Tour Journeys: Explore India & Nepal National Geographic Journeys

Meals

16 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Accommodation

Hotels (14 nts), heritage hotel (1 nt), monastery guesthouse (1 nt)

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Transport

Van, bus, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, walking, plane, boat, 4x4.

Others

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet a Local Historian, Jaipur Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Local Village Immersion, Pachewar Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Nepalese Welcome Experience at Avata Wellness, Kathmandu Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Weaving and Indigenous Peoples Lecture, Kathmandu Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Overnight at a Buddhist Monastery, Pharping Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Neydo Monastery Sunrise Chant, Pharping Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Chitwan Tiger Experience, Royal Chitwan National Park Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport Your G for Good Moment: City Walk, Delhi. Visit the Taj Mahal, Baby Taj, and Agra Fort. Excursion to Fatehpur Sikri and the Abhaneri step wells. Explore Jaipur. Sound bath wellness experience and six-course vegetarian Nepalese dinner. Tour of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur guided tour. Visit Swayambhunath. Chitwan National Park village walking tour and jeep safari. Hike to the World Peace Pagoda. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours. The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour. Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date.

Not included:

Flights

Others

1. CULTURE India is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before. Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. Pollution, poverty and the crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge. During our time here we have come to love this large and wonderfully different country but we know that we should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way. In India there are very different attitudes to time keeping, public cleanliness, privacy and service. Trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and power will often just vanish. Optimistic menus turn out to have only one dish available and everyone, just everyone, will want to know your name. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a healthy sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by what India has to offer. 2. COMBO TRIP Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. 3. WEATHER Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and our CEO may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly. Travellers need to be prepared for all weather conditions. For more information please read the "what to take" section of this trip notes. 4. FITNESS While there are no treks on this trip this will be a fair amount of walking, so you should have an average level of fitness. 5. DRONES IN NEPAL Please note that drones and the flying of drones are prohibited in Nepal. If you violate these regulations the police may take you into custody. 6. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.Jaipur - Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie (200-400INR per person) - Jaipur Cooking Class with a local family Mount Everest - Everest Flight Kurintar - Kurintar Nature walk and Village visit (Free) Phewa Tāl - Phewa Lake Boat Tour (600NPR per person) Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Ghats and Temple Visit (1000NPR per person)

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included through Women With Wheels, a G Adventures–supported project.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, so check into to the hotel and enjoy the city. We highly recommend booking a pre-night in Delhi to get over your jetlag and be ready for this very busy trip.

Included Activities:
- Women With Wheels Transfer
- Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Day 2 Day 2: Delhi/Agra (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delhi/Agra (1B)

Set out to discover Delhi, the capital of India, which consists of two cities: historic Delhi and New Delhi, built by the British in the early 20th century. Explore New Delhi’s lively Paharganj district with a youth guide from the G Adventures–supported City Walk project, and hear about how the program provides opportunities to disadvantaged street youth. Then delve into the narrow, winding lanes of Old Delhi, visiting the 17th-century Jama Masjid—the largest mosque in India—and the Sikh temple Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, located close to a busy shopping area. Drive to Agra this afternoon.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 04:00 - 05:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- City Walk
- Old Delhi Guided Walk
Day 3 Day 3: Agra (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Agra (1B)

Spend the day in historic Agra, which served as the capital of the Delhi sultanate and later of the Mughal Empire. Discover the Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; widely considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, this breathtaking mausoleum was built by the emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Afterward, visit the exquisite tomb of Mumtaz Mahal’s grandfather, often referred to as the “baby Taj,” and explore Agra Fort, an impressive red sandstone citadel which conceals palaces of white marble within.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Taj Mahal Visit
- Baby Taj Visit
- Agra Fort Visit
Day 4 Day 4: Agra/Jaipur (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Agra/Jaipur (1B)

Travel to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan. On the way, stop at the magnificent Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of red sandstone, and hear about its fascinating history. The emperor Akbar built a short-lived capital here in the 16th century to honour a Muslim saint from the village of Sikri who had predicted the birth of his son, Jehangir. Then visit the Rajasthani village of Abhaneri for a walk around the Chand Baori—an ornately decorated stepwell or water tank constructed over a thousand years ago—learning about ancient Indian methods of water conservation.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 05:00 - 06:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Fatehpur Sikri Visit
- Abhaneri Stepwell Visit
Day 5 Day 5: Jaipur (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Jaipur (1B)

Explore Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” for its rose-coloured buildings. Take a tour of the sprawling Amber Fort, the former residence of Jaipur’s Rajput rulers; and visit Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, a stunning five-story sandstone building with distinctive honeycombed windows. We’ll also meet with a local historian to discuss India’s complex social fabric, customs, and architecture. Tonight, consider going to the cinema to watch a Bollywood movie—a truly unique experience.
Going to see a Bollywood film in India is much more than what we are accustomed to in the west. The atmosphere, energy, and pure fun (not to mention volume!) has to be experienced to be believed.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Amber Fort Visit
- City Palace Visit
- Meet a Local Historian

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Jaipur Cooking Class with a local family
Day 6 Day 6: Jaipur/Pachewar (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Jaipur/Pachewar (1B, 1D)

Drive to the rural village of Pachewar, where we stay in a beautiful heritage home. Exploring this traditional community is like stepping back in time: walk and meet with local residents, observing potters, silversmiths, and cobblers at work; wander amid old temples and mud homes, perhaps witnessing a cooking demonstration; and note how urbanization and modernization have altered village life.
The village is about 85km (53 mi) from Jaipur and has beautiful temples dedicated to different religions. The residents of the village are still involved in traditional commercial activities. You’ll see pottery wheels, silversmiths, cobblers, traditional huts, old temples, and a mud house where you can witness a cooking demonstration with local family.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 02:00 - 02:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Local Village Immersion
Day 7 Day 7: Pachewar/Delhi (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Pachewar/Delhi (1B)

Drive back to bustling Delhi. This evening, opt to join the group for a farewell dinner.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 06:30 - 07:30 Hr(s)
Day 8 Day 8: Delhi/Kathmandu (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Delhi/Kathmandu (1B, 1D)

Transfer to the airport and catch a flight to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. After our welcome meeting, experience a sound bath wellness demonstration and enjoy a six-course dinner featuring organic Nepali cuisine.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Plane

Included Activities:
- Nepalese Welcome Experience at Avata Wellness
Day 9 Day 9: Kathmandu (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Kathmandu (1B, 1L)

Spend the day exploring Kathmandu, the colourful capital of this Himalayan nation. Pay a visit to Bodhnath Stupa, the holiest Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet, and explore the wood-carved temples, pagodas, and palaces of Bhaktapur, Nepal’s medieval capital.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Private Vehicle

Included Activities:
- Bodhnath Stupa Visit
- Bhaktapur Excursion
Day 10 Day 10: Kathmandu/Pharping (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Kathmandu/Pharping (1B)

Venture to the ancient hilltop temple of Swayambhunath, decorated with vibrant prayer flags and home to troops of rhesus monkeys. Later, we’ll hear about National Geographic Grantee Chhing Lhomi’s efforts to preserve the weaving traditions of the Upper Mustang region through her work with the Himalayan Indigenous Society, a Kathmandu-based nonprofit. Then depart for nearby Pharping, known for its Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and settle into a tranquil monastery guesthouse for the night. Get an insider’s view of monastery life, and enjoy a chanting and prayer service; or opt to take a walk in the monastery’s peaceful grounds. Enjoy a cooking demonstration at local community restaurant and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste your delicious creations.
Experience the serenity of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monastery guest house offers comfortable accommodations in a peaceful setting with balconies and private western-style bathrooms. There are approximately 200 monks in residence following the Nyingmapa tradition. This is a new monastery (2006), and income from the guest house directly supports it.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Kathmandu to Pharping 01:00 - 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Swayambhunath Temple Visit
- Traditional Weaving and Indigenous Peoples Lecture
- Overnight at a Buddhist Monastery
- Nepalese Dumplings Cooking Demonstration

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Everest Flight

Additional Notes: Please note that on select departures, the itinerary may be re-ordered to have the Monastery visit at the end of the itinerary.
Day 11 Day 11: Pharping/Kurintar (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Pharping/Kurintar (1B, 1D)

Rise at dawn to listen to the monks’ morning chanting, and witness a stunning sunrise. Then drive to the small riverside village of Kurintar and hike to our lodge, nestled on a forested hill overlooking the Trishuli River. Opt to relax by the pool or take a guided walk through the surrounding countryside, stopping at local villages.
Arrive at our remote lodge, which sits on a ridge amidst the hills overlooking sandy beaches and a river. Forests cascade down the hillsides, enclosing tiny settlements of tribal people.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Pharping to Kurintar 03:30 - 04:00 Hr(s)
- Walking: Kurintar 00:30 - 00:45 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Neydo Monastery Sunrise Chant

Additional Notes: The lodge is only accessed by foot, so please expect a walk of approx. 30 to 45 minutes. Porters will be hired to carry our bags but please pack what you need for the night, as we will leave our larger bags in the vehicle.
Day 12 Day 12: Kurintar/Royal Chitwan National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Kurintar/Royal Chitwan National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Today, we travel towards Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to 68 recorded mammal species, including the one-horned rhino and the Bengal tiger, as well as hundreds of species of birds. Check in to our lodge, located on the banks of the East Rapti River. After lunch, board a traditional flat-bottomed boat for a river safari, keeping your eyes out for aquatic birds, crocodiles, and other riverine fauna.
Spend two nights enjoying cultural and wildlife excursions in and around Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP), the oldest national park in Nepal. Established in 1973, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Within its area of 932km² (579 mi²), RCNP is home to at least 43 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, and 45 species of amphibians and reptiles, including sambars, chitals, rhesus monkeys, tigers, and langurs.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Walking: Kurintar 00:30 - 00:45 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 02:30 - 03:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Chitwan Area Boat Excursion

Additional Notes: The specifics and order of activities may change, depending on the season and local conditions. Your CEO will confirm the exact activities and timing with the naturalists upon arrival at the lodge.
Day 13 Day 13: Royal Chitwan National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Royal Chitwan National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Spend the day exploring Chitwan National Park on a variety of excursions; activities differ depending on the season. Set out on a jeep safari through the grasslands and forests, seeking out rhinos, leopards, elephants, monkeys, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Meet with a “tiger technician” from the Nepal Tiger Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and conservation of these majestic cats. Visit a farming village bordering the park for a glimpse of rural life, and return to our lodge this evening in time for a dance performance by the local Tharu people.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Jeep Safari
- Chitwan Village Visit
- Chitwan Tiger Experience

Additional Notes: The jeep safari is often prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities; monsoon season is from June-September, and sometimes it can last till October. When the park is inaccessible, we will search out wildlife in the surrounding forest which is unfenced and just as likely to view animals. Boating is also subject to the water levels and local conditions on the Rapti River.
Day 14 Day 14: Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara (1B)

Drive to Pokhara, an enchanting town set on the shores of turquoise-hued Phewa Lake against a backdrop of snowcapped Himalayan peaks. Enjoy a guided walk around the city, and opt to have dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 827m (2,713 ft), beautiful Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. It’s a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Pokhara Orientation Walk
Day 15 Day 15: Pokhara (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Pokhara (1B, 1L)

Venture to Sarangkot village early this morning and hike to the famed Sarangkot lookout to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya. Back in Pokhara, climb up a lush forest path to the gleaming white Peace Pagoda, built by Japanese monks after World War II. Later, visit a Tibetan refugee settlement, established by the United Nations in 1964. Learn about the history of the community on a walk through their photo gallery, and enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch. In your free time, opt to take a boat tour of Phewa Lake.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Included Activities:
- Sunrise at Sarangkot
- World Peace Pagoda Excursion
- Tibetan Refugee Settlement

Additional Notes: The hike up to the World Peace Pagoda can be quite strenuous and is all steps up and back down. If you are not feeling so energetic, please let the CEO know and you can opt out of this activity.
Day 16 Day 16: Pokhara/Kathmandu (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Pokhara/Kathmandu (1B)

Catch a flight back to the capital, Kathmandu. Enjoy time to shop in the bustling Thamel district, or choose to visit Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu temple complex in Nepal.
Enjoy free time in the afternoon for exploring. Visit the burning ghats at Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath, or the monkey temple. Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn, and some travelers prefer to just wander, seeing where the city may lead them.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane 01:00 Hr(s)
Day 17 Day 17: Kathmandu (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Kathmandu (1B)

Depart at any time.
Feel free to depart at any time today, but remember that check out time from the hotel is 12:00pm.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

+14

17 days tour

Journeys: Explore India & Nepal National Geographic Journeys

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Journeys: Explore India & Nepal National Geographic Journeys

Day 1: Delhi

Day 2: Delhi/Agra (1B)

Day 3: Agra (1B)

Day 4: Agra/Jaipur (1B)

Day 5: Jaipur (1B)

Day 6: Jaipur/Pachewar (1B, 1D)

Day 7: Pachewar/Delhi (1B)

Day 8: Delhi/Kathmandu (1B, 1D)

Day 9: Kathmandu (1B, 1L)

Day 10: Kathmandu/Pharping (1B)

Day 11: Pharping/Kurintar (1B, 1D)

Day 12: Kurintar/Royal Chitwan National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 13: Royal Chitwan National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 14: Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara (1B)

Day 15: Pokhara (1B, 1L)

Day 16: Pokhara/Kathmandu (1B)

Day 17: Kathmandu (1B)

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania