Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes

G Adventures · 9 days
Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes
Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes
Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes
Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes
Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes
Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes
Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes
Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes
Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes
Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes
9 Days
From AUD $1101 Was AUD $1469
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating

Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes

Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes

G Adventures · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Short on time but big on discovery? This nine-day journey through India and Nepal delivers culture, spirituality, and adventure in one unforgettable package.

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"

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Train, private vehicle, Riverboat, 4x4, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Varanasi, India

Finishes

Kathmandu, Nepal

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

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.
2

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.
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

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.
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.
4

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.
5

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.
6

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.
7

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.
The walk back from Sarangkot through farms and forest is wonderful and takes between 2-2.5 hours.
8

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.
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.
9

Day 9: Kathmandu

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 $1469

AUD $1,101
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
25% Off

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Short on time but big on discovery? This nine-day journey through India and Nepal delivers culture, spirituality, and adventure in one unforgettable package.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 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