18 to 35s Epic India to Nepal

Namaste! Welcome to India. This Himalayan adventure kicks off in Delhi – the capital territory of India’s north. Meet your trip leader and new travel buddies at a 1 pm welcome meeting. Then, head out on a guided walk around Old Delhi with your group. Soak up the bustling Chandni Chowk marketplaces, learn about the history of the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara and explore the colourful Kinari Bazaar. You’ll take plenty of street food breaks along the way to taste iconic treats – maybe try hot jalebis or a Masala chai. Venture to Naughara, a hidden gem full of beautifully preserved 18th-century homes, then end your walk at Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market and a sensory explosion. Later, maybe join your leader and group for an optional dinner and get to know each other.

Your next destination takes a bit of work to get to, but that’s because it’s a secret, tucked-away haven away from the prying eyes of the everyday tourist. You’ll journey through picturesque countryside by train to a unique stay in Tordi – this remote and rarely visited village offers a glimpse into the real Rajasthan. Tonight, sleep in an 18th-century palace with its owner as your host. There’s a ruined temple and fortress nearby that you can explore, and then you can settle in and savour the delicious local flavours with a homecooked dinner.

This morning, take on an optional hike at sunrise for epic views of the town and surrounding countryside. Get up before the sun, set out uphill and when you reach the top, watch the sky change colours as you enjoy some chai and cookies. Then, kick on to Jaipur – India’s Pink City. You’ll have plenty of free time here to haggle to your heart’s content at the bazaars and backstreets, where vendors sell a variety of textiles, precious and semi-precious gems and blue pottery. Drop by one of India’s finest palaces – the Royal City Palace. Foodies will want to hit the streets for raj kachori chaat (a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato). Then, maybe cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road – Jaipur’s oldest and most famous lassi shop. Tonight, cinema buffs won’t want to miss a Bollywood blockbuster at the Raj Mandir Cinema.

If you're keen on a different view of the Pink City, an optional early-morning hot air balloon ride is a trip highlight for many visitors. Later in the morning, you’ll drop by Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) – the impressive five-storey facade with pink and honeycombed windows is the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal. After, it’s out to the old capital of Amber where you’ll explore the hilltop fort complex known as the Amber Fort. The rest of the day is free – maybe ask your leader for the best spot for dinner and pick up a biryani or a tasty plate of chicken tikka masala.

Take advantage of the chance to rub shoulders with the locals today on a public bus ride to Agra. When you arrive, you’ve made it to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – India’s most enduring symbol and an epic monument to love and loss. For some reason, local families find it more interesting to take photos of you than the actual Taj Mahal! But you’ll be too busy standing there with your mouth gaping open to notice. Take your time taking in the delight of this gorgeous monument and make sure you grab a great pic – you won’t want to forget this.

Today is free to explore at your leisure. Agra Fort is a popular option, where you can stroll the palatial gardens of the red sandstone stronghold and get some great views of the Taj Mahal from afar. For a meal that makes a difference while in Agra, consider visiting Sheroes Hangout – a social enterprise that supports survivors of acid attacks. Then, it’s on to the next stop – Varanasi. Tonight, it’s time for a unique slice of Indian life aboard an overnight train.

Arrive in one of the holiest cities in the country this morning. Varanasi is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel far and wide to experience the spirituality of this city. Overflowing with temples, shrines and devotees, this is an interesting place to explore. Maybe take the chance to perfect your yoga in one of the epic chakra-balancing spots. Or just chill out and soak in the meditative surroundings, ready for your early start tomorrow.

Put on your safari hat this morning, as you’ll drive to Chitwan National Park – UNESCO declared this park a World Heritage site in 1984 and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. Think the Jungle Book coming to life with rhinos, deer, monkeys and a wide array of birds, including Nepalese wild chickens. Tonight, you’ll stay in a lodge near the park, listening out for the roars of tigers as you fall asleep to the sounds of nature.

This morning you’ll hop aboard a jeep, meet your local guide and take a fun safari drive through Chitwan National Park. Look out for elephants and rhinos and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the 100 –or so Bengal tigers that call the park home. There are also several optional activities available through your accommodation this afternoon, including biking, bird watching, cultural performances, canoe rides and village tours.

Today, you’ll travel to your final destination – the Nepalese patchouli–scented capital of Kathmandu. Maybe book in for a massage or a yoga session when you arrive to ease those body kinks and settle into a meditative state. With the rest of your free time, you can visit the giant Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath or head out into the narrow streets – home to holy men, monks, bicycles and sacred cows. Got a sweet tooth? Take one soft, fluffy ball of buffalo milk dough, deep fried until it’s the texture of a doughnut, dropped into sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom powder, rose essence and saffron, and eat! Your leader will know where to grab these delicacies. Kathmandu has some great spots for nightlife too, so if you like, chill out with a cool drink or grab some dinner with your group tonight.

Today, you have free time in Kathmandu until your second welcome meeting at 2 pm. You might like to visit the most important Buddhist shrine – Swayambhunath Stupa – and the nearby Bhaktapur (also known as ‘the City of Devotees’). Maybe see the furniture, art and ornaments of the royal family at the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. After the meeting, maybe wander Durbar Square or the lively streets of Thamel, home to lively market stalls, tranquil gardens and thriving nightlife options.

Take a morning drive over the rim of the Kathmandu Valley and soak up the views of the Ganesh and Langtang ranges. Then hit the waters for some whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River – this is the most popular river for rafting in all of Nepal. Soak up the thrill of the rapids, Ladies Delight, Rock Garden and Snell's Nose, among the beauty of the nearby gorges.

Have some more fun on the river this morning, negotiating the Monsoon and Upset rapids. In Kurintar, refuel with a light lunch and then drive to Pokhara. When you arrive, take an afternoon walk around the city with your leader, who will point out some sights and sounds in the area, including Phewa Lake. This evening is free for you to chill out at one of the many lakeside restaurants or bars. Maybe get yourself a plate of momos (dumplings) or a nourishing bowl of dal bhat (thick lentil or bean soup) for dinner tonight.

Today, you’ll make the drive from Pokhara to Birethanti – this is where the trekking adventure begins. Your hike is mostly uphill today on some pretty diverse terrain. There’s a dirt track leading to Shyauli villages, then you’ll reach a stone staircase up to Kimche, where you’ll stop for lunch. Rest your legs for a beat, taking in the views of snowcapped mountains and expansive fields below. From here, you’ll follow the stone flags that lead you through fields of wheat to Ghandruk. Tonight, you'll stay in your first Nepali teahouse.