, the King’s Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath, and the Boudhanath Stupa.

Day 9Kathmandu

Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Barauli Community Immersion, Royal Chitwan National Park
Your G for Good Moment: Sharing Seeds Experience, Pokhara
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay, Royal Chitwan National Park
Free time in Varanasi
Varanasi Orientation Walk
Evening Ganges Boat Tour
Morning Ganges Boat Tour
Maya Devi Temple Buddha's Birthplace Visit
Chitwan National Park Safari
Free time in Pokhara
Pokhara orientation walk
Sarangkot Sunrise Walk
Swayambhunath Temple Visit
Kathmandu Orientation Walk

Accommodations

Hotels (6 nts), homestay (2 nts).

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Allow USD255-335 for meals not included.

Transportation

Train, private vehicle, Riverboat, 4x4, walking.

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 $279.00

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.

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.

Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes

9 days, Varanasi to Kathmandu

9 days