Highlights of Northern India & Nepal

Customer Reviews

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  Kathryn Nugent

  · November 12th, 2013
  This was the trip of a lifetime and I think it is safe to say I loved every minute of it. India was an assault on every sense colourful, filthy, inspiring and utterly mindlblowing and Nepal was a cool balm. If you have an adventurous soul a thrill for the different and a appetite for the intriguing then this is a trip for youWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Haas to be the train ride from Agra to Varanasi someone said before I went that a ride on an Indian train is something everyone has to do in their lives and it lived up to that. Varanasi rocked.What did you think of your group leader?Uttam was great it must have been like herding cats trying to get us all to the various buses, sights, restaurants etc etc. His was a consummate leader and made what must have been an extremely difficult task appear easy. Uttam was extremely passionate about India and Nepal and you couldn't help but be inspired by both his tale but also his knowledge on the region. Great guy and stonking leader, thrilled to have had him.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?There is a lot of bus travel so be prepared! The infrastructure in terms of roads was a surprise when it came to the condition of them so expect the unexpected and it is hoot tastique so there is never a quiet journey. I opted out of some of the elements most notably one in Varanasi because I really wanted to explore the city and I am so thrilled I did. It is somewhere magical so if you get a chance to get down and dirty so to speak then do it. Bring cards for the journeys. Don't forget a sleeping bag liner for the train bit There are fabulous things to buy so do ensure you bring enough money to indulge. Banana lassis are the way to go. Is there anything else you would like to add?Read City of Djinns before you go is an amazing book on Delhi and really sets the scene for the trip.
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  Trip date: November 2013
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  Harry Glover

  · November 8th, 2013
  A super holiday, with plenty of activity and sights, ranging from the apparent chaos on the roads in the cities to the peace and calm of the countryside.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Many memorable moments, including:- The magnificence of many temples visited in Delhi.- Buying an emerald eternity ring in the Exodus-recommended Jaipur jewellers for my wife.- The beauty of the Taj Mahal.- The frenetic scenes in the streets of Varanasi: A chaotic mix of pedestrians, cars, buses, vans, bicycles, dogs, cows all jostling for a wee bit of road.- Sunset over the river and mountains in Chitwan National Park.- The peace and tranquility of lakeside Pokhara.- The Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu - a haven of relative quiet in a noisy bustling city.What did you think of your group leader?Excellent!!!!Chandra was very knowedgeable and inspirational and (rightly) very proud of his country.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Several:- Take heed of all your leader says, especially in relation to what is safe to eat and drink.- Do not take malaria tablets on an empty stomach. I did early on and felt a wee bit poorly for an hour or so.- Do not drink or brush teeth using tap water - use only bottled water.- Keep an eye on your leader and fellow travellers when walking through crowded cities. Otherwise it would seem quite easy to become separated from the group. - Consider taking a sleeping tablet for the overnight train journey to ensure a good night's rest.- Take full advantage of the 'free time' to immerse yourself in the local scene.Is there anything else you would like to add?Enjoy the experiences - they are many and varied!Be prepared for bumpy roads and seemingly mad driving, albeit (to the credit of all road users) we noticed an almost complete absence of 'road rage'.
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  Trip date: November 2013
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  Noeleen Garrity

  · October 25th, 2013
  Delhi to Katmandu was a wonderful trip with lots of historical sites and information, lots of colour stunning scenary and leaves you with a desire to return.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The whole trip was inspirational but the most inspirational moment had to be the TajMahal. It is not every one that  gets presented with an engagement ring at the TajMahal especially after 29 years of marrige. What a wonderful surprise. The boat trip on the Ganges with the sunset, lightening and singing fishermen was unforgettable as was the visit to Chitwan national park.  What did you think of your group leader?Chandra  was a well organised and considerate guide always looking after us and somtimes looking for us especially when we sit in different bunks on the train. Chandra made the trip interesting and unforgettable and left me with the desire to return to India again some day.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?My advice would be to take heed of what the group leader tells you about food, water and where to go. If they advise you not to eat a particular food  do not eat it, always drink bottled water and do not brush your teeth with the tap water and always keep your eye on the others in your group so you do not get lost.Is there anything else you would like to add?Delhi to Katmandu was a fantastic trip and I would highly recommend it.
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  Trip date: October 2013
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  Alice Deadman

  · October 24th, 2013
  A truly amazing experience for anybody willing to embrace the unfamiliar!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?It's hard to select one particular moment from such a huge selection of wonderful memories...Generally, I found witnessing a culture so completely different from our own fairly overwhelming!  Our tour guide, Chandra, took us for a few walks through some of the local streets and markets which were always eye-opening!  Also, sunrise and sunset (complete with thunderstorm!) on the Ganges were intense and memorable experiences!  And that first glimpse of the Taj Mahal!What did you think of your group leader?Chandra was fantastic in every way!  Not only did he provide us with good advice that kept us healthy and safe throughout the duration of the trip (one of my main concerns prior to departure!), it was obvious to me that he really cared about his role and his passengers, and demonstrated this through thoughtful and kind gestures which meant a great deal.  The holiday would not have been the same without him! - Thank you, Chandra!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?To fully enjoy the experience, embrace and enjoy the things that make it different from what you're used to!  Listen to the advice of your tour guide (eg. where to eat/not eat, where to go/not go!).Is there anything else you would like to add?Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!  I will treasure the memories of the places I visited and the people I met forever!
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  Trip date: October 2013
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  Angela Harrison

  · April 9th, 2012
  This was an amazing trip for me.....I loved every minute of every day and have fallen under the spell of both India and Nepal so a return trip to both places is guaranteed. This was my first big trip travelling alone but everyone in the group was friendly and we soon became one big happy family. This was thanks to our wonderful guide Sanjay and the fantastic experiences we encountered throughout the trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Every day I experienced elements of a culture so different to ours in the UK that it has not failed to have a profound effect on my life now I have returned. For me this trip was a spiritual journey and so witnessing evening prayers from a boat on the Ganges in Varanasi was very moving. The Annapurna Panorama extension trek in Nepal gave me the opportunity to see more of this beautiful country; its stunning scenery and hilltop village life was a fabulous experience. Despite the poverty, disease and hardships both Indian and Nepalese people endure they portray a generosity of spirit and true gratitude for their small blessings that cannot fail to inspire those fortunate enough to meet them. What did you think of your group leader?Sanjay Sihag was an inspirational leader. He is very knowledgable on all aspects of Indian culture and his passion and enthusiasm to tell people about his country is insuperable. He was caring and sincere in his duties as our tour leader and remained calm and composed even when faced with a difficult situation regarding boarding the overnight train that was filled with police moving from state to state; I felt safe and secure with him at all times. He provided us with opportunities to experience things off the itinerary like a visit to a primary school and an impromptu gatecrash to an amazing Indian wedding.  I wanted to bathe in the Ganges so he found me a place where he said the water would be a little cleaner.........it wasn't but I truly thank him for that opportunity anyway! In addition to this he was instrumental in the group forming such a close bond and very entertaining at mealtimes and on the long bus rides. He is a credit to the company and if you are lucky enough to have him as your guide you will have an amazing holiday.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Travel as light as you can as there are so many lovely inexpensive clothes to buy you won't be able to fit them all in! Listen to your guide re: drinking plenty of water and which food to eat......I stuck to a vegetarian diet but lots of the group ate meat and none of us had any major problems. Take hand-gel and wet wipes. Take plenty of warm clothes if you plan to do the extension trip........its freezing up there at night! To get the most out of the trip go with an open mind and the attitude of wanting to experience everything on offer........you won't be disappointed and will come back with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Is there anything else you would like to add?It is well worth doing the Annapurna extension trip.........though very sad when we had to leave the rest of the group behind in Pokhara! The trek allowed me time to try and take in everything I had seen up to that point. I enjoyed the contrast between the sometimes chaotic pace of India and the more tranquil pace of Nepal and this was especially evident on the trek as the pace of life up there is even slower.  A truly wonderful holiday with a fabulous guide and a wonderful group of people!  
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  Trip date: April 2012
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  Brian Tones

  · April 1st, 2012
  An exhilarating trip,with lots of experiences. Not a restful holiday,but one which will linger in our memories. The Annapurna extension was worth adding on for the views, peaceful surroundings and physical activity after lots of bus journeys!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Watching evening prayers on the ghats at Varanasi from a boat on the Ganges. Sunrise over the Taj Mahal. The beautiful Amber Fort. Peace and calm trekking in Nepal.What did you think of your group leader?Sanjay Sihag was a very well organized and efficient group leader. He was also good company and helped us to gel as a group. He was flexible to circumstances,making sure our very active days were well balanced. On our one stressful trip,the overnight train, already overfilled with police being mobilized across the state, he helped get everything organized and made sure we managed to get on and keep together.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Follow your guide's advice about eating, drink the readily available bottled water and take hand gel-none of our group had major problems with tummy upsets. Go with an open mind to get the most from the things you will see and experience,Both good and bad, and be prepared to revise any preconceptions! Although the days were well balanced, be prepared for some long travelling times.Is there anything else you would like to add?This trip was a real experience,shared with a great bunch of people who got on well as result.
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  Trip date: April 2012
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  Derek Goodchild

  · March 29th, 2012
  The trip was a great experience, if not actually a holiday! We received an almost total immersion in the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of India and Nepal and came home with the definite intention to return to see more. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?It is very difficult to pick one single thing as almost everything we saw and did was new and exciting.The Taj Mahal at sunrise was incredibly beautiful but the Amber Fort was equally impressive.Sunset on the Ganges at Varanassi was a moving experience, as was seeing the funeral pyres at Kathmandu.A visit to a primary school, seeing the bright and polite young children working hard to improve their lot, was a bonus.What did you think of your group leader?Sanjay was a credit to himself and the company. His whole approach helped the group form quite a close bond, almost from the start at Delhi airport. He was knowledgeable, amusing, interesting and interested and led the group superbly, without appearing to be directing us in any forceful way. He certainly did not allow us to waste any time on the trip, providing all that was promised in the trip notes and more besides. In his own words, which became a catch phrase for all of us, he was "very nice"!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for an experience, rather than a restful holiday, but take advantage of everything on offer as far as sights and trips go, as well as the food.Don't rely on having any clothing laundered while away; far better to travel with enough lightweight clothes to survive the trip.Make sure you have plenty of batteries and memory cards (or even film) for your cameras - there is just so much to record for future enjoyment.The large, three round pin, electrical adaptors which some websites recommend, do not fit in all hotels. The smaller, two round pin, adaptors work almost everywhere. Is there anything else you would like to add?If other Exodus trips are as good as this one was, I look forward to going again. In any case, this taste of India and Nepal has given me the desire to return before too long.
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  Trip date: March 2012
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  Janet Heyes

  · March 13th, 2012
  I really enjoyed the trip. The enjoyment was not just seeing the 2 countries but also because of our guide and the others in the group. India was very interesting and Nepal more relaxing and for me more enjoyable. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Seeing the sun rise and set on the Ganges was quite something, so was seeing the sun rise and set over the Taj Mahal.  It was very exciting seeing a rhino and big crocodiles.  It was wonderful going on a pony round the lake in Pokara and seeing eagles flying.  There were lots of other incidental experiences like seeing a wedding and the wedding party and parade, being in a rickshaw in the mad traffic of India and being asked by children to have their photo taken with you.What did you think of your group leader?Our group leader Sanjay Sihag was excellent.  He was very knowledgeable.  He was also good company and seemed to understand the different group members and their needs.  I felt very safe in his care.  We had a stressful train journey owing to half the Indian police force getting on our train and sitting in our sleeping compartments.  Because of the numbers of people at the station and getting on the train it was difficult getting our luggage on and off as well as clearing our bunks of policeman.  He dealt with the situation calmly and confidently.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Stock up with hand gel, toilet paper and deet and go and enjoy yourself.
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  Trip date: March 2012
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  Patricia Bullen

  · February 6th, 2012
  This trip was a most fantastic mix of everything. We experienced the real India, the sights, smells, sounds and colours were amazing. Such diverse experiences. India was so viabrant and Nepal so peaceful and beautiful. A full on holidayWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Seeing the Holy Ceremony at Varanasi in the evening by boat was so vibrant.  Seeing the sun rise over the Annpurnas was absolutely stunningWhat did you think of your group leader?He was absolutely great, so knowledgable and helpful.  So enthuiastic  about his country.  He couldnt have done more to make the holiday so enjoyable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Yes, take plenty of hand cleansing gel and taking probiotic tablets before you go helped  the stomach build up some defences.  I was lucky to get through the whole trip without any tummy problems.  If you go in January you definately need warm clothes.  Also don't expect everything to go to plan all the time.Is there anything else you would like to add?Not really other than Exodus haved come up trumps again.  This is my fifth holiday with them and I have another one booked for May.  They seem to have the formula right.
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  Trip date: February 2012
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  Victoria Brown

  · January 27th, 2012
  A wonderful trip, full of so many different experiences. Lots of travelling but the destinations made it all worthwhile. Fantastic food, excellent guide and a lovely group of people.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Is so hard to pick between sunrise at the Taj Mahal (yes it is as amazing in real life), evening prayers in Varanasi or crazy rickshaw rides through the ever vibrant streets of India.What did you think of your group leader?He was very knowledgeable and very flexible.  Had to deal with some unforseen difficulties with a bus breaking down but we still managed to see everything on the itinerary.  He was friendly and had some great food suggestions.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for the noise, dirt and bustle of India and try to enjoy the experience of it all.  Remember that when you get to Nepal it will be all much quieter.If you like your own space, pay for a single room.Is there anything else you would like to add?Would highly recommend Exodus, I received a highly professional service from start to finish.  Would definitely travel with them again.
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  Trip date: January 2012