Delhi to Kathmandu Quest
Delhi to Kathmandu Quest
Delhi to Kathmandu Quest
12 Days Starting in New Delhi and ending in Kathmandu
Visiting: India, Nepal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DEKA2415
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 24
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Religion and Spiritual, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
This trip takes you from the colourful chaos of Delhi to Nepal's bustling capital, but it's what you'll see and do along the way that will stick in the memory the most. You'll witness the Taj Mahal, meet elephants at a rescue centre, explore the mystical bazaars of Lucknow, watch a sunrise light up the sacred sites of Varanasi and spot Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos in Chitwan National Park before you even get to Kathmandu. Packed with adventure, spirituality, natural beauty and delicious food, this trip showcases the very best of India & Nepal.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Accommodation Name: The Ashtan Sarovar Portico (or similar)
Welcome to the intoxicating cacophony of colours, smells, spices, culture and chaos that is Delhi. We'll bond with our Contiki fam today before kick-starting our adventure.
Day 2 : Delhi
Accommodation Name: The Ashtan Sarovar Portico (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ll explore one of the world’s most hustling, bustling cities (home to a cool 25m people!) With a local guide, we’ll discover Old Delhi & other top sights. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to explore Delhi your way. Dinner tonight is a DIY vibe, tasting the best of Delhi with your new crew.
Day 3 : Delhi To Varanasi
Accommodation Name: The India Hotel (Or Similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll leave the magical mayhem of Delhi behind and catch a flight to Varanasi...
Nestled alongside the Ganges is Varanasi, one of the holiest Hindu sites in the world - a place where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred waters and cremate their loved ones. This place can be described as India in a nutshell - not for the faint of heart, but spiritual, riotous and touchingly passionate.
Day 4 : Varanasi To Delhi Via The River Ganges
Accommodation Name: The India Hotel (Or Similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine! We're headed down to the river, boarding a small boat as dawn alights the Ganges.
We'll watch the Ghat in front of us slowly come to life, as pilgrims bathe in the holy river, wash away their sins and fill bottles with holy water (we wouldn't recommend doing the same - it may be holy but that doesn't mean it's hygienic). After watching the sunrise from our boat, we'll weave our way through the narrow lanes, and get to see how life operates on the riverside. As the afternoon draws in, we'll explore the ruins of Sarnath, another holy location for another ancient religion. Located on the outskirts of the city, this is said to be the location from which Buddha delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment.
Finish off an epic day by getting lost (on purpose) in the spidery lanes of the old city where our local guide will show Varanasi's hidden gems.
Day 5 : Varanasi To Lucknow
Accommodation Name: La Place Sarovar Portico (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we can officially tick Varanasi off our lists. Next, we’ll make our way to a true historical hotspot – Lucknow, here we come.
We'll have a free evening to admire Lucknow's ethereal bazaars, opulent Raj-era architecture and delicious food. Whether you decide to walk its broad boulevards or beautiful gardens, you'll wonder how this place has escaped the overwhelming tourist attention of some other Indian towns.
Day 6 : Lucknow
Accommodation Name: La Place Sarovar Portico (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Long regarded as India's centre for culture and art, Lucknow is full of wonders for us to explore this morning. We won't waste any time, as we start off with a locally guided sightseeing tour, coming up close to La Martiniere building - a beautiful and historic private school - and the Asafi Imambara, one of the most regal architectural complexes in the world. Taking almost a decade to build, the building famously employed locals in the region while a ravaging famine swept India. Lucknow is also famous for its Awadhi cuisine, so we recommend taking a culinary walk of the city, hopping in and out of roadside eateries and getting a complete taste of the local culture.
Day 7 : Lucknow To Agra
Accommodation Name: The Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
See ya, Lucknow, we're headed to one of the world's oldest cities.
Then, you'll have the opportunity to get your bucket list ticked with an optional visit to one of mankind's masterpieces: the majestic Taj Mahal (you'll also get the chance to visit the 17th century Agra Fort). The Taj Mahal, the 17th century memorial building considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the world, naturally dominates Agra, but it isn't the only thing to be found here. The city, curving along the holy Yamuna River, is dotted with mausoleums, tombs and heaving marketplaces.
Day 8 : Agra To Kathmandu Via Wildlife Sos Elephant Conservation & Care Centre And Delhi
Accommodation Name: Hotel Majestic & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jumping on our air-conditioned coach we'll head to our next stop...
We'll visit the Wildlife SOS Elephant Rescue Centre, where we'll meet over 20 rescued elephants and witness the only elephant hospital in Asia.
Wasting no time this afternoon, we're getting a speedy flight to Kathmandu, Nepal...
We've arrived into Kathmandu!
Day 9 : Kathmandu To Chitwan National Park
Accommodation Name: Chitwan Forest Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We've arrived into Kathmandu! Next up…
A world heritage reserve teeming with rhinos, deer, monkeys, elephants, sloth bears, and even the majestic Bengal Tiger.
Day 10 : Chitwan National Park
Accommodation Name: Chitwan Forest Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
One of the remaining undisturbed areas of the Terai region, this rich ecosystem is wedged between two river valleys on the outer Himalayas, which provide a beautiful backdrop to the steep cliffs and lush plantlands. This morning we'll take a jungle walk to soak in the spectacular beauty, before heading out on our once-in-a-lifetime jeep safari. One of the last safe havens for the one-horned rhino and the Bengal tiger - both heavily endangered - Chitwan offers one of the best wildlife spotting experiences on the planet.
Day 11 : Chitwan National Park To Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Hotel Majestic & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we're headed back to Nepal's bustling capital.
It's time to uncover Kathmandu on a locally guided tour of its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durbar Square - the old royal palace of the former kingdom, parts of which were tragically destroyed in the earthquake of 2015. As we walk, we'll marvel at the medieval temples, captivating courtyards and charming mayhem.
Day 12 : Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our Adventure ends today in Kathmandu, but our hearts will remain amongst the hills, jungles and sacred sites of India and Nepal, and there's always a new trek around the corner. If you want to tick off one last bucket list item before you go...there's a chance to take a scenic flight across the Himalayas this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
11 nights in Hotels is included.
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Fully Guided
Expert Trip Manager + Local Guides is on this tour.
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Meals
11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners is included.
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Transport
Private Coach and Internal Flight included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the start and end points are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
You must arrange your own. -
Some Meals
Not all meals are covered.
Some lunches and dinners will be at your own expense, giving you the opportunity to explore local cuisine. -
Optional Activities
Any optional activities mentioned, such as a scenic flight across the Himalayas, are not included and will incur additional costs.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and other personal needs are not included.
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Visas and Entry Fees
Any required visas or entry fees for specific sites not mentioned in the inclusions are to be borne by the traveler.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the main highlights of the Delhi to Kathmandu tour?
The main highlights of the Delhi to Kathmandu tour include experiencing the Raj Ghat, Sikh Temple, and a rickshaw ride in Delhi, watching a Hindu spiritual ceremony from the River Ganges in Varanasi, exploring where Buddha delivered his first sermon in Varanasi, discovering epic architecture and mythical bazaars in Lucknow, a jeep safari adventure in Chitwan National Park with potential sightings of one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and peacocks, exploring the colorful city of Kathmandu with views of the Himalayas and must-see Patan Durbar Square, and interacting with elephants at a sanctuary in Agra.
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How many countries does this tour visit?
This tour visits 2 countries: India and Nepal.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Not all meals are covered. Some lunches and dinners will be at your own expense, giving you the opportunity to explore local cuisine.
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What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include international flights to and from the start and end points, travel insurance, some meals, optional activities, personal expenses, and any required visas or entry fees for specific sites not mentioned in the inclusions.
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What type of accommodations can be expected during the tour?
Accommodations during the tour include hotels similar to The Ashtan Sarovar Portico in Delhi, The India Hotel in Varanasi, La Place Sarovar Portico in Lucknow, The Retreat in Agra, and Hotel Majestic & Spa in Kathmandu, as well as the Chitwan Forest Resort in Chitwan National Park.
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Is there an age restriction for participants?
The tour does not specify any age minimum or maximum, indicating it may be suitable for a wide range of ages.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
Activities included in the tour are a rickshaw ride in Delhi, watching a Hindu spiritual ceremony and exploring significant Buddhist sites in Varanasi, architectural and bazaar explorations in Lucknow, a jeep safari in Chitwan National Park, and exploring Kathmandu including the Patan Durbar Square. Additionally, there is an interaction with elephants at a sanctuary in Agra.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions