14-Nights Delhi to Kathmandu: River Walks & Epic Wildlife - 18-to-Thirtysomethings from $949

G Adventures: Delhi to Kathmandu: River Walks & Epic Wildlife

Day 1: Delhi
Welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Arrive in time to meet at 2:00 pm for your welcome meeting and orientation walk.Embark on an afternoon orientation tour visiting Connaught Place and India Gate for those iconic photos. Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!


Day 2: Delhi/Pushkar
Travel by train through the arid terrain to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the "king of pilgrim centres," home to the world’s only temple for the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. Get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city visiting the lake, ghats, and of course the 14th century Brahama temple. Spend some time this afternoon exploring the markets or opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothes before partaking in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert while enjoying live entertainment!


Day 3: Pushkar/Jaipur
Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert mountains. Afterward, travel by bus ?— always an adventure itself in India ?— to the pink city of Jaipur, home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Enjoy an orientation walk through the market stalls.


Day 4: Jaipur
Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your bucket list. 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. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring the city with your fellow travellers and see where the night takes you.
Opt to visit the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or admire the mind-boggling architecture of Hawa Mahal. 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 - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family. If you aren't afraid of heights, pre-book a balloon ride to get an aerial view of the pink city.

Day 5: Jaipur/Agra
Travel by early morning train to the Muslim city of Agra, site of India’s most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleums unique history as you admire the iconic Mughal architecture.
If you want to see more of Jaipur before departing, pre-book the Cycle Tour and explore the city from a morning perspective.

Day 6: Agra/Varanasi
Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt for a cycle rickshaw ride to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Varanasi.


Day 7: Varanasi
Take an orientation walk along Varanasi's ghats and through the old city. Afterward, opt to explore the temples and take in the spiritual energy of the city, or hop on a boat and sail the sacred Ganges River. If you take an evening boat ride, you will have the opportunity to witness a candle flower ceremony.


Day 8: Varanasi
Another day, another adventure in Varanasi. Enjoy a free day 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.

Day 9: Varanasi/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. Opt to 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.

Day 10: Lumbini/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.


Day 11: Royal 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 12: Royal 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 13: Pokhara
Enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings) before enjoying a traditional lunch together where you'll get to taste your own creations. 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. Grab a drink on us and cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just shared.
In the morning, opt to travel out to Mt Sarangkot (1592m), only 5 kms northeast of Pokhara, for a spectacular Himalayan sunrise over the surrounding mountains. The walk back down through farms and forest to Pokhara is wonderful and takes between 2-2.5 hours.

Day 14: Pokhara/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. Check out world-famous Durbar Square, King’s Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath, or Boudhanath Stupa.


Day 15: Kathmandu
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.