Short on time but big on discovery? This nine-day journey through India and Nepal delivers culture, spirituality, and adventure in one unforgettable package. Cruise the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, experience local life at a community homestay in Barauli, and take in sweeping views on a hike through the Annapurna foothills. From the birthplace of Buddha to jungle safaris in Chitwan, every day offers something remarkable.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Barauli Community Immersion, Royal Chitwan National Park
Your G for Good Moment: Sharing Seeds Experience, Pokhara
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay, Royal Chitwan National Park. Free time in Varanasi. Varanasi Orientation Walk. Evening Ganges Boat Tour. Morning Ganges Boat Tour. Maya Devi Temple Buddha's Birthplace Visit. Chitwan National Park Safari. Free time in Pokhara. Pokhara orientation walk. Sarangkot Sunrise Walk. Swayambhunath Temple Visit. Kathmandu Orientation Walk.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Cruise the Ganges at sunrise in India’s spiritual capital, Varanasi, Spot wildlife on safari in Chitwan National Park, Visit the Maya Devi Temple, birthplace of the Buddha, Hike the Himalayan foothills for breathtaking Annapurna views"
How large will the group be?
Max 15, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
1 breakfast, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Train, private vehicle, Riverboat, 4x4, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (6 nts), homestay (2 nts).
Itinerary
Varanasi
Arrive to your starting hotel by 2:00 pm. Varanasi is the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk along the ghats and visit the old city.
Varanasi
Enjoy a sunrise boat tour along the sacred Ganges before free time to explore this holy city. Walk the narrow alleys, visit some of the hundreds of temples and shrines, or wander the Old City. Opt to visit the site of the Buddha's first sermon or sit on the banks of the Ganges watching life unfold around you. In the evening, embark on a Ganges boat trip at sunset to witness a candlelit flower ceremony. Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.
Varanasi/Lumbini
Cross the border into Nepal and step back in time as you experience Buddha's birthplace - Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pilgrimage centre. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, where the Queen gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. Today is a long travel day, so get comfortable, sit back and relax, and enjoy the changing landscape. Get ready to learn about the history and culture of Nepal.
Lumbini/Royal Chitwan National Park
Travel through a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas, and forests at the base of the Himalayas. The region is home to rhinos, elephants, Bengal tigers, bears, and leopards. Enjoy an overnight homestay with the indigenous Tharu community and discover their culture through dance and song. Opt to go on a cycling excursion through the area.
Royal Chitwan National Park
Explore the diverse ecosystems of the UNESCO Chitwan National Park on a 4x4 safari before a walk through the village and rice paddies. Settle in for another night of dance, songs, and Nepalese food with your Tharu community hosts.
Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara
Travel toward the beautiful scenery of the Annapurna Range to Pokhara. On arrival, take in the pristine lakes and stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. Opt to relax in a café, hire a boat and float around the lake, or shop for Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs in the endless stalls and shops.
Pokhara
Visit nearby Sarangkot for a sunrise walk with breathtaking views of the Annapurnas. Enjoy breakfast at Sharing Seeds and learn how organic arabica coffee and beekeeping helps uplift the community. Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during a traditional lunch. Explore Pokhara during free time in the afternoon. The walk back from Sarangkot through farms and forest is wonderful and takes between 2-2.5 hours.
Pokhara/Kathmandu
Drive to Kathmandu, visiting the iconic Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) en route. Arrive to the capital in the afternoon and get your bearings on an orientation walk. In your free time, choose between highlights in Kathmandu including world-famous Durbar Square, the King’s Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath, and the Boudhanath Stupa. Swayambhunath is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles. To reach Swayambhunath climb 365 steps that lead up the hill. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with temples, painted images of deities, and numerous other religious objects.
Kathmandu
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
