India and Pakistan are two truly mesmerising countries filled with vibrancy, culture, and chaos. I couldn’t wait to experience them both together in one unforgettable trip, particularly during Holi and Ramadan. Immersing myself in a handful of their traditions was eye-opening—and at times overwhelming, but in the best possible way. Over 15 days, I travelled from New Delhi to Lahore, weaving through some of India’s most amazing cities—Jaipur, Varanasi, and Amritsar before crossing the Attari-Wagah land border into Pakistan. Now I know what you’re thinking: that’s a lot of ground to cover in just over two weeks. However, with the right pacing, the journey felt exciting rather than exhausting, giving me a well-rounded glimpse of both countries. If you’re someone who craves a blend of lively cities, cultural depth, and warm hospitality, then this 15-day India and Pakistan itinerary could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Why India? And why Holi?
India had always been high up on my bucket list, a country of extremes that feels both timeless and ever-changing. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, it’s one of the world’s oldest civilisations and the birthplace of major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Every region has a unique story to tell, shaped by eras of empires, invasions, and independence. This trip was my second visit to India, just 16 months after my first visit. I instantly fell in love and knew I had to come back and experience Holi firsthand. Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The streets come alive with colourful powders and people dancing, creating a powerful sense of unity. Celebrating in Jaipur felt magical— an experience that I will never forget.
Why Pakistan? And why Ramadan?
Pakistan is equally rich and diverse, yet still feels like a hidden gem to many travellers. From the ancient streets of Lahore to the snowcapped peaks of the north, the country offers jaw-dropping beauty and a deep sense of hospitality. Tourism has increased in recent years—and for good reason. I cherished my time in Punjab (brief though it was), particularly during Ramadan. This occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is characterised by fasting, increased prayer, reflection, and charity for Muslims. From the echo of the call to prayer at sunset to the warmth of iftar gatherings with locals, it’s a beautiful time to witness Lahore’s charm and rich cultural traditions in full swing.
Day-by-Day 15-Day Itinerary: Delhi to Lahore
Days 1-4: New Delhi (& Agra)
New Delhi is completely unforgettable. It’s the kind of place that hits all of your senses from the moment that you arrive. The air is thick with the scent of spices, street food, and exhaust fumes. There is a constant hum of honking horns, shouting vendors, and temple bells in the distance. Bright saris, crumbling colonial buildings, and flashing billboards all compete for your attention. It’s intense, chaotic, and all-consuming—you often don’t know where to look, but that’s part of the experience. There are plenty of amazing things to see here, making it the perfect (albeit intense!) introduction to India.
Day 1: Travel day to Delhi
Depending on where you travel from, Delhi may take a long journey to reach. I flew direct from London Heathrow via Air India, which took approximately 9 hours. With all other transit times added on, it easily became a full travel day—we arrived and settled in ahead of all the action!
Day 2: Exploring the soul of Old Delhi
This first full day is entirely immersive, allowing you to step into the beating heart of India’s capital, Old Delhi (one of my favourite highlights of the trip!).
We visited:
- Rajghat Memorial – Gandhi’s cremation site | Free Entry | 30-45 minutes needed
- Pedal rickshaw ride along Chandi Chowk market (the main artery of Old Delhi). Ask to be dropped off at Khari Baoli, a 20-minute ride away (I wouldn’t recommend walking as it can get very hot and crowded. It is also very cheap, costing ₹100 per 3-passenger rickshaw. Bonus tip: Avoid visiting on a Sunday as many of the shops here will be closed.)
- Proceed on foot to Gadodia Spice Market—an even deeper glance into Old Delhi. It is here that we were able to duck into this nondescript building, the air thick with spices, and climb up onto a rooftop that had an amazing panoramic view of the market below | Free entry | 90 minutes needed altogether
- Jama Masjid – One of India’s largest and most iconic mosques, with a sweeping courtyard and intricate stonework | Free entry (although a small donation is required if you need to rent a modesty robe) | 30-60 minutes needed.
- Red Fort – Sandstone fortress built for Mughal emperors | ₹550 entry fee | 2 hours needed
Day 3: The Ultimate Taj Mahal Excursion
Today we had a slightly earlier start, leaving our hotel by 8:00 am to account for the 3–4-hour car journey to reach the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an enduring symbol of love and loss. I promise you, the journey is worth it! Arriving at the grounds by 11:30 meant we could witness its heavenly glow in the late morning sunlight. We wandered through the perfectly symmetrical Mughal gardens, took in the peaceful Yamuna River backdrop, and marvelled at the craftsmanship that covers every inch of the mausoleum. The entry fee is ₹ 1,300 for foreign tourists, plus extra if you want to grab a golf buggy transfer to the complex. Don’t forget to bring cash.
We found this to be enough time in Agra, as there isn’t much more to see. If you wanted to stretch your time a bit further before returning to Delhi, visit Agra Fort – although this is very similar to the Red Fort in Delhi.
Day 4: Experiencing Lutyens’ and Greater New Delhi
With it being our last full day in Delhi, Day 4 was the ideal time to visit the remaining sites throughout the new part of the city.
- Gurdwara Bangla Sahib – a Sikh temple with a beautiful golden dome, tranquil grounds, and a welcoming langar (free communal meals) | Free entry (donations welcomed) | 1 hour needed
- Akshardham Temple – a modern Hindu temple complex known for its intricate carvings | Free entry (donations welcomed) | 1.5 hours needed
- Qutub Minar – a towering 12th-century minaret and UNESCO site, symbolising the beginning of Islamic rule in India | ₹550 entry fee | 1.5 hours needed
- Lotus Temple – a serene, lotus-shaped temple open to all for silent meditation | Free entry | 45 minutes needed
- India Gate – a war memorial and popular photo spot | Free entry | 30 minutes needed
Days 5-8: Jaipur during Holi
Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is a little slower, warmer, and more romantic than Delhi—but still full of life. The city glows in shades of terracotta pink, with grand palaces, arched doorways, and intricate details everywhere you look. The scent of incense, street food, and desert dust hangs in the air. Packed with photo-worthy spots, this is my favourite city in India.
Day 5: Travel day to Jaipur
As you are probably aware, India is vast, meaning travel times can be lengthy. The distance between New Delhi and Jaipur is roughly 285km via the NH48 highway, which, if you are travelling by car, will take anywhere from 5 to 6 hours. Day 5 begins at a leisurely pace, checking out of the hotel in the late morning before getting on the road. Our driver picked us up at around 9:45, and we arrived at our next hotel by 15:45. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool.
Day 6: Exploring the iconic inner Pink City
The inner-walled section (aka Pink City) is probably what comes to mind when you think of Jaipur. Famous for its distinctive, pink-coloured buildings and vibrant historic heart, today will give you the perfect first glimpse of Rajasthan’s capital!
- Amber Fort and gardens – A majestic hilltop fort with mirrored halls and panoramic views | ₹550 entry fee | 3 hours needed
- A quick photo opportunity by Man Sagar Lake with Jal Mahal in the background, en route to the following stops | Free entry | 10 minutes needed
- City Palace – The royal residence of Jaipur’s Maharaja, with courtyards, museums, and the opulent Chandra Mahal | ₹300 entry fee for museum access (what we did) or ₹3000 for full access | 1 hour needed
- Hawa Mahal – a beautiful pink sandstone facade with 953 windows, once used by royal women to observe street life whilst remaining concealed | ₹200 entry fee | 30 minutes needed
- Jantar Mantar – A centuries-old astronomical observatory with giant instruments still accurate today | ₹200 entry fee | 45 minutes needed
Day 7: Holi Festival in Jaipur: What you can expect!
*If your visit does not coincide with Holi, feel free to remove this day from the overall length of the trip or add an extra day at one of the other locations.
We spent the day celebrating at a government-controlled venue, hosted by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) at Hotel Khasa Kothi. We had a positive experience here—the duration felt just right (arrivals from 9:30, lasting until 12:30). There were live performers, lots of dancing, and best of all, it was free to enjoy! Designed primarily for foreign tourists, it had a capacity for 2,000. Most importantly, we felt completely safe thanks to the secure premises and safe (natural) powders that were provided (the bags of colour that are sold cheaply on the streets often contain harmful chemicals and industrial dyes that can damage the eyes and skin). Food and drink are available for purchase at the venue.
If you are a foreign tourist, I would strongly advise against celebrating on the streets, as you are likely to encounter overly friendly/drunk locals, which could escalate quickly and become compromising.
Day 8: Getting lost amongst the back-alleys of Jaipur
This last full day in Jaipur is perfect for those wanting a more intimate experience in the city, getting lost among market stalls, back alleys, and rooftops. If you want ample photo opportunities, you are in luck!
- Patrika gate – A rainbow-hued archway with ornate Rajasthani murals | Free entry | 30 minutes needed
- Galta Ji, Monkey Temple – An ancient Hindu temple complex nestled in the Aravalli hills, home to hundreds of monkeys and holy water tanks | Free entry (donations appreciated) | 1.5 hours needed
- Backstreet food tour, courtesy of @Seagull Jaunt on TripAdvisor. An extensive, professional, and fun tour with guide Umesh, who shared with us his favourite locations, facts, and snacks.
Days 9-10: Varanasi
Varanasi is unlike anywhere else I have visited before. It is like stepping into another world entirely; older, slower, and deeply spiritual. The air is thick with smoke from burning incense and funeral pyres, mixed with the earthy scent of the Ganges. Narrow lanes wind through crumbling buildings, with cows, scooters, and people all squeezing past each other in a blur of sound and movement. On the ghats, life and death exist side by side— you can expect to see pilgrims bathe in the river as cremations take place nearby.
Day 9: Travel day to Varanasi
Just over a week into the trip, we travelled east towards Varanasi. The distance from here to Jaipur is approximately 860-880km, meaning the most viable option is to fly. We caught a 1.5-hour flight departing at midday with Air India, meaning we made it downtown by 14:30 and were able to check in. The rest of the afternoon, we spent recharging.
Day 10: Sacred sunrises and strolls along the Ganges
I can’t think of a better way to witness this Riverside city than to bask along the ghats in the morning sunlight. Prepare yourself for an early rise!
- Sunrise River Ganges excursion – typically departing from Assi Ghat; cruise along the riverbank and witness pilgrims bathing and cremation ceremonies | ₹500-₹2000 entry per person for a private boat | 1 hour needed
- Walking along the ghats – keep an eye out for the meditating babas along the riverbanks (from a respectful distance!) | Free entry | 1 hour needed
- Return to the hotel / visit a café for breakfast / a little rest break
- Banaras Hindu University –a green, expansive campus home to the impressive New Vishwanath Temple | Free entry | 30 minutes needed
- Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony – A captivating evening ritual on the banks of the Ganges, where priests perform synchronised prayers with fire, chants, and conch shells | ₹300 entry fee for a spectator’s seat | 1 hour needed
Days 11-12: Amritsar
Amritsar, the penultimate stop on this itinerary, is a city with deep history and heartfelt warmth. Beyond the peaceful serenity of the Golden Temple, the streets hum with everyday life—you will find endless markets filled with colourful textiles, spicy aromas from roadside stalls, and the buzz of locals going about their day. Being located in northwest Punjab, this city served as the perfect gateway to cross over into Pakistan!
Day 11: Travel day to Amritsar
As you could have anticipated, we have another day focused on travelling westwards, this time to Amritsar (the last stop on the Indian leg of the adventure!) We ended up having to fly via New Delhi, making the travel day slightly more drawn out.
Day 12: Amritsar in 24 hours
Spending 24 hours in Amritsar offers a memorable insight into Punjab’s spiritual and cultural heart. This brief visit is perfect if you want to visit the breathtaking Golden Temple and learn about the synonymous history and culture.
- Mata Lal Devi Mandir – extensive Hindu temple complex | Free entry | 40 minutes needed
- Jallianwala Bagh – a memorial garden which marks the site of the tragic 1919 massacre | Free entry | 45 minutes needed
- The Golden Temple – the holiest Sikh shrine in the world, known for its stunning golden finish. It was astonishing to witness the number of pilgrims that circled the holy pool (up to 150,000 people per day!) Make sure to allow some time for a tour of the internal langar kitchen; it is fascinating to learn about how the Sikh community provides free meals for all 24/7. We even had the opportunity to sit and roll out some chapattis ourselves! | Free entry | 3 hours needed
Days 13-16: Lahore
Lahore is a captivating city where Mughal grandeur, Islamic artistry, and colonial influence are layered amongst its faded havelis and hidden courtyards. To my surprise, everything had vibrancy—from the brightly painted rickshaws to the colourful back-alley fences! There is such a rich culture here, which can be found everywhere you look.
Day 13: Travel day to Lahore
After a whirlwind couple of weeks exploring Northern India, Day 13 is the final morning before crossing into Pakistan. Despite what you might expect, the Wagah border crossing is a surprisingly straightforward process—far more efficient than many airports in my opinion! I have documented the full process on my blog if you want the details. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before checking out, then transfer to the border by late morning. The rest of the afternoon can be spent relaxing in your hotel in Lahore.
Day 14: An unforgettable first glance at Lahore
The first 24 hours in Lahore strike a perfect balance between cultural immersion and historical discovery. Start with some of the most popular sites the city has to offer before ending the day with a lively Iftar feast at sunset.
- Begin the morning wandering around Delhi Gate – exploring the back alleys and market stalls. From here, make a stop at Shahi Hammam – a historic Mughal-era bathhouse with beautiful frescoes and floral paintings | PKR 500 entry fee (for Shahi Hammam) | 1.5 hours total
- Walk towards Wazir Khan Mosque – considered one of the most ornately decorated mosques in South Asia | Free entry | 45 minutes needed
- Badshahi Mosque – a major site for religious gatherings, particularly busy during Ramadan | Free entry | 30 minutes needed
- Lahore Fort – a special mention goes to Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors). Here, you can see walls and ceilings beautifully adorned with thousands of convex mirrors that mimic a starry sky | PKR 1,500 entry fee | 2.5 hours needed
- Dinner reservation at Haveli restaurant – in time with Iftar. There is a lot of hype for this restaurant, and for good reason. The food is delicious, but the main appeal is the panoramic views of the city from the rooftop. Make sure to put in a table request for a clear view of the Badshahi Mosque! | Reasonably priced food | Visit in time for sunset
Day 15: Exploring Lahore’s colonial charm
Spend the last full day delving into Lahore’s colonial heritage and green spaces.
- Morning stroll in Bagh-e-Jinnah Park – here you can enjoy all of the Botanical plants and symmetrical fountains. Make sure to take a look around Quaid-e-Azam Library; you can’t miss this pearlescent Victorian-era building north of the park | Free entry | 1 hour needed
- Lahore Museum – one of Pakistan’s largest museums. Pick up a postcard from the gift shop! | PKR 1000 entry | 1 hour needed
- Stop by the British-colonial-era General Post Office – from here you can mail your postcard back home! This was such a cool experience | PKR 50 for a stamp | 20 minutes needed
- Shalimar Gardens – a stunning Mughal-era Garden complex commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641–42, covering around 16 hectares and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site | PKR 500 entry fee | 1 hour needed
- Round off the evening with a visit to the Wagah Border Ceremony – the daily military parade and flag-lowering ritual held at the India-Pakistan border. This is a must-visit (from either side of the border!), with thousands of spectators cheering and chanting on both sides | Free entry | 1.5 hours needed
Day 16: A final farewell
Sadly, today marks the final morning before returning home with lots of special memories from India and Pakistan. Logistically speaking, the return journey can be a little more complex than the arrival; Lahore has a well-equipped international airport, but chances are there will be no direct routes (depending on where you travel to!). Also, the range of departure times seems limited to the early morning, so verify this when planning. We managed to book a 2-leg flight, firstly from LHE to DOH, which took just under 4 hours, before continuing to LHR for approximately 8 hours. All in all, you can expect a full day of travelling.
Tips for Travelling India and Pakistan in One Trip
Allow for downtime/buffer days: Whilst I love a busy itinerary, having the capacity to unwind and enjoy downtime is important. If you prefer a slower pace or to dive deeper into certain places, feel free to include some buffer days.
Consider the climate: My trip took place in spring, which meant the weather was optimal – dry and pleasantly warm. The weather can be different depending on the time of year, so bear this in mind if you don’t plan on visiting over Holi and Ramadan. April-June can be very hot, July-September can bring monsoons, and December-February can be much cooler.
Be prepared for people to request photographs: In India and Pakistan, locals often wanted to take a picture or 5 with me! It can feel surreal at first, but most people are respectful. Be sure to know your boundaries, and don’t hesitate to say no. Be very vigilant of your surroundings, especially around strangers.
Pack mindfully: This applies to your wardrobe as well as your day bag. Respect local customs and bring modest clothing (long bottoms, sleeves, or at least a versatile shoulder cover-up). Lightweight cotton and linen pieces worked well for me. For your day bag, bring toilet roll (don’t expect to find any in the public toilets!), hand sanitiser, bottled water, a spare pair of socks or wet wipes to clean your feet after temple visits (if you wear sandals), and a handheld electric fan to cope with the heat!
Ease into street food cautiously: During my visit, I tried a few street foods, like Gulab jamun and fried snacks like pakoras; however, I mostly stuck to restaurants and hotels due to hygiene concerns. If you are keen on trying street food, choose stalls with good reviews or that turn out high volumes of fresh food. Be mindful of water quality and spice levels.
Capture less, experience more: Don’t forget to live in the moment! Both India and Pakistan left me in awe. Visiting these countries taught me that some places aren’t meant to be captured — they’re meant to be felt. I felt inclined to slow down, look up, and be present.
As always, make sure you stay up to date with your region’s foreign travel advice before travelling.
Final Thoughts: Can You Visit India and Pakistan in One Trip?
Absolutely. Though politically divided, these two countries share a deep cultural and historical thread. This India and Pakistan travel guide offers rare insight into the subcontinent’s shared past and diverse present. From Holi’s vibrancy to the peaceful introspection of Ramadan, this journey is intense, beautiful, and unforgettable.
If you have made it this far, thank you for coming along on this journey with me! If this post has inspired or helped you, I’d love to hear your thoughts below. For more stories and tips, follow me on instagram or check out my other travel guides.
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