Combine the best of India and Nepal on this small group tour from Delhi to Kathmandu. Watch the sunset over the dreamy Taj Mahal, witness beautiful ancient temples and forts in Orchha and learn why Varanasi is one of India’s most holy cities. Move onto Nepal where you will visit Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites and enjoy magical views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan mountain range. Experience a slice of nature in Chitwan National Park where you can embark on a jeep safari in search of the elusive tiger, before visiting Pokhara to take in the Annapurna mountains and have time for walking amongst the stunning scenery.
This is a group tour ranging in size from 4 to 17.
This tour uses a mixture of local transport, private minivans and one flight. You must be able to comfortably carry your own luggage.
This tour includes one night on an overnight sleeper train. Bed and sheets are provided.
Travel by road and train in India and Nepal can be both an exciting and interestingly photogenic experience. However to maximise your comfort and time, we have provided short flights on some of the longer journeys.
Local operators do offer elephant safaris in the Chitwan National Park. Tucan Travel is against this and we discourage our travellers from riding elephants.
India and Nepal are traditional countries and you should ensure that you dress appropriately and respect customs at all times.
We will try to run your tour as close to the itinerary as conditions will allow. On very rare occasions, local events may affect the way your itinerary operates. We ask for your flexibility and understanding in these situations.
This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.
Your joining location is:
Hotel Perfect
16A/2,W.E.A Karol Bagh
Near New Bloom School
New Delhi
110005
Please note your joining hotel can be subject to change. Always refer to the hotel listed on your final documentation sent by your adventure specialist.
There are safe deposit boxes for your use (you will get an itemised receipt). Please leave all of your important documents, money and travellers cheques here when you go out but remember to carry some form of ID and a photocopy of your passport with you.It is advisable not to wear chains or expensive looking watches or jewellery while in major cities. You should also keep your camera concealed when not in use and carry daypacks on your front for extra safety.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has been reincarnated out of sight of its original infamy as one of the world’s worst airports. On arrival we recommend that you obtain some Indian rupees as soon as you arrive. There are money exchange offices offering a good rate inside the airport. International ATMs are available inside the airport.
Airport transfers are not included in the tour price and must be booked separately in advance through Tucan Travel. If you have booked an airport/hotel transfer with us, please look out for someone with a sign which has your name, Tucan Travel, or both after exiting the customs hall.
If you have booked an arrival transfer with us and you are going to be delayed by more than two hours, you must advise us of the delay at least six hours before arrival. If we are advised in time, we will make every effort to reschedule your transfer and your driver will be asked to wait for two hours after your new expected arrival time. However, if we are not made aware of any change, the driver will only wait for two hours after the original scheduled arrival time and after this point it will be up to you to arrange transport to your hotel at your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency contact details below if you are likely to be delayed.
Contact your arrival transfer:
Contact: Delhi Operations Team
Phone: +91 (0) 9999780391
If you would prefer to make your own way to and from your hotel, you can take a taxi or use the metro system. A pre-paid taxi is probably the less stressful option of the two.
You can pay for a taxi at the pre-paid taxi booths in the international terminal (it is advised that you check your change). The pre-paid booths are visible as soon as you exit customs. The one on the left is managed by the Delhi police. To the right of the exit door are private taxi operators. They are more expensive but the cars are air-conditioned. The number of the taxi assigned to you will be on the receipt. Then, go straight through the airport and turn right immediately outside the front doors and someone will help you find your taxi. There are several options, but the booth operated by the “Delhi Police” is considered the best, and with them a non-air conditioned taxis to most points in the city costing 200-300 rupees (US$4-$7) Keep an eye on your change though and try to avoid paying with large bills.
Delhi’s metro system operates from terminal 3 to New Delhi station and tickets are 150 rupees. From the metro station you should take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the hotel. The contrast between the modern, air-conditioned metro system and arriving at New Delhi station can be jarring, so relax and take your time. As you exit the Metro, you will see the New Delhi train station and you will need to climb the stairs and take the over-bridge to the Paharganj side (the Metro exit is on the Ajmeri Gate side) where there is a pre-paid taxi booth run by the Delhi Police. New Delhi station is large, crowded, confusing and full of touts – ignore strangers that approach you offering help. If you do not take a pre-paid taxi, ensure your taxi or rickshaw driver turns on their meter. Auto-rickshaw drivers are particularly reluctant to use their meters, so you must insist they do this.
This tour uses a variety of hotels. You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the “About this Tour” section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites.
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to your own room. If you wish to book a double bed, please advice your Adventure Specialist upon booking.
If you are a solo traveller, a private room is available on most occasions at an extra cost. This must be booked in advance.
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
This tour uses a mixture of public transport, private minivans and flights. The mode of transport is chosen based on schedule and timings, comfort, group size, location and reliability.
It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. All trains that we use are booked into at least 2nd Class Air Con and all buses are strictly on tourist class buses which are more comfortable and equipped with air-conditioning.
The below information provides approximate travel times and modes of transport for your tour. Please note that modes of transport may be subject to change depending on the group size and timings may vary depending on the season and border crossings on the day.
This tour includes various locations where boat trips and other water based activities are either included in the tour or available to book as an optional excursion. It is your responsibility to wear life jackets and taking part in these activities is at your own risk.
All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cooler depending on the season you are travelling, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus a thinner sweater which you can layer.
In general, India and Nepal are traditional countries and you should keep your legs and shoulders covered when out in public.
What essential items should I bring to India and Nepal?
Clothing
Electronics
Toiletries
Other
Documents
Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.
Please be aware that India has banned the use of e-cigarettes and it is not possible to bring them into the country with you.
On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the “about this tour” section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are at your own cost unless stated as included in the itinerary. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join.
If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.
This tour uses the Indian rupee and the Nepalese rupee.
The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.
The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.
The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.
The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in the larger cities will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card.
We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities.
Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.
Tipping is not a big part of Indian culture however it is becoming more common in tourist areas. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.
Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.
Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.
If you require urgent assistance before meeting your tour please call (+66) 633 21 0066.
India and Nepal generally safe, even more so in a group tour. There are a few precautions which you should always take.
The safety of our travellers is a number one priority when operating our tours. As a British registered company the lead is taken from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice Service (FCO). Tucan Travel reserves the right to cancel, amend or continue the operation of a tour based on, but not solely restricted to, the advice of the FCO.
Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.
A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.
It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. If you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country then you must have had a yellow-fever vaccine and carry the certificate with you. It is also recommended to be up to date with typhoid, hepatitis A and B, TDap, Cholera, Diphtheria and influenza.
All clients wishing to participate in horse riding or similar activities, whether included or optional, acknowledge that the availability of protective headgear can vary or be non-existent. Therefore Tucan Travel cannot guarantee that headgear will be provided or will be to the same standard as those available in the UK or your home country. Any client intending to partake in these activities should bring their own protective headgear and other protective equipment with them.
Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours. If you are travelling with children please contact our tailor-made team for a bespoke holiday.
You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.
Welcome to Delhi! Your tour starts here in the capital city of India. You are welcome to arrive at any time, but please note that there will be a pre departure meeting around 6pm tonight where you will meet your tour leader and group.
India's bustling capital has a population of almost 13 million and is bound to be a city that keeps you on your toes no matter what time of day it is. Many dynasties have ruled here and they have all left their own legacies in the architecture, culture and monuments. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times in its long history. You can visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum or the infamous Red Fort, or maybe make your way to Humayun's Tomb in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station, one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A popular way to discover Delhi for many people is to take a bicycle rickshaw around the city - an experience in itself.
Tonight you will enjoy an evening walking tour of the Karol Bagh Market. Walk the rows of vendors as you take in the colourful products and exotic smells. As one of the most popular markets in the city, it's a fantastic introduction to the endearing chaos of India.
Evening walking tour of Karol Bagh market area
Red Fort – INR 500 • Qutab Minar – INR 500 • Gandhi Memorial Museum – free • National Museum – INR 150 • Jama Masjid – free (camera charge INR 300) • Humayun's Tomb – INR 500
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Perfect or similar 
This morning you will set out on an Old Delhi walking tour where your group will visit some of the most popular sites in the city. You'll visit the Jami Masjid mosque, one of the largest and most impressive in the whole of India. Learn about its history, construction and importance as you explore the area. You will walk to the India Gate, a memorial dedicated to the thousands of soldiers in the British Indian Army who lost their lives during the first world war, before also visiting a Sikh temple. The full walking tour will take around five hours with your tour leader pointing out numerous points of interest along the way.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to further explore the city.
Old Delhi Walking Tour including Jami Masjid, India Gate and Sikh Temple
Red Fort – INR 500 • Qutab Minar – INR 500 • Gandhi Memorial Museum – free • National Museum – INR 150 • Jama Masjid – free (camera charge INR 300) • Humayun's Tomb – INR 500
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Perfect or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today you'll travel by train to the industrial city of Agra, steeped in history and tradition, and home to the world-famous Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal never ceases to amaze those who visit to marvel at what is possibly the greatest testimonial to love and romance ever built. It was commissioned between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. This afternoon you will visit the Taj Mahal on a guided tour with time to witness the sunset over this magical place.
The evening is yours to relax or explore at your own pace.
Afternoon and sunset Taj Mahal visit (Entrance & Guide)
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Sidhartha or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today you have a free day in Agra. We recommend getting up early to watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal - a truly incredible sight. You might also like to visit Fatehpur Sikri, a complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for 10 years.
There is more to Agra than monuments of love, and other popular attractions include the Agra Fort and Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah.
Fatehpur Sikiri guided tour – INR 550 • Agra Fort – INR 550 Entry (guide fee not included) • Sikandara – INR 150 • Akbar's Mausoleum – INR 300 • Itmad-ud-Daula – INR 150 • Mehtab Bagh Gardens (for view of Taj Mahal from across the river) - INR 250
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Sidhartha or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Continuing the adventure, this morning you'll catch a train to Orchha, home to some incredible architectural feats such as the Orchha Fort, Chaturbhuj temple and Shri Ram Raja Mandir. Orchha translates to "hidden palace" and the name doesn't disappoint - it truly is a hidden gem in India and a must visit for viewing some of the most unique architecture in the country. After check in you'll start exploring the city on a heritage walk.
You can also visit the beautiful Fort. Built by the first King of Orchha in 1501, it was built on the banks of the Betwa River, surrounded by a battlement wall. It consists of intricate temples and a roof with eight domes on top. Along with the fort there are several other temples to enjoy or sit back and relax on the river.
Orchha Heritage Walk
Jahaghir Mahal/Orchha Palace – INR 250 (+ INR 50 for camera) • Rafting – INR 700 (Seasonal) • Village Visit – INR 100
1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Hotel Aditya or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
You have the morning and early afternoon in Orchha before catching the overnight train to Varanasi in the early evening. First on the agenda is a visit to the impressive Jahangir Mahal Citadel. Dating back to the 17th century A.D, the detailed building was constructed as a symbol of welcoming the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Adorned with tiles, hanging balconies, apartments and porches, the citadel is three storeys of intricate and beautiful architecture. Learn more about the history as you explore the area with your leader.
You'll then have some free time before meeting for the overnight train. If you have already ticked off the main temples, spend some time walking around the city taking in the atmosphere and popping into local markets. You never know what you might discover.
Visit to the Jahangir Mahel Citadel
1 night(s) on overnight sleeper trains 
Arriving early your group will head straight to the hotel to drop off luggage. Varanasi is one of India's most holy cities and attracts many Hindu pilgrims. Just walking through the streets you'll start to soak up the history and tradition that is engrained deeply within the city walls.
You'll join the crowds along the holy ghats (steps leading down to the water) lining the sacred Ganges where pilgrims take a purifying dip in the river. You will also enjoy an early evening boat trip to view the river in all its glory and learn about why it's such a significant part of people's lives here. To end the day's activities, you'll witness an evening Puja ceremony fire ritual. This Buddhist ceremony is a regular and important occurrence and ranges from simply daily rites to elaborate rituals where offerings are made to the gods.
Visit to the Ganges Ghats and early evening River Ganges boat ride,Evening Puja ceremony fire ritual
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Siddharth Varanasi or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today is a full free day to enjoy Varanasi. Optional excursions include boating in the River Ganges or taking an afternoon trip to Sarnath. Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrim spot located around 10 kilometres from the city. It's known as being the first location that the Buddha preached after gaining enlightenment.
You could also spend time wandering through the old city with its maze of narrow alleyways, and visit the temples of one of the oldest and longest inhabited cities in the world.
Old city tour - INR 350 • Sarnath Temples - Free (INR 150 entry to the excavation area)
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Siddharth Varanasi or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today is a full travel day as your group travels to Nepal. You will depart for the airport early in the morning and arrive in Nagarkot mid to late afternoon where you'll meet travellers who are starting their tour in Nepal.
This will be your first introduction to the world famous Himalayan mountain range with some fantastic views of Mount Everest. Nagarkot is known as the top spot for these views and tomorrow morning you will head to a sunrise viewpoint to see Everest in all its glory. (The best viewing seasons are October to December and March to April, when clear skies are more likely).
You'll have the evening free to walk around the town and take in the surroundings.
Mount Everest and Himalayas sunrise viewpoint in Nagarkot,Visit to Bhaktapur and entrance fee to Durbar Square
1 night(s) in hotels
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s
This morning enjoy magical views of the Himalayas for sunrise, before returning to Kathmandu. On route back to the city, you'll stop at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom.
The capital of Nepal is surrounded by snow-capped mountains while Kathmandu Valley has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for such a small area - 7 out of the 10 UNESCO sites in Nepal are located here. Surrounded by verdant agricultural hills scattered with traditional villages and ancient holy temples and shrines used by both Buddhists and Hindu worshippers, Kathmandu is a beautiful place to explore and you'll have the whole afternoon and evening to do just that.
The backstreets around Durbar Square and Palace are bustling with life with throngs of people going about their lives and selling on the road. Random cows wander the streets, taxis hoot and narrow alleyways overflow with spices, vegetables and handicraft shops with intriguing smells and chaotic sounds - triggering a sensory overload. You could also venture to ominously named freak street or Jochne named by the hippies during the 1970s.
Car for full day tour – NPR 3500 • Van for full day tour – NPR 5000 • Local guide full day – NPR 2800 • Local guide half day – NPR 1400 • Swyambhunath Temple – NPR 200 • Boudhanath Temple – NPR 1500 • Everest mountain flight – US$191 + USD $2 airport tax
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Kathmandu Prince or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
You'll travel around six hours to reach Chitwan National Park. The park is UNESCO World Heritage listed and is home to one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and also of the Bengal tiger. The park is situated in south central Nepal, covering 932 square kilometres in the subtropical lowlands of the inner Terai. The area comprises the Tikauli forest - from Rapti river to the foothills of the Mahabharat - extending over an area of 175 square kilometres. The area became the country's first National Park in 1973 and remains one of the most popular to this day.
The group will stay near the entrance of Chitwan National Park and you will have a choice of optional excursions to enjoy from canoeing and jungle walks to jeep safaris as you keep an eye out for the elusive tiger. In the evening, after a delicious dal baat dinner enjoy a Tharu Cultural Dance Show, understanding the different interpretations of the Tharu dances.
Riverside walk for sunset views in Chitwan National Park,Evening Tharu Cultural Dance show
1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Chitwan Park Village or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
Today is a full free day to enjoy the various optional activities in the park. A jeep safari is the best way to explore the park with a local guide who will point out flora and fauna as well as search for the more elusive creatures that call Chitwan home.
Please note: Chitwan National Park is known for offering elephant back safaris. We do not support this activity and urge our customers to do their own research on ethical practises in Nepal to ensure they are supporting the right activities.
Chitwan National Park Entrance Fees
Canoeing – US$10 • Jungle Walk – US$10 • Jeep Safari – US$20
1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Chitwan Park Village or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
You'll head to the stunning lake town of Pokhara with spectacular views of the Annapurna mountains. The town is situated on the banks of Lake Phewa Ta, the second largest lake in Nepal. This town itself is very quiet and laid back providing a great base for hiking and enjoying nature.
Upon arrival you are free to start exploring the area. Our hotel is situated very close to the lake, so why not start by enjoying a peaceful walk along the water while observing the local way of life. The shores are dotted with restaurants and bars to relax in the evening.
1 night(s) in hotels at Baba Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
Enjoy a full day excursion to learn about local culture and traditions. You'll start by taking a morning boat ride along the lake to gain a different view of the city and Annapurna mountains in the background. Following this, you'll hike up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda followed by a visit to the Tashiling Tibetan settlement to witness local fabric weaving.
In your free time you could visit the International Mountain Museum, showcasing the world of mountaineering in Nepal. Learn about a range of tales, from the inspiring to the tragic, and you'll realise while Nepal is one of the world's top trekking destinations.
Morning lake boat ride,Visits to the Japanese World Peace Pagoda & the Tashiling Tibetan settlement
Paragliding – NPR 8500 • Boat ride on lake – NPR 400/hr • Mountain biking – NPR 200/hr or NPR 800 full day • Kayaking on lake – NPR 200/hr
1 night(s) in hotels at Baba Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
You'll return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. After check in, visit the Syambhu Nath temple, also known as the monkey temple. Overlooking most parts of the city, visitors experience panoramic views of the valley below.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to further explore the city.
Visit Syambhu Nath temple (Monkey temple)
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Kathmandu Prince or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
1 Breakfast(s)
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| Min - Max (Persons) | Adult Price |
|---|---|
| 3 - 30 | $9.00 |
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