Delhi to Kathmandu (3 Star)
New
PRIVATE TOUR: Experience an unforgettable 16-day journey from Delhi to Kathmandu, exploring the heart of northern India and Nepal. Begin with the bustling bazaars and monuments of Delhi before heading to Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Agra’s majestic Taj Mahal. Discover the historic charm of Orchha and the spiritual allure of Varanasi with a sunrise cruise on the Ganges. Crossing into Nepal, visit Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, enjoy wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park, and soak up the mountain scenery of Pokhara. End your adventure amid Kathmandu’s temples and stupas, with visits to Patan and Bhaktapur too.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Tour Overview
Duration
16 daysHotel Rating
3 star hotelsStarts
DelhiEnds
KathmanduMinimum age
No minimum ageMaximum age
No max ageArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Services of local, English-speaking guides for included sightseeing & activitiesCountries
India, NepalMeals included
Breakfast: 14Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Services of local, English-speaking guides for included sightseeing & activitiesGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourTranportation
N/ALanguage
EnglishLanguage
EnglishRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi
On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by a representative for a warm welcome. You will then be escorted by a private, chauffeur-driven car and transferred to your hotel for check-in. If you are already in Delhi, collection can also be arranged from your pre-tour hotel - please contact us.
For those keen to experience Delhi’s culinary heritage, you may join an optional evening food tour (additional cost: USD 60 per person). This guided experience takes you through some of the city’s oldest and most beloved eateries, where you can savour sweet jalebis, crispy samosas from a century-old shop, and Raj Kachori bursting with flavour. Sample an array of stuffed parathas, refreshing Kulia ki chaat, rich rabri-faluda, hearty chole bhatura, and finish with a cool glass of sweet lassi – a delicious introduction to Delhi’s vibrant street food culture.
Day 2 - Delhi Sightseeing & Jaipur
Delhi - Jaipur. This morning, set out on a combined city tour of Delhi. Begin in Old Delhi with visits to the majestic Red Fort and Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, both built by Emperor Shah Jahan, famed for the Taj Mahal. You continue to Raj Ghat, the moving memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, followed by a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk.
Later, explore New Delhi, visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan, once the imperial residence of the British Viceroys. You also see the India Gate, a memorial honouring Indian soldiers who fell during the Afghan War, and the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the industrialist Birla family.
In the afternoon, depart by road on the 5 hour journey to Jaipur. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Jaipur, famously known as the ‘Pink City’, was colour-washed in honour of Prince Albert’s visit in 1883.
For those interested, an optional cultural experience is available this evening - a cooking class with dinner hosted by a local family. You’ll learn authentic Indian recipes and techniques before enjoying a home-cooked meal infused with the rich flavours of Rajasthan.
Day 3 - Exploring Jaipur
Set out to explore Jaipur, beginning with an excursion to the impressive Amber Fort, located just outside the city. You ascend the hill by Jeep, enjoying panoramic views. Inside, discover beautifully decorated halls and courtyards that reflect a blend of Hindu and Mughal artistry.
In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, a grand complex at the heart of Jaipur. Nearby, explore the Central Museum and Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. You also see the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, built for royal ladies to observe street processions unseen from behind its ornate latticework windows.
Later, you have free time to wander through Jaipur’s famous markets, or can join an optional leopard safari through Jaipur’s rugged terrain in search of these elusive cats in their natural habitat.
Day 4 - Agra & the Taj Mahal
Jaipur - Agra. After breakfast, check out from the hotel for the 4-5 hour drive to Agra. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Agra, once the seat of the mighty Mughal Empire, is best known as the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. Later, you head to this iconic monument for a guided visit. The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments ever built. This architectural masterpiece, constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a symbol of eternal love and a stunning example of Mughal artistry.
Your tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Enclosed by towering red sandstone walls, the fort contains elegant palaces, mosques, and halls such as the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, and the exquisite Pearl Mosque. From the Musamman Burj, where Shah Jahan was later imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, you can gaze upon the Taj Mahal shimmering in the distance.
The evening is at leisure in Agra, or you can join the optional Mohabbate Taj Show.
Day 5 - Agra to Orchha
Agra - Orchha. Leaving Agra, it's a 5 hour drive to Orchha, in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. Founded shortly after 1501 by the Bundela Rajput ruler Rudra Pratap Singh, Orchha served as the capital of the Bundela kingdom.
On arrival, visit the palace complex, a cluster of royal residences and temples. The palaces are adorned with delicate murals and ornate balconies, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s royal past. In the evening, you may choose to attend a Hindu prayer ceremony (puja), to witness the devotional traditions of local life in this historic riverside town.
Day 6 - Orchha Sightseeing & Train to Varanasi
Orchha - Varanasi. After breakfast this morning, set out to explore more of Orchha’s fascinating heritage. Visit the revered Ram Raja Temple, the only place in India where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king and continue to the peaceful Orchha Cenotaphs (Chhatris) along the banks of the Betwa River. Stroll through the atmospheric Kanchana Ghat area before making your way to the beautifully decorated Laxminarayan Temple, known for its intricate blend of temple and fort architecture.
In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board your overnight air-conditioned sleeper train to Varanasi. You will travel without a guide on the train, arriving in Varanasi the following morning.
Day 7 - Evening Aarti Ceremony
Arriving at Varanasi Railway Station this morning, you will be met and escorted by a private car to your hotel for check-in.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benaras, lies along the western bank of the sacred River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. One of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, it holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus and is mentioned in both the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Revered as the city of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is believed to offer liberation to those who bathe in its holy waters.
In the evening, we gather on the ghats to witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ceremony where priests perform rhythmic rituals with fire lamps, chants, and music, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of devotion along the riverbank.
If interested, you may join an optional one-hour yoga session to experience this ancient practice in the city where spirituality and mindfulness have been nurtured for millennia.
Day 8 - Exploring Varanasi
Early this morning, embark on a sunrise boat ride along the sacred River Ganges. As dawn breaks, the ghats of Varanasi come alive with the sounds of temple bells and devotional chants. Pilgrims gather to offer prayers, light incense, and bathe in the holy waters.
After the boat tour, you have time at leisure to explore this ancient city. Wander through the maze of narrow alleys lined with shrines and vibrant markets, visit some of Varanasi’s hundreds of temples, or simply sit by the riverbank and watch daily life unfold.
You may choose to pre-book one of two guided experiences. The Varanasi Heritage Walk offers a fascinating insight into local life, exploring the city while observing pilgrims singing and engaging in rituals that reflect its importance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Alternatively, you may opt for a guided visit to Sarnath, the revered site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Here, you’ll explore the archaeological ruins of the ancient monastery, visit the museum and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree, and admire temples built by devotees from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Japan. Please contact us if interested in these activities.
Day 9 - Crossing into Nepal
Varanasi - Lumbini (Nepal). After breakfast this morning, you leave India behind, cross into Nepal and transfer to Lumbini. On arrival, check in to your hotel for the night before heading out to explore the birthplace of Buddha. You'll visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple, marking the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama.
Day 10 - Lumbini to Chitwan National Park
Lumbini - Chitwan National Park. After breakfast this morning, transfer to Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s oldest and first national park, established in 1973. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chitwan is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and abundant wildlife.
During your 1-night, 2-day Chitwan jungle safari, you’ll have the chance to encounter rare species such as the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, sloth bear and a variety of exotic birdlife.
In the evening, visit a traditional Tharu village, where you can experience the community’s rich culture and rural way of life. Enjoy learning about their customs and traditions, and perhaps sample some of their distinctive local dishes.
Day 11 - Chitwan National Park
Continue your safari adventure in Chitwan today with a 4x4 safari. Keep an eye out for the park’s incredible wildlife as you journey through its grasslands, forests and riverbanks.
Later, enjoy a walk through the nearby village and rice paddies, gaining insight into daily life in rural Nepal. This evening, settle in for another memorable night of traditional dance, music and authentic Nepalese cuisine, hosted by the welcoming Tharu community.
Day 12 - Chitwan to Pokhara
Chitwan National Park - Pokhara. Leaving the wild jungles of Chitwan behind after breakfast, you head to Pokhara, travelling for around 4.5 hours through the scenic landscapes framed by the magnificent Annapurna Range.
On arrival, take in the serene beauty of Pokhara’s lakes and the striking panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure - you may wish to relax in a lakeside café, hire a boat to drift across the calm waters, or browse the many shops and stalls for Nepali and Tibetan handicrafts.
Day 13 - Exploring Sarangkot & Pokhara
Pokhara - Sarangkot - Pokhara. Travel to nearby Sarangkot for a sunrise walk, where breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range await. The walk back from Sarangkot, winding through peaceful farms and forest, is a delightful experience and takes around two to two and a half hours.
Later, enjoy a cooking demonstration at a local community restaurant, learning how to prepare Nepalese momos (dumplings) before sitting down to savour the dishes you’ve created. The afternoon is free for you to explore Pokhara at your own pace.
Alternatively, optional activities are available at an additional cost. You might choose an exhilarating bungee jump, including hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and lunch - a thrilling experience offering a countryside drive and an unforgettable leap of adventure and fun. Alternatively, enjoy a day rafting excursion on either the Trishuli or Bhotekoshi rivers, which includes hotel transfers, a local rafting guide, approximately two hours on the water, all necessary equipment, and lunch.
Day 14 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
Pokhara - Kathmandu. Today, set out on your drive to Kathmandu. Before arriving at your hotel, stop to explore Swayambhunath, one of the oldest and most revered sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Perched high on a hill, its striking white dome and gleaming golden spire dominate the skyline.
To reach the main stupa, ascend the 365-step staircase that winds upward to the summit. At the top, you’ll find a vibrant collection of shrines, prayer wheels, and traditional artwork, all contributing to the spiritual atmosphere of this iconic landmark.
You will have the evening at leisure. Alternatively, you may opt for an evening cultural experience available at an additional cost. Enjoy a traditional dance and music performance paired with a delightful dinner, offering a lively introduction to the region’s artistic heritage. This experience includes hotel transfers, a local English-speaking guide, and dinner.
Day 15 - Exploring Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur
After breakfast, embark on a short orientation walk before spending some free time visiting key sights in Kathmandu, such as Durbar Square, Pashupatinath’s riverside ghats, and the striking Boudhanath Stupa.
Those interested may choose from two optional experiences at an additional cost this morning. You can join a Monastery Pooja Ceremony, complete with transfers, a local guide, and all ritual arrangements, offering a peaceful introduction to traditional prayers and blessings. Alternatively, enjoy an interactive session with a Buddhist monk, including tea and guided conversation, providing insight into Buddhist teachings and daily monastic life.
Continue on to Patan, known for its elegant temples and beautifully crafted courtyards. The old palace area, now a museum, displays an impressive collection of bronze and religious art. Afterwards, travel to Bhaktapur, a town that has preserved much of its medieval charm through its narrow lanes and historic squares.
End the day with a drive to Nagarkot, a popular hilltop destination famed for its panoramic Himalayan views, where sunrise and sunset often paint the mountains in spectacular colours.
Day 16 - Kathmandu
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check out. An included transfer takes you to the airport. IF you have time, you can opt to join a flight over Mount Everest at an additional cost.
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
3 Star Accommodation
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Dates for 2026 & 2027 haven't been released yet.
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in India to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?
















































