The Road to Kathmandu - Overland Trip
3 weeks: Mumbai (bombay) to Kathmandu (IMT-HARK)
Intro
The lake city of Udaipur, the holy town of Pushkar, the desert bastion of Jaisalmer, the Taj Mahal, the sacred city of Varanasi with the awesome Ganges thronging with devout pilgrims and sadhus, the mountain kingdom of Nepal... This tour has all the highlights.Staffing:
As shown in the \'Factfinder\'Accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions:
As per itineraryNote:
The itinerary varies slightly for our Pushkar Fair departures. Please see trip dossier for further details.Some trip departures are scheduled to connect with our HASA - South India Adventure Extension Trip Dossier allowing you to make a phenomenal journey covering the length of India.
Itineraries
Day 1,MUMBAI (BOMBAY)Arrival in Mumbai.
Day 2,AHMEDABADEarly 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.
Day 3,UDAIPURWe travel by bus to the beautiful lake city of Udaipur. Approx 6 hours bus journey
Day 4,UDAIPURMorning city tour, afternoon at leisure.
Day 5,JODHPURDrive via the magnificent Jain temples at Ranakpur to Jodhpur. Approx 7 hours driving
Day 6,JAISALMERMorning 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
Day 7,JAISALMEA free day to explore this amazing city with its medieval atmosphere.
Day 8,CAMEL SAFARIWe drive into a remote part of the Thar Desert to start our camel safari. We spend the night in a beautiful tented camp. (D) Approx 4 hours driving, 2 hours camel ride
Day 9,CHANDELAODrive via the temple town of Osian to the small heritage hotel of Chandelao Garh. (B)Approx 3 hours driving
Day 10,KHEJARLAMorning 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
Day 11,PUSHKARDrive 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
Day 12,JAIPURA short drive to the Pink City of Jaipur. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Amber Fort. Approx 3 hours driving
Day 13,JAIPURMorning orientation tour of Jaipur. Free afternoon.
Day 14,AGRADrive to Agra via the former Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Approx 5 hours driving
Day 15,AGRAMorning 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 16,VARANASIDay 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).
Day 17,VARANASIEarly morning Ganges boat trip. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 18,BHAIRAWATravel 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
Day 19,KATHMANDUContinue to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Approx 8 hours driving
Day 20,KATHMANDUMorning walking tour of Kathmandu.
Day 21,KATHMANDUDay at leisure.
Day 22,KATHMANDUTour ends.
Last updated: 22nd October 2009
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