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India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu
From sacred rivers to soaring peaks, this nine-day adventure through India and Nepal serves up epic sights and spiritual vibes in one whirlwind trip. Kick things off in Varanasi with a sunrise cruise on the Ganges, then cross into Nepal to explore Buddha’s birthplace, spot rhinos on safari in Chitwan, and soak up Himalayan views in Pokhara. Big on culture, nature, and connection — this is South Asia done right.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Merchandising: New Trips
Merchandising: Planeterra Project
Trip Type: Small Group
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
Age requirements: 18-39
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu - Itinerary
DAY 1
Varanasi
Arrive at anytime. Meet your CEO and group in the evening for a welcome meeting, an orientation walk around Varanasi and your first night out!
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Orientation Walk:
Experience the spiritual energy of Varanasi with a walk through the holy city, filled with temples, shrines and Hindus from all over India and the world. Enjoy views of the sacred River Ganges.
Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Hotel Stay Inn Kaashvi:
Hotel Stay Inn Kaashvi
India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu - Itinerary
DAY 1
Varanasi
Arrive at anytime. Meet your CEO and group in the evening for a welcome meeting, an orientation walk around Varanasi and your first night out!
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Orientation Walk:
Experience the spiritual energy of Varanasi with a walk through the holy city, filled with temples, shrines and Hindus from all over India and the world. Enjoy views of the sacred River Ganges.
Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Hotel Stay Inn Kaashvi:
Hotel Stay Inn Kaashvi
What’s Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Barauli Community Connection, Royal Chitwan National Park
- Your G for Good Moment: Sharing Seeds Experience, Pokhara
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay, Royal Chitwan National Park
- Your Big Night Out Moment: Lakeside Bar, Pokhara
- Varanasi Orientation Walk
- Free time in Varanasi
- Morning Ganges Boat Tour
- Maya Devi Temple Buddha's Birthplace Visit
- Barauli Community Experience & Orientation Walk
- Pokhara Orientation Walk
- Sharing Seeds Experience
- Free time in Pokhara
- Kathmandu Orientation walk.
- Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (6 nts), homestay (2 nts).
- 1 breakfast
- Train, private vehicle, walking, tuktuk, boat.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu Departure Dates
All Years
| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Mar 09 2026 | Tue, Mar 17 2026 | Sold Out | $449.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Mar 16 2026 | Tue, Mar 24 2026 | Sold Out | $449.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Mar 30 2026 | Tue, Apr 07 2026 | Sold Out | $449.25 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, Apr 13 2026 | Tue, Apr 21 2026 | Sold Out | $411.75 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Mon, May 11 2026 | Tue, May 19 2026 | Open (4) | $411.75 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |
More from India & Nepal on a Budget: Varanasi to Kathmandu
USEFUL INFO
What's Included
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Barauli Community Connection, Royal Chitwan National Park
Your G for Good Moment: Sharing Seeds Experience, Pokhara
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay, Royal Chitwan National Park
Your Big Night Out Moment: Lakeside Bar, Pokhara. Varanasi Orientation Walk. Free time in Varanasi. Morning Ganges Boat Tour. Maya Devi Temple Buddha's Birthplace Visit. Barauli Community Experience & Orientation Walk. Pokhara Orientation Walk. Sharing Seeds Experience. Free time in Pokhara. Kathmandu Orientation walk.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Float down the sacred Ganges on a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi, Visit Buddha’s birthplace and explore ancient temples in Lumbini, Spot wildlife on safari in Chitwan National Park, Take in mountain views and chill vibes in Pokhara with free time to explore
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Are there Itinerary notes?
Are there Itinerary notes?
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 4, 2026 or March 22, 2027 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
