Turkey – Iran – Pakistan – India - Nepal

Take a step back in time to rediscover the delights of the Hippie Trail made famous in the 1960s and 70s - instead of a beaten up VW Combie you can now make this historic journey by Bus.

The journey makes its way from Istanbul to Kathmandu, taking in some of Asia’s most amazing places.

Highlights

Istanbul, Cappadocia, Mt Nemrut, Esfahan, Shiraz, Bam, Lahore, Golden Temple, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Jaipur, Taj Mahal, Varanasi and Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 6 Istanbul to Cappadocia

Our trip starts in Istanbul, the city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. Transfer to our city centre hostel and begin with a welcome party, then next day a walking tour of Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia, Hippodrome and Underground Cisterne, plus see how Turkish Carpets are made. There's free time to haggle in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, perhaps a relaxing Turkish Bath, before an evening cruise on the Bosphorous strait.

Perhaps an optional day trip to Gallipoli to visit the ANZAC Battlefields from WW1 or more free time in Istanbul, maybe visiting the famous Pudding Shop, frequented by the original Hippies.

Our first drive is via Turkey's capital, Ankara, then on to the amazing lunar landscapes of Cappadocia. Tour the underground cities, take a Balloon flight and marvel at Turkey's most impressive geological sites. Maybe a drink in one of the many cave bars in Goreme after a visit to the Open Air Museum.

Day 7 - 13 Goreme to Tabriz

Leaving the surreal scenery of Cappadocia we head east past Erciyas Volcano and on to Mount Nemrut, famous for its giant statues built before Christ. Take an early morning hike up to the summit to see the sunrise over the mountains. We're a long way from civilisation here!

We visit the Ataturk Dam en route to Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake and a chance to relax with a swim and a day cruise. Then it's onto Mount Ararat to search for Noah's Ark and the border town affectionately known as 'Doggy Biscuit!' This was the hang out for the hippies waiting for their Iranian visas. We have ours, so the next day it's across the border into Iran, then on to the beautiful city of Tabriz. A visit to the 3000 year old cave houses at Kandovan still occupied by locals today is the highlight here.

Day 14 - 19 Tehran to Shiraz

We drive to Tehran, Iran's bustling capital taking a guided city tour, then onto Qom, the country's religious centre. The city is the largest centre for Shi'a scholarship in the world, and is a significant destination of pilgrimage for Muslims.

One of the highlights of the Hippie Trail is Esfahan, which was once the capital of Persia. Imam Square is so impressive a Persian proverb once described this place as 'Half of the World'. Chill out with an apple tea or smoke a shish pipe with the locals!

Our next stop, Shiraz, is known as the city of poets, wine and flowers (especially roses). It is also considered by many Iranians to be the city of gardens, due to the many gardens and fruit trees that can be seen in the city. Nearby Persopolis built by Darius the great in 500BC is definitely worth a visit.

Day 20 – 29 Yazd to Lahore

We’re now into the more remote corner of Iran, visiting Yazd the centre of Zoroastrianism the once popular local religion, and Bam the 2000 year old mud brick town that now lies in ruins after the 2003 Earthquake.

We travel through the Balochistan Desert crossing into Pakistan for the long drive to Quetta. The vastness of this rugged province is contrasted by the warmth of hospitality experienced by the Hippies that travelled through it.

Over the Bolan Pass, the gateway to the sub continent, we travel via Sibi to the fertile Indus Valley. Heading north, we arrive at the 'Heart of Pakistan', Lahore. There's free time to explore the markets and bargain with the locals, plus a visit to the changing of the guards ceremony at the Indian border.

Day 30 - 37 Indian border to Jaipur

After crossing the only official frontier between Pakistan and India, we arrive at the home of the Sikh religion, Amritsar, where our hotel is a stone's throw from the impressive Golden Temple built in the 16th century.

Next is the hustle and bustle of Delhi, India's capital and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. You'll need your bargaining hat on here, as everyone has something to sell, or a snake to charm you. A visit to the Old Fort is a must as well.

Leaving the metropolis, we head for the hills to get in touch with nature at the Corbett National Park, home to all types of wildlife and India's treasure, the Tiger! Take a safari or an elephant ride and enjoy a bush barbeque.

The 'Pink City' of Jaipur is a welcome change with its wide boulevards and manicured buildings. We are now in the heart of India's famous Golden Triangle.

Day 38 – 44 Taj Mahal to The Ganges

A morning drive to Agra, where the magnificent Taj Mahal awaits. This World Heritage site is the best example of Mughal architecture and one of the gems of India.

After the Taj, we have a couple of driving days via Kanpur and Lucknow to the Hindu city of Varanasi. The culture here is deeply associated with the river Ganges’ religious importance, the city has been a cultural and religious centre in Northern India for thousands of years. Ghats or staircases lead down to the river’s edge and act as pilgrimage symbols for Hindus.

Day 45 - 48  Nepal / Kathmandu

The spirit of the Hippie Trail still lingers in Kathmandu; leave behind the crowds in India and enjoy this backpacker haven, there is even a road here named after the trail, Freak Street in memory of the many thousands of travellers who pass through.

Your options here range from trekking, white water rafting, a mountain flight around Mt Everest, or just strolling around the many temples and cafes that cover the city. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers with our final night party.

Depending on your time and budget, OzBus offers excursions to Everest Base Camp and Lhasa. These are subject to weather conditions and the time of year you are travelling.