India & Nepal Adventure: Self-Launched Edition

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport and make your way into the city. Skip the private transfer — the Airport Express Metro runs directly from Terminal 3 to New Delhi station in around 20 minutes for roughly £1. Check into a well-reviewed guesthouse in Paharganj or the Karol Bagh area, both popular with budget travellers and close to the action. Spend the evening getting your bearings, grabbing a thali dinner at a local dhaba, and soaking up the energy of one of the world's great cities.

🚌Delhi Airport Express Metro (~£1 per person)

🛏Zostel Delhi or similar rated hostel/guesthouse (dorm ~£8, private ~£18)

• →Airport Express Metro from T3 to New Delhi station (~£1)
• →Check into budget guesthouse in Paharganj or Karol Bagh
• →Evening walk and street food dinner in the neighbourhood

Start the morning with a street-food breakfast — hot chai and parathas from a roadside stall. Book a walking tour of Old Delhi through GetYourGuide or direct with a local operator (~£10–15) to explore the backstreets of Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, and the spice market. In the afternoon, visit Humayun's Tomb (entry ~£4) and the nearby Nizamuddin Dargah. Travel between sites by auto-rickshaw (negotiate fares or use Ola/Uber). End the day with dinner in Connaught Place.

🚌Auto-rickshaws and Ola/Uber within Delhi (~£3-5)

🛏Zostel Delhi or similar rated hostel/guesthouse

• →Street-food breakfast in Paharganj (~£2)
• →Old Delhi walking tour via GetYourGuide or local booking (~£10-15)
• →Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid exploration (free entry to mosque)
• →Humayun's Tomb visit (~£4 entry)
• →Nizamuddin Dargah (free)
• →Auto-rickshaw or Ola/Uber travel between sites (~£3-5 total)

Take an early Gatimaan Express or Shatabdi Express train from Hazrat Nizamuddin or New Delhi station to Agra Cantonment (~£6–10, book in advance on IRCTC). Check into a guesthouse near Taj Ganj — many rooftop cafes have views of the Taj. Head straight to the Taj Mahal for sunrise entry (book tickets online in advance, ~£13 for foreigners). Spend the morning exploring the monument, then visit the Baby Taj (I'timad-ud-Daulah, ~£3) and Agra Fort (~£5) in the afternoon. Dinner at a Taj-view rooftop restaurant.

🚌Gatimaan/Shatabdi Express train Delhi–Agra (~£6-10); auto-rickshaws in Agra (~£3)

🛏Hotel Kamal or Zostel Agra or similar guesthouse near Taj Ganj (~£10-20/night)

• →Gatimaan/Shatabdi Express Delhi to Agra (~£6-10, book via IRCTC)
• →Taj Mahal sunrise visit (pre-book tickets online, ~£13 entry)
• →I'timad-ud-Daulah 'Baby Taj' visit (~£3 entry)
• →Agra Fort visit (~£5 entry)
• →Rooftop dinner with Taj views (~£5-8)

Hire a local taxi or shared jeep for the day to visit Fatehpur Sikri (~£5 entry), the hauntingly beautiful abandoned Mughal capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Abhaneri Stepwell (Chand Baori) — one of India's most photogenic ancient structures, entry is free. A day-hire taxi from Agra covering both sites and dropping you near Jaipur costs roughly £15–20 split between travellers, or you can take local buses for less. Overnight near Jaipur or in a village guesthouse en route.

🚌Shared taxi or local bus Agra–Fatehpur Sikri–Abhaneri–Jaipur (~£8-15)

🛏Village guesthouse or budget hotel near Jaipur (~£12-18/night)

• →Fatehpur Sikri UNESCO site visit (~£5 entry)
• →Abhaneri Stepwell (Chand Baori) — free entry
• →Shared taxi or local bus from Agra toward Jaipur (~£5-15 depending on group size)

Arrive into Jaipur and check into a guesthouse in the old city — Zostel Jaipur or similar is well-located and sociable. Spend the afternoon getting your bearings: wander Johri Bazaar, visit the City Palace (entry ~£7), and photograph the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) from outside and in (~£2 entry). In the evening, head to Chokhi Dhani for a traditional Rajasthani dinner experience (~£8) or eat at a local thali restaurant for a fraction of the price (~£2-3).

🚌Auto-rickshaw or Ola within Jaipur (~£3-5)

🛏Zostel Jaipur or Moustache Hostel Jaipur (dorm ~£7, private ~£15)

• →Check into guesthouse and explore old city
• →City Palace visit (~£7 entry)
• →Hawa Mahal visit (~£2 entry)
• →Johri Bazaar street wander
• →Rajasthani thali dinner (~£2-8 depending on venue)

Head up to Amber Fort early to beat the heat and crowds — a tuk-tuk from the city takes about 30 minutes (~£2-3). Entry costs around £8 for foreigners. Spend a couple of hours exploring the grand courtyards and intricate mosaic halls. For the adventurous, book a Jaipur cycle tour through GetYourGuide (~£12-15) to explore the Pink City by bike, including a traditional lassi stop. Alternatively, visit Nahargarh Fort for panoramic city views (entry ~£2) and Jantar Mantar observatory (~£4).

🚌Tuk-tuk Jaipur–Amber Fort and return (~£4-6); auto-rickshaws locally (~£2-3)

🛏Zostel Jaipur or Moustache Hostel Jaipur

• →Amber Fort visit — tuk-tuk up, explore grand halls (~£8 entry + £3 transport)
• →Optional: Jaipur city cycle tour via GetYourGuide (~£12-15)
• →Nahargarh Fort for sunset views (~£2 entry)
• →Jantar Mantar observatory (~£4 entry)
• →Lassi at a traditional dairy shop (~£1)

Take a morning train or bus from Jaipur to Delhi (trains: ~£5-8 on IRCTC, ~4-5 hours). Head to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Budget airlines like IndiGo and Air India typically charge £50–90 for this route if booked a few weeks in advance — book early for the best fares. Arrive in Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and take a taxi to Thamel, the backpacker hub (fixed taxi rate ~£4-6). Check into your guesthouse and explore Thamel's buzzing streets for dinner.

🚌Train/bus Jaipur–Delhi (~£5-8); flight Delhi–Kathmandu (~£50-90); airport taxi (~£5)

🛏Thamel Eco Resort or Zostel Kathmandu or similar (dorm ~£7, private ~£15)

• →Morning train or bus Jaipur–Delhi (~£5-8 via IRCTC or bus)
• →Delhi to Kathmandu flight (IndiGo/Air India, book in advance ~£50-90)
• →Taxi from Tribhuvan Airport to Thamel (~£5)
• →Explore Thamel and dinner at a local dal bhat restaurant (~£3-5)

Spend the day diving into Kathmandu's incredible cultural and religious heritage. Start at Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River — one of the most sacred Hindu sites in the world (free for Hindus, ~£7 for non-Hindus to view from outer areas). Head to Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal and a UNESCO site (entry ~£2). Wander the peaceful kora (circumambulation path) with monks and pilgrims. In the afternoon, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square (~£3 entry). Dinner of momos (Nepali dumplings) from a local restaurant — unmissable.

🚌Tuk-tuk or taxi between sites (~£4-6 total)

🛏Thamel Eco Resort or Zostel Kathmandu

• →Pashupatinath Temple visit (~£7 for non-Hindus)
• →Boudhanath Stupa walk and kora (~£2 entry)
• →Kathmandu Durbar Square (~£3 entry)
• →Momo dinner at a local Thamel restaurant (~£3-5)

Rise early and climb the 365 steps to Swayambhunath Temple (the 'Monkey Temple') for sunrise views over the Kathmandu Valley — entry ~£2. The hilltop stupa is one of Nepal's most iconic sights, rich with Buddhist iconography and roaming monkeys. After breakfast, take a local bus or taxi (~£2-3) to Patan, the city of fine arts, and explore Patan Durbar Square (~£5 entry) — arguably the most beautifully preserved of the valley's three Durbar Squares. Visit the Patan Museum for an excellent introduction to Newari art and culture (~£5).

🚌Walking to Swayambhunath or taxi (~£2); local bus/taxi to Patan (~£2-3)

🛏Thamel Eco Resort or Zostel Kathmandu

• →Swayambhunath Temple sunrise climb (~£2 entry)
• →Local bus or taxi to Patan (~£2-3)
• →Patan Durbar Square (~£5 entry)
• →Patan Museum (~£5 entry)
• →Newari set lunch in Patan (~£3-5)

Catch a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Sauraha, the gateway village to Chitwan National Park. Buses depart from the Kantipath tourist bus park in Thamel from around 7am (~£5-8, 5-6 hours). On arrival, check into a jungle guesthouse or eco-lodge near the park boundary. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk along the buffer zone with a local guide (~£5-8) to spot rhinos, deer, and incredible birdlife. Evening around a campfire with other travellers.

🚌Tourist bus Kathmandu–Sauraha (~£5-8)

🛏Jungle guesthouse or eco-lodge in Sauraha (e.g. Green Mansions or similar, ~£12-20/night)

• →Tourist bus Kathmandu–Sauraha (~£5-8, departs ~7am from Thamel)
• →Check into jungle guesthouse/eco-lodge in Sauraha
• →Afternoon buffer zone nature walk with local guide (~£5-8)
• →Campfire evening at guesthouse

Today is all about wildlife. Book a 4x4 jeep safari directly through your guesthouse or a local operator in Sauraha (~£20-30 per person for a half-day shared jeep safari). Chitwan is home to one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, sloth bears, gharial crocodiles, and over 500 bird species. In the afternoon, try a canoe ride on the Rapti River (~£5) to spot marsh mugger crocodiles. Optional: elephant bathing experience at the community elephant bathing program (~£5-8). Cultural Tharu village walk in the evening (free or small donation).

🚌Jeep safari included; walking within Sauraha

🛏Jungle guesthouse or eco-lodge in Sauraha (tented camp option available)

• →Half-day shared 4x4 jeep safari in Chitwan National Park (~£20-30 — book via guesthouse)
• →Canoe ride on Rapti River (~£5)
• →Community elephant bathing experience (~£5-8)
• →Tharu cultural village walk (free/small donation)
• →National Park entry fee (~£20, covers multiple days)

Take a morning tourist bus from Sauraha to Pokhara (~£6-10, around 5-6 hours), Nepal's adventure capital and gateway to the Annapurnas. The road journey takes you through forested hills and river valleys — keep your camera ready. Check into a guesthouse on Lakeside (Phewa Lake) and spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant strip of cafes, gear shops, and lakeside walks. Hire a rowboat for a sunset paddle on Phewa Lake (~£3-5 per hour) to the island temple of Tal Barahi.

🚌Tourist bus Sauraha–Pokhara (~£6-10)

🛏Zostel Pokhara or Hotel Middle Path & Spa or similar Lakeside guesthouse (dorm ~£7, private ~£14)

• →Tourist bus Sauraha–Pokhara (~£6-10, departs morning)
• →Check into Lakeside guesthouse
• →Explore Lakeside strip — cafes, gear shops, local restaurants
• →Rowboat hire on Phewa Lake (~£3-5/hour)
• →Visit Tal Barahi island temple (included with rowboat)
• →Dinner of grilled fish or set meal on the lakeside (~£4-7)

Rise before dawn and hire a taxi (~£5-7 return) up to Sarangkot viewpoint for a spectacular Himalayan sunrise, with Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri all on the horizon. Back in Pokhara, the day is yours for adventure: paragliding over the valley is a bucket-list experience bookable directly with local operators (~£60-80) or via Klook. Alternatively, hike up to World Peace Pagoda for Phewa Lake views (~free, 1-2 hour hike) or rent a mountain bike to explore the valley. Optional: Everest mountain flight from Pokhara airport (~£130-180, bookable with Yeti Airlines or Tara Air).

🚌Taxi to Sarangkot (~£5-7 return); local tuk-tuks/walking for the rest

🛏Zostel Pokhara or Hotel Middle Path & Spa or similar Lakeside guesthouse

• →Taxi to Sarangkot for Himalayan sunrise (~£5-7 return)
• →Paragliding over Pokhara Valley (book direct or via Klook, ~£60-80)
• →OR World Peace Pagoda hike (free, ~2 hours return)
• →OR Mountain bike hire (~£5/day)
• →Optional: Everest/Annapurna mountain flight (~£130-180 via Yeti Airlines or Tara Air)

Take a morning tourist bus back to Kathmandu (~£6-9, 6-7 hours) or a domestic flight for speed (~£35-55 with Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines — spectacular views of the Himalayas). Back in Kathmandu, pick up any last-minute souvenirs in Thamel — pashminas, Thangka paintings, singing bowls — and bargain hard. Have a farewell dinner at one of Thamel's excellent restaurants: try a rooftop spot for Newari cuisine or a traditional Nepali set dinner with cultural dance show (~£8-15).

🚌Tourist bus Pokhara–Kathmandu (~£6-9) or domestic flight (~£35-55)

🛏Thamel Eco Resort or Zostel Kathmandu (final night)

• →Tourist bus Pokhara–Kathmandu (~£6-9) or domestic flight (~£35-55 with Buddha Air/Yeti Airlines)
• →Shopping in Thamel — pashminas, handicrafts, souvenirs
• →Farewell dinner at rooftop Thamel restaurant (~£8-15)
• →Optional: Cultural dance show with dinner (~£10-15)

Check out and take a pre-arranged taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport (~£5-7 fixed fare from Thamel). Allow at least 3 hours before departure — Kathmandu's airport can be busy and security queues are unpredictable. If you have time before your flight, grab a final cup of Nepali masala chai and reflect on two weeks that took you from the chaos of Delhi to the Himalayas. An unforgettable adventure, entirely on your own terms.

🚌Taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport (~£5-7)

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport (~£5-7)
• →Final masala chai at airport or Thamel cafe
• →Departure