Epic India to Nepal Tour by Intrepid Travel

21 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 35 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

New Delhi, India

Ends

Kathmandu, Nepal

Highlights

Get wet and wild on a whitewater rafting adventure on the Trisuli River (the most popular river in Nepal for rafting), where you’ll zoom downstream next to giant boulders and gorges and between bright green hills. 

See the Taj Mahal – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World. This may be one of the most recognisable buildings on Earth, but do you know its poetic history? Don’t worry, a local expert will fill you in. 

Stretch your legs on a three-night, low-altitude trek through rural villages and rhododendron forests, taking in some pretty amazing sights of the Annapurna Ranges. 

Fall asleep to the calls of the jungle in Chitwan National Park, then embark on a safari in search of rhinos, deer, monkeys, tigers and a wide array of bird life. 

Ditch your alarm in the spiritual capital of Varanasi – there’s only one way to wake up here and that’s with a sunrise sail along the Ganges. Maybe indulge in some yoga or meditation after and keep the good vibes going.

Itinerary

Looking for three weeks of pure exhilaration across India and Nepal? The "Epic India to Nepal" tour is a 21-day adventure trip for young adults who want it all: bucket-list sights, local flavors, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Begin in New Delhi, sampling street food and diving into vibrant markets, before ticking off the Taj Mahal—one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Cruise down the holy Ganges, hang out in Buddha’s birthplace, and spot wildlife like sloth bears and rhinos at Chitwan National Park. The thrill continues with whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River and trekking in the Annapurna region. Stay with local families, connect with likeminded travelers, and round things off in Kathmandu, where options like yoga or city exploration await.

This tour’s USP lies in its diversity: a seamless mix of iconic landmarks, adrenaline-pumping activities, and cultural immersion. For travelers who crave both breadth and depth, this package delivers an unforgettable South Asian adventure.

day 1 - Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. This Himalayan adventure kicks off in Delhi – the capital territory of India’s north. Meet your trip leader and new travel buddies at a 6 pm welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive early, there's plenty to do in this wonderfully chaotic city. Maybe wander the streets, sip on your first chai or practice haggling in one of the many markets. Tonight, ask your leader for the best nightlife spots and perhaps grab a drink with your group.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Tordi

Your next destination takes a bit of work to get to, but that’s because it’s a secret, tucked away haven away from the prying eyes of the everyday tourist. You’ll journey through picturesque countryside by train to a unique stay in Tordi – this remote and rarely visited village offers a glimpse into the real Rajasthan. Tonight, sleep in an 18th-century palace with its owner as your host. There's a ruined temple and fortress nearby that you can explore, and then you can settle in and savour the delicious local flavours with a home-cooked dinner.

included:Tordi - Home-cooked Dinner, Tordi - Village Walk

accommodation:Heritage Property

meals:1 Dinner

day 3 - Jaipur

This morning, take on an optional hike at sunrise for epic views of the town and surrounding countryside. Get up before the sun, set out uphill and when you reach the top, watch the sky change colours as you enjoy some chai and cookies. Then, kick on to Jaipur – India's Pink City. You'll have plenty of free time here to haggle to your heart's content at the bazaars and backstreets, where vendors sell a variety of textiles, precious and semi-precious gems and blue pottery. Drop by one of India’s finest palaces – the Royal City Palace. Foodies will want to hit the streets for raj kachori chaat (a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato). Then, maybe cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road – Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop. Tonight, cinema buffs won’t want to miss a Bollywood blockbuster at the Raj Mandir Cinema.

included:Jaipur - Leader-led walking & market tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 4 - Jaipur

If you're keen on a different view of the Pink City, an optional early morning hot air balloon ride is a trip highlight for many visitors. Later in the morning, you’ll drop by Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) – the impressive five-storey facade with pink and honeycombed windows is the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal. After, it’s out to the old capital of Amber where you’ll explore the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort. The rest of the day is free – maybe ask your leader for the best spot for dinner and pick up a biryani or a tasty plate of chicken tikka masala.

included:Jaipur - Amber Fort, Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind) Photo Stop

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 5 - Agra

Take advantage of the chance to rub shoulders with the locals today on a public bus ride to Agra. When you arrive, you’ve made it to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – India's most enduring symbol and an epic monument to love and loss. For some reason, local families find it more interesting to take photos of you than the actual Taj Mahal! But you'll be too busy standing there with your mouth gaping open to notice. Take your time taking in the delight of this gorgeous monument and make sure you grab a great pic– you won’t want to forget this.

included:Agra - Taj Mahal

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 6 - Agra - Overnight train

Today is free to explore at your leisure. Agra Fort is a popular option where you can stroll the palatial gardens of the red sandstone stronghold and get some great views of the Taj Mahal from afar. For a meal that makes a difference while in Agra, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout – a social enterprise that supports survivors of acid attacks. Then, it's on to the next stop – Varanasi. Tonight, it’s time for a unique slice of Indian life aboard an overnight train.

accommodation:Overnight Sleeper Train

day 7 - Varanasi

Arrive in one of the holiest cities in the country this morning. Varanasi is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel far and wide to experience the spirituality of this city. Overflowing with temples, shrines and devotees, this is an interesting place to explore. Maybe take the chance to perfect your yoga in one of the epic chakra-balancing spots. Or just chill out and soak in the meditative surroundings, ready for your early start tomorrow.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 8 - Varanasi

Today’s an early start, but it’s worth it – you’ll take a sunrise boat ride along the sacred Ganges. Even if you're not spiritual, you can't help but get goosebumps during this experience. Pass the many ghats (stairs leading to the water) and temples along the river and watch thousands of Hindu pilgrims cleanse their sins in the holy water as the sun bathes the surrounds in shades of amber and orange. After, maybe hop on an auto rickshaw to the oldest part of the city to explore its maze of narrow alleyways packed full of small shops, stalls and lumbering cows. See pilgrims performing rituals unchanged for hundreds of years and pass chiming temples as wafts of incense fill the air.

included:Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip, Varanasi - Leader-led Old City walking tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 9 - India/Nepal border crossing - Lumbini

Wave goodbye to India as you travel to the border (Sunauli border crossing) and enter Nepal. Make sure to charge up your music and fish out your book, as it's a long day of travel today. Arrive in Lumbini. No ordinary border town, this is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha – the founder of Buddhism and one of his four holy places of pilgrimage. Check out the beautiful Ashoka Pillars and hop on cycle rickshaws to the Maya Devi Temple – the actual site where Buddha is thought to have been born.

included:Lumbini - Heritage Park, Lumbini - Maya Devi Temple

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 10 - Chitwan National Park

Put on your safari hat this morning, as you’ll drive to Chitwan National Park – UNESCO declared this park a World Heritage Site in 1984 and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. Think the Jungle Book coming to life with rhinos, deer, monkeys and a wide array of birds, including Nepalese wild chickens. Tonight, you’ll stay in a lodge near the park, listening out for the roars of tigers as you fall asleep to the sounds of nature

accommodation:Lodge

day 11 - Chitwan National Park

This morning you’ll hop aboard a jeep, meet your local guide and take a fun safari drive through Chitwan National Park. Look out for elephants and rhinos and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the 100-or-so Bengal Tigers that call the park home. There are also a number of optional activities available through your accommodation this afternoon, including biking, bird watching, cultural performances, canoe rides and village tours. Whatever you choose, whether it’s an active cycle through the park or a leisurely float along the river, you’re sure to have a great afternoon.

included:Chitwan National Park - Park Entry, Chitwan National Park – Jeep Safari

accommodation:Lodge

day 12 - Kathmandu

Today, you’ll travel to your final destination – the Nepalese patchouli–scented capital of Kathmandu. Maybe book in for a massage or a yoga session when you arrive to ease those body kinks and settle into a meditative state. With the rest of your free time, you can visit the giant Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath or head out into the narrow streets – home to holy men, monks, bicycles and sacred cows. Got a sweet tooth? Take one soft, fluffy ball of buffalo milk dough, deep fried until it's the texture of a doughnut, dropped into sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom powder, rose essence and saffron and eat! Your leader will know where to grab these delicacies. Kathmandu has some great spots for nightlife too, so if you like, chill out with a cool drink or grab some dinner with your group tonight.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 13 - Kathmandu

Today, you have free time in Kathmandu until your second welcome meeting at 2 pm. You might like to visit the most important Buddhist shrine – Swayambhunath Stupa – and the nearby Bhaktapur (also known as ‘the City of Devotees’). Maybe see the furniture, art and ornaments of the royal family at the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. After the meeting, maybe wander Durbar Square or the lively streets of Thamel, home to lively market stalls, tranquil gardens and thriving nightlife options.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 14 - Trisuli River

Take a morning drive over the rim of the Kathmandu Valley and soak up the views of the Ganesh and Lantang ranges. Then hit the waters for some whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River – this is the most popular river for rafting in all of Nepal. Soak up the thrill of the rapids, aptly named Ladies Delight, Rock Garden and Snell's Nose, among the beauty of the nearby gorges. Explore the magnificent scenery from the rapids, and then tonight, camp on the beach and enjoy a local meal under the stars.

included:Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3), Trisuli River – Riverside Camping

accommodation:Camping (basic facilities)

meals:1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 15 - Trisuli River - Pokhara

This morning is for some more fun on the river, including negotiating the Monsoon and Upset rapids. In Kurintar, refuel your energy with a light lunch with your group and then drive to Pokhara. When you arrive, take an afternoon walk around the city with your leader, who will point out some sights and sounds in the area, including Phewa Lake. This evening is free for you to chill out at one of the many lakeside restaurants or bars. Maybe get yourself a plate of momos (dumplings) or a nourishing bowl of dal bhat (thick lentil or bean soup) for dinner tonight.

included:Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 16 - Ghandruk (1950m / 6397ft)

Today, you’ll make the drive from Pokhara to Shyauli Bazaar – this is where the trekking adventure begins. Your hike is mostly uphill today on some pretty diverse terrain. There’s a dirt track leading to Birethanti and Shyauli villages, then you’ll reach a stone staircase up to Kimche, where you’ll stop for lunch. There are views of snowcapped mountains and expansive fields below, so make sure you’ve got your camera. From here, you’ll follow the stone flags that lead you through fields of wheat to Ghandruk. Tonight, you'll stay in your first Nepalese teahouse.

included:Annapurna Region – 3 Night / 4 Days Trekking

accommodation:Tea House

day 17 - Tolkha (1700m / 5577ft)

Look east this morning to Landruk, the next village on your route. Look down to the Modi Kola River 600 m below. Your breakfast this morning will be a refreshing start, with a mountain view so you can take it all in. When you’ve refuelled, start the trek towards Tolkha – where you’ll be staying for the night. Along the way, take in the diverse scenery of the river below, the mountain above and the wild landscape on every side. The Annapurna range makes for a pretty great photo subject (and she’s not shy, either).

accommodation:Tea House

day 18 - Hemjakot (1530m / 5019ft)

This morning after some breakfast, you’ll continue your trek from Tolkha to Hemjakot – the best spot to connect with some locals. As you start today’s walk, you’ll notice you’re surrounded by pink and purple rhododendrons. Do you know what you won’t see much of? Other people – this trail from Dhampus to Hemjakot is pretty remote, giving you the chance to really switch off and enjoy the scenery. Tonight, you’ll stay with a local family. The homes in Hemjakot reflect the traditional style of this part of the Himalayas and are made from natural stones from this region. This displays a domestic style of architecture that has largely been overshadowed in Nepal's big cities. When you arrive, you’ll experience the rural way of life in the mountains, gaining insight into the local culture of the Gurung population, who migrated here from Tibet.

included:Hemjakot - Community Homestay

accommodation:Homestay

day 19 - Pokhara

Say goodbye to your new friends in Hemjakot and head out again – this morning’s trek is a short descent to Phedi. When you arrive, transfer to Pokhara, arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to do all the things you didn’t do the first time around in Pokhara – a popular choice is taking a rowboat (doonga) out on Phewa Lake. If there are blue skies today, you’ll have mountain views wherever you look. After, maybe check out the Tal Barahi Temple and the Shree Bindhyabasini Temple, which are both free to explore.

included:Pokhara - Orientation Walk

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 20 - Kathmandu

It’s a long bus ride back to Kathmandu (so bring some snacks, road trip games and a good book). When you arrive, maybe grab a banana lassi to soak away the bus ride. Tonight, you’re free to explore Kathmandu’s nightlife further (what better way to celebrate a good trek).

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 21 - Kathmandu

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights), Heritage Property (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Tea House (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Camping (1 night)

Meals

1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches

Transport

Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, 4x4 Safari Vehicle/Jeep, Auto rickshaw, Cycle rickshaw, Shuttle bus, Train, Canoe, Bike

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Tordi - Home-cooked DinnerTordi - Village WalkJaipur - Leader-led walking & market tourJaipur - Amber FortJaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind) Photo StopAgra - Taj MahalVaranasi - Sunrise Ganges boat tripVaranasi - Leader-led Old City walking tourLumbini - Heritage ParkLumbini - Maya Devi TempleChitwan National Park - Park EntryChitwan National Park – Jeep SafariTrisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)Trisuli River – Riverside CampingAnnapurna Region – 3 Night / 4 Days TrekkingHemjakot - Community HomestayPokhara - Orientation Walk

What's Excluded

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