India & Nepal Experience

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$3,195

Book now

Description

Combine the best of India and Nepal in one superbly comfortable trip. Experience the colour and chaos of Delhi's bazaars, visit erotic temple carvings in Khajuraho and witness intimate displays of faith on the burning ghats of Varanasi. Roam the grounds of the iconic Taj Mahal, head out on a jungle safari, and listen for the whispering prayer flags of Kathmandu. Throw in temple towns and village visits, lakeside retreats and mountain hikes, spiritual moments and local interactions - and you have a grand tour bursting with incredible adventures.

Highlights

Participate in a candle ceremony on the Ganges.
Witness holy rituals in sacred Varanasi.
Haggle with locals in Kathmandu's bazaars.
Take a safari in search of wild creatures.
Marvel at ornate Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.
Visit Delhi's soaring Jama Masjid mosque.
Uncover erotic temple murals in Khajuraho.
Be enchanted by the magical Taj Mahal.

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Travel to India's enigmatic capital city where the adventure begins. Discover the country's largest mosque and a Sikh temple, before taking a walking tour through the intoxicating bazaars and spice markets of Old Delhi.

Days 2-3 Jaipur

A mesmerising explosion of colour and sound, Jaipur is a city like no other. Explore the Amber Fort and the ornate Hawa Mahal. Admire the brilliant costumes and thrilling dances of a Bollywood movie at the exquisite Raj Mandir Cinema.

Day 4 Agra

Be enchanted by the magical Taj Mahal of Agra and discover the stories within the Red Fort.

Days 5-6 Orchha

Visit local tribal women at a papermaking plant en route to the delightful town of Orchha. Marvel at the stunning Mughal architecture of the Jehangir Mahal palace. Perhaps stroll beside the emerald Betwa River before tasting local delicacies at a cooking demonstration.

Day 7 Khajuraho

Travel across rural plains to discover erotic carvings at the remote Khajuraho temples.

Days 8-9 Varanasi

A crossroad between the physical and spiritual worlds of Hinduism, Varanasi is awash with intimate displays of faith. See pilgrims performing ablutions on the ghats of Varanasi and experience a candle flower ceremony at sunset.

Day 10 Delhi

Soak up a little more of Varanasi's magical atmosphere before a flight back to Delhi city.

Days 11-12 Kathmandu

Jump onboard a short flight from Delhi to Nepal. Explore the colourful, spirited city of Kathmandu and relish the serenity at the Great Stupa at Bodhnath.

Day 13 Bandipur

Surrounded by orchards and fields, Bandipur is a delightful place to explore by foot. Take an afternoon walk and meet locals while taking in glorious views of the Himalayan foothills.

Day 14 Begnas

Continue onwards to the Begnas Lake Resort. Try fishing, bending into a yoga pose or simply soaking up the peace and tranquillity in this serene Nepalese town.

Days 15-16 Pokhara

Take time to discover the wares of local craftspeople in Pokhara. This relaxed lakeside town is simply overflowing with natural beauty and offers an abundance of outdoor pursuits.

Days 17-18 Chitwan National Park

Go on safari in Chitwan. Of all the national parks in Nepal, Chitwan boasts one of the densest wild animal populations. Search for rhinos and tigers, visit an elephant breeding centre and meet friendly locals on a village tour.

Days 19-20 Kathmandu

Discover the vibe of Kathmandu at the colourful local market. Celebrate the end of the India and Nepal adventure and bid new friends farewell.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nts), Heritage Property (4 nts), Lodge (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

Transport

Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Auto rickshaw, Private vehicle, Train, Overnight sleeper train, Boat, Plane, Private Bus

Budget

Allow USD $360 for meals not included.

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

from USD$3,195

Book now

Traveller reviews for India & Nepal Experience (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.