Dehli to Kathmandu Overland

I know India sounds scary, but jump in at the deep end and travel without a tour group. If there are two of you verses 1 billion then the odds are much better.

Maybe just book your first nights accommodation in Dehli and arrange with the hotel for a airport transfer. Consider booking a hotel near the Main Bazaar area of Paharganj, email one or two out of the lonelyplanet (at the full list price unfortunately). Then the next morning, spend a hour checking the others out, negotiating to about half to 3/4 of the asking price and with conditions much better than your booked accommodation.

Bus or train to Agra, Varanassi etc . You'll never have any problems finding accommodation or lifts, I'm sure there will be someone there in those cities to offer you a lift and a recommendation of a hotel.

With Varanasi, maybe stay around the Main Ghat on the Ganges. However, the alleyways are so small that even Rickshaws don’t go up them. Even to get to the Main Ghat, its so congested that you'll end up walking the last 200 metres.

Its an experience you will tell your grandchildren

Hi,
There are buses going from Delhi to Kathmandu daily. go to the Tibetan colony at Majnu-ka-tila (north-Delhi, near Kashmiri gate, 50 rupees prepaid rickshaw from Central trainstation), there are lots of Tibetan travel-agencies where you can buy a busticket.
Also from Varanasi there are buses going to Kathmandu. It's a long trip; 2 days and one night (you sleep in a hostel near the border).
Another way is to take the train to Gorakhpur and from there continue by bus.
I agree with jonappleton: travel without tourgroup! India is not that difficult, and when you travel by yourselves there is some room left for spontaneity and surprises. You won't regret it! I've been traveling all over India for the past seven years. If I (clumsy naive single female) can do it alone, anyone can!
Happy travels!
P.S by the way, you'll also find accomodation in Majnu-ka-tila; new peace guesthouse is quite good, but there are lots of good guesthouses and hotels .

Hi Jess

In 15 days you can very well fit in the places you listed by travelling over land to Sunauli border from Varanasi. You may get in touch with Discovery Full Circle Tours. I have travelled with them a few times and found them reasonable and very responsible. In January I used thrm to arrange similar tour you are planning for some friends and it worked out well. Thei email id is mktg@discoveryfullcircle.com

good luck

tinoo

I have paid 450 USD for a car with driver for a 4 days Rajastan tour, if your 3 or 4 people it is an economic and comfortable way, mid range hotel accomodation and fuel was included to this price.... Check this option also

Yep #5 has a good suggestion re driver, whereas we had the interesting experiences of cramming into local buses for weeks travelling India, some months later when my friend travelled India, with two others, he booked a driver and car over the net and did a similar tour in somewhat luxury. He constantly reminds me about it.

I'd suggest flying to KTM from either Delhi or Varanasi. The overland route is arduous. I'd also suggest arriving in KTM a couple of days prior to your trek's starting date.

Yep, agree with #7 re flying from Varanasi to Kathmandu. I am still having trauma therapy after bussing that trip.