Quiet country lanes in Rajasthan | Richard I'Anson
Quiet country lanes in Rajasthan  | Richard I'Anson
Agra's iconic Taj Mahal is a must see for any visitor to India  | Richard I'Anson
The impressive Jaisalmer Fort at sunset  | Richard I'Anson
A line of camels used for transport around the Thar Desert near Jaisalmer, Northern India  | David Lazar
Musician at Jaisalmer Fort  | Richard I'Anson
Palace of the Winds, Jaipur  | Richard I'Anson

North India Adventure

Breathtaking monuments complimented with leisurely cycling


 8 reviews

15 Days from

$3290 USD

Trip Code: NIA
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement (Oct 25 - Mar 26)
$1030 USD

Duration

  • 15 Days

Activities

  • 3 day cycle

Accommodation

  • 13 nights hotel
  • 1 nights desert camp

Meals

  • 4 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 14 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

64kg of CO2-e PP per day

(899kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • An unsurpassed adventure through the cultural heart of Rajasthan
  • Cycle along the backroads of rural India from Bikaner to Nokhra
  • Experience a safari camp deep in the Thar desert
  • Explore the walled city of Jaisalmer
  • Experience the historic cities of Jodphur and Jaipur
  • View the Taj Mahal at sunrise
  • Stay in heritage hotels, comfortable desert camps and simple resorts steeped in nature

Overview

There is no better way to experience the diversity of rural India than by cycling. Beginning in Bikaner, we travel through quiet desert landscapes and traditional villages, gaining an authentic insight into daily life in Rajasthan. We visit the historic cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Jaipur, exploring their impressive forts, palaces, and bustling bazaars. The cycling route follows mostly flat terrain, with a support vehicle provided throughout for convenience and comfort. The journey concludes in Agra, where we visit the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most celebrated monuments.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the group hotel The Metropolitan, New Delhi. The remainder of the day is at leisure. A trip briefing will be held with your guide at the hotel around 5pm. Overnight: The Metropolitan Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bikaner. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a Rathore prince from Jodhpur, Bikaner has a rich history as an important centre on ancient trade routes linking Central Asia and Europe. The city’s spiritual origins are attributed to Goddess Karni Mata, who is believed to have blessed its founding. Historically, Bikaner prospered through agriculture and wool trading, once hosting the largest wool market in Asia. Today, tourism also plays a major role in the city’s economy. The afternoon is free to explore the city at your own pace, followed by a relaxed evening at the heritage hotel. Overnight: Cavalry Villa or similar. Please note the luggage allowance for the flight is 15kg per person checked luggage and 7kg hand luggage. Additional luggage can be purchased at approx INR700 per kg or excess luggage can be stored in the hotel in Delhi.

Meals: B

After breakfast, set out on a guided exploration of Junagarh Fort, an impressive stronghold built in 1589. Constructed from striking red sandstone, the fort houses a collection of elegant palaces and temples, including Phool Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Anup Mahal, Gaj Mandir, Ganga Niwas, and Har Mandir. Inside, admire an extraordinary display of royal artifacts—elephant howdahs, World War–era firearms, a De Havilland DH.9 biplane, and finely crafted traditional weapons. Continue with a combined tuk-tuk and walking tour through Bikaner’s atmospheric old city, often called the City of Havelis. Stroll past more than a thousand exquisitely carved mansions adorned with intricate frescoes and gilded interiors, each telling a story of the city’s prosperous past. Visit the remarkable Bhandasar Jain Temple, renowned for its unique construction using over 80,000 litres of ghee instead of water in its mortar. Enjoy lunch at a local city restaurant before transferring to Raisar, where you’ll check in to a luxury desert camp nestled in the heart of the Thar Desert. enjoy a village visit to a cultural performance featuring live folk music and dance beneath the desert stars. Overnight: Raisar Desert Camp (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, return to Bikaner for some leisurely shopping and optional sightseeing in the bustling old city, where vibrant markets overflow with traditional textiles, handicrafts, and jewellery. In the afternoon, visit the fascinating National Research Centre on Camels, home to more than 300 camels representing a variety of breeds. Here, you’ll gain insight into the vital role camels play in desert life and learn about their unique characteristics: Jaisalmeri – Renowned for their speed and endurance Kutchi – Strong and dependable, ideal for carrying heavy loads Mewari – Valued for their rich milk production Bikaneri – The versatile all-rounder, prized for speed, strength, milk, and wool Continue to the Royal Cenotaphs (Devi Kund Sagar), an evocative complex of intricately carved marble and sandstone memorials commemorating generations of Bikaner’s royal family. Overnight: The Lallgarh Palace Hotel (or similar)

Meals: B

Today marks the start of your cycling adventure through the heart of rural Rajasthan. Begin at Nagnechiji Temple, then ride across a railway underpass and the JPR–JDH bypass, following quiet country roads that wind through scattered farms and traditional villages. Make a stop at the Jorbeer Vulture Sanctuary, a haven for migratory and resident birds of prey, before enjoying refreshments at Bhojanshala, located near a charitable cow care centre. Continue pedalling through Suradhana village, experiencing the rhythm of daily life in the desert plains. Pause for lunch at Gigasar, then ride onward to Deshnoke, whose name translates to “Pride of the Nation.” In the evening, take a short walk to the world-famous Karni Mata Temple, often called the Rat Temple, where thousands of revered rats are believed to embody the reincarnated descendants of the goddess Karni Mata—a fascinating and truly unique cultural experience. Overnight: Hotel in Deshnoke. Route: Nagnechiji – Jorbeer – Bhojanshala – Suradhana – Gigasar – Deshnoke approximately 41 kms.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, set out on your cycle, pedalling first to Jaigla, a village of the Bishnoi community, known for their deep respect for nature and wildlife. Continue onward to Janglu, home to Bhati Rajputs and Jaats, where traditional rural life unfolds against a backdrop of open desert plains. Pause at an ancient rainwater pond (nadi) for refreshments and a short rest. The surrounding landscape is rich in gypsum, white clay, and lignite coal—resources vital to the region’s ceramic craftwork and power generation. Ride on to Dhinghsari, a Rajvi Rajput village, where you’ll be welcomed into a local home for lunch. Visit the village government school, meet the students, and enjoy an authentic insight into everyday life in rural Rajasthan. In the afternoon, continue cycling through Sathika—known as the in-laws’ village of Goddess Karni Mata—before reaching Siyana by evening. Overnight: Hotel Siyana Cottages. Route: Deshnoke – Jaigla – Janglu – Kishnasar – Dhinghsari – Sathika – Siyana approximately 56 km.

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s ride takes you through the starkly beautiful Thar Desert, where hardy acacia and aak (madar) plants dot the arid landscape. As you cycle along quiet desert tracks, you may encounter members of the Raika and Sansi nomadic communities, known for their deep connection to Rajasthan’s pastoral traditions. Pause for a tea break at a rustic mud-and-cement roadside dhaba after passing through Neniya village, before continuing on to Udat, where a home-cooked lunch awaits at a Rajput household. Later, visit a local potter’s home to see traditional earthenware craftsmanship, then pedal past the impressive Nokhra Solar Park, a striking symbol of India’s renewable energy progress. At Nokhra Junction, hand over your bicycles and drive the final 10 kilometres to Kishneri. This evening, enjoy dinner and a farewell celebration with your cycling support team, marking the end of a memorable desert adventure. Overnight: Hotel Shiv Vilas or similar in Kishneri. Route: Siyana – Neniya – Udat – Nokhra approximately 54 kms.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, begin your drive to Jaisalmer, the fabled Golden City of Rajasthan. On arrival, check in to your group hotel, with the afternoon free to explore the maze of markets surrounding the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort. Wander through narrow lanes lined with vibrant textiles, leather goods, and intricate handicrafts — a sensory glimpse into the city’s rich desert heritage. In the evening, drive to Sunset Point, where you can take in sweeping views city and the vast Thar Desert beyond. Overnight: Hotel Rang Mahal Palace or similar

Meals: B

Today is devoted to exploring the ancient walled city of Jaisalmer. Begin with a visit to the 12th-century Jaisalmer Fort, entering through its impressive gateways before walking through a network of narrow, stone-paved lanes. Inside the fort, explore bazaars, temples, and historic homes, each reflecting the city’s long and varied history. From the fort’s ramparts, enjoy views across the city and surrounding desert. Continue to visit some of Jaisalmer’s famous havelis—the ornate mansions of wealthy merchants who prospered when the city was an important stop on the trade route between the Arabian Sea and Central India. These finely carved sandstone buildings provide a fascinating insight into the architecture and craftsmanship of the period. Overnight: Hotel Rang Mahal Palace or similar

Meals: B

Depart early this morning for your drive to Jodhpur, the vibrant Blue City of Rajasthan. Arrive by lunchtime, and check in to your hotel. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure — wander through the bustling local markets, filled with colourful textiles, spices, and handicrafts, and soak up the lively atmosphere that defines this historic desert city. Overnight: Hotel Devi Bhawan or similar

Meals: B

Today, explore Jodhpur, beginning with a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, which rises above the city on a rocky hill. The fort offers excellent views across Jodhpur and is regarded as one of the most impressive in Rajasthan. Inside, explore its palaces, courtyards, and museums, which reflect the city’s royal history and craftsmanship. Continue to the nearby Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial built in 1899 in honour of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Located in peaceful gardens, the cenotaph features carved marble screens (jalis) and portraits of Rathore rulers dating back to the 13th century. Overnight: Hotel Devi Bhawan or similar

Meals: B

Depart this morning for your drive to Jaipur, the vibrant Pink City and capital of Rajasthan. Arrive by lunchtime and check in to your hotel. Founded in the early 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur was meticulously planned when the ruler moved his capital from Amber to this new site — today celebrated for its distinctive pink-hued architecture and regal charm. This afternoon, visit the magnificent City Palace, an exquisite blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, still partly occupied by the royal family. Continue to the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where fascinating astronomical instruments from the 18th century reveal the scientific ingenuity of the era. Overnight: Hotel Mandawa Haveli or similar

Meals: B

Today is devoted to exploring the historic and architectural highlights of Jaipur. Begin with a visit to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), known for its distinctive pink façade built for royal women to view street life below. Continue to the Amber Fort, a large hilltop complex overlooking the Aravalli Hills. Explore its Chambers of Mirrors, fine marble inlay work, and courtyards with views over the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, take part in a guided walking tour of the old city, offering a closer look at local markets, traditional crafts, and daily life in Jaipur. Overnight: Hotel Mandawa Haveli or similar

Meals: B

This morning, drive from Jaipur to Agra, stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the former imperial capital built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Although it was abandoned after a short time, the city remains well preserved and displays a mix of Mughal, Persian, and Indian architectural styles. Explore its courtyards, palaces, and mosques to gain an understanding of this important historical site. Continue to Agra, arriving by late afternoon. In the evening, visit the Taj View Point on the banks of the Yamuna River, near Mehtab Bagh, for a sunset view of the Taj Mahal. Overnight: Hotel Clarks Shiraz or similar

Meals: B

This morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The early morning light provides ideal conditions to appreciate the monument’s symmetry and craftsmanship. Afterwards, visit the Agra Fort, a red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors when Agra was the capital. From its walls, there are good views across the Yamuna River towards the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, drive back to Delhi, where the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Airport transfer on Day 1
  • Well-appointed hotels on a twin share basis
  • Private transportation
  • Desert safari listed in itinerary
  • Mountain bikes with gears between Bikaner and Nokhra
  • Sightseeing and sight entry fees as listed in itinerary
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Group medical kit

Not included

  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Items of a personal nature i.e. laundry, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, phone calls
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Visa
  • Optional activities and sightseeing
  • Still/video camera fees at monuments
  • Flight Delhi to Bikaner

Reviews (8)



Responsible travel

Extra trip info

Guaranteeing A Great India Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975