India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu

G Adventures · 9 days
India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu
India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu
India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu
India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu
9 Days
From AUD $614 Was AUD $819
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating

India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu

India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu

G Adventures · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From sacred rivers to soaring peaks, this nine-day adventure through India and Nepal serves up epic sights and spiritual vibes in one whirlwind trip.

Highlights

  • Float down the sacred Ganges on a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi
  • Visit Buddha’s birthplace and explore ancient temples in Lumbini
  • Spot wildlife on safari in Chitwan National Park
  • Take in mountain views and chill vibes in Pokhara with free time to explore

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Train, private vehicle, walking, tuktuk, boat.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Varanasi, India

Finishes

Kathmandu, Nepal

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Varanasi

Arrive at anytime. Meet your CEO and group in the evening for a welcome meeting, an orientation walk around Varanasi and your first night out!
2

Day 2: Varanasi

This morning, hop on a boat and sail the sacred Ganges River, where you will have the opportunity to witness a candle flower ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India. Opt to bathe in the sacred waters or visit Kashi Vishwanath, the Golden Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Varanasi is your oyster!
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.
3

Day 3: Varanasi/Lumbini

Today we leave India and travel to the peaceful land of Nepal. Step back in time and 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.
This will be a longer travel day as it may take up to 12 hours to reach the city of Lumbini. Settle in with your fellow travellers and get to know each other as you take in the scenery.
4

Day 4: Lumbini/Royal Chitwan National Park

Experience Nepali rural life at Barauli Village homestay, a G Adventures–supported project. Take an orientation walk, visiting friendly homes and learn about the Tharu daily life. Opt to venture to the Narayani river on a cycle tour.
5

Day 5: Royal Chitwan National Park

Enjoy a free day to explore the surrounding village and rice paddies before spending another night with the Tharu community. Opt to take a jeep safari through the diverse ecosystem of Chitwan National Park for a chance to witness rhinos, crocodiles, monkeys, and maybe even the elusive bengal tiger.
6

Day 6: Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara

Travel from the peaceful plains towards the mystical Himalayan mountains, stopping in Pokhara. Get your bearings in town on an orientation walk. Be sure to capture a panoramic group photo with the stunning Annapurna range backdrop.
7

Day 7: Pokhara

Enjoy breakfast at Sharing Seeds and learn how organic arabica coffee and beekeeping helps uplift the community. In the afternoon, get to know Pokhara more in-depth by freely exploring this photogenic region. Gear up for your big night out at a lakeside bar with your new friends. Cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just shared!
In the morning, watch a spectacular Himalayan sunrise over the mountains before visiting a Planeterra project that benefits the local community.
8

Day 8: Pokhara/Kathmandu

Travel the last leg of this trip through the wild, rugged Himalayan landscape to Nepal's capital and largest city, Kathmandu. Or opt to skip the drive and fly to Kathmandu for more time in the city. After the whole group arrives, get a feel for the city on an orientation walk. As Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn, simply wander around and see where chance, fate, or the city may lead you. Check out world-famous Durbar Square, King's Palace, the burning ghats at Pashupatinath, or Boudhanath Stupa. Then join your crew for an optional farewell meal together!
9

Day 9: Kathmandu

Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $819

AUD $614
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
25% Off

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

From sacred rivers to soaring peaks, this nine-day adventure through India and Nepal serves up epic sights and spiritual vibes in one whirlwind trip.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 27 Oct 2025

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990