Delhi to Kathmandu: Mountain Scenes & the Ganges

Day 1  Delhi        
Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital, Delhi!  Embark on an afternoon orientation tour visiting Connaught Place and India Gate for those iconic photos. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers over traditional Indian cuisine at Delhi's Kitchen with a Cause. Afterward, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out.  

Day 2  Delhi to 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 to 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.

Day 5  Jaipur to 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.  

Day 6  Agra to 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.

Day 9  Varanasi, India to Lumbini, Nepal    
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.  

Day 10  Lumbini to Chitwan National Park    
Experience the Nepali rural life of Barauli Village. Take an orientation walk, visiting eco-friendly homes and learn about the Tharu lifestyle. Opt to venture to the Narayani river on a cycle tour. In the evening, immerse yourself in an overnight homestay with the indigenous Tharu community.

Day 11  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  Chitwan National Park to 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. If you want to get your adrenaline flowing, pre-booking the Paragliding in Pokhara excursion when booking your tour.

Day 13  Pokhara
Visit the Sisterhood of Survivors Project, a grassroots organization that trains survivors of human-trafficking and at-risk women to become certified paralegals. Learn how to make momos (traditional dumplings) and enjoy a Nepali lunch together while hearing of their bravery. 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.  

Day 14  Pokhara to 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. If you crave more adventure, opt for an Everest flight in the morning (weather permitting).