Guide

Expert Trip Manager + Local Guides

Transport

Private Coach and Internal Flight

Others

Delhi: What Visa do I need for India & Nepal? Most travellers (everyone other than citizens of Nepal & Bhutan) need to get a 30-day e-visa when travelling to India. You can apply through the Government of India’s official website. Check out our visa guide for more info.Don’t forget - you’ll need this Ground Handler information when you apply for the e-visa: Travel Scope India Office No. 215, Qutab Plaza, Ashoka Crescent Marg, DLF Phase 1, Sector 26, Gurugram, Haryana 122002, India Phone: +91 124 499 9499For Nepal, everyone other than citizens of India need a visa. You can either get one on arrival. Or in some cases, you can get an e-visa (they tend to be temperamental though!). If you’re applying on arrival, please bring passport photos and USD with you! Delhi: What are the luggage restrictions for India? You can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29”x 20”x 10”), with a max weight of 15kg (33lbs). Plus one piece of hand luggage suitable as a carry-on for flights. It might be a lower-than-normal weight allowance. But that’s the luggage limit for domestic flights. So remember to save some space for all that shopping!Got some overweight baggage? Don’t worry. You might be able to pay in cash for the extra weight. But you won’t be able to upgrade the luggage allowance before the start of the trip. Delhi: How do I make my way from Delhi Airport to the starting point? It’s simpler than you think! Once you exit the airport, look for the ‘Pre-Paid Taxi’ stall (with a yellow-sign). These taxis are run by the Delhi Police, and are very reliable. All you need to do is approach the counter and tell them you wanna go to ‘Green Park’ (that’s where our hotel is located, close to the metro station). Delhi: What currency do I need to visit India? The currency used in India is the Indian Rupee (₹). Don’t forget to keep some cash in hand. But in case you forget, you’ll find ATMs readily accessible in cities. Kathmandu: Is there a Trip Manager on the trips to Nepal? If you’re on the Delhi to Kathmandu Quest trip, you’ll have a Trip Manager with you.For Nepal Trek & Temples and Nepal Trek Challenge there isn’t a Contiki Trip Manager because these treks are conducted by our trusted third party operator. But don’t worry, you’ll still have an experienced local guide with you. Delhi: Here’s your chance to tick the Raj Ghat, Sikh Temple and a rickshaw ride off your to-do list. All in one day. Varanasi: Feel the love for your new Contiki fam and count your blessings, as you watch a Hindu spiritual ceremony from the River Ganges. Varanasi: Time to take to the sky. Varanasi, here we come! Varanasi: Explore this spiritual hotspot: said to be where Buddha delivered his first sermon. A pilgrimage for Buddhists across the globe. Varanasi: A near-spiritual experience. Watch the skies glow in a rainbow of colours as you sail down the river and watch the city wake up. Lucknow: For epic architecture and mythical bazaars, don’t miss the technicolour sights of this city. Includes the Great Imambara and La Martiniere. Agra: This majestic building is one of India’s star attractions. And it feels like you’ve stepped onto a Bollywood film set. Agra: This one needs no introduction. Epic in the pictures. Out-of-this-world IRL. Delhi: Time to take to the sky. Nepal, here we come! Chitwan National Park: Climb into your Jeep and buckle up for an action-packed day. Look out for one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants and peacocks. Kathmandu: Explore this jam-packed, rainbow-coloured melting pot of a city, with its mythical views of the Himalayas. Patan Durbar Square is a must-see. Lucknow: This non-profit organisation works to rehabilitate survivors of acid attacks – providing employment opportunities and generally raising awareness of the issue. Your heart may ache, but you’ll come away feeling a sense of hope and admiration for the survivors too. You’ll also have your chance to support the organisation by buying drinks and snacks onsite. Agra: There’s nothing quite like having an elephant as your new BFF. Hang out with the gentle giants at this sanctuary.

Flights

Internal flight included

Meals

11 Breakfast (B) 2 Dinner (D) 1 Lunch (L)

Accommodation

11 nights in Hotels

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Welcome to the intoxicating cacophony of colours, smells, spices, culture and chaos that is Delhi. We’ll bond with our Contiki fam today before kick-starting our adventure.
Day 2 Day 2: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delhi

Today we’ll explore one of the world’s most hustling, bustling cities (home to a cool 25m people!) With a local guide, we’ll discover Old Delhi & other top sights. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to explore Delhi your way. Dinner tonight is a DIY vibe, tasting the best of Delhi with your new crew.
Day 3 Day 3: Delhi To Varanasi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Delhi To Varanasi

Today we’ll leave the magical mayhem of Delhi behind and catch a flight to Varanasi... Nestled alongside the Ganges is Varanasi, one of the holiest Hindu sites in the world - a place where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred waters and cremate their loved ones. This place can be described as India in a nutshell - not for the faint of heart, but spiritual, riotous and touchingly passionate.
Day 4 Day 4: Varanasi Via The River Ganges
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Varanasi Via The River Ganges

Rise and shine! We’re headed down to the river, boarding a small boat as dawn alights the Ganges. We’ll watch the Ghat in front of us slowly come to life, as pilgrims bathe in the holy river, wash away their sins and fill bottles with holy water (we wouldn’t recommend doing the same - it may be holy but that doesn’t mean it’s hygienic). After watching the sunrise from our boat, we’ll weave our way through the narrow lanes, and get to see how life operates on the riverside. As the afternoon draws in, we’ll explore the ruins of Sarnath, another holy location for another ancient religion. Located on the outskirts of the city, this is said to be the location from which Buddha delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. Finish off an epic day by getting lost (on purpose) in the spidery lanes of the old city where our local guide will show Varanasi’s hidden gems.
Day 5 Day 5: Varanasi To Lucknow
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Varanasi To Lucknow

Today we can officially tick Varanasi off our lists. Next, we’ll make our way to a true historical hotspot – Lucknow, here we come. Lucknow is famous for its Awadhi cuisine, so we recommend taking a culinary walk of the city, hopping in and out of roadside eateries and getting a complete taste of the local culture.
Day 6 Day 6: Lucknow
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Lucknow

Long regarded as India’s centre for culture and art, Lucknow is full of wonders for us to explore this morning. We won’t waste any time, as we start off with a locally guided sightseeing tour, coming up close to La Martiniere building - a beautiful and historic private school - and the Asafi Imambara, one of the most regal architectural complexes in the world. Taking almost a decade to build, the building famously employed locals in the region while a ravaging famine swept India. We’ll have a free evening to admire Lucknow’s ethereal bazaars, opulent Raj-era architecture and delicious food. Whether you decide to walk its broad boulevards or beautiful gardens, you’ll wonder how this place has escaped the overwhelming tourist attention of some other Indian towns.
Day 7 Day 7: Lucknow To Agra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Lucknow To Agra

See ya, Lucknow, we’re headed to one of the world’s oldest cities. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to get your bucket list ticked with a visit to one of mankind’s masterpieces: the majestic Taj Mahal (you’ll also get the chance to visit the 17th century Agra Fort). The Taj Mahal, the 17th century memorial building considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the world, naturally dominates Agra, but it isn’t the only thing to be found here. The city, curving along the holy Yamuna River, is dotted with mausoleums, tombs and heaving marketplaces.
Day 8 Day 8: Agra To Kathmandu Via Wildlife Sos Elephant Conservation & Care Centre And Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Agra To Kathmandu Via Wildlife Sos Elephant Conservation & Care Centre And Delhi

Jumping on our air-conditioned coach we’ll head to our next stop... We’ll visit the Wildlife SOS Elephant Rescue Centre, where we’ll meet over 20 rescued elephants and witness the only elephant hospital in Asia. Wasting no time this afternoon, we’re getting a speedy flight to Kathmandu, Nepal... We’ve arrived into Kathmandu!
Day 9 Day 9: Kathmandu To Chitwan National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Kathmandu To Chitwan National Park

We’ve arrived into Kathmandu! Next up… A world heritage reserve teeming with rhinos, deer, monkeys, elephants, sloth bears, and even the majestic Bengal Tiger.
Day 10 Day 10: Chitwan National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Chitwan National Park

One of the remaining undisturbed areas of the Terai region, this rich ecosystem is wedged between two river valleys on the outer Himalayas, which provide a beautiful backdrop to the steep cliffs and lush plantlands. This morning we’ll take a jungle walk to soak in the spectacular beauty, before heading out on our once-in-a-lifetime jeep safari. One of the last safe havens for the one-horned rhino and the Bengal tiger - both heavily endangered - Chitwan offers one of the best wildlife spotting experiences on the planet.
Day 11 Day 11: Chitwan National Park To Kathmandu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Chitwan National Park To Kathmandu

Today we’re headed back to Nepal’s bustling capital. It’s time to uncover Kathmandu on a locally guided tour of its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durbar Square - the old royal palace of the former kingdom, parts of which were tragically destroyed in the earthquake of 2015. As we walk, we’ll marvel at the medieval temples, captivating courtyards and charming mayhem.
Day 12 Day 12: Kathmandu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Kathmandu

Our Adventure ends today in Kathmandu, but our hearts will remain amongst the hills, jungles and sacred sites of India and Nepal, and there’s always a new trek around the corner. If you want to tick off one last bucket list item before you go...there’s a chance to take a scenic flight across the Himalayas this morning.

12 days tour

Delhi To Kathmandu Quest (Without Nepal Trek, 12 Days)

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Delhi To Kathmandu Quest (Without Nepal Trek, 12 Days)

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Day 2: Delhi

Day 3: Delhi To Varanasi

Day 4: Varanasi Via The River Ganges

Day 5: Varanasi To Lucknow

Day 6: Lucknow

Day 7: Lucknow To Agra

Day 8: Agra To Kathmandu Via Wildlife Sos Elephant Conservation & Care Centre And Delhi

Day 9: Kathmandu To Chitwan National Park

Day 10: Chitwan National Park

Day 11: Chitwan National Park To Kathmandu

Day 12: Kathmandu

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