Hi, thanks in advance for your help! Making my first trip to India in December with a friend (we're young - 25 and 27) and have hungry eyes. We want to do as much as we can, but don't want to rush and cram...that's hard to do in 2 weeks. Could you guys please take a look at our itinerary and let me know your suggestions? It's much appreciated!

Arrive Delhi early am of Dec 6.
Dec 6 - explore Delhi
Dec 7 - board 6am train to Agra to see the Taj
Dec 7 (evening) depart by overnight train to Varanasi (2 days here). Can you recommend a place to stay? I've read about the Rashmi guesthouse, and it looks good....
Dec 10 - fly to Khatmandu. We want to see the Khat Valley, Chitwan Nat'l Park for an elephant safari, and Pokhara for other outdoor adventure. If anyone can suggest hostels or hotels (cheap but safe for 2 solo girls) and short treks, safari's, white water rafting, and meditation/yoga locals it's appreciated).
Dec 17 (flexible) - depart back to India.

We're debating flying into Jaipur to spend 2 days. Or, if you guys think it's best to spend some more time in Nepal we can stay 2 extra days then fly directly into Delhi for our departure back to the states.

I can't thank you enough for your help and consideration. India and Nepal here we come!
Laurie

Hi Laurie,
Peace be at your home and in life too.
According me the best itinerary and hotels are as follows:-
6 Dec – Delhi -
7 Dec – Jaipur – Diggi Palace/ Arya Niwas/ Alsisar Haveli
8 Dec – Jaipur
9 Dec – Agra – Hotel Sheila/ Safari/ Man Singh/ Amar Hotel
10 Dec – Night Train to Varanasi
11Dec – Varanasi – Shahi River View / Palace on Ganges/Shahi river view
12Dec – By car to Chitwan NP– Park land/ Machan / Gainda resort
13Dec – Chitwan NP– Park land/ Machan / Gainda resort
14Dec – Drive to Pokhara – Panorama Hotel/ Barahi Hotel/ Trek-o-Tel
15Dec – Kathmandu - Shankar Hotel/ Marsh-yangdi/ Yak & yati Hotel
16Dec – Kathmandu - Shankar Hotel/ Marsh-yangdi/ Yak & yati Hotel
17Dec – Flight back to Delhi and departure as per your next destination.

Shahi River view is really over priced and having very basic rooms.
About Nepal you don’t have much time according the activities you wrote.

I hope it will help you something.
Wish you all the best in my beautiful country.
Raju India.

How are you planning to get around in Nepal? I'm not well up on internal flights, and have only visited once, but suggest you find out how to get from A to B, and how long it takes. From memory it's 6-7 hours from Pokhara to Katmandhu on a bus. I'm thinking those 2 days would be better spent in Nepal.

Have you got a guide book? Lonely Planet is good for independent travellers on a budget, and they have a forum too.

www.lonelyplanet.com

Cheers.

That's a good question. I've bought 3 guidebooks...and there is almost too much information.

We were going to fly into Katmandu, but now we're thinking that we'd rather spend less time in the cities in Nepal and more time in the parks. I think in India we'll do more of a city tour, and in Nepal more outdoor activities. So we're thinking of taking an overnight train from Varanasi to Pukhara. Thoughts on skipping Katmandu?

Also, a friend who grew up in India says to skip Varanasi altogether and go instead to Mumbai and Jaipur. Thoughts on that as well?

Again, thanks for your help!

"Also, a friend who grew up in India says to skip Varanasi altogether and go instead to Mumbai and Jaipur. Thoughts on that as well?" NO! NO! Varanasi is in another class altogether. It's been a sacred city for millenia, and is unique - fascinating, riveting, horrifying and beautiful. Definitely go, and definitely stay on the river.