India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu

Arrive at anytime. Meet your CEO and group in the evening for a welcome meeting, an orientation walk around Varanasi and your first night out!


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Experience the spiritual energy of Varanasi with a walk through the holy city, filled with temples, shrines and Hindus from all over India and the world. Enjoy views of the sacred River Ganges.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Hotel Vaibhav

This morning, hop on a boat and sail the sacred Ganges River, where you will have the opportunity to witness a candle flower ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon 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. Varanasi is your oyster!
Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river.Free_time - Enjoy some free time.Accommodation - Hotel Vaibhav

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. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, where the Queen gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama.
This will be a longer travel day as it may take up to 12 hours to reach the city of Lumbini. Settle in with your fellow travellers and get to know each other as you take in the scenery.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Have your passports and documentation ready to cross the border. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit Maya Devi Temple, Buddha's Birthplace Visit. Explore the numerous monasteries in this World Heritage Site.Accommodation - Landmark Bhairahawa

Experience Nepali rural life at Barauli Village homestay, a G Adventures–supported project. Take an orientation walk, visiting friendly homes and learn about the Tharu daily life. Opt to venture to the Narayani river on a cycle tour.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy the hospitality of the Tharu, an indigenous community from the Teral belt of Nepal who live in eco-friendly homes. Experience their unique culture through dance and song.Activity - The Barauli Community Homestay is G Adventures–supported and designed to help preserve the culture of the local Tharu people. This homestay project is completely run by women, bringing diversified income and sustainable tourism to the region. This is a fantastic experience for both visitors and hosts, to make meaningful connections and learn about each others lives.Activity - Take an orientation walk through Barauli village. Visit local homes and learn more about the Tharu lifestyle, farming techniques, as well as the region's flora and fauna.Accommodation - Barauli Community Homestay

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and explore.Activity - Enjoy the hospitality of the Tharu, an indigenous community from the Teral belt of Nepal who live in eco-friendly homes. Experience their unique culture through dances, songs, and a delicious traditional meal. Stay on the property in private guesthouses that resemble traditional village architecture of the local Tharu people. Enjoy modern conveniences like running water, comfortable beds, and mosquito nets. The 14 cottages are each named after the local woman that manages the property. There are also tended gardens and small patches of farmland in the village compound with animals tethered inside the pastures. Any meals will be eaten in the communal dining hall and the local women will serve you food that has been sourced completely from the surrounding land and community.Accommodation - Barauli Community Homestay

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.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Breathe in the fresh air and take in the views of the Himalayas and Phewa Lake while getting your bearings around this scenic city.Accommodation - Hotel Raraa

Enjoy breakfast at Sharing Seeds and learn how organic arabica coffee and beekeeping helps uplift the community. 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. Cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just shared!
In the morning, watch a spectacular Himalayan sunrise over the mountains before visiting a Planeterra project that benefits the local community.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy some free time.Activity - Follow your CEO to best lakeside bar with a mountainous view and cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just experienced.Activity - Sharing Seeds is a women led enterprise in Sarnagkot - Tallathar village, which supports local farmers to produce organic arabica coffee and beekeeping, and offers opportunities to the women of Pandeli Village to produce recyclable, hemp handicrafts. Sharing Seeds has ensured that this community gains new skills and employment opportunities while retaining their culture and addressing the problem of rural urban migration. Enjoy a local breakfast in the fields of the picturesque village of Tallathar, led by women from this rural community, and take a walk through the village to learn more about the coffee grown in the region.Accommodation - Hotel Raraa

Travel the last leg of this trip through the wild, rugged Himalayan landscape to Nepal's capital and largest city, Kathmandu. Or opt to skip the drive and fly to Kathmandu for more time in the city. After the whole group arrives, 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. Then join your crew for an optional farewell meal together!


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get a taste of this lively capital city, which is fascinating at every turn. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Serenity

Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.