Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes

Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes

• Trip code: 458X012
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: Classic

Short on time but big on discovery? This nine-day journey through India and Nepal delivers culture, spirituality, and adventure in one unforgettable package. Cruise the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, experience local life at a community homestay in Barauli, and take in sweeping views on a hike through the Annapurna foothills. From the birthplace of Buddha to jungle safaris in Chitwan, every day offers something remarkable.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (6 nts), homestay (2 nts)

Checklist

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

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)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• 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
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Walking poles

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

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 12

Highlights

Cruise the Ganges at sunrise in India’s spiritual capital, Varanasi, Spot wildlife on safari in Chitwan National Park, Visit the Maya Devi Temple, birthplace of the Buddha, Hike the Himalayan foothills for breathtaking Annapurna views"

Introduction

Short on time but big on discovery? This nine-day journey through India and Nepal delivers culture, spirituality, and adventure in one unforgettable package. Cruise the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, experience local life at a community homestay in Barauli, and take in sweeping views on a hike through the Annapurna foothills. From the birthplace of Buddha to jungle safaris in Chitwan, every day offers something remarkable

Meals Included

1 Frühstück, 1 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD255-335 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Varanasi
- Heritage and Spiritual Walk in Old Benaras
- Besuch in Sarnath

Royal Chitwan National Park
- Radfahren (950NPR pro Person)

Sarangkot
- Ausflug zur World Peace Pagoda (1000-1500NPR pro Gruppe)
- Besuch im Gorkhamuseum (200NPR pro Person)

Pokhara
- Flug von Pokhara nach Kathmandu

Mount Everest
- Everest-Flug

Start / Finish

Varanasi nach Kathmandu

Transport

Train, private vehicle, Riverboat, 4x4, walking

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Aufenthalt in einer Barauli-Gemeinde, Royal Chitwan National Park
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Sharing Seeds Experience, Pokhara
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Besuch in einer Tharu-Gemeinde, Royal Chitwan National Park. Free time in Varanasi. Varanasi Orientation Walk. Evening Ganges Boat Tour. Morning Ganges Boat Tour. Maya Devi Temple Buddha's Birthplace Visit. Chitwan National Park Safari. Free time in Pokhara. Pokhara orientation walk. Sarangkot Sunrise Walk. Swayambhunath Temple Visit. Kathmandu Orientation Walk

Internationale Flüge

Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Varanasi

Arrive to your starting hotel by 2:00 pm. Varanasi is the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die. Take an orientation walk along the ghats and visit the old city

Day 2 Varanasi

Enjoy a sunrise boat tour along the sacred Ganges before free time to explore this holy city. Walk the narrow alleys, visit some of the hundreds of temples and shrines, or wander the Old City. Opt to visit the site of the Buddha's first sermon or sit on the banks of the Ganges watching life unfold around you. In the evening, embark on a Ganges boat trip at sunset to witness a candlelit flower ceremony

Day 3 Varanasi/Lumbini

Cross the border into Nepal and step back in time as you experience Buddha's birthplace - Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pilgrimage centre. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, where the Queen gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama

Day 4 Lumbini/Royal Chitwan National Park

Travel through a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas, and forests at the base of the Himalayas. The region is home to rhinos, elephants, Bengal tigers, bears, and leopards. Enjoy an overnight homestay with the indigenous Tharu community and discover their culture through dance and song. Opt to go on a cycling excursion through the area

Day 5 Royal Chitwan National Park

Explore the diverse ecosystems of the UNESCO Chitwan National Park on a 4x4 safari before a walk through the village and rice paddies. Settle in for another night of dance, songs, and Nepalese food with your Tharu community hosts

Day 6 Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara

Travel toward the beautiful scenery of the Annapurna Range to Pokhara. On arrival, take in the pristine lakes and stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. Opt to relax in a café, hire a boat and float around the lake, or shop for Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs in the endless stalls and shops

Day 7 Pokhara

Visit nearby Sarangkot for a sunrise walk with breathtaking views of the Annapurnas. Enjoy breakfast at Sharing Seeds and learn how organic arabica coffee and beekeeping helps uplift the community. Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during a traditional lunch. Explore Pokhara during free time in the afternoon

Day 8 Pokhara/Kathmandu

Drive to Kathmandu, visiting the iconic Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) en route. Arrive to the capital in the afternoon and get your bearings on an orientation walk. In your free time, choose between highlights in Kathmandu including world-famous Durbar Square, the King’s Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath, and the Boudhanath Stupa

Day 9 Kathmandu

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Varanasi

Day 2 Varanasi

Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.

Day 3 Varanasi/Lumbini

Today is a long travel day, so get comfortable, sit back and relax, and enjoy the changing landscape. Get ready to learn about the history and culture of Nepal. It is possible for most nationalities to get a Nepalese visa at the border for $30 USD. Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of India, time wise

Day 4 Lumbini/Royal Chitwan National Park

Day 5 Royal Chitwan National Park

Day 6 Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara

Day 7 Pokhara

The walk back from Sarangkot through farms and forest is wonderful and takes between 2-2.5 hours.

Day 8 Pokhara/Kathmandu

Swayambhunath is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles. To reach Swayambhunath climb 365 steps that lead up the hill. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with temples, painted images of deities, and numerous other religious objects. Please note if you opted for the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you will still have the option to visit the Swayambhunath Buddhist temple once in Kathmandu

Day 9 Kathmandu

If you wish to partake in the Everest Flight optional activity on the final day of tour, please do not book any outgoing flights from Kathmandu earlier than 12 noon