Highlights of Northern India & Nepal

Name: Highlights of Northern India & Nepal
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.3 (16 reviews)

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Culture

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

AIN

Explore buzzing cities, sacred sites and natural marvels on an adventure from Delhi to Kathmandu

Embark on one of the most beautiful journeys in Asia, from the bustling cities of the Indian plains to the highest mountains on Earth. Along the way, we'll experience cultural wonders of the region, including the Taj Mahal, pink city of Jaipur and holy city of Varanasi, and follow in the footsteps of Buddha, visiting the sacred sites of Sarnath and Lumbini. That's complemented by soul-enriching natural experiences, including scanning Chitwan National Park for rhinos and gazing at the mighty Himalaya.

Highlights

See the magnificent Taj Mahal
Cruise the Ganges at Varanasi by boat
Explore sacred cities and temples
Enjoy mountain views at Pokhara
Embark on a safari in Chitwan National Park

Key Information

13 nights in hotels and lodges, one night on a sleeper train
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Travel by private air-conditioned bus and train
Jeep safari and a dug-out canoe excursion
Entrance fees as detailed in itinerary

Countries visited: India, Nepal

What's Included

All breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners
All accommodation
All transport
Entrances fees to Monuments and National Parks (as per itinerary)
Ganges boat ride
Jeep Safari (as per itinerary)
Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations for India & Nepal
Single supplement

Day 12

5 km / 3.1 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

We meet as a group for the first time at the hotel. In the afternoon, we start to explore the city beginning with New Delhi, visiting the tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun, which was built by his widow Hamida Banu Begam and is now a Unesco World Heritage site. We then drive past fine colonial buildings in New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhawan, a 320-acre (130ha) estate built by British architect Edwin Lutyens in 1931, which comprises the official residence of the President of India; Parliament House; and India Gate, a memorial dedicated to soldiers who died during the First World War. We return to the hotel for a free evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Taj Princess (or similar)

After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the capital. We start outside the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) before being guided through the narrow streets of old Delhi, through the Kinari Bazzar (or we can explore by rickshaw – additional cost). We finish the Old Delhi tour at Jama Masjid and learn about the history of the building. If interested, you can enter the mosque (fees may be applicable).

In the early afternoon, we drive (approximately five to seven hours, depending on traffic) to the pink city of Jaipur.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day to explore Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Built in the late 18th century, it is a planned city of broad sandstone avenues that were later painted pink. First, we visit the City Palace, once a Maharaja residence and now a museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sites in India, Jantar Mantar (Jaipur Observatory), an assembly of immense marble-and-brass astronomical instruments in a pleasant garden. We will also see the impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).

We then travel just outside the main city to the Amber Palace, an imposing hilltop fort above a lake with large courtyards, finely decorated interiors and a Chamber of Mirrors.

The evening is free for you to explore. You could take this opportunity to pick up a gift or two for home: Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, including durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones and leatherwear.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We begin by driving to Agra via the deserted ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri. Formally the capital of the Mughal Empire, this wonderfully preserved ghost town was constructed by Emperor Akbar between 1570 and 1585 and reflects his ideals in art, religion and architecture. This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571, after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son, his successor the Emperor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold 10,000 worshippers, the palaces, residences and halls of audience, are built in decorative red sandstone. Akbar soon left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today. The site is one of the most atmospheric in northern India and its position on a ridge overlooking the modern village below, and its wonderful state of preservation, give us a taste of this city's majestic past.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We rise very early to see the incredible spectacle of sunrise over the Taj Mahal. The Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built the landmark in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The New World Wonder is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze; the white-marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun and is made even more beautiful by the rich interior detail. Within striking distance is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the white-marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It is here that the latter spent his last years, imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb. Agra is also a hub for a wide variety of handicrafts including jewellery, inlaid and carved marble, carpets and clothes and there should be time for shopping.

In the evening, we head to Tundla station to catch our overnight train to Varanasi.

Accommodation: Sleeper train

Meals Included: Breakfast

On arrival in Varanasi, we transfer to our hotel. Please note, rooms may not be available until midday but efforts are made to make it earlier if possible.

In the afternoon, we visit the nearby Sarnath Temple. Sarnath is as sacred to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. The main monument at Saranath is the Dhamekh Stupa, the very spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. The evening free.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Varanasi, on the Ganges, is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of Hinduism: there are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious leaders and casual visitors. Immerse yourself by exploring the narrow lanes and many temples or watching the Hindu ceremonies that take place around the clock.

Just before dawn, we take a boat onto the Ganges to see the extraordinary ghats (the steps leading down to the river). Every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come to this 3mi (5km) stretch to submerge themselves in the holy waters of the river. In the evening, you can witness an aarti ceremony from the banks.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We board our private bus and make an early departure for Nepal. We drive across the northern plains, passing through a few towns and lots of villages. At the border, we leave our bus and walk (approximately 1,640ft/500m) through customs and immigration to Nepal.

In Nepal, we enter the terai, the narrow plain running along the southern breadth of the country. We drive (approximately one hour) to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, where we spend the night. The total driving time today is approximately 12 hours.

Accommodation: Standard hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early this morning there is a short (optional) rickshaw ride around Lumbini gardens. Buddha was born here and the area is being developed into a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world.

Travelling east and parallel to the mountains, we reach Chitwan (approximately a four-hour drive), where we spend two nights. The park, with jungle and thick forest, was once a royal hunting ground and was made a conservation area in 1973. During your stay, you can enjoy an optional ox-cart ride in Tharu village or an evening dance performance; both providing a glimpse into the fascinating lives of the local people.

Accommodation: Standard hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chitwan National Park and the surrounding forest cover 356sqmi (923sqkm) of the terai and afford excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities. Here you have an excellent chance of seeing Indian one-horned rhinos, sambar and chital deer, langur and rhesus monkeys, mongooses, jackals, otters and crocodiles. The more elusive animals include tigers, leopards, sloth bears and Indian bison. More than 500 bird species have also been recorded in this area.

Wildlife activities are managed and escorted by experienced naturalist guides and included in your stay is a jeep safari and dug-out canoe excursion. Birdwatching outings can also be organised.

Accommodation: Standard hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, our journey to Pokhara is only 87mi (140km) but will take four to five hours. We follow the gorge of the Narayani River and soon we are in the Himalaya foothills. The scenery changes dramatically from the forests and farmlands of the terai to steep, terraced hills. As we near Pokhara, we begin to see the formidable Annapurna range. At only 3,280ft (1,000m), among semi-tropical plants and with a delightfully warm climate, it is actually much closer to the main Himalaya peaks than Kathmandu. Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Peak) dominates the skyline, especially on a clear morning. We stay in a simple hotel near Lake Phewa, with a wide choice of restaurants and other facilities close by.

Accommodation: Standard hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we head into the hills for even better views of the peaks. An early morning start is required for the clearest view, but once there, the whole Annapurna range can be seen with virtually no intervening hills.

We start by driving (approximately 40 minutes) to Sarangkot; from there, it's a short walk to the remains of a hilltop fort that overlooks the lake – one of the best viewpoints for Machhapuchhare, most people's favourite mountain in the region. After enjoying our time here, we walk back towards Pokhara, descending down steps and trail paths, finishing just before at Pame (approximately 2hr 30min walk), where you can stop for lunch before a short transfer back to our hotel.

For many, Pokhara is a place to relax, enjoying a spot beside the beautiful lake. This afternoon, you can sit back and take in the surroundings or perhaps rent a rowboat or bicycle for a few hours exploring the lake at a leisurely pace.

Accommodation: Standard hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave early for the long drive to Kathmandu, along the Chinese-built road running parallel to the main Himalaya range. The distance is only 125mi (200km) but it is a slow climb through the mountains and ongoing road widening construction along the route as well as some bumpy conditions in places mean the journey will take most of the day (eight to ten hours). The views, however, are stunning as we follow the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers, passing numerous villages and terraces stretching up the hillside. We arrive in Kathmandu in the late afternoon and check into our centrally located hotel.

Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We have today to explore Kathmandu and the valley. In the early morning, you could take a scenic flight to see Mount Everest (this can be booked and paid for on arrival in Kathmandu; see the 'Extra Expenses and Spending Money' section of the Trip Notes for costs).

Today there will be a half-day sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu temple in the valley, and Bodnath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The rest of the time is free for individual exploration. You may like to visit Durbar Square with its old royal palace and intricately carved temples, or Swayambhunath, a hilltop stupa that's home to hundreds of macaques.

Kathmandu also offers many souvenir shopping opportunities: clothes, trinkets, Tibetan and Nepalese handicrafts and superb bookshops. It also has a wide variety of restaurants serving some of the best food from the sub-continent and you can also find wonderful pizzas and apple pie.

Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

The adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Unless, of course, you'd like to join our exciting extension, in which you spend four days hiking in the Annapurna region, taking in magnificent mountain views as you pass through Gurung villages – speak to your sales representative to book.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Extend Your Trip

Annapurna Extension

A short four-day trek is a perfect introduction to hiking in Nepal and can easily be done towards the end of your main tour. The route takes us through the foothills of the Annapurna region, one of the most spectacular of the Himalaya massifs. We will also pass through Gurung villages among the steeply terraced fields with splendid mountain vistas. A more detailed itinerary can be found here.

Please ask your sales representative for more details.

Essential Info

Visa

India

To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.

Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html

Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

For more information on applying for your Indian Visa/eVisa, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information

Nepal

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Nepal. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/nepal
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/nepal
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Nepal.html

You can obtain your visa in advance or on entry. If possible, apply in advance as queues on arrival can be very long. Please note, the Immigration Department of Nepal has suspended visas on arrival for certain nationalities – please check if this applies to you with your nearest embassy or consulate .

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, there will be three lines. If you have already secured you visa, go straight to the Immigration line. If not:

Fill in a tourist visa form at the electronic kiosks. After inserting your passport, the machine will automatically fill out an application form, take an electronic photograph of you and print a paper slip. If the machine won’t read your passport, complete the details manually using the touchscreen. We recommend taking a passport photo with you just in case.
Proceed to the visa fees collection counter and pay the visa fee (in cash, if possible). Make sure to keep the receipt.
Go to the relevant immigration desk and present your tourist visa form, payment receipt and passport to obtain your 15-, 30- or 90-day visa stamp. Please check you have been given the correct visa duration.

Vaccination

India

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.

Nepal

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

There is little to no risk of malaria in Nepal; therefore, antimalarial tablets are not usually advised although may be considered for certain high-risk groups. You may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in Nepal with an outbreak in September 2022. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis, so take extra precautions (such as wearing full-length trousers, long sleeves and applying insect repellent during the day, dawn and dusk) to prevent being bitten.

Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for further advice on AMS.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners are included.

You should allow the equivalent of US$24 per day for other meals. You can eat out very cheaply in India and Nepal, but if you go to more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most towns there is a good choice between Indian, Chinese and Western food. If you are a vegetarian, India and Nepal are probably two of the best destinations you can visit. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large!) bottle of beer is approximately US$4.80. Drinking water will be provided in large containers in our vehicle, so please bring a refillable water bottle with you. Where meals are not included, the leader will encourage people to try certain restaurants and street food vendors. They can make recommendations that will boost small businesses and celebrate local specialties. In India, we can even see how some food and drinks, such as masala chai (tea), samosa (mashed potato snacks), jalebe (Indian doughnuts) and lassi (yoghurt drink), are made.

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate).

This is not a physically demanding tour, but some days can be long, such as the drives between Delhi and Jaipur (approximately five to seven hours), Jaipur and Agra (approximately five to six hours), Varanasi and Lumbini (approximately 12 hours), and Pokhara and Kathmandu (approximately seven to eight hours). The stunning scenery, however, compensates for this. We will also have some early starts to take advantage of the daylight. Most of the roads are in fairly good condition but you should be prepared for a few rougher sections particularly between Pokhara and Kathmandu. The trains are a fun way to travel and meet Indian people, although delays are always possible.

A short hike is included in Pokhara where you will be driven to a lookout point for spectacular views before descending down some steep (in places) village trails, and stone steps to Pame. From here you will pick up your transfer back to Pokhara. Due to the nature of the trails, walking boots are recommended particularly in wet weather but wearing trainers is not an problem if preferred.

Please note, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India, including the Taj Mahal, and very occasionally this may mean work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published so it is not possible to forewarn our clients of when work will be taking place.

Monsoon Season

For our July and August departures, please note this will be during the monsoon season and may impact your available activities in Varanasi. If there have been recent heavy rains which, considerably raising the water level of the Ganges, this may result in all boat tours closing until the water levels reduce. Should this occur on your trip and you are unable to join the morning Ganges boat tour or the optional sunset boat ride in Varanasi, an alternative walking street tour of Varanasi will be arranged for the the morning activity. In evening you will be able to visit the main Ghat (Dashwasmeth Ghat) to witness the locals evening ceremony that takes place.

Holi and Diwali festivals

Some departures will take place during the festivals of Holi and Diwali. They are great festivals to witness and some very minor itinerary alterations may be made locally to make the most of these occasions. Holi celebrations typically involve people throwing coloured water at each other and smearing powder on each other's faces. This is accompanied by dancing, music and traditional Holi sweets, such as ghujiya (sweet dumplings). It's a riot of colour as the powder bursts into the sky. During Diwali, the festival of lights, people typically illuminate their houses, shops and streets, and celebrate on the streets with fireworks.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Hotels, lodges and overnight train

We spend 11 nights in hotels, two nights in lodges and one night on a sleeper train. The hotels are a mixture of standard and comfortable hotels.

In Jaipur and Varanasi, we stay in heritage hotels
In Kathmandu, we stay in a hotel close to the centre
In Chitwan, we stay in a comfortable jungle lodge in twin-bedded huts

Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months in the year when the weather gets cold. You can, however, request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.

Overnight train journey

The overnight sleeper train from Agra to Varanasi will be booked in two-tier rooms (four people to a compartment) or three-tier (six to a compartment) if two-tier is unavailable. There are many excellent trains in India but the standard is not in line with European or US standards. Seats are allocated when the tickets are issued, meaning we cannot guarantee the whole group is together in the same carriage; your leader will manage this as best as possible and will always check on you during the journey.

Indian trains are safe but we recommend you keep valuables with you at all times. Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost) but you may wish to purchase your own food before the journey. While some trains have Western-style facilities, the majority of services are equipped with squat toilets.

Please note, trains are sometimes delayed for reasons beyond our control, but we endeavour to minimise the impact of these delays on the overall itinerary.

delhi to kathmandu

a trip that far exceeded expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

the human spectical of Veranasi

Thoughts on Group Leader

simplly the best

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Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes