Delhi to Kathmandu: India and Nepal Discovery Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 67 reviews.

Jane D'Silva

DELHI TO KATHMANDU

Written February 2008
A fabulous experience, so many new sights and sensations enjoyed in a convivial group. It exceeded my expectations in all aspects.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Every day brought moments that I will never forget, but for me the absolute highlights are sunset and sun rise on the Ganges, the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and watching the sunrise on the Annapurna Range when we were serenaded by a group of Koreans who spontaneously burst into song. Add to that the tranquillity of Chitwan and the excitement of Jaipur............I could go on and on!
What did you think of your group leader?
I cannot speak too highly of him. He is fun, friendly, super-efficient and extremely well-informed.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Leave room in your luggage for souvenirs. There are plenty of shopping opportunities, particularly at Pokhara.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you are considering this holiday, go for it!
Paula Stevens-Hoare

Never A Dull Moment

Written November 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
An impromtue stop at a well and the subsequant invite in to the local village. Can you imaging 14 total strangers turning unannounced and being able to rustle up tea in matching china cups with a smile and a great welcome?
Read full review
What did you think of your group leader?
Avtar was amazing! Start to finish he found an unending amount of energy. He was always happy and helpful. He managed to include extras to suit individual interests and requests. He managed tired and sometimes difficult members of the group and never seemed frustrated. He knew so much about everything we asked him which ranged from politics to religion and social aspects of people's lives in the places we visited. He somehow even managed to get us up a mountain side before dawn after the bus broke down by stopping local taxis. Brilliant! Can't praise him enough.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Sleep well on the plane on the way there, because it's pretty non-stop once you arrive. Do everything extra that is offered, you are likely to get to meet the locals that way. Take plenty of cash for tips. There are plenty to pay.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We had a fantastic time. There were inevitably people in the group who we will not be keeping in touch with, but generally I guess that's to be expected. We thought it might have been helpful for Avtar to have visited the UK so that he would better understand us and what might have been of interest. Out boat trip along the Ganges could have ended in disaster when a storm blew up and there was no safety equipment on board.
Sharon Griffiths

A busy trip with very contrasting sights, sounds and experiences

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Taj Mahal at sunrise
The evening and morning contrast of the way of life on the Ghats at Varanasi
Not very environmentally friendly, but the flight to see the Himalayan Peaks and Mount Everest is worth every penny
The genuinely warm welcome of the Nepalese who are glad that we continue to visit their country
Bathing with the elephants in Chitwan and feeding them bananas is an experience that should not be missed.
Read full review
What did you think of your group leader?
Very knowledgable and friendly although his knowledge could have been imparted in bite size chunks!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go with open eyes as the poverty in India can still be a shock.
It is a very busy and varied trip but it is the only way to cover the ground and see what you do in the 17 days. However, there are quite a few very long days travelling on the bus. Even the shorter days can be 5 hours or so.
Be prepared for delhi beli - unfortunately all but 2 of our Group went down with it for 2 days or more ,and that was with most of the Group being careful on the hygiene front and going veggie with food from the start!
Our Group travelled at the end of March so if you are thinking of going at that time then the heat in India may be oppressive, particularly in Varanasi. Air con bus is great for India but don't expect an air con bus in Nepal as they don't have any!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
It is only when you get home and look at your photos that you realise how much you see on this trip and the amount of miles you cover.
However, the only way to see what you do in these two countries in such a short space of time is by doing this trip. It gives you a real insight into both countries and has helped me make my mind up that a return trip to the Himalayas is a must.
Elizabeth Couch

An assault on the senses in the best possible way!

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I think it has to be Varanassi. The rickshaw ride down to the river through fthe chaos of flocking crowds, holy cows and open drains finishes at the bank of the Ganges where you watch the most spectacular ceremony which you will never forget. Even that does not prepare you for the boat trip at 5am along the Ghats where pilgrims, holy men, corpses and children all wash, bathe and drink and perform the daily rituals. It is mesmorising to watch and an unforgettable experience. Nepal comes a close second with elephant bathing, Everest viewed from the air (a must-do optional trip in Kathmandu) and stunning drives through mountain passes where you breathe in as other vehicles approach!
Read full review
What did you think of your group leader?
Fantastic in every sense. He had a passion about India, having lived there all his life and his enthusiasm and knowledge infiltrated everyone in the group. His organisation was superb - on the night train from Agra to Varanassi he had the nightmare job of getting all 12 of us on the train, finding beds, waking us up at 4am and getting us off at the right station - and he made it seem effortless. Nothing was too much trouble; he made the trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The trip involves many early starts and is not for the faint hearted. The hotels are good but the cities you visit are filthy and exhausting and hawkers are incredibly persistant. Be prepared for the poverty and disfigurement, it is heartbreaking and relentless. The noise on the streets is constant and the smells sometimes make you gag! It is an assult on the senses in every way but the countries themselves have so much to offer it is a trip not to be missed. The people are incredible. The most useful item (that we did not take but borrowed at every opportunity) is alcohol hand gel. You will get ill at some point - take rehydration sachets and immodium and do not be afraid to try local food.