Kathmandu to Delhi Adventure Adventure Tour

Perfect for travellers looking to explore India after trekking Nepal, this 15-day trip offers a colourful bookend to the pristine serenity of Nepal's Himalayan mountains. Our expert CEOs will guide you through the unforgettable city of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, before taking in the unsurpassed natural beauty and spirituality of India. From the ghats that line the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi to a 4x4 safari in Chitwan National Park, you'll find ways to feed your spirit as well as your sense of adventure.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Sisterhood of Survivors Project, Pokhara
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Homestay, Royal Chitwan National Park. Kathmandu orientation walk. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) visit. Sarangkot sunrise excursion. Chitwan National Park jeep safari. Buddha's birthplace visit. Varanasi orientation walk along the ghats and old city. Ganges River boat trips at sunrise and sunset, including candle flower ceremony. Orchha Palace complex visit. Agra Fort entrance and guided tour. Taj Mahal entrance. Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal tour. India Gate and Connaught Place visit. Border crossing support. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Transport  

Train, metro, local bus, charter bus, private van, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, tempo, 4x4, riverboat.

About our Transportation  

TRAIN
The best way to see India is at ground level on the railway system. In fact, no visit to India would be complete without the experience of tavelling on a train and negotiating the busy railway stations. The chaos in the Indian Railway stations is a replica of the life in India. Indian trains are not merely a conveyance they are an odyssey so sit back relax, be patient and enjoy the show.

G Adventures uses a combination of AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier and sleeper class (for overnight journeys) and AC Chair car or second class seats for day journeys.

There are no restaurant or buffet cars on Indian Railways, but on long distance trains an attendant will appear in your coach and ask you if you would like to order food. Regular stops are made at stations where food is also available and on some trains many vendors board the train selling chai, cold drinks and crisps and biscuits.

Don't expect pristine western standards anywhere in India, but you'll find AC2, AC3 and AC Chair class fairly clean by Indian standards, with both western-style and squat toilets usually in a reasonably sanitary condition. Sleeper Class and 2nd class toilets may be a different matter! Bring your own toilet paper and hand wash soap or liquid.

Indian trains are quite safe to travel on, even for families or women traveling alone, and you are unlikely to have any problems. Having said that, theft of luggage, although rare is not unheard of, so just for peace of mind you might like to take along a chain and padlock to secure your bags (readily available at all Indian stations).

Generally, Indian Railways are very efficient, but Indian trains do run late, and sometimes it's hours rather than minutes. Make sure you have something to occupy your time - a good book, music, a magazine or photos of your home country and family to show the Indian travelers also waiting for the train. You should also have snacks and water for the journey.

ROAD
Traveling by road in India or Nepal is certainly not what people are use to in Western countries. Rules are not always followed, drivers appear to speed, do not stay in their lanes, overtake in seemingly dangerous situations, rarely use their mirrors or driving lights at night time. The horn however is used very frequently and can range from the latest Bollywood tune to Britney Spears! In India, although the government is investing large sums of money improving the road infrastructure, there is a lot more to be done. As a result, in both India and Nepal, some of the roads are poorly maintained, pot holed and uneven. This gets even more pronounced particularly during and after the monsoon. Travel time covering relatively short distances is very long in comparison to Western countries.

My Own Room Exceptions  

Night 9 in Orchha; Night 10 overnight train

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Accommodation  

Hotels (10 nts), homestay (2 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), deluxe air-con tents (1 nt).

Highlights  

Experience Nepal's mountain views, travel by jeep safari in Chitwan NP, enjoy a sunset cruise on the River Ganges, uncover bustling Delhi and beautiful Jaipur, Explore the vibrant streets of Agra.

About Accommodation  

A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used in India. These can vary in terms of service, efficiency and cleanliness. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home. Power cuts can and are a regular occurrence in many places, especially throughout North and Central India. Although a number of hotels have generators there may be times when these won't work. It is also recommended when you are in your room to lock the door, as staff will sometime enter without reason.

Packing List  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)

Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes. During the months of Jul-Sep is the rainy season, so please make sure to pack waterproof clothes.

Visas and Entry Requirements  

*** Please note that for this tour, you MUST have an Indian Visa physically stamped onto your passport prior to the start of the trip. This itinerary includes a land border crossing into India. If you only have an e-Visa (without a physical stamp by an Indian embassy, consulate, or airport border official) you may be denied entry at the Nepal-India land border crossing. ***

NEPAL
Below are the visa requirements at the time of printing (subject to change at any time).

All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport, or at the land border crossing. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only: single entry visa valid for 15 days - US $30: single entry visa for 30 days - US $50 and multiple entry visa valid for 90 days - US $125.

INDIA
All travellers must have a valid Indian visa prior to the start of their tour. Please note that visas for India are the responsibility of the individual traveller.

For this itinerary, we recommend visiting the Indian embassy or consulate nearest you to apply for a physical visa that will be stamped onto your passport. This itinerary includes a land border crossing into India. Land border crossings only accept physical visas stamped onto your passport by an Indian embassy, consulate, or airport border official. E-visas are not valid for land border crossings.

If you are not able to obtain a stamped visa from your local embassy or consulate in time, you may alternately apply for an e-Visa. Please note that if you choose this option, you cannot fly directly into Nepal. You must first fly into a major airport in India and present your e-Visa to airport border officials. The airport border officials must then physically stamp your passport with an Indian visa, which must be valid for dual or multiple entry. Once you obtain a physical stamp on your passport for dual or multiple entry to India, you may then proceed to Nepal, where your tour begins.

Local Dress  

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting small rural communities or visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry.

India is very conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential.
NB: WE STRESS THAT IT CAN BE VERY COLD IN THE HILLS DURING THE MONTHS FROM DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY.

NB: During our trip there will be many opportunities for you to meet and "talk" with locals. One way to start any conversation is with pictures. We recommend that you bring some photos/postcards of your family, home, city or country where you live, animals peculiar to your country etc.

Itinerary Notes  

Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you're in India on March 21, 2019 or March 10, 2020 for the nation's most colourful festival.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Joining Instructions  

When arriving into Tribhuvan Intl Airport in Kathmandu you will notice how small the city really is. It is on 7km from the downtown area and the only way to get there is by taxi. You can arrange a prepaid taxi from the counter outside of the baggage hall run by the Airport Queue Taxi Service Management Committee for about 200-250 Rupees (approx 3-4 USD). Please be aware of people wanting to help you with your bags as they will ask for money once you get to your taxi.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities have been planned.

A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Meals Included  

1 lunch, 1 dinner

Optional Activities  

Mount Everest
- Everest Flight (216-246USD per person)

Sarangkot
- Gorkha Museum Visit (200NPR per person)
- World Peace Pagoda Excursion (1000-1500NPR per group)

Pokhara
- Bike Rental
- Paragliding in Pokhara (8090INR per person)

Royal Chitwan National Park
- Cycling (400NPR per person)

Varanasi
- Lord Hanuman Temple Visit (Free)
- Sarnath Visit (200INR per person, 5000-9000INR per group)

Orchha
- Puja Ceremony (Free)
- Orchha Cooking School

Jaipur
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) Visit (200INR per person)
- City Palace Visit (700INR per person)
- Raj Mandir Cinema and Movie (200-400INR per person)
- Jantar Mantar Visit (200INR per person, 1000INR per group)
- Jaipur Balloon Ride

Delhi
- Kitchen with a Cause

Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our CEOs are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Important Notes  

1. CULTURE
India is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before. Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. Pollution, poverty and the crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge. During our time here we have come to love this large and wonderfully different country but we know that we should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way.

In India there are very different attitudes to time keeping, public cleanliness, privacy and service. Trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and power will often just vanish. Optimistic menus turn out to have only one dish available and everyone, just everyone, will want to know your name. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a healthy sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by what India has to offer.

2. SECURITY IN NEPAL
A comprehensive peace agreement was signed between the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on November 21, 2006 and significant progress towards sustainable peace continues to be made. On December 16, 2006, Nepal's ruling parties and the CPN-Maoist reached an agreement on an interim constitution.This has been perceived as a crucial development in the country's peace process. An election for a Constituent Assembly was held in Nepal on 10 Aprill 2008, after having been postponed from earlier dates of 20 June 2007 and 22 November 2007. This assembly will draft a new constitution. Hence, this will decide amongst others, on the fate of the Nepalese monarchy and federalism. As a result, the overall security situation has improved however; travelers should be aware that the security situation remains uncertain and could deteriorate quickly with little or no advanced notice. We recommend that you please check your government's advice for their latest travel information before both booking this trip and leaving home, as we want you to travel fully informed.

3. DRONES IN NEPAL
Please note that drones and the flying of drones are prohibited in Nepal. If you violate these regulations the police may take you into custody.

Group Size Notes  

Max 15, avg 12