The Road to Kathmandu - 2009/10 Departures - Overland Trip

Itineraries (Mumbai (bombay) - Kathmandu)

Arrival in Mumbai.

Early morning express train to Ahmedabad. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this city. A major attraction is the ashram where Mahatma Gandhi lived for many years, which we may have the option of visiting.

We travel by bus to the beautiful lake city of Udaipur. Approx 6 hours bus journey

Morning city tour, afternoon at leisure.

Drive via the magnificent Jain temples at Ranakpur to Jodhpur. Approx 7 hours driving

Morning visit to the Meherangarh Fort. In the afternoon we cross the desert to the fortress city of Jaisalmer. Within the fortress walls the cobbled streets are strewn with palaces, temples and mansions of rich merchants (havelis), and Jain temples that were built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Approx 5 hours driving

A free day to explore this amazing city with its medieval atmosphere.

We drive into a remote part of the Thar Desert to start our camel safari. We spend the night in a beautiful tented camp. Approx 4 hours driving, 2 hours camel ride

Drive via the temple town of Osian to the small heritage hotel of Chandelao Garh. Approx 3 hours driving

Morning optional jeep safari to villages near Chandelao where we will see local craftsmen at work. In the afternoon we continue to Fort Khejarla, residence of the former ruling family who will be your hosts. Approx 1 hour driving

Drive to Pushkar, a desert oasis on a holy lake. Afternoon at leisure to explore the lakeside or hike into the surrounding hills. Approx 3 hours driving

A short drive to the Pink City of Jaipur. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Amber Fort. Approx 3 hours driving

Morning orientation tour of Jaipur. Free afternoon.

Drive to Agra via the former Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Approx 5 hours driving

Morning visit to the Taj Mahal, reputedly the most beautiful building in the world. Board the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. Approx 11 hours train journey

Day at leisure to explore this wonderful city. Join the pilgrims praying on the banks of the Ganges, explore the exotic temples dotted along its banks, or bargain in the bazaars. Optional visit to Sarnath (US$15). Evening "aarti" ceremony (US$10).

Early morning Ganges boat trip. Rest of the day at leisure.

Travel to the border between Nepal and India. Nearby is the town of Lumbini, where Siddhartha Gautama - better known as the Buddha - was born. If time allows there may be the option to take an excursion to Lumbini

Continue to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Approx 8 hours driving

Morning walking tour of Kathmandu.

Day at leisure.

Tour ends.