Delhi to Kathmandu
Experience Overview
From capital to capital, this 15-day adventure through India will take you from the energetic hub of Delhi to the spiritual centre of Kathmandu. Start your journey with the big-ticket sites of the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Old Delhi, then slow down as you move through rural India for a starry night on the bank of the River Ganges. Visit the birthplace of Buddha, enjoy the hospitality of a Thar community homestay, look for the rare Indian rhino at Chitwan National Park and learn recipes from a family in Orchhra – this trip is a true look at life in northern South Asia.
Highlights
- Tick off one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal – during your stay in Agra. An impressive example of Mughal architecture, its carved-marble design is as stunning up close as it is far away.
- Whip up a selection of central Indian staples during an at-home cooking demonstration in Orchha for a tasty and enriching look into authentic Indian family life.
- Observe the spiritual moments of pilgrims praying and bathing along the ghats of the sacred Ganges River during an unforgettable sunrise cruise in Varanasi – one of India's holiest cities.
- Wake to the calls of the jungle on an overnight lodge stay in Chitwan National Park, then embark on a safari in search of rhino, deer, monkeys and a wide array of birdlife.
- Spend a memorable night at Amaltari Madhyavarti Homestay, which provides sustainable incomes and encourages local communities to conserve the wilderness and wildlife around them.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2117
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Overnight sleeper train,Private vehicle,4x4 Safari Vehicle/Jeep,Auto rickshaw,Cycle rickshaw,Shuttle bus,Train,Canoe,Bike
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HHSK
Starts: Delhi, India
Finishes: Kathmandu, India
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Lodge/Guesthouse (3 nights),Heritage Property (2 nights),Overnight sleeper train (1 night),Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,178 ($145 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi – India’s busy capital city, known for its street food, bazaars, museums and galleries. Meet your local leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting at 1 pm today. After, follow your leader as they show you through the streets of Old Delhi before you hop in a rickshaw for a different view. During your excursion, you’ll visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest mosque and one of its most impressive buildings – and the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion. This evening is yours to take in the energy of Delhi and get ready for the adventure ahead, perhaps over a tasty Indian meal with your group members.
Included Activities:
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Optional Activities:
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb (600 INR)
- Delhi - Qutub Minar (600 INR)
- Delhi - Red Fort (600 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, depart Delhi via train to Agra – home to India’s most iconic building, the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century palace was built in the style of Mughal architecture and surrounded by trimmed English gardens. You’ll get your chance to see it up close on a rickshaw tour across Agra, whizzing past the city’s many important sites and busy chowks (marketplaces). Later this afternoon, visit Akbar's Mausoleum – a red sandstone and marble tomb built to honour one of the great Mughal emperors, Akbar. Inlaid with intricate patterns, both inside and out, the tomb is another of Agra’s impressively striking monuments.
Included Activities:
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra - Akbar's Mausoleum
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll get a chance to see the beauty of the Agra Fort up close. Known for being one of the most impressive forts in India, over time, the Agra Fort has been used as a military base, a palace and a prison. Later today, get on a train to Jhansi, where you’ll travel through traditional rural Indian landscapes to reach 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. Take the afternoon to get settled before you visit the Ram Raja Temple puja (prayer) ceremony at the shrine at the heart of the city.
Included Activities:
- Orchha - Leader-led walking tour
- Orchha - Ram Raja Temple ceremony
- Agra - Agra Fort
Accommodation:
- Heritage Property (Number of Nights: 1)
Step out into Orchha for a visit to the Orchha Palace. Built by Bir Sing Deo for his friend Jehangir, the great Mughal ruler, the palace is an important building in Orchha. While inside, look out for the grand Iwans (domes) that were built large enough to allow the movement of war elephants. Later, you’ll visit Taragram – a paper-making factory that offers a way for local women to earn an income by using wood pulp and recycled clothing to make paper. After a busy day, enjoy the atmosphere at your Orchha accommodation – a restored heritage property.
Included Activities:
- Orchha - Orchha Palace
- Orchha - Taragram visit
Accommodation:
- Heritage Property (Number of Nights: 1)
Prepare your tastebuds because today is all about food. Take part in a cooking demonstration run by local partners and learn about the regional specialty dishes, flavours and ingredients. After you’ve eaten your fill, the rest of the day is yours to finish sightseeing in Orchha. Maybe ask your leader for their advice on which temples to visit. This evening, hop aboard an overnight train from Jhansi and head to Prayagraj (Allahabad) – the starting point for your Ganges boat journey.
Included Activities:
- Orchha - Cooking demonstration
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Allahabad this morning and make your way to the Ganges by small riverboats for a cruise down the river. The River Ganges is very important in India, not only because it’s a sacred place in Hinduism but also because it connects millions of people to their livelihoods. A support crew will be on hand as you cruise down the waterway, passing village communities and watching life on the river. When you arrive at your campsite, sit back and relax, you might like to read a book or play some cricket. Then, watch the sun go down over a vegetarian meal prepared by the boatmen.
Included Activities:
- River Ganges - Boat trip & camping
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Varanasi - Sunset candle flower ceremony
- Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is an early start but watching the sunrise across the Ganges from a boat is well worth the alarm. The rest of the day is free to explore Varanasi. There’s an option to take a trip to 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. Or perhaps visit Ram Nagar Fort – a crumbling 17th-century fort famous for being the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. There are many ways to soak up your time in Varanasi. You could fill your day wandering the laneways behind the ghats, shopping for local silk or even taking a yoga class.
Included Activities:
- Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
Optional Activities:
- Varanasi - Ram Nagar Fort (250 INR)
- Varanasi - Sarnath (315 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Lumbini - Heritage Park
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Chitwan - Village Bike Tour
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Chitwan National Park - Park Entry
- Chitwan - Canoe trip
- Chitwan - Canoe safari, Bird Watching walk or Jeep safari
- Chitwan NP - Tharu cultural performance
Accommodation:
- Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Durbar Square (1000 NPR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Temple
- Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
- Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight (Including transfers) (240 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure (49 USD)
- Kathmandu - Panorama Hike Urban Adventure (76 USD)
- Kathmandu - Kathmandu Living Urban Adventure (66 USD)
- Kathmandu - Explore Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure (108 USD)
- Kathmandu - Home Cooking Class Urban Adventure (60 USD)
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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
Nick - Traveled, March 2024
An incredible journey through north India and Nepal by train, boat and bus, giving great insight into its food, culture, religions and nature
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Paul - Traveled, March 2024
An action-packed, thrilling, educational and awe-inspiring two weeks. Perfectly balanced between fast-paced city life and quieter rural experiences. I recommend this trip for anyone looking to have unique travel experiences and learn about real everyday life in Northern India and Nepal.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Aurelie - Traveled, March 2024
These two weeks were amazing. As a French girl solo traveller I didn’t think I could explore India on my own, and it’s been so great to travel with Abhi (our team leader) and the team. Our itinerary covered the main touristy places (old delhi, Taj Mahal and Varanasi), but also places of the beaten track (which happened to be my favourite places). I learnt a lot, always felt safe and taken care of. But also really had fun. The trip was a right combinaison of rest and discoveries (and I like to do a lot). Entering Nepal and discovering more about Buddhism, but also seeing animals in the wild jungle were awesome. Couldn’t recommend enough (with a bit of extra time on your own in Delhi and Kathmandu, beginning and ending of the trip)!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Suzanne - Traveled, March 2024
Enjoyed the Delhi to Kathmandu journey with a great group and a top notch leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024
Craig James - Traveled, March 2024
A very good introduction to the Mughal world, India and Nepal
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Eileen - Traveled, March 2024
This trip is the perfect combination of buzzling cities and relaxing nature. 16 days full filled with so many happy moments of wildlife, impressive places, stunning historical forts and cities, authentic transport and delicious food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Tayla - Traveled, March 2024
I have two words to describe this itinerary - SIMPLY AMAZING! I was blown away by the amount experiences offered on my journey from Delhi to Kathmandu. If you get Tem as your tour leader, you’re in great hands!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Jeffrey - Traveled, February 2024
Delhi to Kathmandu is an experience of a lifetime. I left India and Nepal with a more open mind and full of gratitude for that wild, beautiful journey I experienced. For anyone looking at this review and these adventures with Intrepid, do it. You will not regret it. And be sure to journal about every experience. Just a tip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Lindsay - Traveled, February 2024
We had a great tour of Northern India and Nepal. The tour covers a lot of ground and picks up a good number of highlights along the way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Ali - Traveled, February 2024
The only way to experience India and Nepal from a local’s perspective. You cover a lot of ground on this trip and there is no shortage of adventure. We had people on our trip who did it 12 years ago they loved it so much. It feels like you are witnessing the vibrant cultures and people behind the scene. A great introduction to both countries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Bernie - Traveled, February 2024
Just completed the Delhi to Katmandu trip travelling by overnight train, bus, Etc. the trip was well thought out with ample time to sample the real India & Nepal with a well thought out mix of bustling city life and quiter country village visits. Our guide was not only knowledgeable and informative but made the journey stress free. Definitely an experience worth having.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Livin - Traveled, February 2024
This was an extraordinary trip!! A well defined/selected itinerary. Our guide Javed was very experienced, had very good knowledge of the local history/culture. And also important, we had a great group, friends for live. Would we reselect the trip with what we know now, with the experience we have had: definitely YES.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Cheyanne - Traveled, January 2024
This trip is a must. We packed in so much, in what seemed like a long time but wasn’t, and really got a in-depth view of India and Nepal. The whole trip was really special, I loved everything we did but I have to mention my most favourite thing we did, which was to witness an evening Ram Raja Temple puja (prayer) ceremony. Brought me to tears, it was truly something I will never forget. A huge part of the success of this trip for me was our amazing guide Madan Singh (Maddy). His passion and knowledge for his culture and country is infectious. As a single female traveller, Maddy made me feel safe and properly informed when in a vastly different environment from my own. If you are booking a trip, I hope you are lucky enough to have him. This was my first trip with Intrepid and I can’t wait to book the next one!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
Olivia - Traveled, January 2024
Madan our tour leader was so amazing. He was kind and caring and made sure we always felt safe. He made the trip run smoothly and I had a wonderful time! Thankyou madan!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2024
Jaye - Traveled, January 2024
The trip from Delhi to katmandu was incredible we did a lot of sight seeing and learnt about the cultures. I feel very lucky to have had maddy as our leader as he was very knowledgeable, organised and also loved to have a joke!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2024
Kate - Traveled, January 2024
This was absolutely the trip of a lifetime. The itinerary was packed full of interesting and exciting things, every day was different. An exhausting but highly rewarding two weeks, largely thanks to our group leader, Kuldeep, who made the entire experience even more special. I highly recommend this trip to anyone considering it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/30/2024
Paul - Traveled, January 2024
Great way to travel and enjoy the sites with out the headaches of what and where to eat sleep and transport
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/27/2024
Thomas - Traveled, January 2024
The best thing I ever did, in deciding to go travelling solo, was to open my adventure with booking this trip with intrepid. It far exceeded my expectations right from the start, with the brilliant group leader, the bond in the group and the brilliantly executed dynamic of the itinerary, always leaving you excited for the next day. Do it and you won’t regret it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Jackie - Traveled, December 2024
This was truly a trip of a lifetime! I felt like I lived a lifetime in two weeks! My group was a wonderful little crew of folks & we were super lucky to have Bhupesh as our guide as he really helped us to understand what we were seeing & was very helpful with guiding us to places to see & explore in our free time. Highly recommend this trip if you have ever wanted to visit India & Nepal!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
Lydia - Traveled, December 2023
I would highly recommend this trip, it shows you the real India and Nepal. I cannot fault our fantastic leader Banhu who made me as a lone female single traveller feel very safe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
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