Delhi to Kathmandu Quest | with Nepal Trek Challenge | Summer 2025
Delhi to Kathmandu Quest | with Nepal Trek Challenge | Summer 2025
$4700
Delhi to Kathmandu Quest | with Nepal Trek Challenge | Summer 2025
17 Days Starting in New Delhi, India and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visiting: Delhi, Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara, Dhampus, Sarangkot
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DEAT25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Delhi to Kathmandu with the "Delhi to Kathmandu Quest | with Nepal Trek Challenge | Summer 2025" tour. This adventure takes you through the vibrant chaos of Delhi, the spiritual heart of Varanasi, and the cultural richness of Lucknow, before marveling at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Experience the tranquility of Chitwan National Park, home to endangered species like the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino. In Nepal, trek through the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, from the serene Dhampus to the panoramic views of Sarangkot. Conclude your journey in Kathmandu, exploring its historic Durbar Square. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, spiritual experiences, and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for in-depth explorers seeking a unique summer adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: The Ashtan Sarovar Portico (or similar)
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.
Day 2: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: The Ashtan Sarovar Portico (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3: Delhi To Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation Name: The India Hotel (Or Similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Varanasi Via The River Ganges
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation Name: The India Hotel (Or Similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Varanasi To Lucknow
Location: Lucknow
Accommodation Name: La Place Sarovar Portico (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we can officially tick Varanasi off our lists. Next, we’ll make our way to a true historical hotspot – Lucknow, here we come. Lucknow is 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.
Day 6: Lucknow
Location: Lucknow
Accommodation Name: La Place Sarovar Portico (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. 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.
Day 7: Lucknow To Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation Name: The Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
See ya, Lucknow, we're headed to one of the world's oldest cities. Today you'll have the opportunity to get your bucket list ticked with a 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.
Day 8: Agra To Kathmandu Via Wildlife Sos Elephant Conservation & Care Centre And Delhi
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Hotel Shanker (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
Day 9: Kathmandu To Chitwan National Park
Location: Chitwan National Park
Accommodation Name: Chitwan Forest Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Time to rise and shine. Today we're waking up in Kathmandu! A world heritage reserve teeming with rhinos, deer, monkeys, elephants, sloth bears, and even the majestic Bengal Tiger.
Day 10: Chitwan National Park
Location: Chitwan National Park
Accommodation Name: Chitwan Forest Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 11: Chitwan National Park To Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Hotel Shanker (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 12: Kathmandu To Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s time to take our adventure to the next level! We'll kick off the morning by making our way to the homebase of this epic trek. This beautiful lakeside settlement is framed by the spectacular Himalayas. We'll check into our hotel tonight ready for our first day of trekking tomorrow.
Day 13: Pokhara To Dhampus Via Phedi
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation Name: Hiking Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an included breakfast this morning - and we'll need all the fuel we can get -we'll drive our van up to Phedi. We'll start our trek from Phedi, where steep stone staircases snake their way up the rhododendron hillsides. We'll start our steep ascent, reaching lower Dhampus in 1 to 2 hours. Gently climbing up again past the terraced fields and small houses and rhododendrons, we'll reach our lodge, admiring the spectacular Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhre (fishtail) in the distance. After an included dinner we'll turn in for the night.
Day 14: Dhampus To Australian Camp
Location: Dhampus
Accommodation Name: Hiking Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sip your tea this morning with your breakfast as you watch the sun illuminate the mountains ahead. A short trek today brings us to our lunch stop, after which we'll climb up through the beautiful oak forests, reaching Pothana. We'll stop here for a brief recharge before we climb the stone staircases up towards the Australian Camp. Enjoy another magical sunset as it alights the Himalayas this evening.
Day 15: Australian Camp To Sarangkot
Location: Sarangkot
Accommodation Name: Hiking Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast in Australian Camp this morning we'll resume our hike through the dense forests, on a slight descent towards Naudanda (Nine hill). After a stop for lunch we'll continue the hike to Sarangkot. The trail here is fairly relaxed, as we ease along a ridge to a dense settlement with lots of mixed indigenous groups. Sarangkot offers spectacular mountain scenery of Mt. Dhaulagri, Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Nilgiri and more. As the night draws in, you can see lights illuminating the beautiful Pokhara Valley below. We've seen plenty of spectacular views, but this might just be the best so far.
Day 16: Sarangkot To Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning we'll make our way to the legendary viewpoint at Sarangkot. Through terraced farms and villages we'll finally reach the summit, offering spectacular Himalayan panoramas that are simply unforgettable. This is what we came for, and it makes the hard work so worth it. After posing for some photos we'll make the hike back to Pokhara. Upon arrival we'll have a free afternoon to chill by the lake and try the local foodie delights.
Day 17: Pokhara To Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a heavenly sleep and breakfast we'll make our way back to Kathmandu this morning. Our trip finishes back where we started. But those mountains, forests and streams will stick with us forever.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and lodges throughout the tour, including The Ashtan Sarovar Portico in Delhi, The India Hotel in Varanasi, La Place Sarovar Portico in Lucknow, The Retreat in Agra, Hotel Shanker in Kathmandu, Chitwan Forest Resort in Chitwan National Park, and hiking lodges during the trek.
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Meals
The tour includes 16 breakfasts, 6 dinners, and 4 lunches.
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Guided Tours
Local guides are provided for sightseeing tours in Delhi, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kathmandu.
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Transportation
Transportation includes flights from Delhi to Varanasi and from Delhi to Kathmandu, as well as an air-conditioned coach for travel between cities.
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Included Experiences
Experiences include a rickshaw ride in Delhi, a Hindu spiritual ceremony on the River Ganges, a visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and a jeep safari in Chitwan National Park.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas for India and Nepal are not included and must be obtained separately by travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Luggage Allowance
Luggage allowance is limited to one bag or suitcase with a maximum weight of 15kg, plus one piece of hand luggage.
Overweight baggage fees are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a mix of air-conditioned coaches and flights, including a flight from Delhi to Varanasi and another from Agra to Kathmandu. Enjoy a scenic drive to Phedi for the trek, and experience local transportation options in bustling cities.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and convenience with stays at The Ashtan Sarovar Portico in Delhi, The India Hotel in Varanasi, La Place Sarovar Portico in Lucknow, The Retreat in Agra, Hotel Shanker in Kathmandu, Chitwan Forest Resort in Chitwan National Park, and a conveniently located hotel in Pokhara. Enjoy the rustic charm of hiking lodges during the trek.
Dining Summary
16 Breakfast (B)6 Dinner (D)4 Lunch (L)
FAQs
Delhi: What Visa do I need for India & Nepal? Most travellers (everyone other than citizens of Nepal & Bhutan) need to get a 30-day e-visa when travelling to India. You can apply through the Government of India’s official website. Check out our visa guide for more info.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 9499For Nepal, everyone other than citizens of India need a visa. You can either get one on arrival. Or in some cases, you can get an e-visa (they tend to be temperamental though!). If you're applying on arrival, please bring passport photos and USD with you!Delhi: What are the luggage restrictions for India? 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: How do I make my way from Delhi Airport to the starting point? 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: What currency do I need to visit India? 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: Is there a Trip Manager on the trips to Nepal? 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.Lucknow: This non-profit organisation works to rehabilitate survivors of acid attacks – providing employment opportunities and generally raising awareness of the issue. Your heart may ache, but you’ll come away feeling a sense of hope and admiration for the survivors too. You’ll also have your chance to support the organisation by buying drinks and snacks onsite.Agra: This majestic building is one of India’s star attractions. And it feels like you’ve stepped onto a Bollywood film set.Agra: This one needs no introduction. Epic in the pictures. Out-of-this-world IRL.Delhi: Time to take to the sky. Nepal, here we come!Agra: There’s nothing quite like having an elephant as your new BFF. Hang out with the gentle giants at this sanctuary.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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Chitwan National Park?
In Chitwan National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including rhinos, deer, monkeys, elephants, sloth bears, and the majestic Bengal Tiger.
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What is the significance of Varanasi in the tour?
Varanasi is one of the holiest Hindu sites in the world, where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges and cremate their loved ones. It is a spiritual and vibrant city that offers a glimpse into India's rich cultural and religious heritage.
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What activities are included during the visit to the River Ganges in Varanasi?
During the visit to the River Ganges in Varanasi, you will board a small boat at dawn to watch the Ghat come to life as pilgrims bathe in the holy river. You will also explore the narrow lanes and visit the ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
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What can I expect during the trek from Pokhara to Dhampus?
The trek from Pokhara to Dhampus involves a drive to Phedi followed by a steep ascent through rhododendron hillsides. You will reach lower Dhampus in 1 to 2 hours and continue climbing past terraced fields and small houses to reach your lodge, with views of the Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhre.
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What is the experience like at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre?
At the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, you will meet over 20 rescued elephants and witness the only elephant hospital in Asia, providing a unique opportunity to learn about elephant conservation efforts.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Agra?
The highlight of the visit to Agra is the opportunity to see the majestic Taj Mahal, considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the world, along with a visit to the 17th century Agra Fort.
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What kind of trekking experience is offered in the Australian Camp?
The trek to the Australian Camp involves climbing through oak forests and stone staircases, offering beautiful views of the Himalayas. You will enjoy a magical sunset as it illuminates the mountains.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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