Experience Overview
Head from bustling Delhi to remote Tordi on this 13-day adventure through India and Nepal. Get down and dirty with the best street food, gape at one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal – cruise down the holy Ganges in Varanasi, hang in Buddha’s hometown (Lumbini), search for sloth bears and rhinos at Chitwan National Park and finish up in colourful Kathmandu. With incredibly delicious food (naan bread, anyone?), spiritual significance and culture that’s waiting to be explored, what’s your excuse for not taking the adventure of a lifetime?
Highlights
- Ditch your alarm in the spiritual capital of Varanasi – there’s only one way to wake up here and that’s with a sunrise sail along the Ganges. Maybe indulge in some yoga or meditation after and keep the good vibes going.
- See the majestic Taj Mahal – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World. This may be one of the most recognisable buildings on Earth, but do you know its poetic history? Don’t worry, a local expert will fill you in.
- Spend some time in rural Tordi, away from the tourist trail, and stay in an 18th-century palace, enjoy a homecooked dinner from your host and explore the nearby ruined temple and fortress.
- Fall asleep to the calls of the jungle in Chitwan National Park, then embark on a safari in search of rhinos, deer, monkeys, tigers and a wide array of bird life.
- Indulge in Delhi-cious street food and immerse yourself in the colourful chaos of India’s capital city – from chicken tikka to vegetarian curries, your local leader will know all the best lunch and dinner spots.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2135
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Cycle rickshaw,Boat,Private vehicle,Public bus,Overnight sleeper train,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: HHYK
Starts: Delhi, India
Finishes: Kathmandu, India
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights),Jungle Lodge (2 nights),Heritage Property (1 night),Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 918 (CAD 71 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. This Himalayan adventure kicks off in Delhi – the capital territory of India’s north. Meet your trip leader and new travel buddies at a 6 pm welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive early, there's plenty to do in this wonderfully chaotic city. Maybe wander the streets, sip on your first chai or practice haggling in one of the many markets. Tonight, ask your leader for the best nightlife spots and perhaps grab a drink with your group.
Optional Activities:
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb (600 INR)
- Delhi - Qutub Minar (600 INR)
- Delhi - Red Fort (600 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your next destination takes a bit of work to get to, but that’s because it’s a secret, tucked away haven away from the prying eyes of the everyday tourist. You’ll journey through picturesque countryside by train to a unique stay in Tordi – this remote and rarely visited village offers a glimpse into the real Rajasthan. Tonight, sleep in an 18th-century palace with its owner as your host. There's a ruined temple and fortress nearby that you can explore, and then you can settle in and savour the delicious local flavours with a home-cooked dinner.
Included Activities:
- Tordi - Home-cooked Dinner
- Tordi - Village Walk
Accommodation:
- Heritage Property (Number of Nights: 1)
Kick on to Jaipur – India's Pink City. You'll have plenty of free time here to haggle to your heart's content at the bazaars and backstreets, where vendors sell a variety of textiles, precious and semi-precious gems and blue pottery. Drop by one of India’s finest palaces – the Royal City Palace – where the guards’ moustaches are almost as impressive as the building itself. Foodies will want to hit the streets for raj kachori chaat (a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato). Then, maybe cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road – Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop. Tonight, cinema buffs won’t want to miss a Bollywood blockbuster at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.
Included Activities:
- Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
Optional Activities:
- Jaipur - City Palace (1000 INR)
- Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema (400 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
If you're keen on a different view of the Pink City, an optional early morning hot air balloon ride is a trip highlight for many visitors. Later in the morning, you’ll drop by Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) – the impressive five-storey facade with pink and honeycombed windows is the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal. After, it’s out to the old capital of Amber where you’ll explore the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort. The rest of the day is free – maybe ask your leader for the best spot for dinner and pick up a biryani or a tasty plate of chicken tikka masala.
Included Activities:
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind) Photo Stop
Optional Activities:
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari (280 USD)
- Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (entrance) (200 INR)
- Jaipur - Bollywood Dance Class (500 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take advantage of the chance to rub shoulders with the locals today on a public bus ride to Agra. When you arrive, you’ve made it to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – India's most enduring symbol and an epic monument to love and loss. For some reason, local families find it more interesting to take photos of you than the actual Taj Mahal! But you'll be too busy standing there with your mouth gaping open to notice. Take your time taking in the delight of this gorgeous monument and make sure you grab a great pic– you won’t want to forget this.
Included Activities:
- Agra - Taj Mahal
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free to explore at your leisure. Agra Fort is a popular option where you can stroll the palatial gardens of the red sandstone stronghold and get some great views of the Taj Mahal from afar. For a meal that makes a difference while in Agra, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout – a social enterprise that supports survivors of acid attacks. Then, it's on to the next stop – Varanasi. Tonight, it’s time for a unique slice of Indian life aboard an overnight train.
Optional Activities:
- Agra - Agra Fort (650 INR)
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in one of the holiest cities in the country this morning. Varanasi is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel far and wide to experience the spirituality of this city. Overflowing with temples, shrines and devotees, this is an interesting place to explore. Maybe take the chance to perfect your yoga in one of the epic chakra-balancing spots. Or just chill out and soak in the meditative surroundings, ready for your early start tomorrow.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today’s an early start, but it’s worth it – you’ll take a sunrise boat ride along the sacred Ganges. Even if you're not spiritual, you can't help but get goosebumps during this experience. Pass the many ghats (stairs leading to the water) and temples along the river and watch thousands of Hindu pilgrims cleanse their sins in the holy water as the sun bathes the surrounds in shades of amber and orange. After, maybe hop on an auto rickshaw to the oldest part of the city to explore its maze of narrow alleyways packed full of small shops, stalls and lumbering cows. See pilgrims performing rituals unchanged for hundreds of years and pass chiming temples as wafts of incense fill the air.
Included Activities:
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
- Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wave goodbye to India as you travel to the border (Sunauli border crossing) and enter Nepal. Make sure to charge up your music and fish out your book, as it's a long day of travel today. Arrive in Lumbini. No ordinary border town, this is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha – the founder of Buddhism and one of his four holy places of pilgrimage. Check out the beautiful Ashoka Pillars and hop on cycle rickshaws to the Maya Devi Temple – the actual site where Buddha is thought to have been born.
Included Activities:
- Lumbini - Heritage Park
- Lumbini - Maya Devi Temple
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Put on your safari hat this morning, as you’ll drive to Chitwan National Park – UNESCO declared this park a World Heritage Site in 1984 and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. Think the Jungle Book coming to life with rhinos, deer, monkeys and a wide array of birds, including Nepalese wild chickens. Tonight, you’ll stay in a lodge near the park, listening out for the roars of tigers as you fall asleep to the sounds of nature
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll hop aboard a jeep, meet your local guide and take a fun safari drive through Chitwan National Park. Look out for elephants and rhinos and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the 100-or-so Bengal Tigers that call the park home. There are also a number of optional activities available through your accommodation this afternoon, including biking, bird watching, cultural performances, canoe rides and village tours. Whatever you choose, whether it’s an active cycle through the park or a leisurely float along the river, you’re sure to have a great afternoon.
Included Activities:
- Chitwan National Park - Park Entry
- Chitwan National Park – Jeep Safari
Optional Activities:
- Chitwan National Park – Bike Rental (per hour) (300 NPR)
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll travel to your final destination – the Nepalese patchouli–scented capital of Kathmandu. Maybe book in for a massage or a yoga session when you arrive to ease those body kinks and settle into a meditative state. With the rest of your free time, you can visit the giant Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath or head out into the narrow streets – home to holy men, monks, bicycles and sacred cows. Got a sweet tooth? Take one soft, fluffy ball of buffalo milk dough, deep fried until it's the texture of a doughnut, dropped into sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom powder, rose essence and saffron and eat! Your leader will know where to grab these delicacies. Kathmandu has some great spots for nightlife too, so if you like, chill out with a cool drink or grab some dinner with your group tonight.
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight (Including transfers) (240 USD)
- Kathmandu - Durbar Square (1000 NPR)
- Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Temple (200 NPR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no further activities planned, your adventure ends this morning. Since you're already here, why not stay an extra day or two and dig a little deeper into Kathmandu. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent and maybe get to know the city better through an Urban Adventures day tour (or two).
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure (49 USD)
- Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (59 USD)
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Adelaide - Traveled, March 2024
The India to Nepal trip was amazing, Surya our tour guide went above and beyond my expectations! As someone who is interested in adventure travel and responsible business, Intrepid and their provided activities met all the requirements. I will definitely book another, particularly an 18-35 year old one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Tallulah - Traveled, March 2024
Overall the trip was phenomenal. While lots of the experiences were outside of my comfort zone. I always gave everything a go and Surya, our tour leader, was essential in making us all feel like a little family and comfortable participating in all activities. He went above and beyond joining us on some of the optional activities and I know that this made us all feel more safe and comfortable. The hot air balloon ride was a standout.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Jan-Eric - Traveled, March 2024
An interesting country has become an unforgettable journey, thanks to our exceptional group leader Surya. A kind and warmhearted group leader made all of us feel the itinerary and feel India.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Holly - Traveled, March 2024
Surya was a wonderful guide. He was so caring and treated us like his own family. The places we went were all amazing. I definitely recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Lucy - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent Trip! Saw so much rich and vibrant culture, really got amongst it, was an incredible experience. Every memory was lovely !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Emma - Traveled, March 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed my time throughout India and Nepal with my fantastic guide Surya. We saw a vast range of major cities and monuments alongside such rich culture. So glad I came on this trip and met so many fantastic faces in such a wonderful part of the world!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Emily - Traveled, February 2024
A great way to see India & Nepal! My tour leader, Parul, was amazing and made my holiday so stress free as she was so organised! Being on this tour allowed me to enjoy India & Nepal with literally no stress!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Jordan - Traveled, February 2024
I had the incredible pleasure of being led by Parul on an 18-29-year-old tour from Delhi to Kathmandu, and her performance was nothing short of exceptional. Parul went above and beyond in every aspect, demonstrating not only extensive knowledge about each location but also an engaging and informative approach that kept the entire group captivated. What sets Parul apart is her ability to infuse fun into every moment. She effortlessly balanced being an expert guide with creating an atmosphere that felt more like an adventure shared among friends. Her thoughtfulness shone through when she surprised me with a birthday cake during the trip, showing an extra level of care and attention to detail. Not only this but after mentioning the group would like a game of cricket she went out to specifically buy tennis balls to facilitate this and even took part in the game, with some exceptional catches and batting too may I add! Not only did Parul excel in her role as a guide, but she also demonstrated remarkable organisational skills by arranging entertaining activities. No question or request was too much for her, and she handled every situation with grace and enthusiasm. In my travel experiences, I have rarely encountered someone as dedicated, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun as Parul. She deserves the highest praise for making this journey an unforgettable and enriching experience. Thank you, Parul, for being an outstanding guide and turning this trip into a series of wonderful memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Lilly May - Traveled, February 2024
I absolutely loved this trip! We had such a great selection of activities and experiences during the trip - I really felt I made the most of my time away. There was a nice mixture of crazy cities and calm nature so we could experience the different sides of the countries. Our guide, Parul, was also absolutely amazing! I would 100% recommend this adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Alice - Traveled, February 2024
Loved this trip and found Intrepid’s approach very different and felt it really worked with the countries we were travelling and we were experiencing the culture rather than just viewing it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Rohan - Traveled, January 2024
Thank you Tem for the special trip it was sick! Taj was amazing. It would have been hard managing 16 different personalities but you killed it. Thank you again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2024
Alice - Traveled, January 2024
I had an incredible time on The Real Delhi to Kathmandu tour! We crammed in so many once in a lifetime experiences organised by our amazing guide Tem. I will definitely book with Intrepid again in the future!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Emily - Traveled, February 2024
This trip is so authentic, you get the real insight of the Indian and Nepalese lifestyle. 100% recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Shayma - Traveled, December 2024
This tour was amazing, mainly because our tour guide Surya was perfect! He was so knowledgeable and a great attitude throughout the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Juanita - Traveled, December 2024
Recommend intrepid 100%. Will definitely be booking another trip with intrepid soon.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Troy - Traveled, December 2024
An amazing experience with an amazing group and a truly top shelf tour leader and human in Surya. Can't wait to do India and Nepal again and will be requesting Surya as a leader once more! 100% recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Matthew - Traveled, November 2023
A really great trip where I got to learn about the culture of India and Nepal, see the sights and also make new friends along the way!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
João - Traveled, November 2023
I really like to travel with Intrepid. The trips always have the right balance between activities and free time and this trip wasn't different. Also I love their consideration for sustainability. Ankita was a really nice guide and the safari was an unforgetable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Talia - Traveled, November 2023
The Delhi to Kathmandu trip was incredible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Lorin - Traveled, November 2023
My Trip with Intrepid was a really good experience! From the communication to the booking, from the prices to the transparency, from the guides to the places we visited. Thanks to the small group size and age limit we could all really connect and really enjoy this once in a lifetime experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
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