An epic journey from the Great Wall of China to the southernmost tip of India, with no phones and no bank cards to hand — the BAFTA-award-winning series Race Across the World is back. If you've been inspired by the teams' adventures in China, Nepal, and India, here's how you could experience each destination your own way.
Trip ideas to make your own
Carve out your own path, exploring China, Nepal, or India in a way that speaks just to you. Here are some ideas to spark inspiration, from a culture-focused trip around India’s Golden Triangle to a journey that takes in China’s natural beauty.
Experiences to help you delve deeper
With the luxury of time and expert local guides by your side, you can scratch beneath the surface of your destination, whether you’re walking along a quieter stretch of the Great Wall or soaking up the historic streets of Nepal’s Bhaktapur.
-
The Great Wall at Jinshanling
Stretching for over 6,000 km to the Gobi Desert in the far west, the Great Wall remains one of the world’s travel showstoppers, and the section at Jinshanling is typically quieter.
-
See the Terracotta Army
Discovered in 1974, these life-size terracotta warriors have proven to be one of the 20th century’s greatest archaeological finds, ranking along with the Great Wall and the Forbidden City as one of China’s most prolific images.
-
Half day excursion to Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan
Only a short distance from Nepal’s capital, Bhaktapur feels, despite the gradual encroachment of satellite dishes, like little has changed for centuries. Stroll through the town, visit its museums, and see the nearby Changu Narayan Temple.
-
Day trek from Namobuddha
As you trek to the village of Balthali, this route takes you past the monastery at Namobuddha, around mountains, and through an array of terraced fields.
-
Taj Mahal at sunrise
The principal reason for almost everyone’s visit to Agra is to see the Taj Mahal. You’ll go in the morning, when it’s less crowded and you can find a peaceful spot to admire it from.
-
Keralan houseboat/rice barge
Locally known as “kettuvallam”, these vessels have been converted into simple, furnished houseboats, with en suite bedrooms, an open lounge and eating area, a deck, and a kitchenette.
-
Udaipur city tour
Visit the City Palace, Rajasthan’s largest palace complex, to see its collection of royal paraphernalia, toys, and miniatures, before heading to Tripolia Gate and the Saheliyon ki Bari gardens.
Travel guides to shape your ideas
Our specialists have visited China, Nepal, and India time and time again, and they’ve shared their firsthand experiences and tips in the following travel guides. We hope they help to inspire your own travels.
-
What to do in China: our highlights guide What to do in China: our highlights guide
What to do in China: our highlights guide
Visit China's Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors, walk the Great Wall, hike along the Dragon’s Backbone, and meet the native minorities in the Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. China specialist, Alice picks her favorite things to see and do when visiting this vast country.
Read this guide -
There’s more to Nepal than trekking: our highlights guide There’s more to Nepal than trekking: our highlights guide
There’s more to Nepal than trekking: our highlights guide
In a country that attracts serious trekkers and hikers, Nepal specialist Katy suggests her alternative highlights. Enjoy gentle walks through the Kathmandu Valley or spend days wandering through medieval town squares. Dive into the bazaars of Kathmandu or search for rhinos in Chitwan National Park.
Read this guide -
India to Nepal: where to go in the Himalaya India to Nepal: where to go in the Himalaya
India to Nepal: where to go in the Himalaya
Spanning six countries and the world’s highest mountain range, the Himalaya isn’t a region you usually tackle in one go. We compare and contrast the best Himalayan journeys, which include seeking out rhinos in Nepal, visiting remote dzongs in Bhutan, and riding railways in India.
Read this guide -
Top 10 trips to India Top 10 trips to India
Top 10 trips to India
Would you prefer to cruise along the Lower Ganges, soaking up India’s heritage and culture, take a train through the heartland of Rajasthan, or combine a stay in the Himalayan foothills with time on Kerala’s palm-fringed coast? We’ve curated our specialists’ top India tour ideas to help you plan your next trip.
Read this guide