HIMALAYAN VALLEY

Originally Himachal Pradesh, the Himalayan region has now been divided into two states; Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal Pradesh. Blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes in the world, it is a travelers paradise with lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time. So come on board this unforgettable journey and explore the region offering memories of a life time.

Day 01: Delhi Arrival (by flight: TBA)

Arrive at Delhi International Airport. Please clear immigration & visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS Executive will wait at the arrival with a placard to greet you. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to the hotel, check in at the hotel and stay two nights in Delhi. (No Meals)

Day 02: Delhi

After breakfast meet your tour manager at the hotel lobby for a short briefing, followed by guided sightseeing tour at Old & New Delhi. Begin with Old Delhi with a drive pass Red Fort Palace to reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most photogenic journey of the tour. Afternoon drive past New Delhi, which will include photo opportunities at some of the following attractions - the exterior of the Parliament House, the War Memorial Arch (India Gate) and residence of the President of India in New Delhi. Conclude your day with visit to Qutub Minar; being one of the most important landmarks of Delhi, with calligraphically decorated interiors and also inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran. Stay overnight at Delhi. (B,D)

Day 03: Delhi – Shimla (by train: Himlayan Queen)

Morning get in time transfer to railway station to start your train journey to Kalka with Himlayan Queen Train. On arrival at Kalka Railway Station you will start your unforgettable journey with connecting Himalayan Queen Toy Train to Shimla. Registered in The Guinness Book as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India from Kalka to Shimla, the train passes through the breathtaking landscapes of majestic Himalayas with 103 tunnels, 969 bridges, 919 curves and more than 20 railway stations during the course of its entire journey. Enjoy the splendid views of snow clad ranges of the Himalayas, covered with thickly populated forests of pine and oak. On arrival you will be received by our Tour Executive at the Railway Station followed by transfer to hotel for check-in. Stay for two nights in Shimla. (B, D)

*Train booking is always subject to availability

Day 04: Shimla

Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks, accompanied by structures made during the colonial era, creating an incomparable aura. The magnificent old sites and structures hold the reminiscences of the pre-independence era, when India was ruled by the British. Enjoy leisurely breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, explore the rich heritage of Shimla, once the summer capital of British India. You will explore the Ridge, situated along the Mall road, is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. While walking through the mall road, visit Scandal Point, a point where Mall road joins Ridge road, is named after the incidence where emperor of Patiala, smitten by daughter of Viceroy of India, kidnapped her from this point. Visit the Indian Institute of Advance study, built in 1884-1888, Viceregal Lodge. Walk uphill to have scenic view of valley of Shimla from the top of Jakhoo Hill and Hanuman Temple at the top, the highest point in Shimla. Visit Lakkar Bazaar for shopping of artefacts made from wood. Evening explore local markets or enjoy a stroll on the Mall. On the Mall above the busy bazaar you will find boys in traditional English school uniforms rushing to lessons, wigged and robed lawyers sharing cases and happy honeymoon couples enjoying the views. Later return back to hotel for overnight stay. (B, D)

Day 05: Shimla – Manali (by surface: 05 hrs drives)

Travel to Manali; enjoy the scenic ride and breathtaking beauty of this hill station. The town is covered by high mountains surrounded by silent snow and deep boulder strews gorges. The Beas River rushes along its rocky course amid grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers and wagtails hop along from stone to stone along the stream’s edge. There are beautiful flower lit green pastures very picturesque, and fruit laden orchards to charm you. Stay two nights in Manali. (B, D)

Day 06: Manali

After breakfast go for an excursion to Rohtang Pass (Closed on Tuesday) for panoramic view of Mighty Himalayas and glaciers covering it. At the top of the pass the air seems to glitter against the snow as one looks down over the herringboned ridges into the Lahaul Valley. To the left of the pass lies the beautiful Doshohar Lake, where pilgrims come every year on the auspicious day of the 20th Bhadon. Later return back to hotel and proceed to visit Hidimba Devi Temple or Dhungri Temple which is one of the most important temples in the region. Conclude with Manu Temple Manali visit which is named after the sage Manu who meditated when he came in this area. Tibetans have a base in Manali too. There is a large modern Tibetan temple to the South of the bus stand and also a small handicrafts center to be explored. (B, D)

Day 07: Manali – Dharamshala (by surface: 05 hrs drives)

Morning after leisurely breakfast check-out from the hotel and travel to Dharamshala, a town set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar Mountains, perched on the high slopes in the inner reaches of Kangra Valley. Enjoy another scenic ride with many small villages in the Himachal Valley. Stay two nights in Dharamsala. (B, D)

Day 08: Dharamshala

After breakfast and proceed for the sightseeing of Dharamshala. The variety Dharamshala offers for sightseeing ranges from temples, churches and monasteries to museums, ancient towns and places of natural beauty. Every season and every spot has its own special offering. Start with Mcleodganj - Often called the Little Lhasa, at 1770m is the residence of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Government in exile has been head quartered here for over three decades. The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloktwshwara. Also visit the Bhagsu Nath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva temple located near to the Bhagsu Waterfalls.You will visit Kangra Art Museum- This treasure trove of the Kangra Valley displays arts, crafts and rich past, artefacts that date back to the 5thcentury. As you drive down the hill stop at St. Johns Church. Under the shade of deodar branches, a memorial has been erected over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamshala in 1863. There is a well-tended old graveyard on these grassy sloped.Afternoon will be spent exploring the surroundings of the region which have many a beautiful spots and culturally important centres. You can visit Andretta Potters and crafts society, famous for its unique clay pottery, it also run short courses for the aspiring porters. Visit the Sobha Singh Art gallery, displaying some of the original works of the legendary painter, Sobha Singh, who became famous for his painting of lovebirds Heer Ranjha and Soni Mahiwal in 1950-60’s. You can also visit Tashijong monastery, where the Tibetan arts and crafts of carpet Weaving, tangkha Painting and block printing is undertaken. Stay overnight at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 09: Dharamshala – Amritsar (by surface: 05 ½ hrs drives)

After breakfast we travel towards Amritsar, a home to the most sacred shrine, ‘The Golden Temple’ and the most important holy place in Sikh religion. Amritsar is a thriving city with important devout centers and historical sites, Amritsar exhibits a glorious past. The Golden Temple is the cradle of Amritsar with the city growing around it nurtured by its divine sanctity. It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches, reflecting influences of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, with the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance. Stay two nights in Amritsar. (B, D)

Day 10: Amritsar

After morning breakfast start with guided sightseeing tour visiting the most sacred shrine, ‘The Golden Temple’ and the most important holy place in Sikh religion. Amritsar is a thriving city with important devout centers and historical sites, Amritsar exhibits a glorious past. The Golden Temple is the cradle of Amritsar with the city growing around it nurtured by its divine sanctity. It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches, reflecting influences of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, with the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance. Also visit the Jallianwala Bagh which tells the sad story of mass killing of April 1919. More than 2000 Indians were killed and wounded here in an indiscriminate firing by the British. It was a carnage that had nationwide ramifications, shaking and enraging the whole country. Jallianwala Bagh commemorates the martyrs, keeping the tragic episode in its historical context. Later experience the retreat ceremony (change of guards) at Wagah, the Indo-Pakistan border. Stay overnight in Amritsar. (B, D)

Day 11: Amritsar – Delhi (by train: TBA) & departure

Morning after breakfast check out and get in time transfer to railway station to board train to Delhi. On arrival the tour finishes with direct transfer to Delhi Airport. (B)

What’s included?

• Accommodation with private facilities (Check-in/out 1200hrs in Comfort & Deluxe Hotels)
• Travel and transfers by air-conditioned car as per the itinerary
• Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Local English speaking tour guide during sightseeing & excursions
• Entrance fee to the monuments as per the Program (one visit per monument)
• 01 Rickshaw ride in Delhi
• Toy train ride from Kalka – Shimla
• Train tickets for Delhi – Shimla & Amritsar – Delhi in A/c Chair car
• One Bottle of Mineral water per person per day (during drives and sightseeing only)
• Assistance and transfers
• All applicable & current taxes