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Delhi to Kathmandu | 2024
2025
Tour Description:
This trip takes you from the colourful chaos of Delhi to Nepal's bustling capital, but it's what you'll see and do along the way that will stick in the memory the most. You'll witness the Taj Mahal, meet elephants at a rescue centre, explore the mystical bazaars of Lucknow, watch a sunrise light up the sacred sites of Varanasi and spot Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos in Chitwan National Park before you even get to Kathmandu. Packed with adventure, spirituality, natural beauty and delicious food, this trip showcases the very best of India & Nepal.
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Dates & Pricing
| Friday 01 Nov 24 — Tuesday 12 Nov 24 | Starting at $2,605 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 29 Nov 24 — Tuesday 10 Dec 24 | Starting at $2,605 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 27 Dec 24 — Tuesday 07 Jan 25 | Starting at $2,605 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 03 Jan 25 — Tuesday 14 Jan 25 | Starting at $2,605 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 24 Jan 25 — Tuesday 04 Feb 25 | Starting at $2,605 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 07 Feb 25 — Tuesday 18 Feb 25 | Starting at $2,605 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 21 Feb 25 — Tuesday 04 Mar 25 | Starting at $2,605 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 07 Mar 25 — Tuesday 18 Mar 25 | Starting at $2,605 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 21 Mar 25 — Tuesday 01 Apr 25 | Starting at $2,605 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 04 Apr 25 — Tuesday 15 Apr 25 | Starting at $2,605 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining Summary
11 Breakfast (B)
2 Dinner (D)
1 Lunch (L)
FAQs
Delhi: Most travellers need to get a 30-day e-visa when travelling to India. You can apply through the Government of India’s official website. Not sure if you’ll need a visa? Our visa guide can help you out.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 9499
Delhi: 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: 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: 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: 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.
Included Experience
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.
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.
Make Travel Matter®
Agra: There’s nothing quite like having an elephant as your new BFF. Hang out with the gentle giants at this sanctuary.
11 Breakfast (B)
2 Dinner (D)
1 Lunch (L)
FAQs
Delhi: Most travellers need to get a 30-day e-visa when travelling to India. You can apply through the Government of India’s official website. Not sure if you’ll need a visa? Our visa guide can help you out.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 9499
Delhi: 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: 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: 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: 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.
Included Experience
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.
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.
Make Travel Matter®
Agra: There’s nothing quite like having an elephant as your new BFF. Hang out with the gentle giants at this sanctuary.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYArrive 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.
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.
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.
Varanasi to Delhi 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.
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.
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.
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. Lucknow is also 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.
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 an optional 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
