Varanasi to Kathmandu: Temples, Trails & Himalayan Hikes

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. Embark on a Ganges boat trip at sunset to witness a candlelit flower ceremony.

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.

Optional Activities - Day 2

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.

It is possible for most nationalities to get a Nepalese visa at the border for $30 USD. Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of India, time wise.

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.

Optional Activities - Day 4

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.

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.

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.

Optional Activities - Day 7

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.

Please note if you opted for the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you will still have the option to visit the Swayambhunath Buddhist temple once in Kathmandu.

Optional Activities - Day 8

Day 9 : Kathmandu

Depart at any time.

If you wish to partake in the Everest Flight optional activity on the final day of tour, please do not book any outgoing flights from Kathmandu earlier than 12 noon.

Optional Activities - Day 9