5-Day Budget-Friendly Adventure Exploring India’s Vibrant North and Nearby Nepal

Day 1: Discover Historical Delhi

Delhi, India on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sita Ram Diwan Chand

Start your day with legendary Delhi street food, enjoying their famous chole bhature at this iconic eatery, open from 7am to 3pm.
INR100, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Qutub Minar

Explore India’s tallest brick minaret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that depicts Indo-Islamic architecture. Open 7am to 5pm.
INR30, 1h30m

11:00am

Humayun’s Tomb Visit

View one of the most outstanding gardens tombs in India—a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Open 6am to 6pm.
INR40, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Karim’s in Old Delhi

Enjoy authentic Mughlai cuisine including kebabs and biryanis in this legendary restaurant open from 11am to 11pm.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Travel to Rishikesh by bus

Take a budget-friendly bus from Delhi ISBT to Rishikesh, approximately 6 hours journey. Buses run frequently and cost around INR400.
INR400, 6h

9:30pm

Check-in Budget Guesthouse

Settle for a budget-friendly guesthouse in Rishikesh. Prices approx INR400 per night, surrounded by natural beauty.
INR400, Overnight
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Day 2: Spiritual and Energetic Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India on August 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian breakfast near the river, open daily from 7am.
INR150, 0h45m

8:00am

Visit Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Explore the iconic iron suspension bridges offering panoramic views over the Ganges, open all-day.
Free, 1h30m

10:00am

Yoga Session at The Beatles Ashram

Experience this popular ashram site with meditation and yoga (entry to the ruins is free; yoga classes locally priced).
INR500, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at a local café in Tapovan

Taste local fresh vegetarian food with stunning Ganges view. Open 12pm - 5pm.
INR200, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Neer Garh Waterfalls

Take a short trek to these beautiful waterfalls for a refreshing afternoon dip. Open daylight hours.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Witness the spectacular evening prayer on the riverbanks with lamps and chants, a truly uplifting experience from 7pm.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen

Enjoy healthy, organic food offering a peaceful ambiance. Open 8am - 10pm.
INR300, 1h
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Day 3: Haridwar’s Spiritual Aura

Haridwar, India on August 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Blue Star

Start your day with a simple but hearty North Indian breakfast, open 7am to 10am.
INR120, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Haridwar by bus

Catch a local bus from Rishikesh to Haridwar, a short 1-hour journey costing around INR50.
INR50, 1h

9:30am

Visit Har Ki Pauri

Explore the famous ghat on the Ganges where pilgrims bathe for purification; open all day.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Visit Mansa Devi Temple

Take a cable car ride offering stunning views to reach this revered temple open 7am to 7pm.
INR150, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Relish traditional vegetarian food near Har Ki Pauri, open 8am to 9pm.
INR200, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at local marketplace

Explore vibrant souvenir and prayer item shops around Haridwar, perfect to soak in local culture.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Attend Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Watch the magnificent lamps and chants ceremony at the riverbank starting at 7pm, a mesmerizing spiritual event.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Hari Piorko Roof Top

Savour classic Indian dishes with a great rooftop ambience overlooking the holy city, open till 10pm.
INR300, 1h

9:30pm

Return to Rishikesh

Catch an evening bus back to Rishikesh, travel cost around INR50. Rest for the night.
INR50, 1h
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Day 4: Cultural Kathmandu Exploration

Kathmandu, Nepal on August 18, 2025

5:00am

Travel early morning bus and flight combo to Kathmandu

From Rishikesh, take a bus towards Delhi for an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Budget airlines offer deals around INR2500-3000. This involves early planning but maximises sightseeing time.
INR3000, 6h

12:00pm

Lunch at Thamel area

Explore Kathmandu’s popular tourist hub Thamel and enjoy affordable Nepalese cuisine at local cafes open 10am to 10pm.
NPR400 (approx INR300), 1h

1:30pm

Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

Experience panoramic views of Kathmandu and a spiritual ambiance in this iconic Buddhist stupa, open daily from 6am to 6pm.
NPR200 (approx INR150), 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Durbar Square

Discover historic palaces and temples in central Kathmandu with rich Nepalese history, open 9am to 5pm.
NPR1000 (approx INR750), 2h

6:00pm

Evening walk in Garden of Dreams

Relax in this serene colonial garden oasis open till 7:30pm, perfect for refreshing strolls.
NPR200 (approx INR150), 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bhojan Griha

Enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine with cultural dance performances available some evenings, open till 10pm.
NPR700 (approx INR500), 1h

9:30pm

Stay at Budget Guesthouse

Economical guesthouses in Thamel area cost approx NPR800 (INR600) per night, with clean facilities and vibrant atmosphere.
NPR800, Overnight
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Day 5: Final Kathmandu Highlights and Return

Kathmandu, Nepal on August 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Sample fresh local pastries and tea at a nearby bakery in Thamel, open from 7am.
NPR200 (approx INR150), 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Pashupatinath Temple

Witness one of the most sacred Hindu temples, with cremation ghats on the Bagmati River. Open 4am to 9pm.
NPR100 (approx INR80), 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Boudhanath Stupa

Marvel at one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal, a UNESCO site that exudes peace and spirituality, open 24 hours.
NPR400 (approx INR300), 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local Nepali restaurant

Taste Dal Bhat, the traditional Nepali meal, before your afternoon travel, open 11am to 4pm.
NPR350 (approx INR250), 1h

2:00pm

Return flight to Delhi

Catch an afternoon budget flight back to Delhi to complete your trip. Book in advance for best fares around INR2500.
INR2500, 1h30m

5:30pm

Arrival in Delhi

End of your energetic and budget-friendly north India and Nepal adventure.
Free, End
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