Delhi to Kathmandu

Your Indian adventure starts in the capital city of Delhi. One of our local staff members will be waiting to greet you at the airport, before transferring you to your hotel. You'll have some time to settle in, before we run you through the tour itinerary, introduce you to the local area and discuss a time to collect you tomorrow.

Your day starts with a morning tour of India's capital, New Delhi. Built on the banks of the Yamuna river, New Delhi is a beautiful blend of a historical past and a vibrant present.

We head to Agra this morning, home of the famous Taj Mahal. After arriving in Agra we'll make a stop for lunch at the Sheroes Hangout Cafe The cafe was set up by the Chhanv Foundation and is run by victirms of acid attacks. The cafe works to raise awareness of acid attacks in India and to empower those who have sadly been the victims of these heinous crimes. Prior to gaining employment in the cafe, many of the 'Sheroes' led solitary lives, rarely going outside due to shame associated with their scars. At Encounters Travel we're proud to support such an organisation, which has the sole aim of helping these women find acceptance, a supportive community and a means of income. Lunch will be included whilst at the cafe.

We start today early for our tour of the Taj Mahal. Truly one of the wonders of the world this elaborate monument to love was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and took over twenty-two years to complete. Sunrise is a great time to visit as the light changes gradually with the colours of the Taj changing too.

Today we head to Jaipur, the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Western India. Enroute, we'll visit the Abhaneri step well, the largest and deepest step well in the world, which boasts 3500 steps and is 13 stories deep. You may recognise this as the place that Sonny tried to express his feelings for Sunaina in the recent movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

You have an option of going on an early morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur, flying over its palaces, forts and lakes - a truly mesmerising experience.

We leave Jaipur today to head back to Delhi, from where we'll take the train to Varanasi tomorrow. You can use your remaining time in Delhi for last minute shopping, exploration of join our optional visit to the Swaminarayan Akshardham a Hindu mandir and a spiritual-cultural campus, home to millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture and architecture to witness the mesmerizing Sahaj Anand water show - which makes use of multicoloured lasers, under-water flames, video projection, water jets combine to provide a captivating experience which tells the story of Kena Upanishad - a Vedic Sanskrit text.

Today we'll board the Vande Bharat train, bound for Varanasi. The journey will take approximately 8 hours. From the window you'll be able to the outskirts of Delhi and rural Indian life as we make our way to Varanasi.

Our second day in Varanasi starts with an early morning boat ride along the Ganges River, as we explore the city. The Ganges is a constant hive of activity throughout the day, as hordes of people come to pray and immerse themselves in its spiritually cleansing waters. The city is also considered an extremely auspicious place to die, and many people come to Varanasi to spend their final days. We'll see many funeral pyres on the ghats at the edge of the river as we pass by on the water. Whilst on the river, you'll have the opportunity to offer Pind Daan in memory of any deceased loved ones.

We'll be leaving Varanasi early this morning to begin our journey north towards the border between India and Nepal. It will be a long drive, but it offers a great opportunity to see the countryside and experience a bit of rural Indian life. We'll pass through the bustling town of Gorakhpur along the way, which is known for its temples and historical sites.

Nestled in the remote western corner of Nepal's Terai region, Bardia National Park offers a serene escape into a world teeming with wildlife. Over the next two days, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Nepal's largest wildlife sanctuary. Activities in Bardia are bookable and payable locally, you can choose to embark on exhilarating jeep safaris, where you might encounter majestic tigers, lumbering elephants, and the iconic one-horned rhinoceros. Glide along the gentle currents of the river on a leisurely rafting trip, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of the jungle. Venture deep into the forest on guided walks, led by experienced guides who will share their knowledge of the park's flora and fauna.

Today, we'll further delve into the wonders of Bardia National Park, tailoring your safari activities to maximize your wildlife encounters. We'll take into account the latest animal sightings, current weather conditions, and your own preferences. If you're eager for the thrill of a tiger sighting, we can strategically position ourselves in areas known for their recent activity, patiently waiting for a glimpse of this elusive predator.

Today marks our transition from the wild beauty of Bardia National Park to the vibrant energy of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. We'll begin with a transfer to the nearby Nepalganj Airport, where you'll catch a domestic flight that will whisk you over the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal. The aerial views of the Himalayas and the sprawling Terai plains below will be a memorable part of your journey.

Our Nepal tour starts with an exciting Rickshaw ride through the backstreets of Thamel, to Durbar Square. We'll pass through small back streets full of numerous tiny shops, workshops, temples, and stupas to Durbar Square with its array of wooden and stone carved temples and palaces, where we'll have plenty of time to walk around and explore. After lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square, we drive to the important Swayambunath Stupa which sits on a hilltop overlooking the city, visible from miles around. Also known locally as the 'monkey temple', we'll see these nimble inhabitants scampering in and around the trees and temple.