India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu

India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu

• Trip code: 458X011
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

From sacred rivers to soaring peaks, this nine-day adventure through India and Nepal serves up epic sights and spiritual vibes in one whirlwind trip. Kick things off in Varanasi with a sunrise cruise on the Ganges, then cross into Nepal to explore Buddha’s birthplace, spot rhinos on safari in Chitwan, and soak up Himalayan views in Pokhara. Big on culture, nature, and connection — this is South Asia done right.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (6 nts), homestay (2 nts)

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Bitte beachte: During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes. During the months of Jul-Sep is the rainy season, so please make sure to pack waterproof clothes

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 20, avg 16

Highlights

Float down the sacred Ganges on a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi, Visit Buddha’s birthplace and explore ancient temples in Lumbini, Spot wildlife on safari in Chitwan National Park, Take in mountain views and chill vibes in Pokhara with free time to explore

Introduction

From sacred rivers to soaring peaks, this nine-day adventure through India and Nepal serves up epic sights and spiritual vibes in one whirlwind trip. Kick things off in Varanasi with a sunrise cruise on the Ganges, then cross into Nepal to explore Buddha’s birthplace, spot rhinos on safari in Chitwan, and soak up Himalayan views in Pokhara. Big on culture, nature, and connection — this is South Asia done right

Meals Included

1 Frühstück

Meal Budget

Plane USD215-280 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Varanasi
- Besuch in Sarnath
- Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras

Royal Chitwan National Park
- Radfahren (950NPR pro Person)
- Safari in Chitwan mit dem Allradfahrzeug (6900NPR pro Person)
- Aufenthalt in einer Barauli-Gemeinde

Sarangkot
- Wanderung in Sarangkot bei Sonnenaufgang (60NPR pro Person)

Pokhara
- Flug von Pokhara nach Kathmandu

Mount Everest
- Everest-Flug

Start / Finish

Varanasi nach Kathmandu

Transport

Train, private vehicle, walking, tuktuk, boat

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Barauli Community Connection, Royal Chitwan National Park
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Sharing Seeds Experience, Pokhara
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Besuch in einer Tharu-Gemeinde, Royal Chitwan National Park
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Bar am Seeufer, Pokhara. Varanasi Orientation Walk. Free time in Varanasi. Morning Ganges Boat Tour. Maya Devi Temple Buddha's Birthplace Visit. Barauli Community Experience & Orientation Walk. Pokhara Orientation Walk. Sharing Seeds Experience. Free time in Pokhara. Kathmandu Orientation walk

Packing Note

During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes. During the months of Jul-Sep is the rainy season, so please make sure to pack waterproof clothes

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age 18+

The minimum age for this trip is 18 years

Itinerary

Day 1 Varanasi

Arrive at anytime. Meet your CEO and group in the evening for a welcome meeting, an orientation walk around Varanasi and your first night out!

Day 2 Varanasi

This morning, hop on a boat and sail the sacred Ganges River, where you will have the opportunity to witness a candle flower ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India. Opt to bathe in the sacred waters or visit Kashi Vishwanath, the Golden Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Varanasi is your oyster!

Day 3 Varanasi/Lumbini

Today we leave India and travel to the peaceful land of Nepal. Step back in time and 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

Day 4 Lumbini/Royal Chitwan National Park

Experience Nepali rural life at Barauli Village homestay, a G Adventures–supported project. Take an orientation walk, visiting friendly homes and learn about the Tharu daily life. Opt to venture to the Narayani river on a cycle tour

Day 5 Royal Chitwan National Park

Enjoy a free day to explore the surrounding village and rice paddies before spending another night with the Tharu community. Opt to take a jeep safari through the diverse ecosystem of Chitwan National Park for a chance to witness rhinos, crocodiles, monkeys, and maybe even the elusive bengal tiger

Day 6 Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara

Travel from the peaceful plains towards the mystical Himalayan mountains, stopping in Pokhara. Get your bearings in town on an orientation walk. Be sure to capture a panoramic group photo with the stunning Annapurna range backdrop

Day 7 Pokhara

Enjoy breakfast at Sharing Seeds and learn how organic arabica coffee and beekeeping helps uplift the community. In the afternoon, get to know Pokhara more in-depth by freely exploring this photogenic region. Gear up for your big night out at a lakeside bar with your new friends. Cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just shared!

Day 8 Pokhara/Kathmandu

Travel the last leg of this trip through the wild, rugged Himalayan landscape to Nepal’s capital and largest city, Kathmandu. Or opt to skip the drive and fly to Kathmandu for more time in the city. After the whole group arrives, get a feel for the city on an orientation walk. As Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn, simply wander around and see where chance, fate, or the city may lead you. Check out world-famous Durbar Square, King’s Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath, or Boudhanath Stupa. Then join your crew for an optional farewell meal together!

Day 9 Kathmandu

Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Varanasi

Day 2 Varanasi

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.

Day 3 Varanasi/Lumbini

This will be a longer travel day as it may take up to 12 hours to reach the city of Lumbini. Settle in with your fellow travellers and get to know each other as you take in the scenery. It is possible for most nationalities to get a Nepalese visa at the border for $30 USD. Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of India, time wise

Day 4 Lumbini/Royal Chitwan National Park

Day 5 Royal Chitwan National Park

Day 6 Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara

Day 7 Pokhara

In the morning, watch a spectacular Himalayan sunrise over the mountains before visiting a Planeterra project that benefits the local community.

Day 8 Pokhara/Kathmandu

Day 9 Kathmandu

If you wish to partake in the Everest Flight optional activity on the final day of tour, please do not book any outgoing flights from Kathmandu earlier than 12:00 noon