Itinerary
- Day 1
Delhi
You'll be picked up at Delhi Airport and taken to your hotel. At 6 pm there's a welcome meeting where you'll meet your leader and the other travelers on this trip. After that, the evening is yours to do what you want. If you're up for it, head out to see the Red Fort, Lotus Temple, or Humayun's Tomb. Otherwise grab dinner with your new group and settle in.
Included Activities
- Welcome meeting at hotel (6 pm)
Optional Activities
- Visit Red Fort
- Visit Lotus Temple
- Visit Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Sample local food with group
Landmarks Red Fort Lotus Temple Humayun's Tomb - Day 2
Delhi
Your leader takes you on a walking tour through Old Delhi to see the Mughal architecture. You'll learn how to use the metro, then hop into a traditional rickshaw to navigate the streets around Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop at the Jama Masjid, India's oldest and largest mosque, and the Sheeshganj Gurudwara Sikh temple. Lunch is a traditional Thali with the group. The rest of the day and evening are free to explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Lunch (Traditional Thali lunch at Suruchi)
Included Activities
- Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
- Metro navigation assistance
- Traditional rickshaw tour around Chandi Chowk marketplace
- Visit to Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
- Visit to Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Thali Lunch at Suruchi
Optional Activities
- Local food and activity recommendations from leader
Landmarks Old Delhi Chandi Chowk Jama Masjid Sheeshganj Gurudwara - Day 3
Delhi to Agra
Board a train heading to Agra. Once you settle into your hotel, grab lunch at a café run by women who've survived acid attacks. Then you'll see the Taj Mahal, the 1632 mausoleum Emperor Shah Jahan built for his late wife, and walk through its gardens. If you're interested, check out the Museum or sign up for an optional carpet demonstration. Otherwise, explore Agra on your own terms.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Sheroes Cafe (run by women who have survived acid attacks))
Included Activities
- Visit Sheroes Cafe
- Visit Taj Mahal
- Taj Mahal gardens and Museum
Optional Activities
- Hand-knotted carpet demonstration
- Self-guided exploration of Agra
Landmarks Taj Mahal 
- Day 4
Agra to Ranthambore National Park
You can return to the Taj Mahal if yesterday left an impression, or explore more of Agra including the mosque and its symmetrical jawab building. Head to Agra Fort to see the red sandstone fortress and palace that Akbar built in 1565 and Shah Jahan later converted. After lunch, private transport takes you to Ranthambore National Park for a two-night stay. Your leader helps organize snacks and drinks for the drive.
Included Activities
- Visit Agra Fort
Optional Activities
- Return visit to Taj Mahal
- Explore Taj Mahal mosque and jawab building
Landmarks Agra Fort Taj Mahal - Day 5
Ranthambore National Park
An early-morning jeep safari kicks off your day in one of northern India's biggest national parks. You're looking for Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and various other mammals, birds and reptiles. After breakfast you have the afternoon free. Then head out for another safari in the evening to search for more wildlife.
Included Activities
- Morning wildlife safari
- Evening wildlife safari
Landmarks Ranthambore National Park - Day 6
Ranthambore to Jaipur
Stop at a rural village in Sawai Madhopur on the way to Jaipur to see ancient sacred temples in the area. Once you arrive in Jaipur, the 'Pink City,' your leader takes you on an orientation walk. The city is really pedestrian-friendly, so you can safely explore the busy streets and colorful alleyways. In the evening, catch a Bollywood movie or have free time to yourself.
Included Activities
- Walk to rural village in Sawai Madhopur
- Orientation walking tour of Jaipur
Optional Activities
- Bollywood movie screening
Landmarks Sawai Madhopur 
- Day 7
Jaipur
Your leader shows you around Jaipur this morning, starting with the City Palace, which looks like something from a Wes Anderson film. The royal family still lives in part of it, but some gardens and courtyards are open. The rest of the day is yours. Check out Jantar Mantar, an observatory with star-tracking instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh, or go on an optional hot air balloon ride for views of the countryside.
Optional Activities
- Visit City Palace and gardens
- Visit Jantar Mantar observatory
- Hot air balloon ride
Landmarks City Palace Jantar Mantar - Day 8
Jaipur
See a different side of Jaipur by visiting Panna Meena Kund Stepwell, an ancient rainwater collection structure used for rituals and gatherings. Head up to Amber Fort on a hilltop with a local guide to explore Rajput and Mughal architecture and catch city views. Don't miss the Mirror Palace, where the floor and ceiling are covered in reflective tiles that create a light show. Spend your afternoon exploring more, then finish with a cooking class in someone's home and traditional homemade dinner with your group.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional homemade dinner with group following cooking class)
Included Activities
- Visit Panna Meena Kund Stepwell
- Visit Amber Fort with local guide
- Cooking class with traditional dinner
Optional Activities
- Further exploration of Jaipur
Landmarks Panna Meena Kund Stepwell Amber Fort - Day 9
Jaipur to Delhi
Private transfer takes you back to Delhi this morning. The afternoon is free to explore. Check out Humayun's Tomb from 1570 or Qutb Minar, India's highest tower, if you missed them earlier. Your leader can help book anything else you want to do. Gather the group for a farewell dinner in the evening to talk about your Indian adventure.
Optional Activities
- Visit Humayun's Tomb
- Visit Qutb Minar
- Farewell dinner with group
Landmarks Humayun's Tomb Qutb Minar - Day 10
Delhi to Kathmandu
You travel to Kathmandu on your own today. Use the complimentary airport transfer to get to your hotel. At 6 pm there's a welcome meeting with your new leader and fellow travelers starting the Nepal portion. The evening is free to explore Kathmandu's mix of ancient architecture and modern development, crowded markets, bazaars, holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows. Join your group for an optional dinner at a Nepali restaurant if you'd like.
Included Activities
- Welcome meeting at hotel (6 pm)
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Kathmandu streets and markets
- Optional dinner at Nepali restaurant with group
- Day 11
Kathmandu
Weather permitting, take an optional Mount Everest scenic flight this morning over Sagamartha National Park through the world's highest peaks. After breakfast, explore Kathmandu starting with Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple, where you'll see sadhus meditating, pilgrims bathing and sometimes funeral pyres on the ghats along the holy Bagmati River. Visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the world's most significant Buddhist shrines, then Swayambhunath Temple (the Monkey Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head to Durbar Square to see the old royal palace and temples with merchant stalls. The evening is yours.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Pashupatinath Temple
- Visit Bodhnath Stupa and Monastery
- Visit Swayambhunath Temple
- Visit Durbar Square
Optional Activities
- Mount Everest scenic flight (weather permitting)
Landmarks Pashupatinath Temple Bodhnath Stupa Swayambhunath Temple Durbar Square Sagamartha National Park Mount Everest - Day 12
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Fly to Pokhara, and if you're lucky you'll catch glimpses of the Himalayan Mountain chain to the north. Take a scenic boat ride across Phewa Tal, Nepal's second largest lake. You can visit the Taal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake or simply enjoy the mountain views. The evening is free so ask your leader for their favorite lakeside restaurant recommendation for dinner.
Included Activities
- Scenic boat ride across Phewa Tal lake
Optional Activities
- Visit Taal Barahi temple
- Lakeside dinner recommendations
Landmarks Phewa Tal Taal Barahi Temple 
- Day 13
Pokhara
If you wake up early, catch the sunrise over Sarangkot Hill. After breakfast, visit the Peace Pagoda for mountain views of the Annapurnas and the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare. Head to the International Mountain Museum to read about past climbing expeditions, both successful and tragic. In the afternoon, visit a local Tibetan Refugee Camp for lunch where you'll hear their stories from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional momo cooking demonstration. Enjoy the lunch with your creations.
- Meals
- Lunch (Tibetan community lunch with momo (steamed dumplings) prepared during cooking demonstration)
Included Activities
- Peace Pagoda visit
- International Mountain Museum
- Tibetan Refugee Camp visit with momo cooking demonstration and group lunch
Optional Activities
- Sunrise from Sarangkot Hill (early morning)
Landmarks Sarangkot Hill Peace Pagoda International Mountain Museum Machhapuchhare - Day 14
Pokhara to Bandipur
Private vehicle takes you to Bandipur, a traditional Nepalese town and one of the country's hidden gems. Once an important stop for traders heading to Tibet, the main street is still lined with old merchant buildings. Many have been converted for modern use but their architecture remains intact. Settle in for a peaceful stay in this charming, rural location.
Included Activities
- Bandipur day trip
Landmarks Bandipur - Day 15
Bandipur
The day is yours to explore Bandipur further. The surrounding hills have good hiking trails through tribal villages and hilltop shrines that once served as fortresses. Bandipur sits on a high ridge with exceptional views of the Himalayan panorama. Visit the town's temples, relax with a coffee and a view, or explore at your own pace.
Optional Activities
- Hiking through tribal villages
- Visit hilltop shrines
- Visit town temples
- Coffee and views
Landmarks Bandipur - Day 16
Bandipur to Chitwan National Park
Drive to Chitwan National Park after breakfast. Once you arrive and settle in, you'll meet the camp staff and resident naturalists who discuss activities for the next couple of days. In the early evening, the local Tharu dance troupe may perform. Dinner happens as a group, then the evening is yours. Relax in the bar and chat about the day's animal sightings or listen to the jungle at night.
- Meals
- Dinner (Group dinner at lodge)
Included Activities
- Tharu dance cultural show (approximately 30 minutes)
Optional Activities
- Early evening Tharu dance performance
Landmarks Chitwan National Park - Day 17
Chitwan National Park
An early-morning jeep safari heads out looking for the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic birdlife. The safari happens on either this day or the next depending on lodge schedules. After breakfast, go on a dugout canoe adventure down the Rapti River to spot marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds along the riverbanks. The rest of the day includes additional activities that may be jeep excursions or visits to nearby villages.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Canoe ride on Rapti River
- Jeep safari at Chitwan National Park
Optional Activities
- Visits to nearby villages
Landmarks Chitwan National Park Rapti River - Day 18
Chitwan National Park to Bhaktapur
An optional early-morning birdwatching safari is available for avid wildlife lovers. After breakfast, drive along the Trisuli River to Bhaktapur with a lunch stop on the riverbank. Bhaktapur was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Spend the evening exploring on your own in local cafes or relaxing at your hotel.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch stop along the Trisuli River)
Optional Activities
- Early-morning birdwatching safari
Landmarks Bhaktapur Trisuli River - Day 19
Bhaktapur to Kathmandu
Spend the morning exploring Bhaktapur's famous temples starting at Durbar Square, considered the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal, home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. Visit the Yakcheswor Mahadev Temple, a replica of Pashupatinath Temple. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu. The evening is yours to spend however you want. Your group may head out for an optional final dinner as your Nepal adventure winds down.
Included Activities
- Leader-led walking tour of Bhaktapur
- Visit Durbar Square
- Visit Yakcheswor Mahadev Temple
Optional Activities
- Optional final group dinner
Landmarks Bhaktapur Durbar Square Yakcheswor Mahadev Temple - Day 20
Kathmandu
Your trip officially ends after breakfast. If you'd like to stay longer in Nepal, speak to your booking agent about extension options.
- Meals
- Breakfast
