Highlights of Northern India & Nepal

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Discover the highlights of North India and Nepal, from pulsating Delhi to the highest mountains on Earth. The cultural wonders on this trip are numerous: sunrise at the Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur, a dawn boat ride on the misty Ganges and a visit to Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha. That’s complemented by natural experiences, including scanning Chitwan Na...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Experience the highlights of two unforgettable destinations: North India and Nepal
    • Visit all three cities of India’s famed Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
    • See the magnificent Taj Mahal in the soft glow of sunrise
    • Cruise the Ganges at dawn when Hindu pilgrims visit the holy waters
    • See the mighty Annapurna mountains from a hilltop fort in Pokhara
    • Search for wildlife on a jeep and canoesafari in Chitwan National Park

What's this trip about?

    Discover the highlights of North India and Nepal, from pulsating Delhi to the highest mountains on Earth. The cultural wonders on this trip are numerous: sunrise at the Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur, a dawn boat ride on the misty Ganges and a visit to Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha. That’s complemented by natural experiences, including scanning Chitwan National Park for rhinos and gazing at the mighty Himalaya, to create an unforgettable adventure in these two diverse destinations.From Delhi to Kathmandu, the Golden Triangle to the Himalaya, experience two captivating countries in one trip

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityDelhi
End CityKathmandu

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Festivals & Special Events

Destinations

Attractions

  • Agra
  • Delhi
  • Jaipur
  • Kathmandu
  • Pokhara
  • Varanasi

Activities

  • Culture
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • History
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport
    • Entrances fees to Monuments and National Parks (as per itinerary)
    • Ganges boat ride
    • Jeep Safari (as per itinerary)
    • Tour leader throughout

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Delhi; afternoon sightseeing of Humayun's Tomb and New Delhi

We meet as a group for the first time at the hotel and, in the afternoon, explore the city. Beginning with New Delhi, we visit the tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun, which was built by his widow Hamida Banu Begam and is now a World Heritage site. We then drive past fine ...

Day 2 Morning tour of Old Delhi; drive to Jaipur

Continue exploring the capital after breakfast, starting outside Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, before being guided through the narrow streets of Old Delhi, through the Kinari Bazar (or we can explore by rickshaw – additional cost). We finish the Old Delhi ...

Day 3 Full-day sightseeing in Jaipur, including City Palace and Amber Fort; evening free

Enjoy a full day to explore Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and one of the most attractive cities in India. Built in the late 18th century, it is a planned city of broad sandstone avenues that were later painted pink. First, we visit the City Palace, once a Maharaja ...

Day 4 Drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri

We begin by driving to Agra via the deserted ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri. Formally the capital of the Mughal empire, this wonderfully preserved ghost town was constructed by Emperor Akbar between 1570 and 1585 and reflects his ideals in art, religion and architectu...

Day 5 Sunrise at Taj Mahal; visit the Red Fort; overnight train to Varanasi

Rise very early to see the incredible spectacle of sunrise over the Taj Mahal – an experience you’re never likely to forget. The Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built the landmark in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The New World Wonder is serenel...

Day 6 Arrive Varanasi; afternoon visit to Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon

On arrival in Varanasi, we transfer to our hotel. Rooms may not be available until midday but efforts are made to make it earlier if possible. In the afternoon, we visit the nearby Sarnath Temple. The main monument here is the Dhamekh Stupa, the spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. The evening is free to relax. Accommodation: Hotel Surya (or similar)

Day 7 Dawn boat ride on Ganges visiting bathing ghats; free afternoon; witness an evening aarti ceremony

Varanasi, on the Ganges, is one of the holiest cities in India and a key destination in Hinduism: there are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious leaders and casual visitors. Explore the narrow lanes and many temples or watch the Hindu ceremoni...

Day 8 Cross border to Nepal; head to the World Heritage site of Lumbini

Board a private bus and make an early departure for Nepal. We drive across the northern plains, passing through a few towns and lots of villages. Leave our bus at the Saunali border and walk (approximately 1,640ft/500m) through customs and immigration to Nepal. In Ne...

Day 9 Drive to Chitwan National Park

Early this morning there is a short (optional) rickshaw ride around Lumbini gardens. The Buddha was born here, and the area is being developed into a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world. Travelling east and parallel to the mountains, we reach Ch...

Day 10 Chitwan National Park; jeep safari and dug-out canoe excursion

Chitwan National Park and the surrounding forest cover 356sqmi (923sqkm) of the terai and afford excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities. Here you have an excellent chance of seeing Indian one-horned rhinos, sambar and chital deer, langur and rhesus monkeys, mongoose...

Day 11 Drive to Pokhara with views of the Annapurna range en route

Today’s journey to Pokhara is 87mi (140km) and takes four to five hours. We follow the gorge of the Narayani River and soon we are in the Himalaya foothills. The scenery changes dramatically from the forests and farmlands of the terai to steep, terraced hills. As we n...

Day 12 Sunrise over mountains; morning walk from Sarangkot to Pame

Head into the hills after breakfast for even better views of the peaks. An early morning start is required for the clearest view, but once there, the whole Annapurna range can be seen with virtually no intervening hills. We start by driving (approximately 40 minutes)...

Day 13 Follow Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers to Kathmandu

Leave early for the long drive to Kathmandu, along the Chinese-built road running parallel to the main Himalaya range. The distance is only 125mi (200km) but it is a slow climb through the mountains and ongoing road-widening construction along the route plus some bump...

Day 14 Optional Everest flight; visit Pashupatinath and Bodnath; free time

We have today to explore Kathmandu and the valley. In the early morning, you could take a scenic flight to see Everest (this can be booked and paid for on arrival in Kathmandu; see the Extra Expenses and Spending Money section of the Trip Notes for costs). Today ther...

Day 15 End Kathmandu

The adventure comes to an end this morning at check-out. Unless, of course, you’d like to join our exciting extension, in which you spend four days hiking in the Annapurna region, taking in magnificent mountain views as you pass through Gurung villages. This extension would commence from day 13, starting in Pokhara. Speak to your sales representative to book.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,075
Price per day$205
Last Updated: 12/20/2024
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20 Jul 2025
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12 Oct 2025
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26 Oct 2025
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19 Oct 2025
02 Nov 2025
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26 Oct 2025
09 Nov 2025
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Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Excellent jam-packed adventure

After a fair amount of research into which trip/company to select, I opted for this one. I opted for this trip for a few reasons - I'd previously done another exc...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wonderful trip - do it!

A brilliant trip capturing all the chaos, filth, colour and magic of India & Nepal . The memories are too many to detail but will last a lifetime. Personally I ...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

What an amazing journey!

An amazing and enlightening journey with a great group of people. We saw both city and countrywide and visited many incredible landmarks along the way. We learnt l...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

The Road To Kathmandu (without Dorothy Lamour)

To be honest I didn't know what to expect from this trip. My wife was a little concerned about going to India but the itinerary looked so good that she was persua...

A

Anonymous

May 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Delhi to Kathmandu

This was a great trip which involved a lot of travelling ( by bus, train, jeep and boat) but with the reward of visiting some beautiful and historical places and...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas and vaccinations for India & Nepal
    • Single supplement

Accommodation

11 nights hotels, 2 nights jungle lodge, all en suite, 1 night sleeper train Travel by private air-conditioned bus while in India and private non air-conditioned bus in Nepal Additional travel by train Some long drives
In this cultural adventure through northern India and Nepal, we spend 11 nights in hotels, two nights in lodges and one night on a sleeper train. The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip. Agra to Varanasi: Sleeper train (night 5) Experience an icon of travel: the Indian sleeper train! Our journey takes us from Agra to Varanasi, skipping the long drive, while also allowing us to interact with the local people and sample the snacks often sold on board. The accommodation is basic: we normally stay in two-tier sleepers, the compartments sectioned off from the aisle by privacy curtains. Seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, so the whole group isn’t always together; however, our tour leader is an expert at making the journey as hassle-free as possible and will regularly check in with you. Varanasi: Hotel Surya (nights 6-7) Encompassing a property built for King Kaiser of Nepal in 1818, this 75-room hotel has a long history of housing VIPs. It now offers award-winning gardens plus a swimming pool, restaurant specialising in Indian cuisine, and the Sol Haveli Bar, which serves hand-crafted cocktails. Chitwan: Green Mansions Jungle Resort (nights 10-11) On the edge of a community forest, Green Mansions offers traditional cottages encompassed by nature. The highlight may well be their in-house team of naturalists, who bring the landscape to life with their expertise. Other pluses include a pool with half-sunken loungers and a multi-cuisine restaurant where dishes include produce from the hotel garden. Worth knowing Hotels in India and Nepal usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter. It's common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on. Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated. Single accommodation supplement excludes sleeper trains.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners are included. Allow the equivalent of US$24 per day for other meals. You can eat out very cheaply in India and Nepal, but if you go to more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most towns there is a good choice between Indian, Chinese and Western food. If you are a vegetarian, India and Nepal are probably two of the best destinations you can visit. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large!) bottle of beer is approximately US$4.80. Drinking water is provided in large containers in our vehicle, so please bring a refillable water bottle with you. Where meals are not included, the leader will encourage people to try certain restaurants and street food vendors. They can make recommendations that will boost small businesses and celebrate local specialties. In India, we can even see how some food and drinks, such as masala chai (tea), samosa (mashed potato snacks), jalebe (Indian doughnuts) and lassi (yoghurt drink), are made.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 13 nights in hotels and lodges, one night on a sleeper train
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by private air-conditioned bus and train
Trip ID
exodus-AIN

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