tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

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Explorer

Highlights of India & Nepal

4.9

Excellent

15 reviews

19 days

Start

Start:

Finish

End:

Trip Code

HHSEC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Canoe, Cycle rickshaw, Jeep, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Shuttle Bus, Train, Van

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Heritage Property (3 night), Hotel (10 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Homestay (1 night)

From 0 (19 days)

Trip Informations

From the sacred River Ganges to the summits of the Himalayas, tour India and Nepal on a trip where adventure and discovery await. From the most exciting places to visit in Delhi to the towering peaks surrounding Kathmandu, discover the spirit, culture, and nature of this fascinating region. Visit the Taj Mahal of Agra, experience the chaos and colour of India's villages, and marvel at the daily pilgrimage to the ghats of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges. Delve into the history and religion of these two fascinating countries as you enjoy the highlights of India and Nepal.

Why you’ll love this trip

Rise in the cool half-light of dawn and watch the sunrise while you glide over the River Ganges on a small riverboat.

Stay in a riverside jungle lodge in Chitwan National Park, then embark on a safari in search of rhinos, Bengal tigers, monkeys, and more.

Join pilgrims during a visit to the birthplace of Gautama Buddha in Lumbini, where evidence of a shrine dated before 550 BC was uncovered in 2013.

Enjoy a relaxing evening at a community homestay in the Madi Valley, a lush Nepalese valley bordered by forest and river.

Immerse yourself in the holy city of Varanasi, exploring the Old City by day and soaking up the atmosphere of a candle flower ceremony as the sunsets.

Is this trip right for you?

Nepal and northern India temperatures range from very cold to very hot. Please check seasonal weather guides, select a time to travel that suits you, and pack accordingly.

This trip involves travel on public transport, covering long distances, resulting in some long days of travel. Some patience will go a long way towards your enjoyment here. Sit back, relax and watch the scenery go by – a book or podcast won’t go astray.

Sleeper trains are a quintessential Indian travel experience. They’re a great way to travel long distances and maximise your time in each place. You’ll be travelling alongside locals, as well as Tuuur travellers, in a compartment of mixed genders. You’ll find more details about the experience in the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information, or you can read more about it here: https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/ https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/ (https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/)

We do our best to estimate travel times, but these can often change. That's just how it is in these parts and as a result, there's not as much free or independent time as on some other trips.

Please review the Transport section of the Essential Trip Information for details about plane travel in Nepal, associated risks and the safety measures we have in place.

Part of travelling with Tuuur means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. We visit several temples on this trip, which require you wear clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees.

Old Delhi is an exciting place encounter local life, but be aware it will be busy, and during the walking tour you’ll need to navigate people, tight spaces, and crowded walkways.

We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Tuuur style of travel. Service and accommodation in India may be different from western standards.

Itinerary

Sacred rivers and towering peaks from the Ganges to the Himalayas

DAY 1
Day 1 • Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi – India’s thriving capital city – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive with hours (or days) to spare, consider heading out on your own, maybe to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb. If you’ve got the time, explore some Delhi sights and join in on an Urban Adventure. After the welcome meeting, maybe head out for an optional meal with your group at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR650
Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
Delhi - Red Fort - INR650
Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3750
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
To book an Urban Adventure before you meet your trip leader, go to https://www.urbanadventures.com/
DAY 2
Day 2 • Delhi
Join your local leader on an excursion through Old Delhi. Ride the city’s metro system, then hop in a rickshaw to the busy marketplaces of Chandni Chowk. See the Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque, before learning about the history of the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara. Ask your trip leader for their recommendation on where to go for dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
DAY 3
Day 3 • Jaipur
Drive into Rajasthan and on to its capital, Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’. Take your time to explore this busy city filled with palaces and bazaars selling everything from jewellery and textiles to tea and spices. You might like to stop by the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), then head over to Jaipur's Royal City Palace and explore its extravagant rooms and apartments. Later, discover one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour
Optional activities
Jaipur - City Palace - INR1200
Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR600
Jaipur - Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema - INR400
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Jaipur
This morning, you might want to take an optional early morning hot air balloon experience. Cruising through the air overlooking the countryside is often a highlight of visiting Jaipur. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture, and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Jaipur - Amber Fort
Optional activities
Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD290
Special information
The balloon flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 1 hour. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your trip leader at your welcome meeting on Day 1 of your trip. Payment can be made by credit card or cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP. Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).
DAY 5
Day 5 • Lotwara
Leave the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur behind and drive to the Lotwara Village in Dausa district of Rajasthan. This town, founded in the 17th century retains its traditional temples and is known as the ‘Peacock Town’ of Rajasthan due to the dense population of peacocks. Take a guided walk around the Old Quarter, learning about rural Indian life off the tourist trail. Be sure to visit the local stalls along the way and sample seasonal local sweets made from Indian ingredients, including petha (pumpkin), jaggery (organic sugar) and gazak (sesame seeds). Tonight, you’ll stay in a restored heritage property where dinner is included.
Accommodation
Heritage Property (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Lotwara - Village Walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Agra
On the journey to Agra, stop at the one-time capital of the Mughal empire, Fatehpur Sikri. Its stunning mosque displays both Persian and Hindu designs and is secured by a 54-m-high entrance. Once in Agra, you have the option to visit the marble tomb that was saved for the greatest of the Mughal Emperors – Akbar's Mausoleum. End your day at the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this opulent monument was built in the 1640s as a memorial to Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Agra - Taj Mahal
Agra - Agra Fort
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Agra – Lalitpur – Chanderi
Today, hop on a train to Lalitpur – a private transfer will then pick you up from the station and take you to your hotel in Chanderi. The rest of the evening is free to relax.
Accommodation
Heritage Property (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Chanderi
Get to know Chanderi on a guided tour with your leader this morning. With a history stretching back to the 11th century and a strategic location between the Bundelkhand and Malwa borders, the city is full old palace, forts, mosques, temples and mausoleums. Take a wander around the cobbled streets of Old Town, learn about the significance of the grand Badal Mahal Gate and visit Jama Masjid – a 15th century mosque dating back to the Mughal era. The rest of the day is free to unwind or explore at your own pace – your leader can offer tips on things to do.
Accommodation
Heritage Property (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Chanderi - Old city walking tour
DAY 9
Day 9 • Chanderi – Orchha – Allahabad (overnight train)
Take a private transfer to the town of Orchha. Located on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha was once a hunting area that became a site of 16th-century palaces and temples. Head to Orchha Palace for a guided tour. Built by Bir Sing Deo for his friend Jehangir, the great Mughal ruler, the palace is an important landmark here. While inside, look out for the grand Iwans (domes) that were built large enough to allow the movement of war elephants. Visit the Royal Cenotaphs (Mausoleum) that were built to honor deceased rulers and royalty. You’ll also have access to day rooms to freshen up. For dinner, you’ll dive into the region’s flavours at a cooking demonstration and feast on your creations. Then, it’s time to hop aboard an overnight train to Allahabad – the starting point for your Ganges boat journey.
Accommodation
Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Orchha - Cooking demonstration
Orchha - Orchha Palace
Orchha- Royal Cenotaphs
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your overnight train journey will be approximately 9 hours.
Sleeper trains are usually comfortable and air-conditioned (sometimes fan-cooled) and are a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Sheets, a pillow and a blanket are provided, but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Please note you may be sharing with locals in a same/mixed gender situation.
DAY 10
Day 10 • River Ganges
Arrive in Allahabad this morning. You’ll have access to day rooms to freshen up after the journey before making your way to the Ganges for a cruise on a small riverboat. The Ganges is very important in India, not just because it’s sacred in Hinduism but also because it connects millions of people to their livelihoods. A support crew will be on hand as you cruise the waterway, passing villages and watching life along the banks. When you arrive at your campsite, sit back and relax, or you might like to read a book or play some cricket. End the day watching the sunset over a vegetarian meal prepared by the boatmen.
Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
River Ganges - Boat trip & camping
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
The boats are equipped with life jackets, the deck has mattresses and cushions to relax on, and it’s all covered with a cloth roof for sun protection.
Tents are twin share with mattresses and blankets provided. It gets cold in winter, so a sleeping bag is recommended if travelling at this time. There is a squat toilet tent, and no showers available. Lunch, dinner, and breakfast are provided during your time camping. Water and soft drinks are available to purchase, but no alcohol is allowed here, as the Ganges is a sacred place.
Due to high water levels on the River Ganges and the associated safety concerns, the boat trip won't operate during the monsoon or other times of heavy rainfall. Departures affected by such safety concerns will be communicated during the trip by your leader – it's difficult to know well in advance how much rain there's likely to be at any point in time. In these cases, an extra night will be spent in Varanasi including a visit to the temple complex of Sarnath – the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Varanasi
Leaving your boats at Chunar, transfer by private vehicle to Varanasi – one of the holiest cities in India. Varanasi is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel far and wide to step foot in this spiritual city. Your leader will take you on a walking tour of the Old City, passing temples and shrines, stopping to watch as rituals are performed. This evening, see the spirituality of this city in motion at the sunset candle flower ceremony. The daily ritual involves people sitting a small candle on a leaf which is then placed on the water, accompanied by chanting, songs and fire performances.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony
Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 12
Day 12 • Varanasi
This morning, wake up early to watch the sunrise by the river and take in the many sights along the ghats. Then, you'll jump on a rickshaw for a tasting tour through the vibrant streets to some of the city's most iconic eateries. Dig into a range of savory and sweet snacks like chaat, samosas, jalebi, lassi and Chai tea while getting a glimpse into Varanasi’s rich culinary heritage. You have free time for the rest of the day – and there are many ways to soak up your time here! You could wander the laneways behind the ghats, shop for local silk or even take a yoga class. If you have time, perhaps visit the nearby Sarnath – one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Sarnath is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features stupas (Buddhist shrines) and museums to explore.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
Varanasi - Holy City Rickshaw Ride & Food Trail
Optional activities
Varanasi - Ram Nagar Fort - INR250
Varanasi - Sarnath - INR315
DAY 13
Day 13 • India/Nepal border crossing – Lumbini
Today, wave goodbye to India and say namaste to Nepal, as you cross the border at Gorakhpur. This will be a longer journey, so maybe get stuck into a good book or your favourite podcast. When you arrive in Nepal, take a private bus to your hotel in Lumbini – the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and one of his four holy places of pilgrimage. Later today, travel to the Lumbini Heritage Park, home to the Ashoka Pillars, where you’ll hop on cycle rickshaws to the Maya Devi Temple – the actual site where Lord Buddha is thought to have been born.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Lumbini - Heritage Park
Lumbini - Maya Devi Temple
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 11 hours.
During the border cross journey, groups of less than five will travel by car, bigger groups will travel by bus.
DAY 14
Day 14 • Amaltari Community
Today, your journey continues as you travel by private vehicle through the Terai to the Amaltari Madhyavarti village homestay – your stay for the night. A well-known Indigenous group in Nepal, the Tharu community who live here are known for their distinctive culture and lifestyle. When you arrive, have lunch in the community with your group, get to know some of the locals and then enjoy some free time to freshen up. After, you’ll head out on a 4WD drive to the lake to enjoy some afternoon tea. Learn about village life in the community over dinner tonight and sit down for a home-cooked, traditional meal made by the locals.
Accommodation
Homestay (1 night)
Meals
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Amaltari - Sundowner by Jeep
Special information
Over monsoon season (May to August) the roads to Amaltari can sometimes be rendered impassable due to swollen rivers and flooding. If you are travelling over this period, there is a high chance your group will travel straight to Chitwan National Park today. After arriving at your lodge, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the local village by bike. In the evening, sit down for a presentation on the park's history, flora and fauna before your visit the next day.
DAY 15
Day 15 • Chitwan National Park
Start your day with a guided walk around the Tharu community with one of its members. Your local guide will show your group the Indigenous architectural styles, as well as the farms and produce used to feed and economically sustain the community. Along the way, you might learn a little more about life here as they share their customs, values and stories with you. After, say goodbye to your hosts, and head for your lodge in Chitwan National Park via Twenty Thousand Lakes (Bis Hajaar Tal) – Nepal’s second-largest natural wetland and a great introduction to the wildlife of Chitwan. Look out for migratory birds, crocodiles, and, if you’re lucky, an Indian rhino.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Chitwan - Village Bike Tour
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
While we respect each individual’s decisions while travelling, Tuuur does not include elephant rides or unnatural performance activities on any itinerary, and we recommend you bypass these activities should they be offered to you during your stay. Professional wildlife conservation and animal welfare organisations, including the World Animal Protection (formerly the World Society for Protection of Animals), advise that contrary to common belief, captive elephants remain wild animals and despite good intentions, unfortunately, many venues are unable to provide the appropriate living conditions elephants require and this ultimately impacts their well-being. While there is some merit in the argument that the money that you pay for the activity goes towards keeping the elephants and their mahouts employed, we know that it also fuels demand for elephants to be captured in the wild or captive-bred. We thank you for your support in improving the welfare of these majestic creatures.
DAY 16
Day 16 • Chitwan National Park
After breakfast, take a walk to the Rapti River, where you’ll be taken on a boat or jeep safari through the national park. Keep your eyes on the sky for the many brilliantly coloured birds of the area. Then, sit down for a picnic lunch by the river. Keep your eyes peeled for gharials – this fish-eating crocodile has long been hunted for the supposed aphrodisiac qualities of its snout. Learn more about them when you drop by the crocodile breeding centre. Once back at your accommodation, there’ll be time to relax or to take part in optional activities offered by the park. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a cultural performance by the local Tharu community.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Chitwan National Park - Park Entry
Chitwan - Canoe trip
Chitwan - Canoe safari, Bird Watching walk or Jeep safari
Chitwan NP - Tharu cultural performance
Special information
Jeep safari tours run from October to June. To get to the cars, your group will travel by boat part of the way.
DAY 17
Day 17 • Kathmandu
Today, you'll travel by bus from Chitwan to Nepal's capital – Kathmandu. Try to grab a window seat for this trip, as the views are not to be missed. Look out over Nepal’s rural landscape of rice terraces, mountain-side villages and flowing rivers – all with the backdrop of the Himalayan mountain range. Arrive in the city and get your bearings, maybe with a walk through the narrow streets to the traditional architecture of Durbar Square. Or stop for a shop at the markets and bazaars. While in Nepal, make sure you sample the local favourite food - momo (Nepali dumplings). Ask your trip leader for a place to grab dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Kathmandu - Durbar Square - NPR1000
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 18
Day 18 • Kathmandu
Today you’ll head out to Kathmandu's most important Buddhist shrine – the ancient Swayambhunath Temple, known to tourists as the Monkey Temple. The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha eyes that stare out from the top have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal. You’ll also join the pilgrims at Bodhnath Stupa – the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temples. Then, visit Pashupatinath – the most famous Hindu temple in the country – located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating and pilgrims bathing. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Kathmandu. One way to spend your time is to take a scenic flight through the mountains – great if you’re not able to take on a trek.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Temple
Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
Optional activities
Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight (Including transfers) - USD240
DAY 19
Day 19 • Kathmandu
There are no activities planned for your last day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay an extra couple of days, and it's recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. If you do extend your stay, maybe check out the great range of Urban Adventures – like the Kathmandu: Rickshaw Night Explorer tour.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure - USD49
Kathmandu - Panorama Hike Urban Adventure - USD74
Kathmandu - Explore Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure - USD104
Kathmandu - Home Cooking Class Urban Adventure - USD57
Special information
Head to urbanadventures.com/en/kathmandu for more information.

Inclusions

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Canoe, Cycle rickshaw, Jeep, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Shuttle Bus, Train, Van

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Heritage Property (3 night), Hotel (10 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Homestay (1 night)

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Day 9 (Sleeper Train), Day 10 (Camping) and Day 14 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate from September 1st to April 30th and last approximately 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments, and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP or credit card and is USD 260pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions (tickets are fully refundable in case of bad weather).

3. As this is a combination trip, the composition of your group, as well as the group leader, may change on Day 7.

4. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

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