Delhi to Kathmandu: River Walks & Epic Wildlife

Welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Arrive in time to meet at 2:00 pm for your welcome meeting and orientation walk. Embark on an afternoon orientation tour visiting Connaught Place and India Gate for those iconic photos. Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends! Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.

Included Experiences

• Delhi Orientation Tour: Get a taste of India's capital city through a visit to Connaught Place by metro and a walk to India Gate, a stately memorial built for Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
• Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Optional Experiences

• Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi: On this half-day adventure that will leave you in food heaven, visit age-old markets and landmark food joints around the city and indulge your tastebuds. Walk with an experienced foodie-guide who will teach you about the intricacies of cuisine from various parts of the country. Highlights on the tour can include; Chandni Chowk, filled with bustling markets and shops, enjoy a steaming cup of Chai tea in an authentic terracotta cup, Kebabs with a recipe that stretches throughout generations, and indulge in local sweets and flatbreads. Perhaps also visit a chaat street chef and stop by Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Sikh House of Worship which hosts the world's largest community kitchen.

Travel by train through the arid terrain to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the "king of pilgrim centres," home to the world’s only temple for the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. Get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city visiting the lake, ghats, and of course the 14th century Brahama temple. Spend some time this afternoon exploring the markets or opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothes before partaking in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert while enjoying live entertainment!

Included Experiences

• Taxi: Settle in and scan the scenery from the within the local taxi.
• Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Pushkar Orientation Walk: Join an orientation to explore key parts of this desert city, including beautiful lakes and ghats. Visit the famed Brahma temple, meet a local pandit and understand/take part in the ancient rituals

Optional Experiences

• Traditional Dinner in the Desert: Try on traditional Indian clothes and head out to the desert for an evening you won't soon forget. Enjoy a delicious traditional meal prepared and served by local cameleers. Get into the spirit with music, dancing, and entertainment presented by a group of Roma people before returning to Pushkar at night.
• Camel Ride: Hold on and enjoy a ride on this even-toed ungulate, also known as the desert horse. Bring your camera for some fantastic photos of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert hills. Afterward, travel by train ⁠— always an adventure itself in India ⁠— to the pink city of Jaipur, home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Enjoy an orientation walk through the market stalls.

Included Experiences

• Savitri Temple Sunrise Hike: Climb a hilltop to get to this temple honouring Savitri, the wife of the Hindu god, Brahma. Witness a gorgeous sunrise over this holy place while drinking a warm cup of chai.
• Taxi: Settle in and scan the scenery from within the local taxi.
• Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Women With Wheels Jaipur: Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.
• Orientation Walk: Head to the markets of this "Pink City," the capital of Rajasthan, and one of the most important heritage cities in India on this CEO-led orientation walk.

Optional Experiences

• Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds): Enjoy a visit to the intricately-carved Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds," which is named for the cool breeze that comes through the structure and keeps it comfortable, even in the hot Jaipur summers. Admire this architectural wonder and snap some photos.
• City Palace Visit: Explore the courtyards, gardens, and buildings that make up the City Palace. Located in the heart of the Old City, it is a striking blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Visit the palace's museum to look at ancient carriages and the former maharaja's gold-embroidered wedding outfit.

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your bucket list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and get ready for your Big Night Out! Join your crew and CEO and see where the night takes you! Opt to visit the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or admire the mind-boggling architecture of Hawa Mahal. Discover more of the wisdom and history of the Mughals by wandering around the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 1700's, or opt to sit back and relax if you like - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family. If you aren't afraid of heights, pre-book a balloon ride to get an aerial view of the pink city.

Included Experiences

• Amber Fort Guided Tour: Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.
• Free Time: Enjoy some free time.
• Jaipur Nightlife: Venture to a local bar restaurant. Immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife and cheers to new adventures and friends.

Optional Experiences

• Jantar Mantar Visit: Visit the Jantar Mantar observatory for a guided tour and explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.
• Movie at Raj Mandir: Visit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film. (200-400 INR per person)
• Jaipur Cooking Class with A Local Family: Join a local family in Jaipur as they welcome you into their home and share their recipes and best-loved dishes with you. Get hands-on with the ingredients and learn how to prepare Pakoda (Pakora), vegetable dishes and Indian breads such as chapatis and puris. Once the hard work is done, get to know your hosts over lunch. Savor the flavours of your creations with the additions of other vegtable dishes, daal and raita, and finish the meal with a sweet treat.
• Jaipur Cycle Tour: With its many lanes and organized layout, Jaipur is the perfect location to explore by bicycle. Choosing to cycle through the city on this morning tour will introduce you to sights, sounds and smells that a vehicle just can't match, so grab a helmet and jump on your bike! Navigate the streets of the 'Pink City' with the help of your experienced guide, starting the day with a traditional Indian yoghurt drink of Lassi. Marvel at the architectural wonders as you enter the walled part of the city and stop at the City Palace to visit the Govind Dev temple. Wander through the historical spices and sweets market, stopping for tea and a tasty snack of pakoras before heading towards the majestic Albert Hall Museum where the tour ends. Taxi transfers from the hotel to the starting point and from the finishing point back to the hotel are included in the price of this cycle tour.
• Jaipur Balloon Ride: Begin your day at dawn, just as the sun starts to rise. As you drift into the sky, enjoy the silence and serenity of the morning, watching as the day starts for the colourfully dressed inhabitants below. From high in the sky, you may float over rolling hills, villages teeming with life, and a small monastery. You may even spot elephants—if luck is on your side. Available September 1 - April 30.

Travel by early morning train to the Mughal city of Agra, site of India’s most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleums unique history as you admire the iconic Mughal architecture.

Included Experiences

• Taj Mahal Guided Tour: Here's one to cross off your bucket list: a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a guided tour of India's most famous landmark and an icon of Mughal architecture. Built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble structure draws visitors from all over the world.
• Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt for a tuk tuk ride to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Varanasi.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy some free time.
• Basic Overnight Train (beds): Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Optional Experiences

• Agra Fort Visit: Enjoy a visit to this impressive Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble.
• Baby Taj Visit: Visit this mausoleum that looks like a jewel box, built before the Taj Mahal by Queen Nur Jahan for her father. Enjoy the intricate details of the structure; it was the first Mughal building faced with white marble and where "pietra dura" (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used.

Take an orientation walk along Varanasi's ghats and through the old city. Afterward, opt to explore the temples and take in the spiritual energy of the city.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy free time to explore.
• Orientation Walk: Experience the spiritual energy of Varanasi with a walk through the holy city, filled with temples, shrines and Hindus from all over India and the world. Enjoy views of the sacred River Ganges.

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! 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.

Included Experiences

• Morning Ganges Boat Tour: Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river.
• Free Time: Enjoy some free time.

Optional Experiences

• Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras: Set off an engaging walking tour of Old Varanasi City. Wander through puzzling alleys, vibrant bazaars, explore temples, and gain a deeper understanding of Varanasi’s history, culture, and spirituality. The Varanasi Heritage Walk begins from the Godaulia intersection and our first visit is to the Mata Kali Temple, one of the highest revered places of worship in the city. It was built by the Maharaja of Varanasi in 1885 and features carved pillars that capture visitors’ attention. Then we will visit the Ganesh temple before heading to the Tedhi Neem Gali for a walk through the colorful market dotted with many different shops. Afterward, we will go towards the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and witness Varanasi’s principal cremation site – the Manikarnika Ghat. The sacred fire here has been alive for the last 3000 years. Next, we’ll walk past the Alam Gir mosque, visit the shrine of a Hindu Yogi and mystic Guru Shri Tailang Swami, the Mangla Gauri Temple, and the Sankatha Mata Temple. Towards the end of the walk, we will try the famous white butter toast with tea at Laxmi Chai shop or Dwarika Lassi. During the walk our guide will focus more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing or chanting and gain an understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
• Guided Tour of Sarnath: A day of exploration begins with a tuk-tuk ride from Varanasi towards Sarnath, where your local guide awaits. One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, Sarnath is the birth place of Buddhism where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. For nearly 1700 years the site remained a centre for great learning, a place of pilgrimage, and a Vihara (Monastery) for monks and scholars. Guided by a local expert, discover the archeological ruins of the monastery, the ancient Dhamek stupa. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan. Stop to admire the Buddha statue located at the Thai Buddha vihara. Some eighty feet tall, it is considered to be the tallest standing Buddha statue at Sarnath. After three hours of guided exploration, your guide will bring you back to your awaiting tuk-tuks bound for your hotel.

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. 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.

Included Experiences

• Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Border Crossing (Nepal): Have your passports and documentation ready to cross the border.
• Maya Devi Temple Buddha's Birthplace Visit: Visit Maya Devi Temple, Buddha's Birthplace Visit. Explore the numerous monasteries in this World Heritage Site.

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.

Included Experiences

• Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay: Enjoy the hospitality of the Tharu, an indigenous community from the Teral belt of Nepal who live in eco-friendly homes. Experience their unique culture through dance and song.
• Barauli Community Connection: The Barauli Community Homestay is G Adventures–supported and designed to help preserve the culture of the local Tharu people. This homestay project is completely run by women, bringing diversified income and sustainable tourism to the region. This is a fantastic experience for both visitors and hosts, to make meaningful connections and learn about each others lives.
• Barauli Village Orientation Walk: Take an orientation walk through Barauli village. Visit local homes and learn more about the Tharu lifestyle, farming techniques, as well as the region's flora and fauna.

Optional Experiences

• Cycling: Explore the village and its surroundings with a guided bike ride. Enjoy sunset on the banks of the Narayani river over a cup of tea.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and explore.
• Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay: Enjoy the hospitality of the Tharu, an indigenous community from the Teral belt of Nepal who live in eco-friendly homes. Experience their unique culture through dances, songs, and a delicious traditional meal. Stay on the property in private guesthouses that resemble traditional village architecture of the local Tharu people. Enjoy modern conveniences like running water, comfortable beds, and mosquito nets. The 14 cottages are each named after the local woman that manages the property. There are also tended gardens and small patches of farmland in the village compound with animals tethered inside the pastures. Any meals will be eaten in the communal dining hall and the local women will serve you food that has been sourced completely from the surrounding land and community.

Optional Experiences

• Chitwan 4x4 Safari: Explore the diverse ecosystems of Royal Chitwan National Park from the comfort of a 4x4 vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for the many animals that live there, including birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and rhinos. If you're lucky, you might get to see an elusive tiger.
• Barauli Community Immersion: Experience traditional Chitwan life by opting to participate in a cultural dinner and dance held by our Barauli hosts.

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.

Included Experiences

• Pokhara Orientation Walk: Breathe in the fresh air and take in the views of the Himalayas and Phewa Lake while getting your bearings around this scenic city.

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

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy some free time.
• Lakeside Bar: Follow your CEO to best lakeside bar with a mountainous view and cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just experienced.
• Sharing Seeds Experience: Sharing Seeds is a women led enterprise in Sarnagkot - Tallathar village, which supports local farmers to produce organic arabica coffee and beekeeping, and offers opportunities to the women of Pandeli Village to produce recyclable, hemp handicrafts. Sharing Seeds has ensured that this community gains new skills and employment opportunities while retaining their culture and addressing the problem of rural urban migration. Enjoy a local breakfast in the fields of the picturesque village of Tallathar, led by women from this rural community, and take a walk through the village to learn more about the coffee grown in the region.

Optional Experiences

• Sarangkot Sunrise Walk: Experience a spectacular sunrise view of the surrounding the Annapurna Himalayas. Enjoy the 2.5 hour walk back down through lush farms and forests.

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!

Included Experiences

• Kathmandu Orientation Walk: Get a taste of this lively capital city, which is fascinating at every turn.

Optional Experiences

• Flight: Pokhara to Kathmandu: Want more time in Kathmandu? Skip the long drive and hop on a quick flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Note: this is an upgrade to a flight from the included drive

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.

Optional Experiences

• Everest Flight: Get a close look at awesome Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world, without having to do any climbing; this one-hour plane tour will give you an unforgettable experience. At times, the weather may cover Everest, but the surrounding view is still worth the ride!