North India & Nepal Adventure - 18 Days

Once you have arrived in Delhi, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

After settling in, you will meet your group leader and the rest of the group. This evening, we head out together for a welcome dinner where we enjoy our first taste of Indian cuisine.

After breakfast, we take the metro with our guide into the heart of Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid, one of the city’s most historic mosques.

After our time at Jama Masjid, we continue to a nearby Sikh Temple (Gurudwara) where we take part in a traditional langar lunch. This community-run meal offers a meaningful insight into Sikh culture and the values of equality and service that underpin the langar tradition.

From here, we step into the lively lanes of the old quarter for a morning of classic street food. We sample favourites such as Bedmi Poori with potato curry, freshly made paratha and crisp jalebi. We also look out for the local chai wallah serving hot spiced tea.

Delhi - Agra. This morning, we board a local train for an air-conditioned journey to Agra, a city celebrated for the Taj Mahal and its Mughal heritage.

After arriving, we spend the afternoon exploring Agra Fort, one of the most impressive strongholds in India. Later, you enjoy dinner at Sheroes Hangout, a vegetarian and vegan cafe that supports an inspiring social cause.

Agra - Jaipur. We depart from Agra and travel by air-conditioned public bus to Jaipur, often called the Pink City.

This evening we visit the famous Raj Mandir Cinema for a lively Bollywood film. We take in the mix of music, drama, romance, and action that Indian cinema is known for, all inside one of the most impressive theatres in the country.

Today, we join our guide for an orientation walk through the old town, where we visit the local market, learn how Jaipur became known as the Pink City, meet traders, and hear about the spices that shape Indian cuisine.

We then take Tuk Tuks to Galta Ji, often called the Monkey Temple, a peaceful hillside complex that is home to many grey long-tailed Asian monkeys. You have the remainder of the day free to explore more of Jaipur and enjoy the city at your own pace.

Jaipur - Pushkar. After breakfast, we travel by private transfer to Pushkar, regarded as one of the holiest towns in India and well known for its relaxed atmosphere, colourful markets, scenic surroundings, hiking opportunities, and remarkable sunsets.

Upon arrival, we join our guide for an orientation walk through Pushkar, exploring the colourful markets, winding alleyways, and sacred ghats that surround the lake. This gives us a great introduction to the town’s spiritual and cultural atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we meet a local Brahmin who offers us a traditional blessing beside the holy lake, and we then enjoy a drink at a lakeside cafe before returning to our accommodation for the night.

Pushkar - Ajmer - Udaipur. We make our way to Ajmer and board the train to Udaipur, often called the White City and celebrated for its many lakes. The city is also known for its appearance in the James Bond film Octopussy.

Its mix of lively streets and peaceful waters creates a striking contrast, and we experience this balance with a walk through the markets and the old town.

During our walk, we also visit the impressive Jagdish Temple, one of Udaipur’s most important Hindu temples, known for its detailed stone carvings and vibrant devotional atmosphere, before ending the day with a private sunset cruise on the lake.

Early this morning, we leave the city for a guided bike ride through a nearby village, where our local guide introduces us to daily life in the community.

After the ride, we visit a local school and spend time learning about education in the area. You have free time in the afternoon, and later we return to camp at sunset to join local villagers and learn how to cook traditional Indian dishes.

Udaipur - Jodhpur. This morning, we travel by bus to Jodhpur, known as the Blue City. Our Haveli accommodation sits in the heart of the old quarter, surrounded by a maze of blue-painted buildings that sit beneath the towering Mehrangarh Fort.

In the late afternoon, we walk through the colourful streets and stop at the Jodhpur stepwell, an impressive example of historic stone design.

As we continue through the clock tower market, we have the chance to try the well-known Saffron Lassi and some tasty samosas. We then return to our accommodation to end the day.

You will have the morning at leisure to unwind after yesterday’s journey. During this time, you can explore the blue-painted streets on foot, take a rooftop yoga class, or try a zipline that runs across the walls of Jodhpur Fort.

In the early afternoon, our group meets and walks with a local guide to Mehrangarh Fort. We tour the beautifully maintained complex, and with the support of an audio guide, we gain a clear picture of historic royal life in this region.

Afterwards, we return to the hotel for a wash and change before your transfer to the railway station for your overnight train to Delhi.

Jodhpur - Delhi. Once you arrive in Delhi, you will be transferred from the railway station to your final hotel.

You have the afternoon free to spend as you wish before meeting the group in the evening to enjoy a final dinner together and celebrate your journey through India.

Delhi (India) - Kathmandu (Nepal). Today you will be transferred to Delhi Airport for your flight to Kathmandu. After arriving in Nepal, you will be met at the airport and begin the final stage of your Expedition tour in Kathmandu, a lively and colourful capital filled with energy.

After a full day of travel, you will be ready for a warm welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant in the Thamel Bazaar, where you will enjoy local flavours to end the day on a high note.

After breakfast, we set out on our included city tour of Kathmandu, exploring the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square and visiting the Swoyambhunath Stupa. We also make our way to Patan Durbar Square, known for its remarkable temples and skilled artisan workshops.

In the evening, we take part in a special cooking demonstration and dinner at Seven Women, a social enterprise that supports marginalised women through education and employment. We enjoy authentic Nepalese dishes while contributing to a meaningful local cause.

Kathmandu - Chitwan National Park. This morning, we travel to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkable wildlife, including rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and an impressive range of bird species. Celebrated as one of the finest national parks in Asia, it offers a rare chance to observe these animals in their natural surroundings.

We settle into our comfortable accommodation, surrounded by rich greenery and the sounds of the forest.

In the evening, we relax and take in the calm atmosphere of this exceptional place.

Today, we begin with a one-hour jungle walk that allows us to observe the rich plant and animal life of the park at close range. We then take a 45-minute canoe ride along the quiet river, giving us a different view of Chitwan’s varied ecosystem.

After the ride, we continue on foot with a guided walk beside the river and into a local village. In the afternoon, we set out on a 4-hour jeep safari, where we have the chance to see the park’s impressive wildlife, including rhinoceros, tigers, and many native bird species.

Chitwan National Park - Pokhara. After breakfast, we travel to Pokhara, often called the Gateway to the Himalayas. Set in the foothills of the Annapurna range, the city offers striking mountain views and a calm atmosphere.

Once we settle into our accommodation, we join an evening orientation walk along the quiet shores of Phewa Lake, visit the Tal Barahi Temple, explore nearby fishing villages, and wander through lively bazaars filled with local crafts and inviting street food.

Pokhara - Dhampus - Annapurna Australian Camp - Pokhara. This morning, we begin a scenic trek to Australian Camp through the Dhampus village route. The 5 to 6 hour walk leads us through rhododendron forests, terraced farmland, and traditional settlements, with far-reaching views of the Annapurna range.

Along the trail, we may see local wildlife and gain an insight into the culture of the communities that live in these hills. As evening approaches, we gather for a farewell dinner and take time to reflect on the journey and the friendships we have made during the tour.

Pokhara - Kathmandu. After our final breakfast, we leave the calm surroundings of Pokhara and begin our journey back to Kathmandu.

Once we have arrived in Kathmandu, you will make your way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!