1Duration • 13 Days & 11 Nights Group Tour • From $2665
Category • Standard Private Tour • From $3080

Travel to the holy city of Amritsar and McLeod Ganj, home to the Tibetan government-in-exile. Continue through the foothills of the Himalaya to Shimla. Along the way, appreciate the cultural diversity of the region through its temples, monasteries and museums.

Signature experiences

• Heritage walk through Amritsar
• Ride on the Kangra Mountain Railway and the toy train to Solan
• Visit a local family in Dharamsala
• Explore a working tea plantation

Day 1: Fly to Amritsar via Delhi

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Amritsar via Delhi with Jet Airways. (N)

Day 2: Amritsar

On arrival, transfer to the Hyatt Amritsar (or similar) for a 2-night stay. Evening visit to the Golden Temple for the auspicious Palki Sahib night ceremony to witness the evening kirtan (devotional prayers). The temple is profusely lit up and the lights are beautifully reflected in large water tanks surrounding the sanctum. (N)

Day 3: Amritsar • Wagah

Morning visit to the Golden Temple and the community kitchen called Langar. Take a guided heritage walk passing the Gurudwara Saragarhi, dedicated to the heroism of the 21 soldiers of the 36 Sikhs Battalion who lost their lives in 1897 as they defended their posts against Afghan soldiers. Weave your way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with colonial architectural features, before arriving at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon visit to Wagah, situated on the border with Pakistan, for the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony. (B)

Day 4: McLeod Ganj

Travel by road to McLeod Ganj in Dharamsala. McLeod Ganj is home to the Dalai Lama and is the centre of Little Tibet. This afternoon visit His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s monastery, Tsuglag Khang. Continue with a tour of McLeod Ganj, visiting the handicrafts centre and a local family house to see the regional Gaddi dress. The evening is free to explore McLeod Ganj market. Spend 2 nights at the Pride Surya Resort (or similar). (B)

Day 5: Dharamsala

After breakfast, visit the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture. Later, take a gentle walk through traditional Gaddi settlements to Naddi village, enjoying spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range as the sun sets. (B)

Day 6: Masroor • Palampur

Travel by road to Palampur for an overnight stay at Taragarh Palace. En route, visit the rock-cut temples at Masroor and enjoy a visit to a working tea plantation where you can wander through beautifully manicured tea gardens, interact with the estate workers and see how tea is processed in the small factory before sampling some of their finest infusions. (B, D)

Days 7: Pragpur via Kangra Mountain Railway

Today drive to Baijnath to board the Kangra Mountain Railway for the 1.5-hour scenic ride to Nagrota. Afterwards drive to Kangra to visit the impressive fort and on to Pragpur. Stay 2 nights at The Judge’s Court, a delightful old manor house that has been converted into a hotel. (B, D)

Day 8: Pragpur

At leisure, with opportunities for leisurely walks in the surrounding villages, including Garli, or visit the temples at Jwalamukhi and Chintpurni. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Shimla

Full-day drive through the Himalayan foothills to the former British hill station of Shimla. On arrival, check in for 2 nights at the Oberoi Cecil or upgrade to the Oberoi Wildflower Hall (Deluxe Garden View room) from $300. (B)

Day 10: Shimla

Full-day tour of Shimla, including the Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Museum and the Gaiety theatre. Later in the day, enjoy some time at leisure to stroll along the Mall and the Ridge. (B)

Day 11: Chandigarh via toy train

Take the Himalayan Queen toy train from Shimla to Kandaghat (2 hours and 15 minutes) to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan scenery. This narrow gauge railway is considered one of the finest engineering feats in India. Continue by road to Chandigarh (2 hours) for an overnight stay at the LaLiT Chandigarh. (B)

Days 12: Delhi

Morning train to Delhi (4 hours). Spend the afternoon at leisure and overnight at the Oberoi Maidens (or similar). (B)

Days 13: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast,
L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Important information

Itinerary: The order of the visits may change due to national holidays and museum opening times.

Private & tailor-made travel: This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call +91 9971307507