India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu

Arrive at anytime. Meet your CEO and group in the evening for a welcome meeting, an orientation walk around Varanasi and your first night out!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.