Northern Escapes: Himachal & Uttarakhand

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive Delhi – transfer to hotel and relax

  Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel with free time to explore the markets and bazaars depending on your arrival time.
  Overnight in Delhi.

  Note: Generally the check in time at the hotels is 2 pm.

• Day 2 : Delhi Sightseeing

  After breakfast proceed to explore Delhi. You can visit Red Fort -A UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic symbol of India's rich history (which is closed on Mondays). Jama Masjid- One of the largest mosques in India. Raj Ghat- The memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was cremated. Chandni Chowk- A bustling market area in Old Delhi, famous for its narrow lanes, vibrant bazaars, street food, etc... Humayun's Tomb- another UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture. Qutub Minar- another UNESCO World Heritage site, Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. The complex also includes several other ancient and medieval structures like, Iron Pillar- Located in the courtyard of the Qutub Minar complex and it dates back to the 4th century CE. It stands over 7 meters tall and has not rusted in over 1,600 years, a testament to the advanced metallurgical skill of ancient Indian. Then driving past Rajpath (Parliamentary road) in Delhi offers a scenic and symbolic journey through the heart of India's capital, encompassing several significant landmarks and government buildings and then visit India Gate- an iconic war memorial, located at one end of Rajpath, commemorates the Indian soldiers who died during World War I.

  Overnight in Delhi.

• Day 3 : Delhi – FLY- Amritsar

  Today morning you will be transferred to Delhi airport to catch your flight to Amritsar. On arrival in Amritsar, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel and relax for a while. In the afternoon, take the short excursion to the India-Pakistan border – “The Attari-Wagah border” to see the ‘beating retreat ceremony’. This ceremony is a daily event conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Pakistan Rangers and it is a really a visual treat. Drive back to the hotel and relax.

  Overnight stay in Amritsar

• Day 4 : Amritsar – drive to Dharamsala

  This morning you will visit the spectacular Golden Temple- the most sacred site in the Sikh religion, then visit to Jallianwala Bagh- a memorial garden that commemorates the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, where hundreds of unarmed civilians were killed by British troops. Afternoon drive to Dharamsala and nearby McLeod Ganj, famous as the seat of the Tibetan Government in Exile, and home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

  Overnight in McLeod Ganj (Dharamsala).

• Day 5 : Dharamshala

  A full day to explore the area around Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj - most of the places of interest are within easy walking distance from Mcleodganj. Stretch your legs with a 90 minute return walk to the peaceful Bagshu waterfall, visit the monastery and home compound of the Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang, and wander around the town with its friendly Tibetan population (the cows are friendly too). Dharamkots is a small village near McLeod Ganj known for its panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range and peaceful atmosphere.

  Dal Lake- this is not to be confused with the larger Dal Lake in Kashmir, this smaller lake near Naddi village offers boating and picturesque views.

  Norbulingka Institute which is located near Dharamsala, this institute is dedicated to preserving Tibetan art and culture.

  Overnight in McLeod Ganj (Dharamsala).

• Day 6 : Dharamshala- drive to Pragpur

  Drive down the hills to the Kangra Valley, visiting the majestic fort and Bajreshwari Devi temple (one of the Sakthi Peeth temples) en route. Arrive in Pragpur mid-afternoon and check into your hotel and relax for a while. In the late afternoon, walk through the unique heritage village of Pragpur- this is a rare example in India of an entire community having survived the relentless advance of modernity with its old buildings and neighbourhood atmosphere intact. The village is centred on a large ornamental pond and its cobbled lanes and serene ambience are a delight. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

  Overnight in Pragpur.

• Day 7 : Pragpur - drive to Mandi

  Garli, another, slightly less well preserved heritage town is the first stop today before commencing the drive to the market town of Mandi. This important trading post has many unusual temples and a delightful riverside setting.

  Overnight in Mandi.

• Day 8 : Mandi – drive to Shimla.

  Heading back into the hills the scenery once again becomes the main attraction. You will drive through some wonderful forests of pine and cedar with great views to the rivers below and mountain above, before reaching Shimla in the afternoon. You’ll have time later in the day for a stroll around the town to take the air before retiring your hotel.

  Overnight in Shimla.

• Day 9 : Shimla

  A favourite of the British during the Raj-era, Shimla had, and maintains, a reputation as one of the most picturesque of all the hill stations in northern India. Although there is now a large city adjacent to the old town, it is this historic precinct which draws tourists and where you will spend your time while in Shimla. You have an opportunity to experience the “Mountain Train ride” from Shimla to Khandaghat. Later you can explore Shimla according to the availability of time.

  Places to visit include cemeteries, memorials and government buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries, while there are many pleasant walks around the town as well.

  Overnight in Shimla.

• Day 10 : Shimla –drive to Haridwar

  Drive back down the hills to the important pilgrimage town of Haridwar. In some ways a less intense and demanding version of Varanasi (and the Ganges is a lot cleaner here too!), Haridwar is a wonderful place for people watching and gaining an understanding of the sense of devotion which is so evident in Hindu pilgrims throughout the country, but particularly in places of great significance like this. In the early evening the daily Aarti ceremony takes place- thousands of tiny oil lamps are lit and set adrift on the waters of the Holy River Ganges. This is an awe-inspiring sight and one of the most memorable events in India.

  Overnight in Haridwar.

• Day 11 : Haridwar- drive to Rishikesh

  Just an hour’s drive up the river, Rishikesh is a much smaller and quieter place than Haridwar. Something of a magnet for spiritual seekers from the west and to a lesser extent to Hindu pilgrims, Rishikesh has a relaxed vibe and plenty of interesting sights. A beautiful mountain waterfall just out of town makes a delightful swimming spot, while if you want to get seriously wet there are some great opportunities to go white water rafting on the Ganges.

  Overnight in Rishikesh

• Day 12 : Rishikesh

  Another day to enjoy the town and its various pursuits- earthly or spiritual- at your own pace.

  Overnight in Rishikesh.

• Day 13 : Rishikesh – drive to Delhi

  After a relaxed breakfast drive back to Delhi, check in at your hotel and relax. Rest of the day free to explore the markets in Delhi.

  Overnight stay in Delhi.

• Day 14 : Delhi – Departure

  Today you will be transferred to Delhi airport to take your international/domestic flight according to your flight schedule.

  Tour Ends

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