Compare Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure by G Adventures vs India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Kathmandu & Varanasi by Cosmos
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 15 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 1,247 | $ 2,779 |
| Price Per Day | $ 83 | $ 214 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | 1 lunch, 1 dinner | N/A |
| Description |
If you’re looking to experience the diversity of India and Nepal, this 15-day trip contrasts the colourful culture of India with the pristine serenity of Nepal's Himalayan mountains. From the ghats that line the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi to a 4x4 safari in Chitwan National Park, our expert CEOs will take you through a region of unsurpassed natural beauty and spirituality before revealing to you the rugged Himalayan landscape of Nepal’s magical capital, Kathmandu. |
Embark on a vibrant adventure of culture, and wildlife in Nepal and India. Start in fascinating Kathmandu where you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing in Nepal’s iconic capital city, including a visit to the historic seat of royalty at Hanuman Dhoka and the Hindu and Buddhist sites in Patan’s exciting Durbar Square. Next, travel to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, to witness the striking Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading to the sacred Ganges River. In Delhi, visit the India Gate and the pink Presidential Palace. You’ll travel through the vibrant Chandni Chowk bazaar by rickshaw. Visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar before departing Delhi for Agra. Here, you’ll marvel at the splendid Taj Mahal at sunset as the sun rays reflect changing hues of the spectacular marble monument to love. Embark on two thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Continue with two nights in the pink city of Jaipur—home to the legendary Amber Fort. Explore its alabaster Hall of Victory and incredible Chamber of Mirrors. Visit Jantar Mantar and the City Palace Museum to browse ancient art and artifacts. This value-minded tour to see the treasures of Nepal & India is not to be missed! |
Day 1 Delhi
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting. Afterward, head out for an optional dinner with the group.
Day 2 Delhi/Jaipur
Visit Delhi's impressive India Gate and Connaught Place before traveling to Jaipur, commonly called the "Pink City" for its unique architecture. Get to know this colourful city on an orientation walk, then opt to watch a classic Bollywood film.
Day 3 Jaipur
Explore Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, clinging to the surrounding hills on Maota Lake. Stop to marvel at the mysterious Hawa Mahal, "Palace of the Winds," an elaborately carved facade built to enable the purdah women in the Zenana to watch the goings-on in the street below without being seen.
With free time, opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or visit the nearby village of Sanganer to see colourfull pottery, handmade paper, and hand block printing. Catch a classic Bollywood film in the spectacular Art Deco film house — the Raj Mandir. Or choose to visit Kitchen With A Cause and have a delicious meal that allows you to give back to the community.
Day 4 Jaipur/Āgra
Take in the arid terrain and small towns on the ride to Agra for a sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. Marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture and immerse yourself in the mausoleum's unique history.
Day 5 Āgra/Orchha
Travel by train and rickshaw to reach peaceful Orchha along the Betwa River. Enjoy some time away from India's bustling cities and gain insight into rural life. Visit the palace complex to learn more about the ancient history here. Opt to witness an evening puja, a Hindu prayer ceremony.
Day 6 Orchha/Varanasi
Visit Tarragram, a unique paper-making plant set up to assist tribal women from the area. All the paper is made from recycled clothing and wood pulp. After, enjoy free time to explore Orchha. Opt to rent a bike, stroll along the river, or take a cooking class and enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. In the evening, catch an overnight train to Varanasi.
Day 7 Varanasi
Arrive in Varanasi, 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. Embark on a Ganges boat trip at sunset to witness a candlelit flower ceremony.
Day 8 Varanasi
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.
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
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.
Today is a long travel day, so get comfortable, sit back and relax, and enjoy the changing landscape. Get ready to learn about the history and culture of Nepal.
It is possible for most nationalities to get a Nepalese visa at the border; you will need at least one passport size photograph and $30 USD. Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of India, time wise.
Day 10 Lumbini/Royal Chitwan National Park
Journey 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.
Day 11 Royal 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.
Day 12 Royal 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 13 Pokhara
Visit nearby Sarangkot for a sunrise walk with breathtaking views of the Annapurnas. Enjoy a cooking demonstration at local community restaurant and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during a traditional lunch. Explore Pokhara during free time in the afternoon.
The walk back from Sarangkot through farms and forest is wonderful and takes between 2-2.5 hours.
Day 14 Pokhara/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.
Swayambhunath is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles. To reach Swayambhunath climb 365 steps that lead up the hill. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with temples, painted images of deities, and numerous other religious objects.
Day 15 Kathmandu
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 11:00 am.
Day 1: KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Welcome to Kathmandu. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: KATHMANDU–EXCURSION TO PATAN
Today, travel to Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Then, continue to Patan, formerly known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty). Stop in Durbar Square, the city’s center of business and home to several Buddhist and Hindu sites. (Breakfast,Lunch)
Day 3: KATHMANDU–VARANASI, INDIA
Your morning sightseeing tour starts with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, the historic seat of royalty. Then, visit the Temple of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess, believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. Later, fly to Varanasi. (Breakfast,Lunch)
Day 4: VARANASI
Near dawn, board a boat and watch a striking religious ritual—the Hindus devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, practicing yoga, meditating, or dipping into the water for a cleansing ritual bath. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some time at leisure. Early this evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading to the sacred Ganges River. (Breakfast)
Day 5: VARANASI–DELHI
Today, fly to Delhi, capital of India. (Breakfast)
Day 6: DELHI
Your day starts with an orientation drive to see India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the alleys of Chandni Chowk, a captivating bazaar, and visit Jama Masjid. After lunch, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, explore Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). (Breakfast,Lunch)
Day 7: DELHI–AGRA
Drive to Agra this morning. This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a colossal, red sandstone UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the spectacular Mughal Palace with audience halls, the Room of Mirrors, and the pavilion where Shahjahan spent his last days. End your day with a sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This remarkable monument, commissioned by Sjahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, took 22 years to build. (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 8: AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–SAWAI MADHOPUR
Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the sandstone palaces, elegant courtyards, and victory gate of this ghostly place built in 1569 and deserted by its people when water was no longer available. After lunch, travel to Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Day 9: SAWAI MADHOPUR–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Day 10: SAWAI MADHOPUR–JAIPUR
Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City.” After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them employed and off the streets. Learn about the project and interact with the children and help them practice their English. (Breakfast,Lunch)
Day 11: JAIPUR
Visit the legendary Amber Fort, the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors. The afternoon and evening are at yours to explore Jaipur. (Breakfast)
Day 12: JAIPUR–DELHI
Today, drive back to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 13: DELHI
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
