India

North India Loop

Deserts, mountains and the Ganges

28 days

Duration

$16

Daily budget

Moderate

Difficulty

Oct – Mar

Best months

The cheapest big trip on this list. Sleeper trains cost a few dollars, thalis fill you up for one, and every single day is loud, overwhelming and unforgettable.

The route, stop by stop

🇮🇳 Delhi · India

Old Delhi food walk, then get out fast.

3 nights$18/day

🕌 Agra · India

Taj Mahal at sunrise, gone by lunch.

1 nights$16/day

🐘 Jaipur · India

Pink city forts and rooftop chai.

3 nights$15/day

🐪 Jaisalmer · India

Camel safari and a night in the Thar dunes.

3 nights$14/day

🛥️ Udaipur · India

Lake palaces, the calmest city in Rajasthan.

3 nights$17/day

🪔 Varanasi · India

Dawn boat down the Ganges — nothing prepares you.

3 nights$13/day

🧘 Rishikesh · India

Yoga, rafting and no alcohol anywhere.

5 nights$14/day

🏔️ Manali · India

Himalayan trailheads and cold, clean air.

4 nights$15/day

8 stops · 25 nights

≈ $377 total

Totals are estimates built from the per-night budgets above — your real spend will vary.

Getting around

→IRCTC sleeper trains (book early)
→Overnight buses to the hills
→Autos — always agree the price first

Don't forget

✓Modest clothing
✓Rehydration salts
✓Own toilet roll
✓Padlock for train luggage

Ready to walk it?

Save the stops as a trip, track your budget and find hostels along the way.

Start planning free

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