Highlights of Northern India & Nepal

Discover the highlights of North India and Nepal, from pulsating Delhi to the highest mountains on Earth. The cultural wonders on this trip are numerous: sunrise at the Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur, a dawn boat ride on the misty Ganges and a visit to Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha. That’s complemented by natural experiences, including scanning Chitwan National Park for rhinos and gazing at the mighty Himalaya, to create an unforgettable adventure in these two diverse destinations. This itinerary is valid for departures from 1 Mar, 2025 to 31 Dec, 2025. For other departure dates, please contact us.

In this cultural adventure through northern India and Nepal, we spend most nights in hotels, two nights in lodges and, for 2025 departures, one night on a sleeper train.



The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable places we stay on this trip.



Delhi: Bloom Hotel CR Park







This three-star property is in the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Chittaranjan Park in South Delhi, providing easy access to the bustling business districts and cultural hotspots with the metro station close by.



Agra to Varanasi: Sleeper train (2025 departures only)





Experience an icon of travel: the Indian sleeper train! Our journey takes us from Agra to Varanasi, skipping the long drive, while also allowing us to interact with the local people and sample the snacks often sold on board. The accommodation is basic: we normally stay in two-tier sleepers, the compartments sectioned off from the aisle by privacy curtains. Seats are allocated at the time the tickets are issued, so the whole group isn’t always together; however, our tour leader is an expert at making the journey as hassle-free as possible and will regularly check in with you.



Varanasi: Hotel Surya







In a property built for King Kaiser of Nepal in 1818, this 75-room hotel has a long history of housing VIPs. It now offers award-winning gardens plus a swimming pool, restaurant specialising in Indian cuisine, and the Sol Haveli Bar, which serves handcrafted cocktails.



Chitwan: Green Mansions Jungle Resort







On the edge of a community forest, Green Mansions offers traditional cottages encompassed by nature. The highlight may well be their in-house team of naturalists, who bring the landscape to life with their expertise. Other pluses include a pool with half-sunken loungers and a multi-cuisine restaurant where dishes include produce from the hotel garden.



Worth knowing



Hotels in India and Nepal usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.

It’s common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.

For 2025 departures only: Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated. Single accommodation supplement excludes sleeper trains.