Delhi to Kathmandu

Arrive in Delhi and be immersed in its beauty, expanse and regal monuments. Watch the organised chaos around historical sites from different eras, visit the museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars. Take an excursion into the sights and sounds of Old Delhi. Set off on the city’s modern metro system, with an optional cycle rickshaw ride through chaotic streets of Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque, then visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion.

Head to Agra to see its iconic sites. Start your trip with a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal and watch the morning light shimmering off its white marble surface. Renowned as a monument of love and loss, this 17th century is a fine example of Mughal architecture. Visit Akbar’s Mausoleum – a beautiful sandstone and marble tomb made for the Mughal emperors.

Agra is also home to one of the best forts in India. Start your day visiting the dark red sandstone stronghold of Agra Fort. Head towards Jhansi to reach the beautiful town of Orchha on the banks of the Betwa River. Uncover a very different side of India, which was initiallya hunting area. It is renowned for beautiful temples and palaces, built in the 16th century by the ruling Bundelas clan. In the evening experience the Ram Raja Temple puja (prayer) ceremony at the shrine at the heart of the city.

Begin your day with a trip to the stunning Orchha Palace, built by Bir Sing Deo for his friend Jehangir, the great Mughal ruler. Have a peek at the grand Iwans (domes) that were built large enough to allow the movement of war elephants. Stop at Taragram, one of our Responsible Tourism projects. It is a paper making factory that helps the locals earn a living.

You can soak in the unique atmosphere of Orchha and also enjoy the local flavours too. Learn about the local cuisine in a cooking demonstration. Taste the delectable cuisine. Take an overnight train to Allahabad, the starting point for your Ganges boat trip.

Start your trip in Allahabad with a visit to Anand Bhavan – the ancestral home of the Nehru family. Take a boar cruise on the sacred River Ganges through the heart of rural India. You will be overwhelmed with the scenes along the way and the enormity of this iconic waterway and passing village communities. Arrive at your campsite and relax by the riverside.

Leave your boats at Chunar and drive to Varanasi. Regarded as one of the holiest city for Hindu pilgrims, it has travelers coming from far and wide to experience this spiritual city. Set off on a walking tour of the oldest part of the city and witness the locals and the different rituals being performed. Get immersed in the maze of narrow alleyways with its small shops and stalls. In the evening relish the magical atmosphere of a candle flower ceremony at sunset.

Start the day early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and watch the light gradually illuminate the ghats and temples along the river. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. You could also take a trip to nearby Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Or visit Ram Nagar Fort, a crumbling 17th century fort. It was the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Alternatively,you can take time to explore the lanes and alleys behind the ghats and relish some shopping of the local silk industry.

Cross the border to reach Nepal via Gorakhpur. Spend the night at a hotel in Lumbini. This is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and one of his four holy places of pilgrimage. Visit the beautiful Ashoka Pillars and hop on cycle rickshaws to the Maya Devi Temple, the actual birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Head towards Chitwan National Park at the base of the Himalayas. This UNESCO World Heritage site has some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia, including; rhino, deer, monkeys and a wide array of birdlife.

Take a walk to Rapti river from where you’ll be taken by boat to Ghagtai village. Spend the day exploring the village and watch some of the brilliantly coloured birds along the Raptiriver. Spend the night in a lodge overlooking the river in Ghagtai.

Return to the base in Chitwan National Park via Twenty Thousand Lakes (Bis Hajaar Tal). Nepal’s second largest natural wetland. It is a spectacular maze of small lakes teeming with wildlife. Home to numerous crocodiles, it is one of the best places for birdwatching, as it is a migratory route stop. Take time to relax in the afternoon and indulge in activities such as biking, bird watching, cultural performances, canoe rides and village tours.

Head from Chitwan to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. Soak in the sights and smells of Nepal: beautiful rice terraces, deep gorges and looming mountains. Kathmandu has a fine blend of ancient architecture and modern development. It has rich artistic and cultural heritage. You can enjoy crowded markets and bazaars and the narrow streets that are home to holy men and monks. Go to Durbar Square, in front of the old royal palace and visit the numerous beautiful temples.

Proceed to ancient Swayambhunath stupa, known to tourists as the Monkey Temple and Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist shrine. It has the Buddha eyes that stare out from the top and have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal. Check out, Bodhnath Stupa – the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the heart of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu. You will also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country. You can indulge in some optional activities as you will have the time. Perhaps explore Patan’s Durbar Square; including the Royal Palace of Patan and a series of temples, showcasing Newari architecture. Visit Bhaktapur, located about 20 km east of Kathmandu. Called the ‘City of Devotees’ , it is Nepal’s cultural gem. It has many monuments, palaces and temples of elaborate carvings, gilded roofs and open courtyards.

Head back to India.