Delhi to Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi – India’s busy capital city, known for its street food, bazaars, museums and galleries. Meet your local leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting at 1 pm today. After, follow your leader as they show you through the streets of Old Delhi before you hop in a rickshaw for a different view. During your excursion, you’ll visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest mosque and one of its most impressive buildings – and the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion. This evening is yours to take in the energy of Delhi and get ready for the adventure ahead, perhaps over a tasty Indian meal with your group members.

This morning, depart Delhi via train to Agra – home to India’s most iconic building, the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century tomb was built in the style of Mughal architecture and is surrounded by trimmed English gardens. You’ll get to see the intricate architecture up close on an included visit today. Later this afternoon, see the beauty of the Agra Fort up close on a tour with a local guide. Considered one of the most impressive forts in India, over time, the Agra Fort has been used as a military base, a palace and a prison.

Today, hop on a train to Lalitpur – a private transfer will then pick you up from the station and take you to your hotel in Chanderi. The rest of the evening is free to relax.

Get to know Chanderi on a guided tour with your leader this morning. With a history stretching back to the 11th century and a strategic location between the Bundelkhand and Malwa borders, the city is full old palace, forts, mosques, temples and mausoleums. Take a wander around the cobbled streets of Old Town, learn about the significance of the grand Badal Mahal Gate and visit Jama Masjid – a 15th century mosque dating back to the Mughal era. The rest of the day is free to unwind or explore at your own pace – your leader can offer tips on things to do.

Take a private transfer to the town of Orchha. Located on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha was once a hunting area that became a site of 16th-century palaces and temples. Head to Orchha Palace for a guided tour. Built by Bir Sing Deo for his friend Jehangir, the great Mughal ruler, the palace is an important landmark here. While inside, look out for the grand Iwans (domes) that were built large enough to allow the movement of war elephants. Visit the Royal Cenotaphs (Mausoleum) that were built to honor deceased rulers and royalty. You’ll also have access to day rooms to freshen up. For dinner, you’ll dive into the region’s flavours at a cooking demonstration and feast on your creations. Then, it’s time to hop aboard an overnight train to Allahabad – the starting point for your Ganges boat journey.

Arrive in Allahabad this morning. You’ll have access to day rooms to freshen up after the journey before making your way to the Ganges for a cruise on a small riverboat. The Ganges is very important in India, not just because it’s sacred in Hinduism but also because it connects millions of people to their livelihoods. A support crew will be on hand as you cruise the waterway, passing villages and watching life along the banks. When you arrive at your campsite, sit back and relax, or you might like to read a book or play some cricket. End the day watching the sunset over a vegetarian meal prepared by the boatmen.

Leaving your boats at Chunar, transfer by private vehicle to Varanasi – one of the holiest cities in India. Varanasi is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel far and wide to step foot in this spiritual city. Your leader will take you on a walking tour of the Old City, passing temples and shrines, stopping to watch as rituals are performed. This evening, see the spirituality of this city in motion at the sunset candle flower ceremony. The daily ritual involves people sitting a small candle on a leaf which is then placed on the water, accompanied by chanting, songs and fire performances.

Today, you'll travel by bus from Chitwan to Nepal's capital – Kathmandu. Try to grab a window seat for this trip, as the views are not to be missed. Look out over Nepal’s rural landscape of rice terraces, mountain-side villages and flowing rivers – all with the backdrop of the Himalayan mountain range. Arrive in the city and get your bearings, maybe with a walk through the narrow streets to the traditional architecture of Durbar Square. Or stop for a shop at the markets and bazaars. While in Nepal, make sure you sample the local favourite food - momo (Nepali dumplings). Ask your trip leader for a place to grab dinner.

Today you’ll head out to Kathmandu's most important Buddhist shrine – the ancient Swayambhunath Temple, known to tourists as the Monkey Temple. The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha eyes that stare out from the top have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal. You’ll also join the pilgrims at Bodhnath Stupa – the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temples. Then, visit Pashupatinath – the most famous Hindu temple in the country – located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating and pilgrims bathing. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Kathmandu. One way to spend your time is to take a scenic flight through the mountains – great if you’re not able to take on a trek.

There are no activities planned for your last day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay an extra couple of days, and it's recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. If you do extend your stay, maybe check out the great range of Urban Adventures – like the Kathmandu: Rickshaw Night Explorer tour.