It was a wonderful adventure full of insights, learnings, fun, beauty and a sensory smorgasbord of experiences. I loved the diversity within the cities and villages, the cultures, the activities offered and the modes of transportation. It was well organised and brilliantly led by Giri.
Our guide, Sudarshan kc, was the best guide I've had on any Explore trip I've done (4, so far). He was really knowledgeable, gentle, warm, funny, & friendly, he looked after our group fantastically. Nothing was too much trouble, his recurrent phrase was 'anything is possible'. The tour itself was brilliant & flowed really well, despite the longer road journeys due to the landslides that had occurred a few wks before. In fact, I'd go as far to say those journeys were actually quite an adventure in themselves! For me, it was a perfect trip, the 4 days trekking were amazing, challenging at times, but worth the effort to see the stunning views of the mountains. The teahouses were simple but really welcoming, & in fab locations for views. Pokhara was a beautiful place for a bit of a rest, the calm lake, great shopping, & places to eat. Chitwan was outstanding, especially with the rhino sightings, & close encounters!
I was lucky to have a great group of people to travel with too, which made the trip a lot of fun.
Kathmandu is exactly what you'd expect, a city full of life, bustling traffic & historic sights. People are very warm & friendly.
I'd recommend this trip wholeheartedly.
I wanted to stay longer, & shed tears when I left. Many thanks.
An excellent trip with a great Bhutanese tour leader and driver. Such a beautiful and peaceful country and a big contrast to hectic, noisy and dirty Kathmandu. A fairly relaxed tour with highlights of the black crane festival, Tiger’s Nest monastery, Punakha and more. Generally good hotels except in Phobjika Valley, which had power cuts, cold rooms and poor food. Food in Bhutan was a bit monotonous- generally very similar buffets. Excellent guide and driver. Recommended.
Journey into the heart of Nepal and experience the colourful sights of this enchanting region. Mingle with local villagers and craftspeople, visit temples and sacred Buddhist sites, travel the cobbled streets of tiny mountain towns and search for unique wildlife. From the whirlwind of Kathmandu to the lush jungle of Chitwan National Park, and with plenty of delightful hidden gems in between, you'll take an unforgettable tour of Nepal then turn your sights to Bhutan, known for its breathtaking natural scenery, quiet towns and few tourist numbers. This 18-day trip offers scenic delights, an insight into the local culture and plenty of adventure.
Discover the delights of two fascinating Himalayan Kingdoms on this 15 day tour of Bhutan and Nepal. From Paro to Kathmandu, explore ancient temples and monasteries, see fluttering prayer flags and spectacular mountain scenery, hike to the incredible Tiger's Nest Monastery, safari in Chitwan and more.
From the sacred River Ganges to the summits of the Himalayas, tour India and Nepal on a trip where adventure and discovery await. From the most exciting places to visit in Delhi to the towering peaks surrounding Kathmandu, discover the spirit, culture, and nature of this fascinating region. Visit the Taj Mahal of Agra, experience the chaos and colour of India's villages, and marvel at the daily pilgrimage to the ghats of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges. Delve into the history and religion of these two fascinating countries as you enjoy the highlights of India and Nepal.
This 16-day itinerary offers an immersive exploration of India and Nepal, showcasing their rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. The journey begins in Delhi, where you'll delve into the city's historical and modern facets, visiting landmarks like India Gate and Humayun's Tomb. The adventure continues in Agra, home to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, which you'll experience at sunrise, capturing its ethereal beauty. A Mughal Heritage Walk will further enrich your understanding of the region's history.
Next, you'll journey to Jaipur, the "Pink City," renowned for its majestic Amber Fort and bustling markets. Here, you'll witness the intricate art of block printing and gain insights into the city's rich craftsmanship. Returning to Delhi, you'll then embark on a train journey to Varanasi, a city of profound spirituality. Witness the captivating Aarti ceremony on the banks of the sacred Ganges River and experience a serene sunrise boat ride, observing the city's unique rituals and traditions.
Crossing the border into Nepal, you'll arrive in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Explore the sacred sites associated with his life and teachings, gaining a deeper understanding of Buddhism's origins. The journey then takes a thrilling turn as you venture into Bardia National Park, where jeep safaris and guided walks offer encounters with majestic wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses.
Finally, you'll fly to Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital. Explore the historic Durbar Square and the iconic Swayambunath Stupa, immersing yourself in the city's unique blend of ancient traditions and modern life. The tour concludes in Kathmandu, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories from your Indian and Nepali odyssey. The itinerary also offers optional activities and extensions, allowing you to personalize your experience and further explore the wonders of these captivating countries.
Sudarshan KC, our tour leader was a very kind and thoughtful person. He was very attentive to everyone’s needs. Being the only vegan in the group, he was very helpful to let me know which foods contained animal products. He also explained to the kitchen staff what my needs were. He did his best to talk about his country but sometimes he was hard to understand because of our language barrier and his accent but he tried extra hard to make things clearer. I would definitely recommend him to others who go on this tour or tour with Su.