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ABTA and ATOL Protected
Escorted Tours

India and Nepal by Rail


Route:
  • UK
  • Delhi
  • Agra
  • Lucknow
  • Varanasi
  • Kathmandu
  • Chitwan
  • Bandipur
  • Kathmandu
  • UK
Tour Pace:

15 DAYS from £2399pp

Tour Highlights
  • Witness the iconic Taj Mahal and marvel at the Red and Agra Forts
  • City tours of Delhi, Lucknow, Kathmandu and Chitwan
  • Search for wildlife in Chitwan National Park
  • Wander the Buddhist stupa of Swayanbhunath and ancient temples of Patan
  • Enjoy a boat ride along the majestic Ganges River

or call us on 0330 818 8907

India and Nepal by Rail

Journeying through the interior of India and mountains of Nepal, take in the temple artistry of Hindu legends, bustling bazaars and the world's mightiest peaks. Encounter India's web of colonial-era railways as you travel from the majestic Taj Mahal to Lucknow and Varanasi, then fly to Nepal where wildlife encounters and stupas round off the tour.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Delhi

Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Delhi via Doha.

2
Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Embark on a short tour of New Delhi, Driving past the India Gate, President's House, Parliament Building and visit the Birla Temple.

  • Lunch & Dinner
3
Delhi

Discover Old Delhi and New Delhi on a rickshaw tour. Travel past the Red Fort and to the Humayun's Tomb. Journey to the Gandhi Memorial and to Qutab Minar.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
4
Delhi to Agra

Board your morning train to Agra. On arrival, make your way to the Taj Mahal. Continue on to the Agra Fort and explore this vast red sandstone complex.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5
Agra to Lucknow

Today's scenic train ride takes you from Agra to Lucknow. On arrival, check into the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure, free to relax or explore.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6
Lucknow

After breakfast, visit the Hazratganj Market and the 1857 Memorial Museum. Also Juma Masjid mosque, Sikander Bagh, and Chota Imambara. Pass the gateway of Rumi Darwaza, Taluqdar Hall, Husainabad Clock Tower and Kaiserbagh Palace. Enjoy Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Aminabad bazaar and the facade of Chattar Manzil before returning to your hotel.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7
Lucknow to Varanasi

Take a train from Lucknow to Varanasi and after check-in at your hotel in Varanasi, an evening tour leads to the banks of the sacred Ganges River and Witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8
Varanasi to Kathmandu, via Delhi

Enjoy a morning boat trip on the Ganges, and disembark for a walking tour through old town. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu, via Delhi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
9
Kathmandu

After Breakfast, see the stupa of Swayanbhunath. Travel to Kathmandu Valley, and see Patan and Krishna Temple. Return to Kathmandu for your overnight stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
10
Kathmandu to Chitwan

Today starts with a visit to Pashupatinath temple, a sacred Hindu temple. Depart Kathmandu and drive to Chitwan, arriving in time for an afternoon visit to Tharu village. Return to your hotel for dinner and an entertaining Tharu dance program.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11
Chitwan

Explore Chitwan National Park and enjoy a canoe ride up the Rapti River and then visit a elephant breeding centre.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
12
Chitwan to Bandipur

Depart Chitwan on a scenic journey to Bandipur, stopping en route for lunch. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
13
Bandipur

A full-day tour of Bandipur exploring its network of winding lanes, traditional Newari architecture and buzzing bazaar, flanked by pagoda-style temples. From your lofty vantage point, take in the sunset and sunrise over the Manaslu mountain range and enjoy spectacular mountain views.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
14
Bandipur to Kathmandu

Following breakfast, make your way to Kathmandu for your overnight stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
15
Kathmandu to the UK

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flights to London, via Doha.

  • Breakfast

Important Information

Visas

A visa is required for entry into India. British Citizen Passport Holders will need to obtain a tourist visa. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 120 days before your proposed travel date. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa. Alternatively you can visit The Indian Visa Application Centre in London: 142-148 Goswell Road, London, EC1B 7DU. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before you enter India. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.
British passport holders do not need to obtain a visa for Nepal prior to departure. A Nepalese visa can be purchased on arrival into Kathmandu; you will need to complete and download a form from the Nepal Embassy website and present this completed form on arrival at immigration together with your payment (currently USD $30). You must print the form with the barcode and take it with you for arrival. The barcode is only valid up to 15 days after issue so please complete this form within 2 weeks of travel. You will also need to complete an 'arrival card' at the airport. When applying for the visa on arrival you will need to ensure you apply for a multiple entry visa. We recommend you check the following website before travelling for all the most up to date advice, requirements and any changes http://www.nepembassy.org.uk/visa.php. We strongly advise you to check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding required passport validity.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Flights are operated with Qatar, departing London Heathrow via Doha. Each passenger is entitled to hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding (Max 10kg - 55cm/38cm/ 20cm) in size. Weight restrictions will be finalized on any final documents. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check- in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness & normal mobility. It involves climbing steep stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). In India and Nepal US Dollars and UK sterling are both often accepted should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. There are ATMs in Thimphu and Paro but they generally only accept local cards, therefore, it is important that you take sufficient cash to exchange with you.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. Should you wish to tip in India this will be collected by your guide at the end of this part of the tour. It is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency or give coins as these are difficult to exchange. For Nepal, we recommend you tip both your driver and guide approximately £3.00 ($5.00) per person per day in total. Should you wish to tip in Bhutan, we recommend you tip your guide approx. USD $5 per person per day and your driver approx. USD $3 per person per day.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
02 May 202416 May 2024SOLD OUT
26 Sep 202410 Oct 2024£2399.00
24 Oct 202407 Nov 2024£2699.00

Included in the Price

  • Local English-speaking Guides
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Itinerary Changes

Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, the order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times.

What to expect

Fact File
Min/Max temperature

9 °C / 34 °C

When to go

Weather

Amritsar

Delhi

Kathmandu

What to pack
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Waterproof lightweight jacket
  • Sandals
  • Long, lightweight skirts, trousers and tops (to keep your legs and arms covered when going into religious buildings)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm clothing
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Mosquito/Insect Repellent
  • Personal toiletries
  • First aid kit
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel.
  • Electric plug converter
  • Loo paper for public WCs
Tour Map
India and Nepal by Rail Route Map
Tour Dossiers
Extensions
  • India
    Visit the Tigers of Ranthambore Extension

    4 nights from £699pp

    View
  • Bhutan
    Mystical Bhutan

    4 nights from £1799pp

    View
Here to help
  • Call our experts 0330 818 8907

Hotels & Accommodation

Extensions

Visit the Tigers of Ranthambore Extension
Tour Route
  • UK
  • Amritsar
  • Delhi
  • Agra
  • Lucknow
  • Varanasi
  • Delhi
  • Kathmandu
  • Chitwan
  • Bandipur
  • Kathmandu
  • Delhi
  • Ranthambore
  • Delhi
  • UK

Once a famous hunting ground for the gallant rulers of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is spread over 1,344km2 and is one of the biggest national parks in India. Choose this extension to experience a variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, deer and much more.

4 nights
from £699pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension
Mystical Bhutan
Tour Route
  • UK
  • Amritsar
  • Delhi
  • Agra
  • Lucknow
  • Varanasi
  • Delhi
  • Kathmandu
  • Chitwan
  • Bandipur
  • Kathmandu
  • Paro
  • Kathmandu
  • UK

Become one of the privileged few to say they have experienced this beautiful kingdom in this relatively untouched corner of the Himalayas.

4 nights
from £1799pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension