Delhi to Kathmandu Quest with Nepal Trek Challenge

Welcome to the intoxicating cacophony of colours, smells, spices, culture and chaos that is Delhi. We'll bond with our Contiki fam today before kick-starting our adventure. Stay: The Ashtan Sarovar Portico (or similar)

Today we'll explore one of the world's most hustling, bustling cities (home to a cool 25m people!) With a local guide, we'll discover Old Delhi & other top sights. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to explore Delhi your way. Dinner tonight is a DIY vibe, tasting the best of Delhi with your new crew. (B)

Today we'll leave the magical mayhem of Delhi behind and catch a flight to Varanasi... Nestled alongside the Ganges is Varanasi, one of the holiest Hindu sites in the world - a place where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred waters and cremate their loved ones. This place can be described as India in a nutshell - not for the faint of heart, but spiritual, riotous and touchingly passionate. (B) Stay: The India Hotel (Or Similar)

Rise and shine! We're headed down to the river, boarding a small boat as dawn alights the Ganges. We'll watch the Ghat in front of us slowly come to life, as pilgrims bathe in the holy river, wash away their sins and fill bottles with holy water (we wouldn't recommend doing the same - it may be holy but that doesn't mean it's hygienic). After watching the sunrise from our boat, we'll weave our way through the narrow lanes, and get to see how life operates on the riverside.

As the afternoon draws in, we'll explore the ruins of Sarnath, another holy location for another ancient religion. Located on the outskirts of the city, this is said to be the location from which Buddha delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. Finish off an epic day by getting lost (on purpose) in the spidery lanes of the old city where our local guide will show Varanasi's hidden gems. (B)

Today we can officially tick Varanasi off our lists. Next, we'll make our way to a true historical hotspot – Lucknow, here we come. We'll have a free evening to admire Lucknow's ethereal bazaars, opulent Raj-era architecture and delicious food. Whether you decide to walk its broad boulevards or beautiful gardens, you'll wonder how this place has escaped the overwhelming tourist attention of some other Indian towns. (B) Stay: La Place Sarovar Portico (or similar)

Long regarded as India's centre for culture and art, Lucknow is full of wonders for us to explore this morning. We won't waste any time, as we start off with a locally guided sightseeing tour, coming up close to La Martiniere building - a beautiful and historic private school - and the Asafi Imambara, one of the most regal architectural complexes in the world. Taking almost a decade to build, the building famously employed locals in the region while a ravaging famine swept India.

Lucknow is also famous for its Awadhi cuisine, so we recommend taking a culinary walk of the city, hopping in and out of roadside eateries and getting a complete taste of the local culture. (B)

See ya, Lucknow, we're headed to one of the world's oldest cities. Then, you'll have the opportunity to get your bucket list ticked with an optional visit to one of mankind's masterpieces: the majestic Taj Mahal (you'll also get the chance to visit the 17th century Agra Fort). The Taj Mahal, the 17th century memorial building considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the world, naturally dominates Agra, but it isn't the only thing to be found here. The city, curving along the holy Yamuna River, is dotted with mausoleums, tombs and heaving marketplaces. (B) Stay: The Retreat (or similar)

Jumping on our air-conditioned coach we'll head to our next stop... We'll visit the Wildlife SOS Elephant Rescue Centre, where we'll meet over 20 rescued elephants and witness the only elephant hospital in Asia. Wasting no time this afternoon, we're getting a speedy flight to Kathmandu, Nepal... We've arrived into Kathmandu! (B) Stay: Hotel Majestic & Spa (or similar)

We've arrived into Kathmandu! Next up… A world heritage reserve teeming with rhinos, deer, monkeys, elephants, sloth bears, and even the majestic Bengal Tiger. (B/D) Stay: Chitwan Forest Resort (or similar)

One of the remaining undisturbed areas of the Terai region, this rich ecosystem is wedged between two river valleys on the outer Himalayas, which provide a beautiful backdrop to the steep cliffs and lush plantlands. This morning we'll take a jungle walk to soak in the spectacular beauty, before heading out on our once-in-a-lifetime jeep safari. One of the last safe havens for the one-horned rhino and the Bengal tiger - both heavily endangered - Chitwan offers one of the best wildlife spotting experiences on the planet. (B/L/D)

Today we're headed back to Nepal's bustling capital. It's time to uncover Kathmandu on a locally guided tour of its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durbar Square - the old royal palace of the former kingdom, parts of which were tragically destroyed in the earthquake of 2015. As we walk, we'll marvel at the medieval temples, captivating courtyards and charming mayhem. (B) Stay: Hotel Majestic & Spa (or similar)

It's time to take our adventure to the next level! We'll kick off the morning by making our way to the homebase of this epic trek. This beautiful lakeside settlement is framed by the spectacular Himalayas. We'll check into our hotel tonight ready for our first day of trekking tomorrow. (B) Stay: A conveniently located hotel

After an included breakfast this morning - and we'll need all the fuel we can get -we'll drive our van up to Phedi. We'll start our trek from Phedi, where steep stone staircases snake their way up the rhododendron hillsides. We'll start our steep ascent, reaching lower Dhampus in 1 to 2 hours. Gently climbing up again past the terraced fields and small houses and rhododendrons, we'll reach our lodge, admiring the spectacular Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhre (fishtail) in the distance. After an included dinner we'll turn in for the night. (B/L/D) Stay: Hiking Lodge (or similar)

Sip your tea this morning with your breakfast as you watch the sun illuminate the mountains ahead. A short trek today brings us to our lunch stop, after which we'll climb up through the beautiful oak forests, reaching Pothana. We'll stop here for a brief recharge before we climb the stone staircases up towards the Australian Camp. Enjoy the another magical sunset as it alights the Himalayas this evening. (B/L/D)

After breakfast in Australian Camp this morning we'll resume our hike through the dense forests, on a slight descent towards Naudanda (Nine hill). After a stop for lunch we'll continue hike to Sarangkot. The trail here is fairly relaxed, as we ease along a ridge to a dense settlement with lots of mixed indigenous groups.

Sarangkot offers spectacular mountain scenery of Mt. Dhaulagri, Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Nilgiri and more. As the night draws in, you can see lights illminating the beautiful Pokhara Valley below. We've seen plenty of spectacular views, but this might just be the best so far. (B/L/D)

After breakfast this morning we'll make our way to the legendary viewpoint at Sarangkot. Through terraced farms and villages we'll finally reach the summit, offering spectacular Himalayan panoramas that are simply unforgettable. This is what we came for, and it makes the hard work so worth it. After posing for some photos we'll make the hike back to Pokhara.

Upon arrival we'll have a free afternoon to chill by the lake and try the local foodie delights. (B) Stay: A conveniently located hotel

After a heavenly sleep and breakfast we'll make our way back to Kathmandu this morning. Our trip finishes back where we started. But those mountains, forests and streams will stick with us forever. (B)