The Road to Kathmandu

22 days - from $1283

The lake city of Udaipur, the holy town of Pushkar, the desert bastion of Jaisalmer, the Taj Mahal, the sacred city of Varanasi with the awesome Ganges thronging with devout pilgrims and sadhus, the mountain kingdom of Nepal... This tour has all the highlights.

Itinerary:

Day 1,MUMBAI (BOMBAY) Arrival in Mumbai. Day 2,AHMEDABAD Early morning express train to Ahmedabad. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this city. A major attraction is the ashram where Mahatma Gandhi lived for many years, which we may have the option of visiting. Day 3,UDAIPUR We travel by bus to the beautiful lake city of Udaipur. Approx 6 hours bus journey Day 4,UDAIPUR Morning city tour, afternoon at leisure. Day 5,JODHPUR Drive via the magnificent Jain temples at Ranakpur to Jodhpur. Approx 7 hours driving Day 6,JAISALMER Morning visit to the Meherangarh Fort. In the afternoon we cross the desert to the fortress city of Jaisalmer. Within the fortress walls the cobbled streets are strewn with palaces, temples and mansions of rich merchants (havelis), and Jain temples that were built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Approx 5 hours driving Day 7,JAISALME A free day to explore this amazing city with its medieval atmosphere. Day 8,CAMEL SAFARI We drive into a remote part of the Thar Desert to start our camel safari. We spend the night in a beautiful tented camp. (D) Approx 4 hours driving, 2 hours camel ride   Day 9,CHANDELAO Drive via the temple town of Osian to the small heritage hotel of Chandelao Garh. (B)Approx 3 hours driving Day 10,KHEJARLA Morning optional jeep safari to villages near Chandelao where we will see local craftsmen at work. In the afternoon we continue to Fort Khejarla, residence of the former ruling family who will be your hosts. Approx 1 hour driving Day 11,PUSHKAR Drive to Pushkar, a desert oasis on a holy lake. Afternoon at leisure to explore the lakeside or hike into the surrounding hills. Approx 3 hours driving Day 12,JAIPUR A short drive to the Pink City of Jaipur. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Amber Fort. Approx 3 hours driving Day 13,JAIPUR Morning orientation tour of Jaipur. Free afternoon. Day 14,AGRA Drive to Agra via the former Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Approx 5 hours driving Day 15,AGRA Morning visit to the Taj Mahal, reputedly the most beautiful building in the world. Board the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. Approx 11 hours train journey Day 16,VARANASI Day at leisure to explore this wonderful city. Join the pilgrims praying on the banks of the Ganges, explore the exotic temples dotted along its banks, or bargain in the bazaars. Optional visit to Sarnath (US$15). Evening "aarti" ceremony (US$10). Day 17,VARANASI Early morning Ganges boat trip. Rest of the day at leisure. Day 18,BHAIRAWA Travel to the border between Nepal and India. Nearby is the town of Lumbini, where Siddhartha Gautama - better known as the Buddha - was born. If time allows there may be the option to take an excursion to Lumbini Day 19,KATHMANDU Continue to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Approx 8 hours driving Day 20,KATHMANDU Morning walking tour of Kathmandu. Day 21,KATHMANDU Day at leisure. Day 22,KATHMANDU Tour ends.

Included

Staffing: As shown in the 'Factfinder'
Accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions: As per itinerary

Excluded

Visa costs: Not included
Border Taxes: Not included
Entrance fees: Not included
Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature.: Not included
International flights: Not included
Departure transfers: Not included
Meals other than those listed: Not included
Transfer to hotel on arrival: Not included
The single supplement does not include the night on the sleeper train: Not included

Note: The itinerary varies slightly for our Pushkar Fair departures. Please see trip dossier for further details. 
Some trip departures are scheduled to connect with our HASA - South India Adventure Extension Trip Dossier allowing you to make a phenomenal journey covering the length of India.

Trip Reference: HARK