India
Rajasthan, the Thar Desert and the palaces of the maharajas
Réf : IRAJ14X
In summary
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Sports
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Duration14 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAsia / India
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions4020.32 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Rajasthan is the India of princes and legends, the India of palaces and gardens, but it is also the India of colors, of multicolored saris worn with elegance and turbans proudly displayed by the ancient Rajput warriors. Traveling through this vast open-air museum promises rich and surprising days! Upon arrival, we discover the majestic Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. After a nature break in Bharatpur National Park, we visit the Pink City, Jaipur, and the White City, Pushkar. Jodhpur, the Blue City, capital of the Marwar people, is home to an impressive citadel: after visiting it and exploring the old city, we set off to discover the Thar Desert. We spend two days there, hiking among the dunes and traditional villages. We continue our journey to Jaisalmer, land of the Bhatti princes, and a golden city located at the gateway to the desert. On our way to Udaipur, another white city where palaces are reflected in the waters of Lake Picchola, we discover the Jain temple of Ranakpur. The journey ends with a train ride back to Delhi, our eyes filled with legendary images!
The highlights
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Sunrise over the Taj Mahal, Mughal jewel of Agra
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Immersion in the Thar Desert between dunes and traditional villages
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Exploring the colorful cities: Jaipur the pink, Jodhpur the blue, Pushkar the white
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
The expert's opinion
This route is easy, with some walks that don't require any particular effort. However, be aware that some days include long journeys, sometimes on poor roads. Also note that the pace is fairly brisk.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
French
English
French
English
Supervisor
Supervisor
Based in Rajasthan for many years, our local agency guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to our guides and logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you will be accompanied by our adventure guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature.
Our trip is led by a French-speaking tour guide. They are assisted by local guides at certain cultural sites. Our French-speaking guides have been selected for their enthusiasm, their knowledge of the destination, and their extensive experience. We regularly train our guides, which is one of the keys to the success of our trips. They will share their country with you with passion.
In the Thar Desert, he is supported by a logistics team: local guides, a cook, assistants...
Throughout your stay, you will have several local, non-French-speaking drivers.
Program
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Paris - Delhi
- Transportation Plane - 08h30 - 6500km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Delhi.Day 1 -
Delhi - Agra - Red Fort
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 200km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arriving at Delhi airport on the morning of day 2, we head directly to Agra. After checking into our hotel, we set out to visit the imposing Agra Palace and Fort, built entirely of red sandstone by the Mughal emperors. This monument, constructed on the banks of the Yamuna River, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Mughal forts in the country. This enormous fortress houses a series of marble palaces, mosques, and gardens. Dating back to the 16th century, this historical site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the citadel's terraces, we have a breathtaking view of the legendary Taj Mahal, which we will visit the following day.Day 2 -
Taj Mahal - Bharatpur Reserve - Jaipur
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 200km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We visit the Taj Mahal early in the morning to take advantage of the beautiful light that further enhances this fabulous white marble monument. This sublime mausoleum, which has become the emblem of India, is considered the most extravagant building ever constructed for love. Indeed, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to house the body of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. After the visits, we have breakfast and then depart for Jaipur, the gateway to the state of Rajasthan. On the way, we stop in Bharatpur for a walk in the nature reserve, which covers 29 square kilometers. We observe several species of birds among the woods and ponds. We arrive in Jaipur in the late afternoon.Day 3 -
Visit to Jaipur - Pushkar
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we'll visit Jaipur, the "Pink City," a welcoming color in the tradition of the Maharajas. The capital of Rajasthan since the 1950s, Jaipur is the true masterpiece of Maharaja Jai Singh, a passionate astronomer. We'll visit Jaipur's iconic landmark, the unmissable "Palace of Winds," built in the shape of a crown. We'll also explore the Royal Palace and the renowned Astronomical Observatory, the largest in the world. In the afternoon, we'll travel to the shores of the tranquil sacred Pushkar Lake, on the edge of the desert. The "miraculous" waters of this lake make it a major Hindu pilgrimage site.Day 4 -
Visit to Pushkar
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Pushkar is a small, holy, white, and peaceful town nestled in the shadow of its thousands of temples and ghats, where pilgrims come to perform ritual ablutions and make offerings to Brahma. This important pilgrimage site hosts a huge camel fair and a major pilgrimage each year, drawing thousands of devotees. We'll walk around the lake and stroll through the narrow streets of this peaceful town, home to the only Brahma temple in India. In the afternoon, we'll hike for two to three hours to the hills above Pushkar for a panoramic view of the holy city.Day 5 -
Jodhpur - visit to the Citadel and the old town
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 201km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we'll take a country road to Jodhpur, the Blue City, also known as the "Sun City." The inhabitants of this city, built on the edge of the vast Thar Desert, have painted their houses blue in honor of the god Krishna, nicknamed the "Indigo God." After lunch, we'll visit the Mehrangarh Citadel, which overlooks the city of Jodhpur. It is one of the most beautiful citadels in Rajasthan. We'll then explore the lively old city, home to the spice market and numerous artisan workshops.Day 6 -
Hiking in the Thar Desert
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we drive to the village of Phalsund. From there, we reach the Thar Desert where we begin our trek among the dunes and Rajput villages. The ninth largest subtropical desert in the world, the Thar Desert is incredibly rich in biodiversity. Several reserves protect the local wildlife: caracals, wild asses, great bustards, and more. We hike through the non-touristy parts of the desert and meet the locals who live there. In the late evening, we set up camp on the beautiful sand dunes. The sunset is simply magical!Day 7 -
Thar Desert - Jaisalmer
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, a short hike takes us through the surrounding villages. We try to chat with the locals, discovering their homes and way of life. Then, we set off for Jaisalmer. Nicknamed the Golden City and located in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan.Day 8 -
Visit to Jaisalmer - Fallen
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 100km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off to explore Jaisalmer: its palace-fortress, its narrow streets, and its numerous havelis... This golden city was once a stop on the spice route between India and Persia. Land of the Bhatti princes, in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is undoubtedly the oldest fortified city in Rajasthan (12th century). Superb havelis with stone lacework windows, Jain temples, and the bustling alleyways of the bazaar: Jaisalmer is an artistic and cultural delight at every turn. After our visits, we travel to Dechu, a charming little village between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. In the late afternoon, we stroll through the village and enjoy the countryside atmosphere, much greener, more peaceful, and different from what we have seen in the previous days.Day 9 -
Fallen - Dev Garh
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 300km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We take country roads to reach Devgarh. On the way, we stop at Mr. and Mrs. Singh's house, where they welcome us for a "local" lunch. Afterwards, we continue to a small town called Dev Garh in the heart of Rajasthan, known for its palace with its traditional Rajasthani architecture, featuring exquisite murals, elegant rooms, and a regal atmosphere...Day 10 -
Dev Garh - Ranakpur Jain Temple - Udaipur
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A morning visit to the village of Devgarh. This gives us the opportunity to meet and chat with the locals, who are always curious and enthusiastic to see travelers. After these lovely encounters, we take a scenic country road to Ranakpur. In Ranakpur, we visit the magnificent Jain temple with its 1,444 pillars carved from stone. After the visits, we continue on to Udaipur. Our route takes us through a reserve where the vegetation is particularly lush. This is the Road of the Waterwheels! We stop a few times in the fields where oxen tirelessly pull the waterwheels to irrigate the crops. We check into our hotel on the shores of Lake Udaipur.Day 11 -
Visit to Udaipur - overnight train to Delhi
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A full day of sightseeing and exploration in Udaipur, "the City of Dawn," arguably the most beautiful citadel in Rajasthan, set in the magnificent surroundings of Lake Pichola. Also known as the "Venice of the East," it boasts white marble palaces, including the Lake Palace, which appear to float on the lake. We begin with a visit to the City Palace, built, expanded, and renovated by 22 generations of Maharajas. From the palace, we enjoy stunning views of Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills. The afternoon is free to wander through the old streets of Udaipur. Late afternoon, we board an overnight train to Delhi.Day 12 -
Authentic Delhi tour - Return international flight
- Transportation Plane - 08h30 - 6500km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Delhi late morning, then, depending on the return flight schedule, afternoon visit to Old Delhi. We plan a short culinary excursion through the narrow streets of Old Delhi, discovering local specialties with tastings and demonstrations. We then visit Old Delhi, dating back to the 17th century and the former capital of the Mughal Empire. It was built within its fortifications by Emperor Shah Jahan, who also commissioned the Taj Mahal. We visit the Jama Masjid mosque and the alleyways of Chandani Chowk. The traditional buildings and the history of the Muslim Mughal Empire blend with the religious and cultural diversity characteristic of large cities, and particularly pronounced in Delhi. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Paris.Day 13 -
Paris
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Paris.Day 14
Note
This trip offers a true change of scenery and an introduction to the richest aspects of Indian history. It also provides a genuine immersion into the complex, yet fascinating, contemporary world of India! This itinerary is provided for informational purposes only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify it for your safety and that of the group.
HOLI FESTIVAL 2027
Holi is celebrated by Hindus throughout India on March 22, 2027, during the full moon of the month of Phalguna. It is a very popular festival symbolizing both the arrival of spring and the celebration of fertility. It involves a fun ritual in which people throw colored pigments at each other: green for harmony, orange for optimism, blue for vitality, and red for joy and love. On this day, Indians take care to wear white clothes, which will then be irretrievable. All public places are filled with color and joyful shouts. During this festival, Indians prepare more lavish meals, buy pastries, and exchange gifts. It is a time of great joy for all Hindus.
We invite you to participate in an exclusive tour for this occasion, departing on March 20, 2027. Discover the program here !
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
Access
Departure
Delhi
Day 1
: 00h00
End of stay
Delhi
Day 14
- 00h00
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isDEL - Delhi - Aéroport international Delhi-Indira Gandhi
1. International transport:
For flights to India, we use scheduled flights departing from Paris (operating year-round at fixed times). You will primarily fly with Qatar Airways and Gulf Air. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may also offer flights with other airlines.
We pre-purchase a stock of flights departing from Paris on these different airlines in order to guarantee you the best fares and availability for as long as possible. Departures from certain provincial cities are possible upon request and subject to an additional charge.
IMPORTANT: This information is for guidance only. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, the airlines may differ from those listed above.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- International flights departing from Paris
- Air taxes
- Land transport
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
- The excursions detailed in the program
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Full board except for the meals not included in the program
The price does not include
- Indian visa fees.
- Personal expenses.
- The drinks.
- The optional meals mentioned in the program (approximately €8 to €10 per meal)
- Tips for local staff (at your discretion), see the specific Additional Information section for more details.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Pack a lightweight sleeping bag for trips between November and March (train and bivouac). For the rest of the year, a sleeping bag liner is sufficient.
- a toiletry bag and bath towel.
- sunscreen (face and lips)
- headlamp
- gourd
Clothing to bring
Clothing, from head to toe:
- lightweight walking shoes and sandals
- canvas trousers
- Bermuda shorts
- t-shirt
- long-sleeved shirt
- A warm pullover or fleece jacket for your evenings (not necessary for summer trips)
- waterproof windproof jacket
- rain cape (just in case)
- hat against the sun
- sunglasses
- swimsuit
For temple visits, bring something to cover your shoulders and trousers or capris below the knee (no shorts or bermudas).
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(1436 reviews)
• 445 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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save 5%
by joining
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Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
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