Kolkata to Kathmandu Overland

16 days
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Small Group Tour
Travel from India to Nepal on an Overland trip from Kolkata to Kathmandu. Beginning in the vibrant streets of Kolkata, this journey ascends into the legendary Himalayas before travelling overland across northern India and Nepal. Witness the contrast between bustling bazaars, lush forests and mountain plateaux as you take in all the sights and sounds of this i...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Stay on a Himalayan farm
    • Search for Shangri-la in Gantok
    • Experience Kathmandu's cultural delights
    • Spot Everest on the horizon
    • See Kolkata's famous Howrah Bridge
    • Cross the holy Ganges
    • Visit the villages of Darjeeling

What's this trip about?

    Travel from India to Nepal on an Overland trip from Kolkata to Kathmandu. Beginning in the vibrant streets of Kolkata, this journey ascends into the legendary Himalayas before travelling overland across northern India and Nepal. Witness the contrast between bustling bazaars, lush forests and mountain plateaux as you take in all the sights and sounds of this incredible part of the world. From the craziness of modern India to the peaceful monasteries of the Himalayas, this unforgettable journey is a great way to experience India and Nepal.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 22 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityKolkata
End CityKathmandu

Travel Themes

  • Overland Journeys

Destinations

  • Asia
  • India
  • Nepal

Attractions

  • Bhaktapur
  • Chitwan National Park
  • Darjeeling
  • Durbar Square
  • Gangtok
  • Himalayas
  • Kathmandu
  • Mount Everest
  • Victoria

Activities

  • Land expedition

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Kolkata

Border Information: If you are joining the trip in Kolkata, you will most likely enter India at Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (IATA code: CCU). Today is a free day to explore the sights, sounds and flavours of the incredible city of Kolkata...

Day 2 Kolkata/Overnight Train to Siliguri

During the day we will have free time to independently explore Kolkata, and we have the opportunity to take an optional photographical tour of the city. Whilst in Kolkata, your leader will assist you in arranging you Sikkim permit (you will need to bring passport pho...

Day 3-5 Darjeeling

We will arrive into Siliguri at around 9:00am this morning, meeting our jeeps and drivers at the station for our onward journey through the narrow winding roads to Darjeeling. The town of Darjeeling is really more a collection of villages situated on a high ridge, lin...

Day 6-8 Karmi Farm

Today we will have one last free morning to explore Darjeeling. After lunch we will leave in our jeeps for Karmi Farm, a tea plantation located in a remote rural area nearby. Estimated Drive Time (in jeeps) - 3-4 hours. We will stay at Karmi Farm for 3 nights, which...

Day 9-10 Gangtok

After breakfast we will leave Karmi Farm in our jeeps and continue to Gangtok, the hilltop capital of Sikkim. Estimated Drive Time (in jeeps) - 5-7 hours. ACTIVITIES Travel to the far north, into the Himalayas in beautiful Sikkim : Included in Kitty Stay overnigh...

Day 11-12 Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Border Information: Exit India at Kakarbhitta, enter Nepal at Kakarbhitta. Today we travel in our jeeps back to Siliguri, where we will finally join our Dragoman overland truck! We will then drive over the border into Nepal and continue onto Koshi National Park Wildl...

Day 13 Bhaktapur

The reserve is home to over 450 species of birds as well as Gangetic dolphins, blue bulls, lond pointy horned wild water buffalo, golden jackals, deer, marsh muggers and much more. Today we will leave the plains of the Terrai behind and head towards Chitwan National Park. Estimated Drive Time 7 -9 hours. In Chitwan we will stay in a comfortable local hotel.

Day 14 Khatauti Khola

This morning we are free to explore the historic centre of Bhaktapur and in the afternoon we will journey to Khatauti Khola, home to the Royal Beach Camp eco-adventure camp in the Nepalese mountains. There are several optional activities on offer here such as kayakin...

Day 15 Kathmandu

This morning we will spend some free time at the Royal Beach Camp to give us more time to take part in the optional adventure activities there, then after lunch we will drive the last stretch up to Kathmandu, the evocative capital of Nepal. In Kathmandu we stay in a c...

Day 16 Kathmandu

Border Information: If you are finishing your trip in Kathmandu, you will most likely exit Nepal at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (IATA code: KTM). Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Kathmandu. Please note there is no accommodatio...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,639
Price per day$102
Last Updated: 12/7/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
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  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotels,Guesthouses,Campsites,Homestays,

Transportation & Flights

Overland expedition vehicle,4x4,Canoe,Overnight train,

Transportation & flights

Overland expedition vehicle,4x4,Canoe,Overnight train
Guides
OUR DRAGOMAN CREW & GUIDES Our crew are passionate about travel and are always up for adventure. It takes someone special to become a Dragoman leader. Our crew undergo the most intensive training program of all the overland companies, spending 8 weeks learning the ropes at our base in Suffolk, UK, and then up to 6 months on the road as a trainee. Our crew are trained to manage and operate the trip safely and efficiently and their duties include: planning the trip according to the itinerary, driving and maintaining the truck, securing services of local guides, general logistics, health and safety, liaising with bureaucracy, dealing with issues where needed and offering advice and support to our customers. In addition they have a basic knowledge of the places visited and will be able to offer suggestions of things to do and see. Dragoman endeavours to provide the services of experienced crew, however, due to the seasonality of travel, situations may arise where your tour leader is new to a particular region or training other crew, new to the area. On all Dragoman overlanding trips, we usually have 2 western crew. However on our trips in East and Southern Africa we either have 2 western crew or 1 western crew and 1 local driver. On trips south of Nairobi in East and Southern Africa we will also have an African camp master/cook who is in charge of running the camp and organising all of the meals. Their knowledge of the local produce makes shopping at the markets great fun and you will learn how to prepare and cook some unusual dishes. In most other areas of Africa, the Americas, India and Turkey, in addition to our crew we will employ local guides in specific locations of interest (for just a few hours up to a few days). On the majority of our trips in Ethiopia, Sudan, Central Asia, China and South East Asia, in addition to our crew we will have a local guide on board who will travel with us for the entire duration of our time within one country. In these cases, the local guide becomes a third crew member and is able to offer their local knowledge as well as an insight into their country and the lives of the local people. Your crew have a duty of care to all members of the group and therefore they have the authority to ask you to leave the trip if you require serious medical assistance, you are behaving in an anti-social manner or refuse to comply with local laws and customs. In all matters relating to the trip, the leader's decision will be final and we appreciate your respect of this.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php
Visa requirements
VISA INFORMATION Many countries that we visit on our travels will require visas to enter. Some are best obtained before you leave home, and others can be obtained en-route. Whilst the ultimate responsibility for obtaining visas is yours, we will endeavour to assist you wherever possible. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. The information provided is given in good faith and we do try to keep the visa information as up to date as possible. Please read the information very carefully to make sure everything is clear and you aware of what you need to do. Please also be aware that rules surrounding visas do change, often suddenly, and without prior warning. This is why it is important that you also double-check the information we provide for yourself. For visas that are needed in advance, you may wish to submit the applications directly to the relevant embassy or consulate. If you require any supporting documentation for your visa applications, Dragoman will obtain this on your behalf as part of your trip price - we will contact you to request additional information in order to make this application for you. However, for trips that involve multiple visas, you may find it beneficial to use a specialist visa agency to assist you with your applications. While this does sometimes increase the cost, it usually makes the process much easier for you. As you will often need to submit your passport together with your applications, we recommend that you avoid making any travel plans in the weeks leading up to your departure. Most countries require that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your entry into the country. For trips that are not yet guaranteed, you may find yourself in the position whereby you will need to start the visa application process prior to your trip being guaranteed - in this situation we still advise you not to purchase flights until your trip is guaranteed. However, you can start your visa application process, ensuring that when applying for your visas or letters of invitation that you allow several days before and after your entry into the country to allow for delays, availability of flights, etc. INDIA Citizens of all countries will need a visa to enter India as a tourist for up to 180 days. Most Dragoman passengers will need to obtain their visa in advance. It is now possible for most nationalties to apply for an E visa. Please note this is only an option if you arriving into India via a major airport and you are staying in India for less than 30 days. If you are entering into India overland or if you are staying for longer than 30 days then you won't be able to apply for the e visa and you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Indian Embassy before you travel. If you are eligable for and E visa please visit the following website to see if you are eligible for this https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ evisa/tvoa.html. If you are joining the trip in Chennai and take the e-visa option, we will need a copy of your receipt as soon as you have applied for it - if we do not have this in advance, we will not be able to obtain your permits for the Odisha region (see below). It is highly recommended if you need a visa before you travel to do this in your country of residence; You can apply directly at your closest Indian Consulate or Embassy. For UK residents, please go to the website - http://www.vfsglobal.com/India/UK/ - to fill in the online visa form and book an appointment to complete the application. Alternatively you can apply via a specialist visa agency who can put the application in for you. Please be aware that the photos that you bring to the appointment must be 50mm x 50mm, or your application will be rejected (this is a unique square-shaped photo). The photos must be in colour and have a plain white background, and computer generated photos will be rejected. Please paste one photo to the front of your application and leave the other one loose. You must sign under the photo on page one and the declaration on page two. Visas issued in the UK are valid for 6 months from the date of issue (by which time you have to have exited the country). Please note that you cannot extend any tourist visas once within India. If you are asked to provide an address in India on your visa form, please use the joining hotel for your trip or the address below: Hotel Fortune 36/38 1st Marine Street Metro, Dhobi Talao Mumbai Tel 022-22052502 If you are asked to provide a referee in India on your visa form, please use the details below: Eugene Pram, Pram Tours, 436 Barkat Nagar, Tonk Phatak, Jaipur, 302015, India Tel: +91 14 1259 4205 Please bring 10 photocopies of your passport and Indian visa (on the same page). These may need to be used for hotel check-ins. Please also bring 2 passport photos in case these are needed. If travelling to Sikkim, your Sikkim permits will be arranged in Kolkata with your tour leader - please bring several passport photos for this permit. IMPORTANT NOTE - If you are travelling on the Chennai-Kolkata leg - please note that all permits for the Odisha region must be arranged before you arrive in Chennai. Dragoman will arrange the permits on your behalf but it is very important that you send us a high quality scan or photo of your passport photo page when you book and of your India visa as soon as you obtain it. We will need these scans 10 days before the trip starts in Chennai, at the very latest. If we do not receive these scans in time we will be unable to take you on the trip through the Odisha region. Please also bring an additional 2 passport photos on the trip. If you are travelling to Bhutan - please send Dragoman a scan of your passport photo page when you book as this is important for arranging the Bhutan group visa. If you are travelling on the Mumbai-Chennai leg or the Kolkata-Kathmandu leg - please send Dragoman a scan of your passport photo page when you book, as this is important for arranging train tickets on these legs. In some cases (late bookings) we may also require a copy of your Indian visa (or receipt of an e-visa if you plan to take this option). A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission (including transiting through an airport in an area of risk). NEPAL Citizens of all countries (except India) will need a visa to enter Nepal as a tourist for up to 90 days. The easiest way to get a visa is to obtain it on arrival. This is available for almost all nationalities at all land borders and airports into Nepal. At the time of writing, the cost of a single-entry visa is USD25 for 15 days, USD40 for 30 days, or USD100 for 90 days – these costs are the same for all nationalities. You will need to provide one passport photo (this can be obtained at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport for those joining the trip in Kathmandu). A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission (including transiting through an airport in an area of risk).
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Tibet
  • Lazimpath
  • Kathmandu
  • NEPAL
Trip ID
intrepid-HDOK

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