India - Nepal

At 8848m Mount Everest is the world's highest mountain and presents one of the greatest challenges on Earth.

Itinerary

Following a fascinating introduction to India through its capital city you travel overland to the sandstone city of Jaisalmer in the heart of the Thar Desert for a truly unique experience. How many people do you know who have slept under the stars in the desert after a day of travelling on the back of a camel?!

A trip to India would not be complete without visiting the iconic Taj Mahal. Words simply cannot describe its beauty and few who witness the architecture can honestly say it is anything but perfection.  At the mid way point in this tour we visit the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, part of Wildlife SOS, the charity we are supporting in our India - Nepal Challenge.  Sadly, despite it being outlawed, the practice of performing bears is still a common occurrence across India. Sloth Bear cubs are kidnapped from their mothers in the wild and subject to cruel torture by their handlers throughout their lives as 'dancing bears'. Wildlife SOS aims to rescue and rehabilitate these bears at their sanctuaries.  Here you can see precisely how your donation is helping to protect these wonderful creatures.

Before heading north to Nepal we visit two of the most important religious sites in India: the sacred lake of Pushkar and the great Hindu city of Varanasi which nestles alongside the vast River Ganges.  Described by Mark Twain as "Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.  And looks twice as old as all of them put together", here you have the chance to witness and understand some of the most ancient traditions of Hinduism and immerse yourself in a culture far removed from the western world.

The mountain kingdom of Nepal offers some of the most awe-inspiring views on the trip. The Himalayas host the challenge and it certainly is a formidable one! Trekking to Everest Base Camp will simply take your breath away, in more ways than one! The culmination of the 12 day trek sees you climbing Kalla Pattar (5545m) for sunrise over Everest and some of the most astonishing views you will ever see.

Our experienced guides are extremely informative and are there to help you through every step of the challenge to ensure it is a memorable experience for everyone. You will stay in the quaint Himalayan tea houses along the way and the heart warming hospitality shown by the local people will stay with you as long as the jaw dropping scenery does.

The conclusion to this trip of a lifetime sees us explore the marvels of the absorbing city of Kathmandu before heading south to go on safari at the Royal Chitwan National Park. The aches and pains from the Everest Base Camp trek will have the chance to recover as you enjoy several days wondering at yet another element of the plethora of spectacles this tour has to offer. Ride elephants bare back whilst they wade into the river for their morning shower (and ultimately yours as well!).  See rhinos and tigers amongst over 50 species of mammals in a park of exceptional diversity and engross yourself in an evening's entertainment at the Tharu Cultural Show.

The group will then spend the final day of the trip back in Kathmandu where we'll take in a day of sight seeing, collecting souvenirs, and enjoying an evening meal of Yak steak and Everest Lager, together reflecting on the sights we've seen and the challenges we've conquered before flying home.