Cultural Himalayas

Your tour will start at the Nation's capital city Delhi, an incredible combination of the ancient and the contemporary. Continue on to Amritsar the holy city of Sikhs, Dharamsala the present home of His Holiness Dalai Lama. Travel further through the Himalayan foothills and you will witness the region's rich heritage and culture. Enjoy breath taking views of the snow-capped Himalayas and the lush forests of cedar and pine as you make your way to Shimla - The summer capital of India during the British Raj.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Delhi - Explore the city before taking the train to Amritsar
• Amritsar - Golden Temple, lowering the flags ceremony at the Indo-Pak boarderand the amazing community kitchen
• Dharamashala - The home of the Dalai Lama, Tsuglagkhang Temple, Norbulingka Institute, Bhagsunag Temple, Gyuto Monastery and St. John's Church
• Pragpur - home to the famous Kangra School of paintings
• Shimla - Photo-stop at Garli village, Vice regal lodge, Gaiety Theatre or Christ Church, also visit the glorious Qutab Minar and the 16th century Humayun's tomb, a predecessor to the Taj Mahal on your return to Delhi

Day 1 - Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and assisted by a representative and will be transferred to your hotel.

Delhi is a cosmopolitan city that has a rich history stretching back thousands of years. It has been the capital of at least seven or eight great civilizations, and each of them has left monuments worth exploring.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or explore the surroundings on your own.

Stay overnight in New Delhi.

Day 2 - Delhi - Amritsar

In the morning connect the train to Amritsar

Upon arrival in Amritsar, check-in at the hotel.

Amritsar was founded by the 4th Sikh guru in 1579 and is home to Sikhism's holiest shrine, the Golden Temple.

In the afternoon, you will be driven to the Indo-Pak border "Wagah Border" to witness the "Lowering of Flags" ceremony.

Stay overnight in Amritsar.

Day 3 - Amritsar

After breakfast, set off for the tour of the city.

First visit the Golden Temple, the spiritual nerve-centre of the Sikh faith. See the community kitchen, where volunteers feed 30,000 people daily for free.

Afterwards visit the historic Jallianwala Bagh, which commemorates the hundreds of innocent Indians killed by British bullets in the most notorious massacre under their rule.

Spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Stay overnight in Amritsar.

Day 4 - Amritsar - Dharamashala

In the morning after breakfast, drive to Dharamashala (199 kms / 4 Hrs).

Upon arrival in Dharamshala, check-in at the hotel.

Dharamshala, also known as "Little Lhasa" is beautifully set on the Dhauladhar Range, overlooking the Kangra Valley. Nearby is McLeodgnaj, the Tibetan part of the town, which the Dalai Lama made his home after fleeing Tibet in 1959.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel.

Stay overnight in Dharamashala.

Day 5 - Dharamashala

In the morning after breakfast, spend the entire day exploring Dharamshala and Mcledoganj

Visit the Tsuglagkhang Temple, Norbulingka Institute, Bhagsunag Temple, Gyuto Monastery and St. John's Church.

Spend the evening at leisure. Stay overnight in Dharamashala.

Day 6 - Dharamashala - Pragpur

After breakfast, drive to Pragpur (62 kms / 02 Hrs)

Upon arrival in Pragpur, check-in at the hotel.

The Heritage Village of Pragpur located in the Kangra Valley is replete with history. It is home to the famous Kangra School of paintings.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or you can indulge yourself in one of the activities offered by the resort on a direct payment basis.

Stay overnight in Pragpur.

Day 7 - Pragpur - Shimla

In the morning after breakfast, drive to Shimla (190 kms / 6 Hrs) en route you will have an opportunity to make a photo-stop at Garli village a notified heritage village with medieval ambience and interesting heritage buildings.
Upon arrival in Shimla, check-in at the hotel.

The British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations." Situated in the northwest Himalayas, Shimla the summer capital of India before independence is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel.

Stay overnight in Shimla.

Day 8 - Shimla

After breakfast, start your Shimla tour by visiting the Vice regal lodge, the place where the partition of India into two parts was planned on the world map.

After lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll back along the Mall to Scandal Point. En route, it may be possible to have a quick look inside the Gaiety Theatre or Christ Church.

Alternatively find a spot for refreshments whilst viewing snow-capped Himalayan peaks (if weather is clear).

Stay overnight in Shimla.

Day 9 - Shimla - Delhi

Today morning after breakfast, connect the toy train to Solan

On arrival in Solan, drive to Chandigarh (67 kms / 2 Hrs)

Upon arrival in Chandigarh, stop at a restaurant for some refreshments.

Later connect your train back to Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, check-in at the hotel. Stay overnight in New Delhi.

Day 10 -Delhi

After breakfast, you will be going for a full day city tour of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi you will visit the 17th century Jama Masjid and walk through the narrow, winding lanes of the colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk.

In New Delhi, You can drive past The Presidential Palace and all the government buildings. Also visit the glorious Qutab Minar and the 16th century Humayun's tomb, a predecessor to the Taj Mahal.

Evening is at leisure. Stay overnight in New Delhi.

Day 11 - Depart Delhi

In the morning after breakfast, you will be assisted and transferred in your private car to Delhi International Airport to connect your flight for onward destination.