This trip takes us through the great cities of Rajasthan, through the deserts and beyond to some of India's hidden gems, as well as to the highlights of Northern India.
Rajasthan is undoubtedly the most colourful part of India. Despite being such a harsh arid area that culminates in the Thar Desert, it's the juxtaposition of the deep orange and browns of the desert with the iridescent reds, yellows, blues and greens of the saris, dhotis, and turbans that create such a vibrant atmosphere. Add in the spectacle of the multi coloured spice market, spectacular sunsets over blood orange desert sands, the vivid deep blues of Jodphur town houses, and the mirror whites of Udaipur and you get a feel for what awaits the traveller in Rajasthan.
The chaos of Varanasi can be a bit of a shock to the system, but add in the history and culture of the Mogul heartlands around Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Delhi and the splendours of the Pink City ofJaipur and you have a glimpse of India you will not forget. In Nepal we travel through the foothills of the Himalayas, visit Chitwan National Park and Kathmandu, allowing us to see the contrast between these two countries.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a great trip to show you the highlights of northern India, a little bit of Nepal, and the depth of rural life in India’s northwest. Small hotels and guesthouses with limited camping make this an easy journey, but there are some long distances to cover, sometimes where road conditions aren’t the best.
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Witness the fascinating and impressive local tradition of Tharu stick dancing
At dawn drift down the holy River Ganges in Varanasi
Guided tour of the famous erotic temples at Khajuraho
Explore the peaceful grounds of the Itmad Ud Daulah mausoleum, often described as a 'draft' of the Taj Mahal
Visit the Agra Red Fort and see some of the most exquisite architecture of the Mughal Period
Go on a guided tour of the stunning Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world
Discover the perfectly-preserved 16th-century Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri and its beautiful temples and monuments
Visit the ancient citadel of the Amber Palace a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture
Guided tour of Jaipur, the beautiful Pink City
Explore the fascinating 18th-century astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar
Visit the City Palace, a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples that occupies one-seventh of the area of Jaipur
Take a walking tour through some of the back streets and narrow alleyways of Old Delhi discovering the hidden side of the city
Witness the holy rats in the Karni Mata rat temple near Bikaner
Trek into the Thar Desert on an overnight camel safari with Rajasthani camel drivers
Visit and support the Dragoman-supported Sambhali Trust near Jodhpur and see the excellent work they do to provide local women and girls with education and vocational skills
Explore the blue city of Jodhpur and the mighty Meherangarh fort
Visit to Ranakpur Jain marble temple
Visit the tomb of Hoshang Shah, the first Muslim leader of Mandu - the tomb itself is India's first marble building and one of the most refined examples of Afghan-syle architecture in the country
Visit to the Jahaz Mahal (the Ship Palace) - the most famous building in Mandu
Visit the deserted hilltop ghost city of Mandu
Take a guided visit around the incredible Buddhist rock caves and paintings of Ajanta some dating back as far as the 2nd century BCE
Guided visit to the Buddhist Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and monasteries of Ellora
Border Information: If you are joining the trip in Kathmandu, you will most likely enter Nepal at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (IATA code: KTM).
Wrapped around the Himalayan mountain range is the remarkable country of Nepal. It is the birthplace of the Buddha and is a land of legend and beauty. Within its narrow confines Nepal contains an utterly spectacular variety of culture and landscapes. Nepal has a stunning natural beauty and a simple charm.
Please note: If joining in Kathmandu you will be met by a local guide on the first day where you will have a brief meeting at 6pm. On the second day you will be transported by private transport to Chitwan National Park where you will join your overland leaders and truck!
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Kathmandu before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Visit the beautiful and tranquil Durbar Square in the nearby medieval town of Bhaktapur and visit its nearby museums
Entrance: 1,500 NPR
Visit the oldest Hindu temple still in use in the Kathmandu Valley
Entrance: 300 NPR
Visit the ancient stupa of Boudhanath. It is one of the largest stupas in the world and on clear days offers views of Everest
Entrance: 400 NPR
Visit Durbar Square, the heart of the old town from where kings once ruled
Entrance: 1,500 NPR
Swayambhunath, or Monkey Temple as it is known, is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. It has ancient carvings, superb views of the surrounding valley and is crowded with monkeys mingling with the visitors.
Entrance: 200 NPR
Visit the former royal palace of Narayanhiti and see the crown jewels of Nepal
Entrance: 500 NPR
Visit the sacred Hindu Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Nepal's unofficial national deity
Entrance: 1,500 NPR
Visit Lalitpur city and view a mass of temples in the Newa architecture style
Entrance: 1,000 NPR
Get out of the city and explore the nearby national park of Sundarijal and see its idyllic waterfalls and rock formations
Entrance: 600 NPR
Day 2 - Chitwan NP (20th September 2021)
Today we will leave Kathmandu after breakfast, driving through stunning scenery down to the Terai grasslands. Our destination is Chitwan National Park, where we will stay for the next 2 nights.
If we arrive in good time we will make a visit to Bis Hajaar Tal, also known as 20,000 Lakes, which is a wetland area near the Royal Chitwan National Park. Here we will get the opportunity to see peacocks, wild boars, deer and there is also a slim chance of seeing tigers and rhinos. If we cannot visit 20,000 Lakes today we will make our visit tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Witness the fascinating and impressive local tradition of Tharu stick dancing
Included
Optional Activities
Explore the heart of the incredible Chitwan National Park on a jeep safari (alternative to the 20000 Lake excursion)
Jeep Safari : 3,500 NPR
Day 3 - Chitwan NP (21st September 2021)
Today we'll spend the day exploring the National Park by canoe and on foot, and there is the option to take a jeep safari! There will be an opportunity to see a traditional Nepali dance demonstration in the evening.
In Chitwan we will stay in a local guest lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Explore the heart of the incredible Chitwan National Park on a jeep safari (alternative to the 20000 Lake excursion)
Jeep Safari : 3,500 NPR
Day 4 - Gorakhpur (22nd September 2021)
Border Information: Exit Nepal at Belhiya, enter India at Sonauli.
Today we enter the legendary country of India. India has so much to offer, from the beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas, to the amazing temples and coastlines, rich culture, and of course the food!
This morning we have a fairly relaxed start to the day before packing up and driving to the border. We will cross the border to India and continue on a short drive to the town of Gorakhpur
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Day 5 - Varanasi (23rd September 2021)
Today we will continue driving and reach the holy city of Varanasi in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Day 6 - Varanasi (24th September 2021)
Today we will get up very early for an included boat trip down the Ganges. This is a magical time of day to see the famous ghats and watch the morning rituals of the thousands of people who come here to purify themselves in the holy river. We will have auto-rickshaws for the rest of the day to explore the rest of the city - we will have the opportunity to use them to visit a traditional silk workshop and the Mother India temple.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
At dawn drift down the holy River Ganges in Varanasi
Included
Optional Activities
Visit the Mughal-era mosque of Gyanvapi in Varanasi
Entrance: Free
Visit the ancient site of Isipatana and the museum in the town of Sarnath one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world and where many Buddhist nations have built temples in their national styles
Giant Buddha Statue: Free
Explore the stupas and temples of Varanasi
Entrance: Free
Day 7 - Khajuraho (25th September 2021)
Today we will have a full days drive to the town of Khajuraho.
On arrival we will set up camp before settling in for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11
Day 8 - Khajuraho (26th September 2021)
Today we will head out for an included guided visit to the Khajuraho Erotic Temples. In the afternoon we will have some free time to explore the town or relax back at camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Guided tour of the famous erotic temples at Khajuraho
Included
Day 9 - Khajuraho (27th September 2021)
Today is free to explore the area, relax on the banks of the river, or take an optional jeep safari to the nearby Panna National Park in search of wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Jeep safari through Panna Game Reserve
Entrance, jeep and guide (price based on 5 pax sharing transport and guide costs): 1,600 INR
Day 10 - Agra (28th September 2021)
After breakfast we leave our campsite and head to the city of Agra. Most of today will be spent travelling and we will arrive in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
Day 11 - Agra (29th September 2021)
Today we will have an included day tour of the major sites of Agra, starting with sunrise at the world-famous iconic mausoleum of the Taj Mahal, followed by a visit to the Agra Fort.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Explore the peaceful grounds of the Itmad Ud Daulah mausoleum, often described as a 'draft' of the Taj Mahal
Included
Visit the Agra Red Fort and see some of the most exquisite architecture of the Mughal Period
Included
Go on a guided tour of the stunning Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world
Included
Day 12 - Jaipur (30th September 2021)
We leave Agra today and head overland to the pink city of Jaipur, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri (the old capital of the Mughal Empire).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Discover the perfectly-preserved 16th-century Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri and its beautiful temples and monuments
Included
Day 13 - Jaipur (1st October 2021)
Today we will have a full day exploring the sites of Jaipur on rickshaws with our local guide. Whilst in Jaipur there will also be the option for an early morning or late afternoon hot air balloon ride over the city.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit the ancient citadel of the Amber Palace a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture
Included
Guided tour of Jaipur, the beautiful Pink City
Included
Explore the fascinating 18th-century astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar
Included
Visit the City Palace, a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples that occupies one-seventh of the area of Jaipur
Included
Optional Activities
Take an unforgettable sunrise or sunset balloon ride over the forts and palaces of Jaipur
1hr flight: 280 USD
Head out to see a Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir one of India's most famous and elegant cinemas
Entrance: 170 INR
See a traditional outdoor Rajasthani Kathputli puppet show in Jaipur
Entrance per Group: 1,000 INR
Day 14 - Delhi (2nd October 2021)
Today we leave Jaipur and travel to the chaotic Indian capital of Delhi.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Day 15 - Delhi (3rd October 2021)
Today we will have an included guided tour of Old Delhi, heading to the Mughal Jama Masjid mosque, a local tea-maker, a Sikh temple, and the local spice markets. We will also have some free time to freely explore the sights of Delhi in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a walking tour through some of the back streets and narrow alleyways of Old Delhi discovering the hidden side of the city
Included
Optional Activities
Explore the site of Humayun's Tomb a phenomenal early Mughal tomb that is said to be a major inspiration for the Taj Mahal
Entrance: 500 INR
See the India Gate at the end of Delhi's ceremonial axis built to commemorate all Indians who have died in various wars
Entrance: Free
Visit the Indira Gandhi Museum in Delhi dedicated to the former Prime Minister who was assassinated by her own bodyguards in 1984
Entrance: 100 INR
Visit the stunning Mughal-era mosque of Jama Masjid in Old Delhi and climb its iconic minarets for an unrivalled view of the old city
Entrance: 400 INR
See the ground-breaking modern architecture of the Delhi Baha'i Temple known as the Lotus Temple due to its unique shape
Entrance: Free
See some of the incredible artifacts and antiquities in the National Museum in Delhi
Entrance and audio guide: 1,000 INR
Discover the phenomenal 13th Century Qutab Minar and Mehrauli Archaeological Park in the south of Delhi an intricately-carved pillar built during the Sultanate era of Indian history
Entrance and audio guide: 720 INR
Freely explore the colossal Mughal Red Fort in Old Delhi built by the emporer Shah Jahan in 1648 upon moving the capital there
Entrance and audio guide: 620 INR
Explore the Sanjay Colony 'slum' area of Delhi on a guided tour to see the micro-industries, schools and residential life there
Entrance: 1,000 INR
Discover the fascinating modern displays and buildings of the Swaminarayan Akshardham Hindu Temple, reportedly the largest Hindu building in the world
Entrance: 200 INR
Day 16 - Delhi (4th October 2021)
Border Information: If joining the trip in Delhi, you will most likely enter India at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA code: DEL).
Today is a free day to explore Delhi. There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm - please look for a note from your tour leader when you arrive at the hotel giving more details about this meeting.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Delhi before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Delhi.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Explore the Sanjay Colony 'slum' area of Delhi on a guided tour to see the micro-industries, schools and residential life there
Entrance: 1,000 INR
Explore the site of Humayun's Tomb a phenomenal early Mughal tomb that is said to be a major inspiration for the Taj Mahal
Entrance: 500 INR
See the India Gate at the end of Delhi's ceremonial axis built to commemorate all Indians who have died in various wars
Entrance: Free
Freely explore the colossal Mughal Red Fort in Old Delhi built by the emporer Shah Jahan in 1648 upon moving the capital there
Entrance and audio guide: 620 INR
Day 17 - Bikaner (5th October 2021)
Today we start our journey with a full day drive to the city of Bikaner.
In Bikaner we will either stay in a local hotel or camp at an eco-lodge a short distance outside the city.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
Day 18 - Jaisalmer (6th October 2021)
Today we continue our journey with a drive to the ancient Rajasthani city of Jaisalmer, stopping at the Karni Mata (Rat Temple) for an included visit en route.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Witness the holy rats in the Karni Mata rat temple near Bikaner
Included
Day 19 - Jaisalmer (7th October 2021)
We will have free time this morning to explore the sights of Jaisalmer. In the late afternoon we will head out on an included camel safari into the Thar Desert - exploring the desert with local Rajasthani camel drivers is the most authentic way to experience the area!
Tonight we will camp out on the outskirts of the desert, sleeping under the stars.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Trek into the Thar Desert on an overnight camel safari with Rajasthani camel drivers
Included
Day 20 - Jaisalmer (8th October 2021)
This morning we will return to Jaisalmer from our camel safari. The rest of the day will be free to relax or explore more of Jaisalmer and the surrounding area.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Jaisalmer Fort
Museum Entrance: 500 INR
Visit the beautiful and ornate 18th-century mansions of Salim Singh-ki Haveli and Patwa-ki Haveli
Entrance: 220 INR
Watch the sunset from the stunning Amar Sagar Jain Temple in Jaisalmer
Entrance: 150 INR
Jeep (cost per vehicle, max 6 pax): 1,800 INR
Jaisalmer Kuldhara Ghost Town
Entrance: Free
Day 21 - Jodhpur (9th October 2021)
This morning we will drive from Jaisalmer to another famous Rajasthani city, Jodhpur. En route to Jodhpur we will make an included visit to the Sambhali Trust project (a charitable project that works for the empowerment of women and girls in Rajasthan), where we will learn about the efforts of the project and make a group donation from the kitty.
After our visit we will make our way to our accommodation, rooms that have been set up by local families in their own homes for visitors. We will be splitting up into 2 or 3 small groups for our community guesthouses.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit and support the Dragoman-supported Sambhali Trust near Jodhpur and see the excellent work they do to provide local women and girls with education and vocational skills
Included
Day 22 - Jodhpur (10th October 2021)
After breakfast we will have an included visit to the Mehrangarh Fort and palace. The afternoon is then free to explore this wonderful city independently.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Explore the blue city of Jodhpur and the mighty Meherangarh fort
Included
Optional Activities
Prepare a meal with a local chef, learning traditional Indian cooking techniques along the way
Class with dinner: 1,000 INR
Explore the white marble memorial of Jaswant Thada, the traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers
Entrance: 100 INR
Explore the nearby Mandore Gardens and ancient ruined fort
Entrance: Free
Explore the museum of the Jodhpur Royal Family in the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world's largest private residences
Museum Entrance: 50 INR
Go out on an exhilarating zip-lining excursion over the gardens of the Mehrangarh Fort
6 lines: 1,999 INR
Day 23 - Udaipur (11th October 2021)
After breakfast we set off for our drive to Udaipur, visiting the Jain Temple at Ranakpur en route. We will have 3 nights in Udaipur, giving us plenty of time to discover this amazing, romantic Rajasthani city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit to Ranakpur Jain marble temple
Included
Day 24 - Udaipur (12th October 2021)
On these 2 days we will have free time to explore the sites in and around Udaipur, take part in some optional activities, and relax on one of the many roof-top terraces in the city.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Visit the Animal Aid Unlimited animal shelter and hospital in Udiapur and support the incredible work they do there to look after injured street animals in the area
Donation: 10 INR
Learn all about the folk art culture songs and festivals of Rajasthan at the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal cultural institution
Entrance: 50 INR
Visit the flamboyant City Palace of Udaipur built in a fascinating fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal styles
Entrance and Audio Guide: 700 INR
Enjoy some Rajasthani folk music and traditional dances set in an old haveli
1 hr: 150 INR
Head out on a half-day horse ride through the beautiful surroundings of the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains around Udaipur
4 hrs: 3,500 INR
Visit the iconic Monsoon Palace perched on a mountain overlooking Udaipur
Entrance: 160 INR
Explore the Pichola Lake, and it's famous temple islands of Jagniwas and Jagmandir, on a stunning and peaceful boat cruise
1 hr: 430 INR
30min: 300 INR
Take an evening ride on the Udaipur Ropeway to see the stunning vista of the city after sunset
Return: 103 INR
Day 25 - Udaipur (13th October 2021)
We have a 2nd full day in Udaipur to give us plenty of time to discover this amazing, romantic Rajasthan city and relax on one of the many roof-top terraces
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Day 26 - Mandu (14th October 2021)
Leaving Udaipur, we will be joined by a local cook who will accompany us during the next few days as we travel through Ajanta and Ellora.
Today will mostly be spent travelling to Mandu via the backroads of rural Rajasthan. We will be off the tourist trail here and tonight we will camp or stay in a local hotel.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit the tomb of Hoshang Shah, the first Muslim leader of Mandu - the tomb itself is India's first marble building and one of the most refined examples of Afghan-syle architecture in the country
Included
Day 27 - Mandu (15th October 2021)
Today we will visit Mandu, an extensive and largely abandoned hill-top fort from the Mughal era. We will then spend the afternoon driving to our camping spot near Kharwand Dam, en route towards Ajanta.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit to the Jahaz Mahal (the Ship Palace) - the most famous building in Mandu
Included
Visit the deserted hilltop ghost city of Mandu
Included
Day 28 - Ajanta (16th October 2021)
Today we complete the drive to Ajanta, arriving in the afternoon. We will visit the complex of 29 ancient Buddhist temples cut into the rock face. We will find a basic camp nearby or continue onto Ellora depending on time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Take a guided visit around the incredible Buddhist rock caves and paintings of Ajanta some dating back as far as the 2nd century BCE
Included
Day 29 - Ellora (17th October 2021)
Today we will drive a short distance to Ellora where we will have an included visit to the ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves - a set of a small temples in the rock face dating from the 6th to 11th Centuries CE. We will camp in the grounds of a hotel tonight.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Guided visit to the Buddhist Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and monasteries of Ellora
Included
Day 30 - Mumbai (18th October 2021)
Setting off early today, we will say goodbye to our local cook and drive to the bustling city of Mumbai.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Day 31 - Mumbai (19th October 2021)
Border Information: If you are leaving in Mumbai, you will most likely exit India from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (IATA code: BOM).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Mumbai. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Take a Bollywood dance class in one of Mumbai's premier dance studios
1hr: 500 INR
Take a fascinating tour of Film City one of Mumbais premier Bollywood filming studios
Entrance: 3,500 INR
Take a guided tour of the backstreets shops and schools of the Dhavari district to experience a slice of the real Mumbai
2.5hr Tour, price for a group of 5: 3,250 INR
4.5hr Tour, price for a group of 5: 6,000 INR
Explore the labyrinth of cave-temples on Elephanta Island near Mumbai some of the most impressive rock carvings in all of India
Boat: 125 INR
Discover the marvellous collection of historical objects and art at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum one of India's premier museums
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