Iconic India & Nepal

Namaste. Welcome to Nepal. You will be greeted by our staff on arrival at Kathmandu’s, Tribhuvan International Airport. It is a relatively short drive to the beautiful ‘Kathmandu Guest House’ our joining hotel, where you will be made to feel extremely welcome by their helpful and friendly staff. 

Your BOA adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6.pm.  Look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask at reception where it will take place. You will need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance.

After the meeting we will head in to Thamel to enjoy our first group meal together.

Drive times: 0 kms / 0 hrs approx
Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House, Kathmandu or similar
Meals included: dinner

Included activities

• Airport Transfer
• Welcome Meeting 6.00 pm.

Optional activities

• Shopping in Thamel

Start your adventure on a high with a close encounter of Mount Everest on a panoramic scenic flight.  After a delicious breakfast we take in the sites of Kathmandu with a city tour. Our tour includes a visit to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashpathinath, Durbar Square (Kathmandu) and Boudhanath. 

We will finish the day with a nine course Nepali meal at the unforgettable Krishnarpan Restaurant at Dwarikas.

Drive times: 0 kms / 0 hrs approx
Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House, Kathmandu or similar
Meals included:  breakfast | lunch | dinner

Included activities

• Swayambhunath Stupa
• Pashupatinath Temple
• Boudhanath Stupa
• Durbar Square, Kathmandu
• Kumari Ghar
• Krishnapan Restaurant 9 Course Nepali Meal

Optional activities

• Everest Flight

More about Kathmandu........

We depart Kathmandu after breakfast and a brief introduction to BOA’s custom built Mercedes Benz all-terrain vehicle. After years on the road, we know what is required for long travel and you will quickly settle in and enjoy all the comforts available.  Air conditioning and heating, a library, charging facilities, writing table, a fridge for cold drinks……

A short drive from the chaotic Kathmandu brings us to the ancient city of Bhaktapur where we take a morning walking tour. The rest of our time here is free for you to explore more, have lunch and shop for Newar handicrafts.

Another short drive takes us to the idyllic village of Nagarkot and its postcard-perfect panoramic view of the Himalaya ranges, especially striking at sunrise and sunset.

Drive times: 28 kms / 2 hrs approx
Accommodation: Hotel Mystic Mountain, Nagarkot or similar
Meals included: breakfast

Included Activities

• Introduction to 'Snowy'
• Walking tour of Bhaktapur

Optional activities

• Shopping in Bhaktapur

More about Bhaktapur & Nagarkot.......

Experiencing the magic of the Himalaya range emerging from the darkness as the sun ascends is both hypnotizing and awe inspiring. After breakfast we take a short drive to the city of Patan for a walking tour of Durbar Square and the immediate area. There is plenty of time to browse the narrow streets, with handicraft stores lined up on either side, before lunch and continuing our journey. 

Tucked away in the mountains, close to Pharping lies a Buddhist Monastery Guest House.  Set in a peaceful location alongside Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery, we take this unique opportunity to experience the serenity of monastery life.  Take a walk in the surrounding forest or visit Asura Cave where the great master Padmasambhava (the second buddha) attained the Mahamudra level of realization through his practice in the Asura Cave.

Drive times: 39 kms / 2 hrs approx
Accommodation: Neydo Hotel, Pharling or similar
Meals included: breakfast

Included activities

• Walking tour of Patan

Optional activities

• Shopping in Patan
• Taking prayers with the monks
• Asura Cave
• Exploring the surrounding forest

More about Patan & Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery........

Another early start to the day to enjoy sunrise and the morning chanting from the monastery.  Leaving after breakfast, we head northwest to the remote Nuwakot region and take a steep drive up to a little known village called Nuwakot. Here we stay at The Famous Farm. The accommodation here isn’t five stars, but the service certainly is.

Drive times: 100 kms / 6-8 hrs approx
Accommodation: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch | dinner

A real cultural experience, Nuwakot is a mini-Nepal within Nepal that still practices medieval traditions. The day is yours to explore this important historic village, take a walk around the abandoned palace, visit eager school children or just relax at the farmhouse and enjoy stunning views of the Nuwakot Valley and rural Nepal.

Drive times: 0 kms / 0 hrs approx
Accommodation: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch | dinner

Optional activities

• Free time
• Nuwakot Palace

More about Nuwakot.......

A bouncy off-road drive out of the Nuwakot Region and the on to the small village of Kurintar on the banks of the Trishuli river. Nuwakot is close to the start of many rafting trips on the Trisuli so for those who rather raft than ride to Kurintar, this is a great opportunity to get wet. 

Kurintar has become a popular stopping place because of the Manakamana Temple. Although the temple was damaged in the earthquakes, getting to it by the cable car is half the fun. Along with the cable car, mountain bikes and village walks are available.  The afternoon is free for you to explore the area.

Drive times: 85 kms / 3-5 hrs approx
Accommodation: Summit River Lodge, Kurintar or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch | dinner

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

• Free time

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Manakamana Temple
• Manakamana Temple Cable Car
• Mountain Biking
• Short Forest & Village Walk

More about Kurintar...... 

A short drive takes us to the town of Pokhara, set on the edge of Lake Phewa with a spectacular backdrop of the Annapurna mountain range. Set at only 1,000m amongst semi-tropical plants and with a delightfully warm climate, Pokhara is actually much closer to the main Himalayan peaks than Kathmandu. 

We should reach in time for lunch so the afternoon is yours to explore this lovely lakeside town.

Drive times: 85 kms / 3-5 hrs approx
Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara or similar
Meals included: breakfast

Included activities

• Free time

Optional activities

• Thani Mal Temple - Free

There are so many things to do in Pokhara that it is impossible to get bored while you’re here. Head to the hilltop village of Sarangkot for sunrise, and panoramic views of the Annapurnas and the valley below. Why not take a boat ride on Lake Phewa, hire a bike and explore the area or join a yoga class.

Other options include white water rafting, paragliding, parasailing or bungy jumping . Whatever you decide to do, even if it is just to sit back and relax, the natural beauty of Pokhara and its surroundings will ensure your time spent will be a pleasure.

Drive times: 0 kms / 0 hrs approx
Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara or similar
Meals included: breakfast

Included activities

• Free time

Optional activities

• Sarangkot for Sunrise
• Ultra-light Flight
• Zip Flyer
• Paragliding
• Bungy Jumping
• Upper Seti River Rafting
• Mountain Biking
• Boat Trip on Lake Phewa

More about Pokhara.........

This morning we retrace our path from Pokhara back towards Kathmandu and on to the charming Newari trading village of Bandipur. Located up on a high ridge, this village affords beautiful views of the Himalayas, including Manaslu and Macchapucchare.

You will have time to relax here and soak in the easy going and quiet lifestyle of the locals. The centre of Bandipur is vehicle free so a pleasant place to just wander around. A short 30 min walk from the town centre will take you uphill to the Thani Mai Temple.

Drive times: 75 kms / 2-4 hrs approx
Accommodation: The Old Inn, Bandipur or similar
Meals included: breakfast

Included activities

• Free time

Optional activities

• Thani Mai Temple

More about Bandipur......

From Bandipur we make our way back to the 'wild west' town of Mugling at the confluence of the Marsyandi and Trisuli rivers. From here we turn south meeting and head towards the Terai, the flat lands of Nepal and Chitwan National Park.

Drive times: 95 kms / 3-5 hrs approx
Accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan NP or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch | dinner

Today will be busy with the many activities available at the lodge. You can explore the park in search of the elusive Bengal tiger or the one-horned rhino on a jeep safari, blend into the surrounding  jungle canoeing on the Rapti River, tour the local Tharu village on a bullock cart or just relax by the pool, the choice is yours. 

In the evening we can sip a gin & tonic while being entertained by brightly dressed, traditional Tharu dancers before enjoying another sumptuous meal.

Drive times: 0 kms / 0 hrs approx
Accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan NP or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch | dinner

Included activities

• Canoeing/Boating in the Rapti River with sundowners
• Jeep Safari
• Village Tour with Bullock cart ride
• Cultural Indulgence
• Park entrance & naturalist guide for above activities

Optional activities

• Elephant Safaris

PLEASE NOTE: Whilst we respect each individuals decision BOA Asia does not include elephant safaris or unnatural performance activities on any itinerary and we recommend you bypass such activities should they be offered to you. 

The more questions that are asked about elephant riding, the clearer it becomes that not only is this not an ethical means of conserving elephants, but it is, in fact, precipitating their extinction in the wild.

If you would like to learn more here is a link to an excellent guide book by Horizon Travel Press "Elephants in Asia, Ethically"

More about Chitwan NP........

We leave Chitwan for our final stop in Nepal, Lumbini (Sanskrit for “the lovely”). Lumbini is the historical birthplace of Buddha and is one of the most important religious sites in the world. Buddha was born under a sal tree in Lumbini in May 563BC. 

This afternoon we will explore Lumbini on cycle rickshaws. Accompanied by a local guide we will visit the World Peace Pagoda and Maya Devi Temple where Buddha was born.

Drive times: 130 kms / 4-5 hrs approx
Accommodation: Buddha Maya Garden Hotel, Lumbini or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch

Included activities

• World Peace Pagoda
• Maya Devi Temple
• Guided Rickshaw Tour

More about Lumbini.....

Today we head south to the Nepalese border at Sonauli and enter the legendary country of India so make sure your passports are easily accessible. 

From the moment you cross the border, you will notice the difference in the two countries. We have a long day ahead but the scenery is spectacular as we head south across the Gangetic Plains through towns and villages to Varanasi.

Drive times: 300 kms / 8-10 hrs approx
Accommodation: Surya Kaiser Palace,Varanasi or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch

Included activities

• Sonauli Border Crossing
• India is 15 minutes behind Nepal so don't forget to change your watch

Rising at the crack of dawn we head for the river and sunrise over the Ganges.  The best way to experience the Ganges and the ghats that line its banks is to take a boat out on the river.

After breakfast we will explore the old city, its maze of ancient pathways and alleys packed full of shops, stalls, temples, mosques and plodding cows.

The afternoon is free to relax or explore some more before we head back to the river for the evening Ganges Aarti, a mystical ceremony and one of the most spectacular sights in India.  

Drive times: 0 kms / 0 hrs approx
Accommodation: Surya Kaiser Palace, Varanasi or similar
Meals included: breakfast

Included activities

• Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges
• Pilgrims Riverside Walking Tour
• Evening Ganga Aarti Boat Trip

Optional Activities

• Banares Artisans & Weavers Walk

More about Varanasi......

En-route to Khajuraho we pass through Allahabad, 130km west of Varanasi. It is here that the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers meet and the waters are believed to have soul-cleansing properties.

Late in the afternoon, after driving through remote farming areas we arrive in Khajuraho. 

Drive times: 430 kms / 8-10 hrs approx
Accommodation: Radisson Jass, Khajuraho or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch

More about Khajuraho.....

We start the morning with a guided tour of the ‘Western Group of Temples’, and in particular the largest of the Khajuraho Temples, Kandariya Mahadeo. 

Late in the morning we hit the road to the beautiful town of Orchha, known for its picture perfect landscape, historical monuments and ancient temples. In the evening you can witness the Ram Raja Temple puja (prayer) ceremony.

Drive times: 175 kms / 4-6 hrs approx
Accommodation: Orchha Resort, Orchha or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch

Included activities

• Guided tour of Khajuraho

Optional activities

• Ram Raja Temple puja (prayer) ceremony

More about Orchha.......

Leaving Orchha, we literally drive through a museum that stands as testimony to India’s glorious past……..The Rani Mahal in Jhansi, once a palace, now a museum…………the seven-storied deserted Datia Palace……….9th and 10th century Jain temples scattered along the hill at Sonagiri and of course the palaces, forts and temples of Gwalior. We will stop at several of these sights on our way to Agra.

Drive times: 260 kms / 5-7 hrs approx
Accommodation: Taj Hotel, Agra or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch

Included activities

• Rani Mahal, Jhansi Museum *
• Datia Palace *
• Jain Temples of Sonagiri *
• Gwalior Fort *

* There is insufficient time to stop at all of these sights however we will stop at several of them on our way to Agra.

More about Jhansi, Sonagiri & Gwalior.......

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal is one of life’s unforgettable moments… the magical aura as the sun’s first rays catch the different hues in the white marble is simply stunning.  

After a late breakfast at the hotel, we visit the very impressive Agra Fort, a marvel of architecture in red sandstone with walls standing over twenty metres high and with a huge moat surrounding it.

Agra is heaven for shopaholics and the afternoon is yours free to visit the many markets and craft areas or other attractive buildings and gardens in Agra.  On the opposite bank of the Yamuna River is the Moon Garden an ideal point for viewing the Taj Mahal in romantic moonlight.

Drive times: 0 kms / 0 hrs approx
Accommodation: Taj Hotel, Agra or similar
Meals included: breakfast

Included activities

• Taj Mahal
• Agra Red Fort

Optional activities

• Moon Garden or Mehtab Bagh
• Shopping

More about Agra.......

Today is all about wildlife conservation and we hope you share our enthusiasm. 

Wildlife SOS is a conservation non-profit in India, established in 1998 with the primary objective of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in distress in the country, and preserving India’s natural heritage. Close to Agra, Wildlife S.O.S. have two care facilities, one for Sloth Bears and the other for elephants. We take time to visit one or both of these facilities dependent on the groups preference before continuing on to Bharatpur.

Late in the afternoon we take cycle rickshaws and explore one of India’s best-known bird sanctuaries, Keoladeo National Park, commonly known as Bharatpur Bird Park.

Drive times: 86 kms / 3-5 hrs approx
Accommodation: Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch

Included activities

• Wildlife S.O.S.
• Agra Bear Rescue Facility
• Elephant Conservation & Care Center
• Keoladeo National Park
• Cycle Rickshaw Tour

Optional activities

• Bicycle Hire - US$ 2
• Lohagarh Fort & Museum - US$ 1

More about Wildlife SOS, Bharatpur & Fatehpur Sikri....

Our day starts with the option of visiting Sunrise Point in Keoladeo NP before returning to the hotel for breakfast. 

A short 25 kms from Bharatpur, we arrive at Fatephur Sikri, a perfectly preserved ghost city built at the height of Emperor Akbar’s reign. We will spend some time wandering around this old abandoned marvel of Mughal architecture before continuing on to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.

Drive times: 230 kms / 4-6 hrs approx
Accommodation: Khandela Haveli, Jaipur or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch 

Included activities

• Fatephur Sikri

Optional activities

• Sunrise Cycle Rickshaw Tour - US$2
• Sunrise Bicycle Tour - US$2

Why not start the day by floating across the skyline of Jaipur in a hot air balloon.

After breakfast we spend the day exploring several of the city’s famous landmarks with an old friend whose family has been synonymous with Jaipur and tourism for generations. 

Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the Winds), Iswari Minar Swarga Sal (Heaven Piercing Minaret), the City Palace, also known as the Pink Palace and Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory are all included in our day.

Drive times: 0 kms / 0 hrs approx
Accommodation: Khandela Haveli, Jaipur or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch

Included activities

• Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the Winds)
• Iswari Minar Swarga Sal (Heaven Piercing Minaret)
• City Palace (Pink Palace)
• Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory

Optional activities

• Hot Air Ballooning
• Shopping

More about Jaipur.......

We drive 11 kms north of Jaipur, past the Jal Mahal (Water Palace) sitting in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, to the imposing and fabulous Amber Fort and Palace. 

From Jaipur to Delhi the drive is through quite undulating and dry country but, as we get closer to Delhi, it becomes flatter and greener. Be prepared for us to come to a grinding halt when we hit the edges of Delhi and are greeted by the chaotic Delhi traffic! 

Drive times: 310 kms / 4-6 hrs approx
Accommodation: The Claridges, New Delhi or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch

Included activities

• Amber Palace & Fort

Delhi is a frenzy of culture and colour, a vibrant, crazy and chaotic capital city, all of which you will discover on our city tour. A historians paradise, Delhi is home to a phase in history that speaks out from every nook and corner of the city.  The memories of the glorious age of the Mughal rulers is still alive, with most of their architectural glories still standing as a witness of an era gone by.  

Our day will include Bahai Lotus Temple,  the impressive Red Fort,  Jama Masjid a 17th century mosque, Rajghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Ghandia, Humayun Tomb, India’s parliament house, India Gate and Qutab Minar.

After a long day of exploring we end with a group meal together to say goodbye to those leaving in Delhi and hello to those joining us.

Drive times: 0 kms / 0 hrs approx
Accommodation: The Claridges, New Delhi or similar
Meals included: breakfast | lunch | dinner

Included activities

• Bahai Lotus Temple
• The Red Fort
• Jama Masjid
• Rajghat
• Humayun Tomb
• Sansad Bhavan
• India Gate
• Qutab Minar
• Group Farewell Dinner

Optional activities

• Shopping in Janpath Market

The tour ends after breakfast and your morning is free until it is time to transfer to the airport.  We thank you for choosing to travel with us… Best Of Asia Overland, the specialists in ‘Adventure in Comfort’, welcome you anytime.

Drive times: 0 kms / 0 hrs approx
Accommodation: Not included
Meals included: breakfast

Included activities

• Airport Transfer

Travel Guide to Nepal

Accommodation in Nepal

Map of Nepal

Travel Guide to India

Accommodation in India

Map of India

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Essential Travel Information