INDIA E NEPAL 2023 - 19 Giorni

Day 1: Delhi
Welcome to India! On arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be collected and transferred to your hotel. This evening, there will be an important welcome meeting in the hotel at around 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow group of travellers. Until then, you can use any time before the meeting to explore this excitingly chaotic capital city. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to see in Delhi. After your welcome meeting, join your leader and small group for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants that has been delighting visitors for more than 80 years. The iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining. Tonight your leader will introduce you to the exciting world of Indian cuisine. Perhaps start out with some classic dishes like mutton rogan josh and paneer tikka.
Accommodation
Jaypee Siddharth hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Delhi – Welcome dinner
Meals Included
Dinner
Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Day 2: Agra
Today, make the drive to Agra. Once arrived, take some time to settle in to your hotel then head out to visit India’s most iconic structure at sunset – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Meet with a Taj Mahal guide who will illuminate the fascinating history of this world-famous building as you tour it at sunset. Beyond its most famous structure, Agra also boasts a marvellous food scene. This evening, a local expert will join you on a street food tour away from the main tourist trail and help you understand Agra’s cuisine and culture. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India, and visit hyperlocal eateries most visitors to Agra never see. Pass by the incredible Jama Masjid of Agra, one of the largest mosques in India.
Accommodation
Crystal Sarovar Premiere Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Agra – Taj Mahal
Agra – Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Day 3: Ranthambhore National Park
Start the day with a visit to one of the finest looking forts in India – the magnificent Agra Fort. Learn how a fortress and prison was built out of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565, then conversions and additions by Shah Jahan transformed the fort into a palace. Explore elegant courtyards and a labyrinth of buildings while you try to take in the grand scale of this remarkable structure. After your visit, depart Agra and make your way to Ranthambore, arriving in the late afternoon. On arrival, you may like to take a stroll around town, put your feet up and relax beside the pool, or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.
Accommodation
The Sher Garh Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Agra – Agra Fort
Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours. Please note that Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On those trips affected, we’ll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is located approximately 16 kilometres from Ranthambhore and, due to its hilly terrain, isn’t as affected by the monsoon. Tigers inhabit this area also and sightings are more favourable at this time of year as they move away from flooded areas of Ranthambore.

Day 4: Ranthambhore National Park
Rise early for a morning safari. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples and is teeming with wildlife. In 4WD safari vehicles, take game drives to search for animals, including the majestic tiger which stalks through the jungle. Even if they are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for. Enjoy some downtime at the resort in the afternoon, then venture back out for an evening safari through the park – another chance to spot some of this region’s resident tiger population. You may also have the opportunity to explore the 1000-year-old Ranthambore Fort, where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time, Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court, give an idea of its old grandeur.
Accommodation
The Sher Garh Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Ranthambhore National Park – Morning Wildlife Safari
Ranthambhore National Park – Evening wildlife safari
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 5: Jaipur
Today you will travel to Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan region. Arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation, the fabulous Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This beautiful heritage hotel has been run by the same family since its opening in 1928 and retains the warm feel of a traditional family home, while opulent touches emanate from every corner – look out for delectable chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Surrounded by a glittering swimming pool and lush gardens, you’ll enjoy a magical escape from the rush and racket of the outside world. Take some time to settle in, then join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles, past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Hear stories of the city’s culture and history as you explore crowded bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local speciality of semi-precious stones. Dinner this evening is something a little bit special – head to the home of a local Brahmin family for a wonderful homecooked dinner. Chat to your friendly hosts about their way of life and learn their culinary secrets – Brahmin dishes exclude onion and garlic, but you’ll discover their food is still bursting with flavour.
Accommodation
Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Jaipur – Home-cooked dinner
Jaipur – Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Day 6: Jaipur
Begin the day with a visit to the extravagant Amber Fort – the jewel of Jaipur. It is quite a sight, with its soft shades of red, sandstone and white marble with elaborate Hindu-style flourishes. Your leader will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Afterwards, stop at one of India’s most photographed buildings, the Hawa Mahal or ‘Palace of the Winds’, to capture your own photo. Then pay a visit to the striking City Palace, a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, hop on a rickshaw and travel to a royal haveli. Haveli’s are old mansions which were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, many of which remain across the city today. Here you will meet the owner of the haveli who will give you a tour of the property and share fascinating photographs and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces. Head to the rooftop for drinks and take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.
Accommodation
Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Jaipur – Amber Fort
Jaipur – City Palace
Jaipur – Private Royal Haveli visit with owner
Jaipur – Rooftop drinks overlooking old walled city (one drink included)
Optional Activities
Jaipur – Balloon Safari – USD260
Jaipur – Jantar Mantar Observatory – INR200
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 7: Varanasi
Check out of your feature stay accommodation then board a flight bound for Varanasi. On arrival, make a stop off at Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Continue on to the city of Varanasi. Awash with shrines and temples, it is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience the city’s spirituality. Varanasi may not be known for its cleanliness, but there’s no denying it is one of India’s most inspiring places.
Accommodation
The Amayaa Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Varanasi – Sarnath
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Currently, there are no non-stop flights operating between Jaipur and Varanasi, so you will fly through Delhi. This flight will require an early morning start time, and you will arrive in Varanasi in the afternoon.

Day 8: Varanasi
Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river as pass by the many ghats and temples along its banks. Then, join your leader for a walking tour of the Old City and uncover its secrets as you walk through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. In the evening, return to the Ganges to see it from another perspective during a sunset cruise. You will be joined by local musicians on board and watch a beautiful flower and candle ceremony take place – an experience that is sure to be etched on your memory long after your time in India is over. Witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as the sun sets over this sacred city.
Accommodation
The Amayaa Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Varanasi – Sunrise Ganges boat trip
Varanasi – Sunset candle flower ceremony
Varanasi – Leader-led Old City walking tour
Varanasi – Sunset Ganges boat trip (musicians on board)
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 9: Delhi
Depart Varanasi and catch a morning flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, get a real taste of the city during a tour with your leader. Navigate the city’s metro system and arrive in Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets. It’s not the real Delhi without a traffic jam so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, then head into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara for a moment of peace and to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The rest of the afternoon is free for further explorations, then come back together in the evening for a final dinner as a group. This last meal will take place in a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Enjoy a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a stunning historical setting – a perfect finale to your Indian adventure.
Accommodation
Jaypee Siddharth hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Delhi – Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Delhi – Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
Delhi – Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Delhi – Final dinner
Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 2 hours.

Day 10: Kathmadu
Depart Delhi and catch a flight to Kathmandu, Nepal’s exhilarating capital. A meeting will take place at your hotel at 6pm to welcome any new travellers who will be joining you for the next leg of your adventure. After your meeting, head out into the hustle and bustle of the Thamel and Jyatha neighbourhoods for an included dinner with your leader and group. Eating in Nepal is never boring, and upon arrival at the authentic Nepali restaurant, you’ll discover a deliciously diverse array of dishes. Have a taste of some Woh, a pancake made from freshly ground black lentils, or Kukhurako Masu, chicken cooked Nepali style.
Accommodation
Everest Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Kathmandu – Welcome dinner
Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 2 hours.

Day 11: Kathmandu
In the early morning, make an attempt at the Mount Everest scenic flight. This unbelievable experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park, through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, climaxing by getting up close to Mount Everest. Later in the morning, explore Kathmandu on a sightseeing tour with your leader. Head to the lively Durbar square, the once glorious centre of Nepal’s royal power. Visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the surrounding monasteries. Stop by a Thangka painting studio and gain inside knowledge on this sacred and traditional form of Buddhist art and the training that goes into being a Thangka artist. Visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, where you will see Hindu holy men meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon is free for further explorations.
Accommodation
Everest Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Kathmandu – Everest Scenic Flight
Kathmandu – Pashupatinath Temple
Kathmandu – Durbar Square
Kathmandu – Bodhnath Stupa
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the Everest scenic flight is completely weather dependent. In cases of bad weather, the scenic flight will be attempted again on Day 3, and some activities will be shifted to Day 8 after you return to Kathmandu from Chitwan.

Day 12: Nagarkot
This morning, set off for a truly special experience that is sure to be one of your enduring memories of Nepal. Visit the headquarters of Seven Women, a social enterprise that works to improve the lives of disadvantaged women in Nepal. Meet the local women and hear how the enterprise has changed their lives. Tour their greenhouse and learn about Nepali vegetables, then learn some traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Master the local methods of cooking and put together some classic dishes, then sit down to lunch with your new friends. After lunch, begin the journey to Nagarkot. Along the way, stop off at Bhaktapur, a beautifully preserved ancient city and host to a wondrous range of temples and statues. Then wander to the ancient temple of Changu Narayan – ask your leader about the legends associated with this site. Upon arrival to Nagarkot, prepare for an overnight stay at Club Himalaya, renowned for its unrestricted view of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and the surrounding areas. End the day with a toast to your fabulous view over sunset cocktails.
Accommodation
Club Himalaya or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Bhaktapur – Leader-led walking tour
Bhaktapur – Changu Narayan Temple
Nagarkot – Sunset cocktail at Club Himalaya (one drink included)
Kathmandu – Cooking class at Seven Women
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

Day 13: Pokhara
Wake up and witness an early morning 180-degree sunrise view before travelling to Kathmandu airport by chartered coach. From here, you will fly to Pokhara – if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan mountain chain to the north. On arrival, take a boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal, the second largest lake in Nepal. The visit to the Peace Pagoda afterwards grants excellent views of the mountains including the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and a glimpse back across to Pokhara. In the afternoon, perhaps take some time to enjoy Pokhara’s mellow atmosphere and wander its colourful streets, or take a stroll along the scenic lake and see the brightly painted paddle boats bobbing in the water. Pokhara has no shortage of restaurants to tempt your taste buds so be sure to ask your leader for some great local recommendations.
Accommodation
Atithi Resort and Spa or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Pokhara – Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
Pokhara – Peace Pagoda
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 30 minutes.

Day 14: Pokhara
Start the day with a visit to the International Mountain Museum, which is full of fascinating tales and exploits from climbing expeditions of the past – some ending in triumph and others in tragedy. Then begin the Kalikasthan hike with your leader, walking first to Thulakot and Kaukhola, where you’ll take in unforgettable views of the Himalayas and the Pokhara valley. Your leader will be on hand to answer any questions about the inspiring landscape. Continue on to a small and serene village where various Hindu and Buddhist ethnic groups live harmoniously. Stop in at a restaurant for a chat with the locals and a cup of traditional tea. After your hike, make a visit to a Tibetan community. Hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make delicious momos (steamed dumplings), which you will then eat together for lunch. Enjoy a free evening in Pokhara.
Accommodation
Atithi Resort and Spa or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Pokhara – Kalikasthan half day hike
Pokhara – Tibetan community visit with momo lunch
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Special Information
Today’s hike will take approximately 3 hours and requires a reasonable level of fitness. Those not wishing to hike will be able to travel by vehicle, please speak to your leader for more information.

Day 15: Chitwan National Park
Make the morning drive to Chitwan and arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights, the heavenly Kasara resort. Perfectly placed on the border of Chitwan National Park, this modern and elegant resort offers total tranquillity in one of the world’s wildest settings. Enjoy palatial rooms, first-class service and naturally warm Nepali hospitality. After settling in, meet the camp staff and resident naturalists who will provide firsthand information and local insight into the park’s habitat conservation program. There’s some flexibility with activities in this area, which may vary depending on the time of year and known wildlife movements and locations. A late afternoon safari is an experience like none other, showing the varied and exciting flora and fauna of the park. Then journey to the Rapti River and enjoy a cool class of champagne on the banks while you watch the sun set and the birds return home. Back at the resort, you’re in for a real treat. Head to a secluded spot on the property for a creative range of dishes served under a canopy of stars. Feel a world away from it all as the only sounds you’ll hear are the chirping of crickets and the swapping of stories.
Accommodation
Kasara Resort (features stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Chitwan NP – Village tour
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.
The sunset drink and private dinner may take place either today or tomorrow depending on the weather and time.

Day 16: Chitwan National Park
After breakfast, leave the lodge for an early morning dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. Your tour leader will help you spot marsh mugger crocodiles along with the various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but the magnificent creatures inhabit the park so it’s not to be ruled out. Upon your return to dry land, an organised program will help fill the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep.
In the evening, enjoy dinner with your group and relax at your accommodation’s fabulous bar while discussing the day’s sightings or listening to the song of the jungle.
Accommodation
Kasara Resort (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Chitwan – Sunset champagne by Rapti River
Chitwan – Private bush dinner (on hotel grounds)
Chitwan – Canoe Safari
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 17: Kathmandu
Enjoy a peaceful breakfast at the resort before catching a flight back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, so perhaps engage in some shopping or learn more of Nepal’s cultural heritage during a visit to the Nepali Folk Musical Instrument Museum, home to more than 650 unique instruments. This evening, you may wish to join your leader and group for a farewell dinner at a fantastic local restaurant, leaving you with a final memory of Nepal’s beautiful and traditional food.
Accommodation
Everest Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1 hour, and flight time is approximately 30 minutes.

Day 18: Kathmandu
Your Nepali adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to extend your stay in Kathmandu, additional accommodation can be arranged in advance (subject to availability), Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with any onward travel arrangements.
Meals Included
Breakfast