Highlights Of India And Nepal

All content by Intrepid

20 days (ex Delhi)

Destinations visited: India, Nepal, Around The Kathmandu Valley, Delhi, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,070

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Description

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.

Highlights

Visit the sights of Old Delhi.
Discover the Taj Mahal of Agra.
Quietly enter the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri.
Peak through the windows of the Hawa Mahal.
Explore rural life and crumbling ruins in Orchha.
Boat down India's holy River Ganges.
See sunset soften the city of Varanasi.
Visit Lumbini.
the birthplace of Buddha .
Spot wildlife in Chitwan National Park.
Experience the sublime beauty of the Himalayas.
Wander the atmospheric streets of Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Welcome to the capital of India, Delhi. A chaotic medley of bazaars, temples, mosques and colonial buildings, Delhi is an ideal place to kick-start this adventure. Weave through the cars, rickshaws and bullock carts to experience fast-paced city life. Stroll through the exuberant alleyways of Old Delhi and see the magnificent Jama Masjid. Visit a local Sikh temple to learn a little about this fascinating religion.

Day 2 Agra

Travel by train to Agra. This former Mughal capital is home to some impressive buildings, including the romantic Taj Mahal of Agra and massive Red Fort that dominates the skyline. Admire the Taj Mahal's intricate carvings then visit the fort - a maze of halls, mosques, chambers and gardens.

Day 3 Karauli Heritage Stay

Explore India's deserted palaces and pavilions of the Mughal kingdom in Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved ghost town. Visit a village and learn about life in rural India and enjoy an evening of traditional music and food during a heritage stay in a palace.

Days 4-5 Jaipur

The gem of Rajasthan, Jaipur's pink sandstone 'Palace of Winds' and the lively streets make the city a colourful destination. This friendly town is brimming with bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and local art. If there's time, be sure to catch the latest Bollywood blockbuster in the Art Deco splendour of the Raj Mandir Cinema.

Day 6 Delhi

Colourful, chaotic and steeped in history, the capital of India, Delhi, will leave a lasting impression. Visit fortified Old Delhi - the crowded, narrow alleyways overflow with exotic sights and smells. Explore India's largest mosque and stop by a Sikh temple.

Day 7 Agra

Visit the Taj Mahal of Agra - the ultimate monument to love. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the ornate carvings and bejewelled marble of this mausoleum are truly breathtaking. Spend the afternoon exploring Shah Jahan's home in Agra, the impressive Red Fort.

Days 8-10 Orchha

Take a train across classical Indian terrain to Orchha, one of the most incredible tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh. Crumbling temples and palaces are scattered across rural countryside, which is full of friendly locals. Soaring temple spires and domes rise from the jungle in the Orcha Palace complex. Witness a cooking demonstration by a local family and visit a community project for an insight into papermaking.

Day 11 Ganges Boat Trip

Sail down India's River Ganges and see Indian river life up-close. Sail past humble villages in the day, before camping overnight on the banks of the sacred river.

Days 12-13 Varanasi

Nestled on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is India's sacred heart and the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims. Wander the Old City, take part in a traditional candle-lit flower ceremony and boat down the river at sunrise, past pilgrims absolving their sins on the ghats of Varanasi.

Day 14 Lumbini

Travel to the birthplace of Buddha, the beautiful town of Lumbini on the Nepalese border. Hop on a cycle rickshaw and explore the Maya Devi Temple, one of Buddhism's holiest sites.

Days 15-17 Chitwan National Park

Cross the border and travel to Nepal. Look out for rhinos, monkeys, deer and the infamous Nepalese wild chickens at the Chitwan National Park. Enjoy a canoeing adventure on the Rapti River, before setting off on a guided tour of the park.

Days 18-20 Kathmandu

Pass rice terraces, deep gorges, pounding rivers and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas en route to Kathmandu. Visit the 'Monkey Temple', see the Pashupatinath pires and join the pilgrims at Bodhnath Stupa.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nts), Heritage Property (3 nts), Deluxe permanent tent (2 nts), Lodge (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt), Guesthouse (1 nt)

Transport

Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Train, Auto rickshaw, Private vehicle, Taxi, Shuttle Bus, Jeep, Local bus, Canoe

Budget

Allow USD $380 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,070

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