Experience the living religious traditions of the India’s Himalayas on this two-week tour of the foothills to the north of Delhi. It begins in Amritsar,…
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This interesting, off-the-beaten track group tour of North West India invites you to the impressive Golden Temple, situated in a shimmering man-made lake in the frontier town of Amritsar.
Driving into neighbouring Himachal Pradesh towards Buddhist country, take in the picturesque scenery of Dharamsala as you visit McLeod Ganj, the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Travel onward to the Kangra Valley that houses delightful villages, more Hindu and Buddhist temples and a quaint mountain railway. Spend the last few nights in Shimla, the summer capital of the British Raj.
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You will be met on arrival in Amritsar and transferred to your hotel, the Hyatt Amritsar (Jan-Apr 2020 The Holiday Inn) or similar for two nights. The rest of the day is free for relaxation with a welcome dinner this evening.
A full day of sightseeing starts with a morning walk through the bustling lanes of the old city followed by a visit to the poignant site of Jallianwala Bagh. Visit the majestic Golden Temple complex, one of the holiest shrines of the Sikh faith. Take part in the communal lunch (langar) where thousands are fed for free every day. In the afternoon drive to the Wagah border to see the indulgent joint ‘retreat’ ceremony of the Indian and Pakistani guard.
Heading north, leave the plains of the Punjab and reach the town of Dharamsala (4-5 hours), the current residence of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, in the foothills of the Himalaya. Stay for two nights at Fortune Moksha (Jan-Apr 2020 Clouds End Villa) or similar with spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the nearby Norbulingka Institute, built in the style of the Dalai Lama’s former summer residence in Lhasa (Tibet).
A morning sightseeing tour through the Tibetan Buddhist enclave of Mcleod Ganj with visits to the Namgyal Monastery, the Kalachakra Temple and the Bhagsunath temple. In the afternoon, relax in one of the many inviting cafes or explore some of the smaller local monasteries.
Drive down to the heritage village of Pragpur (2½ hours). There will be an option to ride on the famous Kangra heritage railway line. Two nights are spent at the Judges Court Residence.
Enjoy a walk through Pragpur’s intriguing medieval narrow stone-cobbled streets. A picnic lunch is followed by a visit to a tea plantation in the afternoon.
Leaving Pragpur, drive through picturesque countryside ending with a steep and spectacular climb through the Shivalik Hills to the hill station of Shimla (4-5 hours). Stay at the legendary Clarke’s Hotel for three nights.
The morning’s sightseeing tour of Shimla includes a visit to the Vice Regal Lodge, Mock Tudor Library and, Jakhu Temple as well as a walk down the busy Mall Road to see the Gaiety Theatre and Christ Church. In the afternoon take a ride on the affectionately named ‘toy train’ to Kandaghat.
Day at leisure. There will be an option to play golf at the picturesque 18 hole, Naldehra Golf Course.
Drive down to Kalka (2 ½ hours) for the express train back to Delhi, staying overnight at The Pride Plaza Aerocity or similar.
Transfer to the airport.
✓ 10 nights accommodation
✓ Arrival & departure transfers, Internal travel by road and rail
✓ English-speaking guides, accompanying tour escort when minimum group size achieved
✓ Breakfast daily. Lunch on days 2, 6, 8. Dinner on day 1
✓ Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary.
Drive to the holy town of Rishikesh (6-7 hrs). Stay three nights at the Ananda in the Himalayas, a deluxe resort and spa, especially known for its yoga and Ayurveda.
At leisure.
Journey back by train to Delhi for an overnight stay at The Park Hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
DEPARTURE DATE | PRICE PER PERSON | SINGLE ROOM supplement | AVAILABILITY | |
Sun 14 Jan 2024 | £1735 | £795 | Please call us | |
Sun 11 Feb 2024 | £1735 | £795 | Good | |
Sun 10 Mar 2024 | £1735 | £795 | Good |
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