Nepal, the North & Rajputs Kathmandu - Mumbai
Trip Overview
This trip is Nepal and northern India at its very best, as it not only allows the traveller to see the must do’s, but also to step out into the hinterland and experience for a short time the real world and those that live there. In Nepal, we will stay in a couple of amazing small villages to discover local life and have time to hike along a high ridge in front of the high Annapurna and in the deserts of Rajasthan we take camels into the sands and overnight with our Rajasthani guides.
Of course, no visit to this area of India would be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, The Red Fort or the beautiful city of Udaipur, but this trip just has so much more. From the holy ghats of Varanasi and the waters of the Ganges to the ghost city of Mandu, we will travel and explore as many of the regions gems as possible; explore the rat temple of Bikinar; search for rhinos in Chitwan National Park, wander the back street of Jodhpur or Jaipur or perhaps just sit watching the orange sun set over the erotic carvings on the temples of Khajuraho.
20% 
80% Highlights
Rural traditional manor house stay in stunning village of Nuwakot
Easy ridge walks overlooking stunning views of Annapurna Mountains
Take a jeep safari around the stunning wetland area of 20,000 Lakes
Drift down the holy River Ganges in Varanasi at dawn
Walk around the iconic and stunning Taj Mahal
Witness the holy rats in the Karni Mata rat temple near Bikaner
Wild camp in remote areas and enjoy fine food from our local cook
SHOW MORE HIGHLIGHTS
If you enjoy getting under the skin of a country, are happy to explore and to see as much as possible, with little time for relaxation and to absorb the sites, sounds and smells of India and Nepal , then you will love this trip. A mixture of small hotels, home stays and a few beautiful historic heritage stays, this is a pretty easy but full on lifestyle.
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.
There is an important group meeting at 6:00pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place.
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.
In Kathmandu we stay in a good quality hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Discover Kathmandu on a guided city tour
Visit the former royal palace of Narayanhiti and see the crown jewels of Nepal
Visit the sacred Hindu Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Nepal's unofficial national deity
Get out of the city and explore the nearby national park of Sundarijal, and see its idyllic waterfalls and rock formations
Visit the beautiful and tranquil Durbar Square in the nearby medieval town of Bhaktapur, and visit its nearby museums
Today our journey begins with a drive to the historic village of Nuwakot, one of Nepal’s hidden gems nestled in the central hills of the country. Full of ancient temples and palaces, Nuwakot has a beautifully serene atmosphere and rustic ambience - perfect for getting a taste of the calm pace of rural Nepalese life.
In Nuwakot we will stay in a hotel based inside an old manor house.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-6 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
Daily Activities
2 nights at a stunning mountain resort, nestling in the foothills of the Himalaya
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Freely explore the historic Nepalese village of Nuwakot and visit its 18th-century palace, once an important stop on the bustling Tibetan-Kathmandu Valley trade route.
Today is a free day to explore the stunning village of Nuwakot and its surroundings.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Freely explore the historic Nepalese village of Nuwakot and visit its 18th-century palace, once an important stop on the bustling Tibetan-Kathmandu Valley trade route.
Trek around the incredible hills, terraced fields and traditional villages in the area, taking in some of the awe-inspiring scenery
Today we will spend a little more time enjoying the serenity of Nuwakot, before taking a short drive to Nepal's second city - the adventure town of Pokhara!
In Pokhara we will stay in a local guesthouse.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
Today we will have a free day in the fantastic city of Pokhara. The area is famous for its myriad of spectacular waterfalls surrounded by fertile forests and towering mountains, for its fantastic choice of yoga and meditation retreats, and for its overwhelming choice of adventure activities from trekking to rafting to zip-lining to mountain biking!
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a boat out on Phewa Lake near Pokhara, basking in the spectactular mountain-and-forest scenery of one of Nepal's most beautiful spots
Take an early trip to the summit of Sarangkot to witness the incredible sunrise while surrounded by some of the world's highest mountains, with the possibility of trekking downhill back to Pokhara
Visit one of Pokhara's beautiful ashrams to take a yoga or meditation course
Head out on an adrenaline-fuelled white water rafting expedition near the adventure town of Pokhara
Head out for an exhilarating mountain biking expedition in the mountains surrounding Pokhara
This morning we take a short drive out of Pokhara to the small village of Dhampus, where we start our 3-hour trek to our Annapurna eco-lodge. The lodge is dramatically located in the foothills of the mountains of Annapurna and Manaslu, and is a paradise for taking walks through the stunning Nepalese countryside.
The trek is approximately 3 hours in total, and is relatively easy but is mainly uphill. The trek can be skipped by any individual if need be.
In the Annapurna Region we will stay in a local eco-lodge.
Estimated Drive Time - 1-2 hours.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Head out on a fantastic trek along the ridge at the start of the Mardi Himal Trail, taking in the unreal vistas of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare in the mountain ranges nearby
Today we will explore the area around our eco-lodge, meet many of the locals, and get into the heart of the community. We will hopefuly visit a local school and give something back to the local community by helping to maintain their ingenious water systems.
Today we will embark on a stunning walk along the ridge, taking in the incredible vistas of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare mountains in the background! We will stop at a small village for lunch and then take the steep downhill trail to rejoin our overland truck on the main road. From there, we will drive to the delightful town of Bandipur.
The trek is approximately 5 hours in total, and is easy and relatively flat until the steep downhill section back to the main road which is a bit more challenging. The trek can be skipped by any individual if need be.
In Bandipur we will have 2 nights in a fantastic local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
On our 2nd day in Bandipur we will have free time to relax and explore the local surroundings.
Today we will drive through stunning scenery down to the lowlands of Nepal and 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 the 20,000 Lakes area today we will make our visit tomorrow.
In Chitwan we will stay in a local guest lodge.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-4 hours.
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.
Daily Activities
Take a jeep safari around the stunning wetland area of 20,000 Lakes
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
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 an early breakfast 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.
We will stay in a local hotel in Gorakhpur.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
Today we will continue driving and reach the holy city of Varanasi in the evening.
Estimated Drive Time - 9 -10 hours.
On the following day 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.
In Varanasi we will stay in a comfortable local hotel.
Daily Activities
At dawn drift down the holy River Ganges in Varanasi
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Explore the stupas and temples of Varanasi
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
Today we will have a full drive day to the town of Khajuraho.
Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
On the next day we will head out for an included guided visit to the Khajuraho Erotic Temples.
The next day 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.
In Khajuraho we will stay in a campsite with good facilities.
Daily Activities
Guided tour of the famous erotic temples at Khajuraho
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Jeep safari through Panna Game Reserve
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 9-11 hours.
On the following day 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.
In Agra we will stay in a local hotel.
Daily Activities
See the stunning Taj Mahal and visit the Agra Fort at Agra.
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Explore the peaceful grounds of the Itmad Ud Daulah mausoleum, often described as a 'draft' of the Taj Mahal
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).
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
On the following day 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.
In Jaipur we will stay in a comfortable local hotel.
Daily Activities
2 night stay and guided tour of Jaipur, the beautiful Pink City
Visit the ancient citadel of the Amber Palace, a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture
Discover the perfectly-preserved 16th-century Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri, and its beautiful temples and monuments
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take an unforgettable sunrise or sunset balloon ride over the forts and palaces of Jaipur
Head out to see a Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir, one of India's most famous and elegant cinemas
Today we leave Jaipur and travel to the chaotic Indian capital of New Delhi.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
In New Delhi we will stay in a friendly local hotel.
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.
Daily Activities
Take a walking tour through some of the back streets and narrow alleyways of Old Delhi, discovering the hidden side of the city
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Explore the Sanjay Colony 'slum' area of Delhi on a guided tour to see the micro-industries, schools and residential life there
Freely explore the colossal Mughal Red Fort in Old Delhi, built by the emporer Shah Jahan in 1648 upon moving the capital there
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
Visit the Indira Gandhi Museum in Delhi, dedicated to the former Prime Minister who was assassinated by her own bodyguards in 1984
See the ground-breaking modern architecture of the Delhi Baha'i Temple, known as the Lotus Temple due to its unique shape
See the India Gate at the end of Delhi's ceremonial axis, built to commemorate all Indians who have died in various wars
Explore the site of Humayun’s Tomb, a phenomenal early Mughal tomb that is said to be a major inspiration for the Taj Mahal
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
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.
In Delhi we will stay in a local hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a walking tour through some of the back streets and narrow alleyways of Old Delhi, discovering the hidden side of the city
Explore the Sanjay Colony 'slum' area of Delhi on a guided tour to see the micro-industries, schools and residential life there
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 10- 12 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
Daily Activities
Witness the holy rats in the Karni Mata rat temple near Bikaner
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.
In Jaisalmer we will stay in a comfortable local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-7 hours.
Today we will have a free morning in order to freely 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 in the desert, sleeping under the stars.
Daily Activities
Trek into the Thar Desert on an overnight camel safari with Rajasthani camel drivers
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.
Tonight we will return to our hotel in Jaisalmer.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the beautiful and ornate 18th-century mansions of Salim Singh-ki Haveli and Patwa-ki Haveli
Watch the sunset from the stunning Amar Sagar Jain Temple in Jaisalmer
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, guesthouses that have been set up by local families for visitors. Depending on the group size sometimes we will be split up between different guesthouses.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-7 hours.
On the following day we will be in and around Jodhpur. In the morning we will have an included visit to the Mehrangarh Fort and Palace, and the afternoon is free to explore the city independently.
Daily Activities
Explore the blue city of Jodhpur and the mighty Meherangarh fort
Community guesthouse to experience true Indian hospitality
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
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the Jaswant Thada, a beautiful marble cenotaph next to a picturesque lake built in memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II
Learn all about Rajasthani cuisine at a cooking class at our guesthouse or homestay in Jodhpur
Go out on an exhilarating zip-lining excursion over the gardens of the Mehrangarh Fort
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.
In Udaipur we will stay in a comfortable hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 7 - 8 hours
Daily Activities
2 nights to discover the stunning white city of Udaipur
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.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take an evening ride on the Udaipur Ropeway, to see the stunning vista of the city after sunset
Learn all about the folk art, culture, songs and festivals of Rajasthan at the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal cultural institution
Head out on a half-day horse ride through the beautiful surroundings of the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains around Udaipur
Visit the palaces of Udaipur
Leaving Udaipur, we will be joined by a local cook who will accompany us during the next few days whilst we are camping.
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 be in a basic camp, perhaps on the edge of a local village.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.
The next day 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.
Estimated Drive Time - 6 -7 hours.
The following day 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.
Estimated Drive Time - 3 -4 hours.
Daily 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
Visit to the Jahaz Mahal (the Ship Palace) - the most famous building in 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
Setting off early today, we will say goodbye to our local cook and drive to the bustling city of Mumbai.
In Mumbai we will stay in a comfortable hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
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 the Sales Team 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
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Take a guided tour of the backstreets, shops and schools of the Dhavari district, to experience a slice of the real Mumbai
Discover the marvellous collection of historical objects and art at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum, one of India's premier museums
Explore the labyrinth of cave-temples on Elephanta Island near Mumbai, some of the most impressive rock carvings in all of India
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This group overland journey has multiple departures.
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