Tales of Rock & Massala Chai
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Overview
Hard bits: Trekking the Annapurna circuit and getting down from an elephant gracefully. Fun bit: white-water rafting in thermally heated water. Best bit: practicing your Princess Di pose at the Taj Mahal.
(Was Mountains & Plains)
Itinerary
Day 1-2 - Kathmandu
Momo is not to be confused with muumuu. One is a tasty Nepalese dumpling, the other is a gigantic, floral print dress last seen on Homer Simpson.
Day 1
- If arriving early, perhaps wander down to Kathmandu's Durbar Square
- Pre-departure meeting and optional group dinner in the evening
Day 2
- Visit one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, Bodhnath Stupa
- Stop by Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the land
- Enjoy free time to relax or explore Kathmandu
Hotel Shakti or similarDay 3-6 - Annapurna Trek
We'll do about 5 hours trekking each day (you'll walk off those momo in no time), following the Modi Khola River to Ghandruk. Stay in lodges, meet villagers and try to refrain from filling up your memory card in the first hour.
Day 3
- Take a morning drive over the rim of the Kathmandu Valley and, weather permitting, view the Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges
- Make the most of a free afternoon to explore Pokhara, or take an optional boat ride on the lake
Day 4
- Set off on the Annapurna Trek
- Visit villages along the way
- Gain superb views of the Annapurna Mountains
Day 5
- Continue trekking through incredible scenery
Day 6
- Descend through a forest of oak and rhododendron to Pothan
- Stop overnight in Dhampus, a spot boasting awesome panoramic views
- Enjoy sunset and sunrise from the lodge
Day 7-8 - Whitewater rafting - Seti River
White-water rafting is a great way to cover 30km, and the Seti River is pretty gentle. It's also warm thanks to the underground springs, so falling out is part of the fun.
Day 7
- Complete the Annapurna trek and enjoy time relaxing in Pokhara
Day 8
- Embark on a 30km rafting adventure down the Set River
- Chow down on lunch on pristine white beaches
- Swim in warm waters
- Enjoy a hearty local meal
Tulsi Hotel or similarDay 9-10 - Chitwan National Park
Live out your Jungle Book fantasies as we search for Bengal tigers and rhinoceros from the back of an elephant.
- Ride the Seti River to Gai Chat, and transfer by bus to Chitwan National Park
- Ride elephants into the jungle
- Attempt to spot a range of wildlife including rhinoceros, sloth bear, deer, a range of birds and - if you're extremely lucky - tigers
Riverview lodge or similarBreakfastDay 11 - Lumbini
Our lodge is smack bang in the middle of the jungle. We'll go for a wander, when you can see a stone image of Maya Devi holding on to a branch whilst giving birth to Gautama Buddha. These days she'd be gripping the arm of his father and hissing, "This is all your fault!"
- Visit temples constructed by Buddhists from around the world
- Get acquainted with the ancient Ashoka Pillar and Maya Devi Temple.
- Sleep overnight in an authentic jungle camp
Lumbini Budha Garden or similarDay 12-14 - Varanasi
Take off your watch - you're on India time now. Not sure what this means? We think the local phrase, "No worries, chicken curries", sums it up perfectly.
- Cross into India to continue the journey
- Set off on an early morning boat cruise on the Ganges
- Witness life by the Ganges first-hand
- Take a guided walk through Varanasi's back lanes and crowded alleyways
Hotel Surya or similarDay 15 - Agra - Taj Mahal
Agra's not the prettiest city in the world, but the minute you see the Taj Mahal nothing else matters. It will blow every expectation out of the water. Try and refrain from letting your jaw hang open, you'll attract flies.
- Visit the mind-blowing Taj Mahal
- Perhaps take an optional sojourn to Agra Fort
Hotel Royal Residency or similarDay 16 - Tordi Garh
Welcome to one of our favourite places on the trip. Tordi Garh's our little secret. And you get to sleep in a 16th century palace (curtsying optional).
- Travel through scenic countryside to Tordi Garh, a place few travellers visit
- Visit an old village temple and the local markets
- Meet families and other members of the local community
- Sleep overnight in the Tordi palace, with it's owner as your host
Hotel Tordi Garh or similarDay 17-18 - Jaipur
The Pink City is home to a couple of big icons. like the Amber Fort and The Palace of the Winds. It's also a great place to sit back with a thali plate and enjoy some of the world's best people watching.
Day 17
- Travel into Jaipur - the eclectic and busy capital of Rajasthan
Day 18
- Journey to the medieval Amber Fort
- Take a tour of the Old Bazaar and The Palace of the Winds
- Spend free time in Jaipur doing whatever takes tickles fancy
Hotel Mrignayani Palace or similarDay 19-20 - Delhi
By now, you won't even bat an eyelid when a cow wanders into your cafe. After 20 days you'll be haggling with the best of them and sipping chai like it's going out of fashion.
Day 19
- Travel to Delhi by bus and visit Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place
- Enjoy free time relaxing or perhaps pay a visit to the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid or the Raj Ghat
- Optional final group meal
Day 20
- The trip ends today after breakfast, but for those who wish to stay longer, there's a lot of Delhi left to explore
Hotel Perfect or similar -
What to Know
What's Included
• Gecko's expert English-speaking local tour guides throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites.
• 4 day trek in the Annapurna region with experienced trekking staff, porterage, Gecko's Kit Bag and twin-share lodge accommodation, generally in rooms with sleeping mattresses.
• 2 day white-water rafting adventure on the Seti River including specialist rafting guides, safety equipment, a cook and a night of camping.
• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Kathmandu, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi and Delhi.
• Royal Chitwan National Park entrance fee and elephant ride with a wildlife guide.
• Sightseeing of Lumbini temple complexes, the ancient Ashoka Pillar and Maya Devi Temple, with a night at a jungle camp.
• Jeep safari to Tordi village with an overnight stay at a 16th Century palace.
• Overnight sleeper train from Varanasi to Agra (two sheets, a blanket and a pillow provided per person).
Not Included
- International flights, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre or post tour accommodation, most meals, optional tours sightseeing or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights unless specified.
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Map
Map Itinerary
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Dates
Trip Dates and Prices
Start Date – End Date Trip Status Price 23 Jun 2013 - 12 Jul 2013 0 Request US $1,950 Contact Us 01 Sep 2013 - 20 Sep 2013 7+ Available US $1,950On Sale Sale: US $1,463 Book Now 15 Sep 2013 - 04 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 29 Sep 2013 - 18 Oct 2013 6 Available US $1,950 Book Now 13 Oct 2013 - 01 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 27 Oct 2013 - 15 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 10 Nov 2013 - 29 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 24 Nov 2013 - 13 Dec 2013 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 08 Dec 2013 - 27 Dec 2013 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 22 Dec 2013 - 10 Jan 2014 0 Request US $1,950 Contact Us 05 Jan 2014 - 24 Jan 2014 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 19 Jan 2014 - 07 Feb 2014 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 02 Feb 2014 - 21 Feb 2014 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 16 Feb 2014 - 07 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 02 Mar 2014 - 21 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 16 Mar 2014 - 04 Apr 2014 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 30 Mar 2014 - 18 Apr 2014 7+ Available US $1,720 Book Now 13 Apr 2014 - 02 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,720 Book Now 27 Apr 2014 - 16 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 11 May 2014 - 30 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 25 May 2014 - 13 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now 08 Jun 2014 - 27 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $1,950 Book Now -
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