Have you been backpacking or trekking in the Himalayas and planning to fly back to the U.K.? Then why finish the adventure on such a dull note?
Highlights
- KATHMANDU - Chitwan National Park - Taj Mahal - Delhi - Lahore - Tehran - Esfahan - Cappadocia - Goreme - Istanbul - Budapest - Vienna - Prague - Bruges - LONDON
ITINERARY
Below is our proposed itinerary giving you a rough idea of the route we will be taking. Due to the unpredictability of political and environmental conditions, the route can be subject to change. Either way we will get there!Days 1-7
Nepal
Departing Kathmandu surrounded by the magnificent Himalayan mountains, we first travel to Pokhara where we relax amongst the spectacular background of the highest peaks in the world. Here we enjoy all that this fabulous country has to offer before setting off on the Chitwan National Park where it is possible to take an Elephant Back Safari to go in search of the magnificent but secretive Bengal Tiger!
- Tour Code: KL
- Trip Cost: £2499
(+£250 flight supplement + E250 Local Payment)
Day 8-15
India
After leaving Nepal we now travel into India.
We visit the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the river Ganges is one of the oldest living cities in the world. For over 2500 years it has attracted pilgrims eager to wash away their sins in the holy water. Keep your eyes open for floating bodies as the dead are often cast out downstream!
Next we visit Pakistan via Agra and visit one of the new wonders of the world and certainly a highlight in any journey - the magnificent Taj Mahal. Then onto Amritsar where we have the opportunity to see and visit first-hand the famous Golden Temple of Amritsar. This is truly a sight to be hold...
From here we journey north to Delhi. The capital of India. Home to over 10 million inhabitants there is nowhere else on earth like Delhi and it is here that this chaotic city offers a glimpse of the entire country's diversity. We now travel into Pakistan.
Days 16-22
Pakistan
From the bustling city of Lahore, Pakistan's second city, we pass along the old silk road and climb over the Bolan Pass through a mountainous route towards Quetta. From Quetta, when conditions allow safe travel by road then we pass through the lonely Baluchistan Desert (Link) and on to Iran where almost immediately a distinct change takes effect as we leave the Indian sub continent and enter the Middle East.
Depending upon advice from our local operators and the British Foreign office, we may take a short flight to Tehran from Karachi to avoid this area which can be politically fragile.
Days 23-30
Iran
Entering Iran, a country where alcohol is strictly forbidden, when able to do so by road our first major port of call after traversing the Zagros mountains is the former capital of Persia - Esfahan. A city known for its abundance of historical buildings and life giving river - the Zayandeh-Rood. Flush with lavish bazaars we continue north towards Tehran.
After the hustle and bustle of Tehran we head north towards the town of Qom and its holy shrines.The journey north becomes a mixture of mountains and salt desert as we head towards Tabriz, a town alive with stunning blue mosques and lively bazaars.
From here we cross the Iranian border in the North West of the country into Turkey.
Days 31-37
Turkey
Entering Turkey - here alcohol is not forbidden and with our first port of call being the lively border town of Dogubeyaz?t (also affectionately known as Doggy Biscuit!) we are ready to let our hair down a little and enjoy the sites and wonders of this part of Turkey. Leaving Dogubeyazit and skirting Lake Van we then take a morning hike and head past a beautiful sunrise over the mountains. Now heading West, we pass Mt Nemrut, famous for its giant statues built before Christ and then we move past Erciyas Volcano.
The spectacular lunar landscape that is Cappadocia. Set in the heart of Turkey's mountainous region this is wild country... off the tourist trail.
Our next stop is Istanbul, gateway from Asia to Europe and a city that has everything. In Istanbul we spend a couple of days exploring the markets and tasting the local cuisine.
Days 38-43
Europe
Travelling through the Balken mountains is spectacular, peaceful and reminds us that we are now on the final leg.
A night in the medieval city of Brasov, followed by a journey through Bulgaria offers more cultural experiences before we head towards Hungary and enjoy a delicious goulash in Badapest (actually two cities, Buda & pest) separated by the River Danube.
After Hungary we travel through lush vineyards and medieval villages and head towards the sophistication of Vienna in Austria. The European "feel" is now fully upon us. A night in Austria allows us to move onto another highlight of the trip - the beautiful city of Prague. Known for its famous beers, castles and stunning chateau we are now fully enchanted by all around us and are ready for the final leg through Germany, through medieval Bruges and then 41 days after commencing this epic journey we reach our final destination - London.
