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Highlights of India and Nepal

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28 days (Delhi)

Destinations visited: India, Nepal, Delhi, World

Grading:

Introductory level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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Complete our North India Adventure, trek the Annapurnas and visit Chitwan National Park

Our commitment to running superb adventures in India and Nepal is underlined by the fact that we have successfully operated this trip since 1980! In essence, we combine our North India Adventure with our Annapurna Chitwan Adventure. In India we include a camel ride in Rajasthan (where our caravan captures the mood of the desert), and a cycle ride from Jaipur to Agra along quiet country roads. In Nepal we trek beneath the soaring Annapurna Range (a superb introduction to Himalayan trekking) and ride elephants on our wildlife safari in the Chitwan National Park.

Highlights

sightseeing in Delhi & Kathmandu
cycle rural Rajasthan
camel riding in Rajasthan
Sariska Tiger Reserve & Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
7 day trek in the Annapurna mountain range of Nepal
Chitwan Wildlife Safari

Itinerary

Day 1 Join Delhi

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the group hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. The group briefing will usually be held on the morning of Day 2.

Day 2 In Delhi, train to Bikaner

Sightseeing in Old and New Delhi, including the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. Note that we are required to vacate our rooms by lunchtime, so rest rooms will be available for your use until the time of departure.Later that evening we will transfer to Rewari station, which is 75 kms drive from the hotel, for the overnight train to Bikaner.Travelling on the railways is one of the great experiences of India – our sleeping berths are comfortable and we reserve secure four-berth compartments for our groups.However, travelling on Indian trains is by no means luxurious. No bedding is supplied, so we curl up in our sleeping bags to awake in the morning in the heart of Rajasthan.Please note, we may bus to Bikaner depending on train schedules.

Day 3 Arrive Bikaner, transfer to Chemana and commence camel ride – approximately 3 hours

Upon arrival in Bikaner, we have breakfast before we drive to the village of Chemana to commence our camel ride. If you have never ridden a camel before, don’t worry – few people have! It can seem daunting at first but it is great fun, and camel riding is the only way to experience the Rajasthan desert. Before setting off you will be given a briefing on how to ride the camel.Remember that there will be an attendant in charge of each animal – trust him, relax, and sway with the forward movement of the camel.Our caravan consists of our camel attendants and the crew from our Delhi office. We also have Rajasthani musicians to play for us during the day and at night around our modest campfire. All of our gear, including food, provisions and camping equipment, is carried on the camel carts that accompany our caravan. Our crew and musicians also ride on the camel carts. There are frequent stops for refreshments and a chance to stretch your legs. If you decide to give the camel riding a miss for an hour or two, you can walk, (the camels do not travel at a galloping pace), or ride on the camel carts for a while.The first stage is to the campsite at Khanag sar.There are a number of small villages on the way as we gradually merge with the pace of the desert. On arrival at camp our crew will unload the camel carts and establish the campsite – tea will be served and washing water made available, and the cooks will prepare the evening meal. After dinner, we gather around the campfire, while the musicians entertain us with folksongs – it won’t be long before we join in!

Day 4 Camel ride to Balasar – 6–7 hours

On the second stage, we start early to complete the six to seven hours of riding through desert scrubland.En route we visit some of the more isolated desert villages and the camel men will introduce you to their lifestyle: a world away from the huge forts and palaces that characterise other parts of Rajasthan.The scrubland eventually gives way to rolling desert and we arrive at our campsite at Balasar, ideally set on a sand plateau and close to a small village.

Day 5 Camel ride to Jamba – 6 hours

This stage involves an eight-hour ride to the village of Jamba. The desert scenery changes once again – from rolling dunes to more undulating terrain – and if, towards the end of the day, the pace of the camels increases, it is because they sense they are on their way home. Jamba is the home of our camel men and we can be assured of a warm welcome.The villagers will join us until late in the evening as we celebrate our last night in the desert.

Day 6 Transfer by road to Jaisalmer

There will be a further opportunity to visit Jamba the following morning before we board our bus for the short drive to Jaisalmer. The afternoon is free to wander the bazaar within the fort. Built in the 12th century, its massive entrance gates and narrow, paved stone lanes lead to the outer walls with superb views over the city. We recommend you wander out to the Royal Cenotaphs at Barabagh to enjoy the magnificent sunset.

Day 7 In Jaisalmer

We have a full day to explore the ancient walled city of Jaisalmer. We visit Jaisalmer Fort and the Jain temples, which contain many intricate carvings. We also explore the ‘Havelis’, the mansions of the wealthy merchants who made their fortunes at a time when Jaisalmer was on the old trade route between the Arabian Sea and the markets of Central India.

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Day 8 Drive to Jodhpur

With an early start we can reach Jodhpur by lunchtime to allow a free afternoon to visit Meherangarh Fort. Situated on a 125-m-high hill, the fort is the most impressive in Rajasthan. It includes a complex of palaces and museums that reflect the rich cultural history of the region. From the upper ramparts of the fort, we will have 360 degree views of the entire city.

Day 9 Drive to Jaipur

The famed ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. The city was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh in the early 18th century, when he moved from Amber to this new site on the plains. We reach Jaipur in the afternoon. Evening explore the city.

Day 10 In Jaipur

We continue our program of sightseeing in Jaipur, visiting the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar; the remarkable observatory that reflects Jai Singh’s passion for astronomy. There is also the Old City with its bazaars and the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of the Winds), originally built as part of the City Palace complex to allow the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life in the city without being observed.

Day 11 Jaipur to farm camp

Departing through the outlying settlements of Jaipur and with the Amber Fort as our backdrop, we commence the bike section of the trip. Instruction and bike adjustment will take place at this point of time.We then progress along the Ramgargh road, one of the quieter veins leading out of Jaipur.This twists through small farming settlements, where we provide endless entertainment to the villagers who are intrigued at the notion of westerners riding bikes through India.By lunch we arrive at Ramgarh Lake and enjoy a lunch respite under a huge Banyan tree.After lunch we cycle on to our camp spot; in a true rural setting, with small rudimentary dwellings and endless fields of various crops.Cycling is the best way to experience village India. We have been organising cycle rides in India for 20 years. This itinerary has been carefully researched to ensure we cycle the quieter country roads well away from the main highways. Please bear in mind that this is not the World Expeditions' answer to the Tour de France and no yellow jersey will be awarded to the winner at the close of each stage! The cycling section is just a great way to meet the people and absorb something of the village life that few appreciate during their time in India. There will be a forward vehicle, a back-up bus and an accompanying crew. All your gear, our camping equipment, food and supplies are carried on the bus and if you decide to take a break from cycling you can also ride on the bus or on the jeep that goes ahead of our group. Our group leader and assistant leader will cycle with you, while our cook and assistants will prepare a host of snacks and refreshments that are served throughout the day.At night the camp will be established and tea will be prepared, with plenty of time for a wash and a visit to the local village before the evening meal is served.

Day 12 Farm camp to Sariska Park (52km)

We continue riding through timeless India, with lush flowering mustard plantations flanked by overhanging willow trees, before reaching the gates to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. After a drink stop we continue on to our camp inside the park where we will have lunch. This was once home to a significant population of tigers, until a few season ago, when poaching reduced numbers. However there are many other animals in the park, and the atmosphere and natural surrounds make the visit very much worthwhile. Our camp overnight will be in the grounds of the Sariska Tiger Camp.

Day 13 Cycle to Rajgarh (38km). Drive to Bharatpur camp (90km)

We ride through a number of small villages to Rajgarh where we stop for lunch. After lunch we continue cycling another 15km before boarding the bus for the journey to Bharatpur via Mahua arriving at our camp in the premises of the Swaraj Resort.

Day 14 Bharatpur to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra – 54km

Today we cycle to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary where we will enjoy a packed lunch.Our bikes provide a wonderful mode of transport to move around and explore the park, where swamplands provide habitats for hundreds of bird species.We will then travel in our vehicle for about 20km to Fatehpur Sikri, to explore Akbar’s deserted capital, before continuing on to Agra.

Day 15 In Agra, then drive to Delhi

In the early morning we have a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan’s mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.We continue to Agra Fort, a fitting testimony to the Great Moghuls – Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan – during the era when Agra was the capital of the Moghul empire.From the Red Fort we’ll have more views of the Taj Mahal before driving back to Delhi that afternoon.

Day 16 Fly to Kathmandu

Check out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi airport for the flight to Kathmandu. You will be met by your group leader and transferred to the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket.Evening drinks are held in the hotel for all World Expeditions clients arriving today. Drinks and snacks will generally be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.

Day 17 Half day Sightseeing Tour

This morning a sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. We will visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, returning to the hotel by 2pm. In the afternoon you may have time to explore Durbar Square, Patan, Swayambhunath or Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world.

Day 18 Fly to Pokhara, commence trek to Australia camp (1990m) - approximately 2 hours walking

This morning we take a flight west to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest town (820 m). On arrival you are greeted with sights of the entire Annapurna Range.The drive to the roadhead at Khara takes around one hour.Our trail then winds uphill through terraced fields and mixed oak and rhododendron forest. There is no need to rush. This is a short day with plenty of time to reach camp. Australia Camp is located on a grassy ridge that affords inspiring views of the huge snowy face of Annapurna South and the sacred peak of Machapuchare. At dusk we can appreciate the lights of Pokhara over a thousand metres below our camp.;

Day 19 To Landruk (1640m) - approximately 5 hours walking

After a glorious mountain sunrise we follow the trail through rhododendron forest before continuing through a series of Gurung villages where lifestyles have not changed substantially over the centuries.After lunch we follow a well-marked trail to the prosperous village of Landruk where we camp for the night.

Day 20 To Ghandruk (1940m). 4 hours

Our destination today is easily seen across the valley, the attractive Gurung village of Ghandruk, We descend the valley floor through terraced fields and cross steel suspension bridge to commence our ascent. As we trek up the staircase, we enjoy the beauty of Himalaya at a relatively close range and observe the glaciers flowing from them to form the river below us. It really is a magnificent location and a photographer's delight. On our leisurely approach along these ridges we savor the magnificent scenery with fine mountain views.Ghandruk is the second largest Gurung settlement in Nepal and provides a further insight into the lifestyles of villages that have traditionally provided the backbone of the famous Gurkha regiments.The afternoon can be spent at leisure, or take a tour of the old village.

Day 21 To Naya Pul (1000m) - approximately 5 hours walking

After absorbing even more spectacular views of Annapurna South we head down the Modi Khola valley along a secluded village trail that is rarely followed by other trekking groups. After lunch at the scenic village of Dansing we complete a short, steep descent to the village of Birethanti along the Modi Khola. We cross a substantial bridge before making our way to a serene campsite just below the bustling bazaar of Naya Pul.

Day 22 To Bhadure (1550m) - approximately 5 hours walking

We appreciate the distinctive fluted peaks of Machapuchare before undertaking an early morning ascent through mixed oak and rhododendron forest. We are now off the established trails through farming settlements that rarely see foreign trekkers. After lunch we complete our trek to Bhadure and a fine campsite just above the village. That night we often celebrate with the local musicians and dancers who will ensure a memorable last evening on the trail.

Day 23 To Bhanjyang (2100m) - approximately 4 hours walking

We ascend gradually for 1 hr through the forest and pastures of Bhadure enjoying the scenic beauty of the Himalaya on the way. The trail continues through the forest with gradual flat ascents that leads us to Bhanjyang.

Day 24 To Pame (900m) - approximately 4 hours walking, transfer to Pokhara

This morning we take a side excursion to Panchase Peak (2540), the highest point of our trek and one of the highlights. The one and half hour climb through the forest gives us time to appreciate the abundant bird life and wilderness of the foothills. The views from the summit are stunning. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges form a huge mountain barrier on the skyline. Three peaks with a height of over 8000m and numerous other snow capped mountains fade into the distance.We descend back to camp and continue through the forest to Pame. You will see many species of birds in this section of forest.The road head is just 20 minutes walk from Pame.We can transfer to Pokhara by bus or there is also the option to cross the lake by boat. This is an enjoyable way to end the trek and is 11/2 hours across the lake and 15 minutes walk to our camp on the other side.

Day 25 Drive Pokhara to Chitwan approximately 4 hrs drive

This morning we transfer to Chitwan by road. On arrival we are briefed on the planned activities during our stay and on the park in general.Late afternoon and early morning are the best times to sight wildlife, so other times tend to be for less energetic activities. We will have lunch at the lodge and commence our activity program.Our accommodation is in 2-bed huts with a private bathroom.Solar heated hot water is available in the afternoons.

Day 26 In Chitwan National Park

A full day's activities are available including jungle walks, elephant rides, canoe rides, bird-watching and four-wheel-drive excursions, as well as lectures on elephants and other fauna. Our concession area is the territory of many species of wildlife including 3 tigers, 5 leopards, 7 rhino, and many deer, boar, bear, peacocks, an extraordinary number of bird species and is occasionally visited by wild elephants.

Day 27 Drive to Kathmandu approximately 5 hrs drive

We complete our last activity, and after breakfast transfer by road to Kathmandu.

Day 28 In Kathmandu, trip concludes

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further arrangements have been made. Those people travelling by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures.

Additional Information

Inclusions

27 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 15 dinners
flight Kathmandu/Pokhara valued at US$88
airport transfers
expert bilingual guide
group medical kit
good quality accommodation in cities
trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated mat
bicycles between Jaipur and Agra
private vehicles
all park entrance fees and trekking permits
porters to carry personal and group equipment
porter's insurance
sightseeing & site entry fees as listed

Summary

3 day camel ride
4 day cycle
7 day trek
2 day wildlife safari
10 nights hotels
13 nights camping
2 nights train
2 nights jungle lodge

Trip Main Activities

Trekking
Cycling
Wildlife Safari
Camel Riding

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.

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