Itinerary
- Day 1
Delhi
You'll arrive in Delhi and have time to settle into your accommodation. Before the 6 pm welcome meeting with your group, there's room in your schedule to wander around on your own if you'd like. Humayun's Tomb and other Delhi landmarks are options worth considering. After meeting everyone, you might join an optional dinner together, depending on your energy level and interest.
Optional Activities
- Visit Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Explore Delhi sights
- Urban Adventure activities
- Meal with group at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Humayun's Tomb - Day 2
Delhi
Your local leader takes you through Old Delhi starting with the metro system, then you'll hop into a rickshaw and navigate through the busy Chandni Chowk marketplaces. The Jama Masjid and Sheeshganj Gurudwara are on your route, where you'll learn about Sikhism and local history. Your trip leader can point you toward dinner recommendations for the evening.
Included Activities
- Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
- Metro system ride
- Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk
- Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Optional Activities
- Dinner at local restaurant (leader can recommend)
Landmarks/POIs Chandni Chowk Jama Masjid Sheeshganj Gurudwara - Day 3
Delhi to Jaipur
You'll drive into Rajasthan and reach Jaipur, known as the 'Pink City'. This bustling place has plenty of palaces and bazaars selling jewelry, textiles, tea and spices to check out. The Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), Royal City Palace with its elaborate rooms, and Jantar Mantar (one of five astronomical observatories built by the city's founder, Maharaja Jai Singh) are key stops on your route.
Included Activities
- Leader-led walking & market tour
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)
- Jaipur's Royal City Palace
- Jantar Mantar (astronomical observatory)
Landmarks/POIs Hawa Mahal Jaipur City Palace Jantar Mantar - Day 4
Jaipur
If you're interested, start early with an optional hot air balloon flight over the Jaipur countryside. By afternoon, you'll head to Amber Fort sitting on a hilltop above Maota Lake. The authentic Rajput architecture there is impressive, and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is a highlight worth your time.
Included Activities
- Amber Fort
Optional Activities
- Early morning hot air balloon experience
Landmarks/POIs Amber Fort Sheesh Mahal Maota Lake - Day 5
Jaipur to Lotwara
You'll leave Jaipur and drive to Lotwara Village in the Dausa district, called the 'Peacock Town' of Rajasthan because peacocks are everywhere. A guided walk through the Old Quarter gives you insight into rural Indian life beyond tourist areas. At local stalls, try seasonal sweets like petha (pumpkin), jaggery (organic sugar) and gazak (sesame seeds). Tonight you're staying in a restored heritage property with dinner included.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Village Walk
- Guided walk around Old Quarter
Optional Activities
- Sample local sweets at stalls
Landmarks/POIs Lotwara Village - Day 6
Lotwara to Agra
Early in the morning, you'll catch a train to Agra, home to India's most iconic building, the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century Mughal palace is surrounded by trimmed English gardens. A rickshaw tour takes you across Agra to see the Taj Mahal up close and pass important sites and bustling chowks (marketplaces). Later you'll visit Akbar's Mausoleum, a red sandstone and marble tomb with intricate inlaid patterns.
Included Activities
- Taj Mahal
- Rickshaw tour through Agra
- Akbar's Mausoleum
Landmarks/POIs Taj Mahal Akbar's Mausoleum - Day 7
Agra to Chanderi
You'll explore Agra Fort on a guided tour with a local guide who explains how this impressive fortress served as a military base, palace and prison over time. After that, you'll catch a train to Lalitpur, where a private transfer picks you up and takes you to your hotel in Chanderi. The rest of your evening is free to relax and settle in.
Included Activities
- Agra Fort guided tour
Landmarks/POIs Agra Fort - Day 8
Chanderi
This morning your leader guides you through Chanderi, a city with history stretching back to the 11th century tied to the Bundelkhand and Malwa borders. You'll walk the cobbled streets of Old Town, learn about the Badal Mahal Gate, and visit the 15th-century Jama Masjid from the Mughal era. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace, and your leader can offer tips on what to see.
Included Activities
- Old city walking tour
- Badal Mahal Gate
- Jama Masjid (15th century)
Landmarks/POIs Badal Mahal Gate Jama Masjid, Chanderi - Day 9
Chanderi to Orchha
A private transfer takes you to Orchha, located on the banks of the Betwa River. What was once a hunting area is now home to 16th-century palaces and temples. You'll grab lunch, then take a guided tour of Orchha Palace, built by Bir Sing Deo for Mughal ruler Jehangir. The palace features grand Iwans (domes) built large enough for war elephants. Day rooms are available to freshen up. Later, a cooking demonstration leads into dinner with traditional regional dishes before you board an overnight train to Allahabad.
- Meals
- Dinner (Cooking demonstration and feast of regional creations)
Included Activities
- Orchha Palace guided tour
- Cooking demonstration
- Regional cuisine dinner at Orchha Palace
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Orchha
Landmarks/POIs Orchha Palace Betwa River - Day 10
Allahabad to Ganges
You arrive in Allahabad this morning and can use day rooms to freshen up after your overnight train ride. Then you'll head to the Ganges for a small riverboat cruise. The Ganges holds sacred significance in Hinduism and connects millions to their livelihoods. A support crew travels with you as you cruise past villages and watch daily life along the banks. At your campsite, you'll relax with a book, play cricket, or simply watch the sunset while eating a vegetarian meal prepared by the boatmen.
- Meals
- Dinner (Vegetarian meal prepared by boatmen)
Included Activities
- River Ganges boat trip & camping
Landmarks/POIs Ganges River - Day 11
Ganges to Varanasi
After leaving your boats at Chunar, a private vehicle takes you to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India and the ultimate Hindu pilgrimage destination. Your leader guides you on a walking tour through the Old City, passing temples and shrines where rituals happen. This evening, you'll experience the spirituality of Varanasi at the sunset candle flower ceremony, a daily ritual where people float small candles on leaves while pilgrims chant, sing and perform fire ceremonies.
Included Activities
- Private transfer from Chunar
- Leader-led Old City walking tour
- Sunset candle flower ceremony
Landmarks/POIs Varanasi Old City - Day 12
Varanasi
Rise early to watch the sunrise by the river and take in the sights along the ghats if you'd like. Around lunchtime, you'll jump on a rickshaw for a tasting tour through vibrant streets to iconic eateries, trying savory and sweet snacks like chaat, samosas, jalebi and lassi. The rest of your day is free to wander the laneways behind the ghats, shop for local silk, take a yoga class, or visit Sarnath, one of Buddhism's four main pilgrimage sites where Buddha preached enlightenment.
Included Activities
- Sunrise Ganges boat trip
- Holy City Rickshaw Ride & Food Trail
Optional Activities
- Wander laneways behind ghats
- Shop for local silk
- Yoga class
- Visit Sarnath Buddhist pilgrimage site
Landmarks/POIs Varanasi Ghats Sarnath - Day 13
Varanasi to Lumbini
You'll wave goodbye to India and cross the border into Nepal at Gorakhpur. This is a longer journey, so settle in with a good book or podcast. Upon arrival in Nepal, a private bus takes you to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. Later, you'll visit Lumbini Heritage Park to see the Ashoka Pillars, then hop on cycle rickshaws to the Maya Devi Temple, the actual site believed to be where Buddha was born.
Included Activities
- Lumbini Heritage Park
Landmarks/POIs Lumbini Ashoka Pillars Maya Devi Temple - Day 14
Lumbini to Amaltari Madhyavarti
A private vehicle takes you through Nepal's Terai to Amaltari Madhyavarti village homestay in the Tharu community. Known for their distinctive culture and lifestyle, the locals welcome you with lunch where you'll meet community members and learn about their way of life. After freshening up, a 4WD drive takes you to a lake for afternoon tea. During dinner, locals share stories about village life while you enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch with community), Dinner (Traditional home-cooked meal prepared by locals)
Included Activities
- Lunch in community
- 4WD drive to lake
- Dinner with locals and cultural exchange
Optional Activities
- Free time to freshen up
Landmarks/POIs Amaltari Madhyavarti Terai Region - Day 15
Amaltari Madhyavarti to Chitwan National Park
A guided walk around the Tharu community with a local member shows you Indigenous architectural styles, farms and produce that sustain the community. You'll learn about their customs, values and stories. After saying goodbye to your hosts, you'll head to Chitwan National Park via Twenty Thousand Lakes (Bis Hajaar Tal), Nepal's second-largest natural wetland. Watch for migratory birds, crocodiles, and if you're lucky, Indian rhinos.
Included Activities
- Guided walk around Tharu community
- Visit to Twenty Thousand Lakes (Bis Hajaar Tal)
Landmarks/POIs Twenty Thousand Lakes Chitwan National Park - Day 16
Chitwan National Park
After breakfast, you'll walk to the Rapti River and take a boat or jeep safari through the national park. Keep an eye on the sky for brilliantly colored birds. A picnic lunch happens by the river. You'll look for gharials, fish-eating crocodiles, and learn more at the crocodile breeding centre. Back at your lodge, you can relax or join optional activities offered by the park. Tonight, the local Tharu community performs cultural entertainment for you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch by the Rapti River)
Included Activities
- Breakfast
- Rapti River walk
- Boat or jeep safari through national park
- Picnic lunch by river
- Crocodile breeding centre visit
- Tharu cultural performance
Optional Activities
- Optional park activities
Landmarks/POIs Chitwan National Park Rapti River - Day 17
Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu
You'll travel by bus from Chitwan to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. Grab a window seat to soak in spectacular views of rural Nepal's rice terraces, mountain-side villages, flowing rivers and the Himalayan mountain range in the distance. After arriving in Kathmandu, you'll get your bearings and maybe stroll through Durbar Square's narrow streets and traditional architecture. Browse the markets and bazaars, and be sure to sample momo (Nepali dumplings) from a spot your leader recommends.
Optional Activities
- Walk through Durbar Square
- Explore markets and bazaars
- Sample momo (Nepali dumplings)
- Dinner at leader-recommended restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Durbar Square - Day 18
Kathmandu
You'll visit Kathmandu's most important Buddhist shrine, the ancient Swayambhunath Temple, known to tourists as the Monkey Temple. The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha eyes gazing from the top are Nepal's quintessential symbol. Then you'll join pilgrims at Bodhnath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temples. Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, comes next, where you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating and pilgrims bathing. The rest of the day is free to explore or consider a scenic mountain flight if trekking isn't an option.
Included Activities
- Swayambhunath Temple
- Bodhnath Stupa
- Pashupatinath Temple
Optional Activities
- Scenic mountain flight
Landmarks/POIs Swayambhunath Temple Bodhnath Stupa Pashupatinath Temple Bagmati River - Day 19
Kathmandu
Your last day has no planned activities, so you can depart your accommodation at any time. If you'd like to extend your stay (which is recommended), contact your booking agent ahead of time. Consider an Urban Adventure like the Kathmandu: Rickshaw Night Explorer tour if you decide to stay longer.
Optional Activities
- Urban Adventures (Kathmandu: Rickshaw Night Explorer tour recommended)
- Additional exploration of Kathmandu
