- ✓ Visit the Dalai Lama’s temple and join the Tibetan pilgrims on their traditional “kora”
- ✓ Take a ride on Shimla's 'toy train' through the mountains
- ✓ Spot tigers, elephants, deer, jackals and monkeys in Corbett National Park
Explore the Himalayan foothills in the very north of India: a region steeped in religion and rich in inspiring landscapes. Over two weeks, you will gaze at Amritsar’s Golden Temple, mingle with monks in Dharamsala, travel to Shimla by toy train, soak up the spiritual atmosphere in Rishikesh and Haridwar, spot tigers in Corbett National Park, and explore Delhi through the eyes of a local.
Rather than fly into Delhi, stay a night and then jump on the train to Amritsar, this trip starts in Amritsar as it's possible to fly there from the UK (typically connecting through Delhi or Doha). Don't worry about skipping Delhi as you'll stop for two nights at the end of the trip.
Day 1 – Arrival in Amritsar & visit the Golden Temple
On arrival in Amritsar, you’ll be met and transferred to your characterful boutique hotel. Amritsar is the heart of Sikh culture and home to the famous Golden Temple, one of India’s most important religious sites. In the early evening, you’ll visit the temple complex with a local guide, when the heat of the day has eased and the temple is illuminated against the Pool of Nectar. Your guide will explain the history and significance of the site as you walk around the complex, watching pilgrims come to pray and taking in the evening atmosphere.
Day 2 – Explore independently & Wagah border ceremony
Today is free for you to explore independently. If you’re keen to visit the Golden Temple again then get there early to avoid the crowds. Just a short walk from the temple is the historically important Jallianwala Bagh Memorial – also worth a visit.
About 20 miles west of Amritsar lies the India-Pakistan border, where the famous Wagah border ceremony takes place each afternoon before sunset. On the second day of your stay, your driver will take you there in time for the ceremony. The atmosphere builds as large crowds gather on both sides of the border, with soldiers from India and Pakistan carrying out a highly choreographed display of marching, flag-lowering and ceremonial gestures. The gates are then closed for the night, marking the end of the ceremony. It’s a lively and unusual experience that gives you a glimpse of the history and relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
Day 3 – To Dharamsala: Little Tibet
After breakfast, you’ll drive into the foothills of the Himalayas to Dharamsala. This lofty hill station was founded by the British in the mid-19th century to escape the summer heat. It is also known as ‘Little Tibet’, because it is home to the exiled Dalai Lama, and there’s a huge community of Tibetan refugees here. The monks define the gentle atmosphere of the town. Surrounded by evergreen forests and fresh green tea plantations, it’s an excellent place to unwind and recharge. Take a walk past the temple and wander amongst stupas and prayer flags in the pine forests. You will stay in a comfortable guesthouse for two nights.
Day 4 – Dharamsala sightseeing
There is much to see in and around Dharamsala. Today we’ll arrange a full-day guided tour. You’ll visit the Dalai Lama’s temple and join the Tibetan pilgrims on their traditional “kora”. You can see the buildings that make up the Tibetan Parliament, and walk through tea plantations that are surprisingly close to the town. In Lower Dharamsala you can visit the fascinating Norbulingka Institute, a large complex dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture. You can enjoy extensive views of the hills and mountains above Dharamsala, and take a short walk through a traditional village belonging to the Gaddi people.
Days 5 & 6 – The cool air of Shimla
Today, you’ll be collected from your hotel in Dharamsala and transferred to Shimla, another hill station with a whole different personality (spoiler alert – you’ll feel at home!) It’s a long drive through gorgeous scenery and twisting mountain roads. There will be opportunities for photo stops along the way. Once in Shimla, you’ll check in to a comfortable heritage hotel packed with old world colonial charm.
Your time in Shimla is at leisure to explore independently. Once you’ve wandered the length of the main mall you can visit bazaars that form tangled, steep lanes packed with stalls and eateries. From ‘Scandal Corner’, there’s a steep climb up to the Jakhu Monkey temple – one of the highest points on Shimla ridge. Here, dozens of monkeys scamper around against a backdrop of distant snow-capped peaks.
Day 7 – Take the toy train. Overnight in Chandigarh
This morning you’ll be taken to the train station, where you’ll board a narrow-gauge railway, also known as the toy train, for a spectacular journey through the mountains. There are great photo opportunities and the windows in the compartments can be opened so you can maximise the view. You can buy hot chai and snacks during stops at the train stations. The almost 100km long journey ends in the afternoon at the train station in Kalka. Your luggage travels in a car from Shimla to Kalka, where the driver will meet you, and transfer you to Chandigarh to your simple, comfortable hotel where you will spend the night.
Days 8 & 9 – Spiritual Rishikesh
After breakfast there will be some time to explore Chandigarh before continuing your Himalayan journey to Rishikesh. Rishikesh lies in a picturesque setting at the foot of the Himalayas, and on the banks of the Ganges River. On arrival check into your comfortable hotel where you will spend the next two nights.
Rishikesh has a holy atmosphere and is a magnet for pilgrims and people seeking spiritual serenity. It’s also known as the birthplace of yoga, and most hotels offer a 1 hour taster to get you into the spirit of the place. The river here is clear and clean, so if you ever wanted to dip your toes in the Ganges then this is the perfect time.
Your time here is free to explore independently. For an iconic view stroll down to the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges over the river. In the evening soak up the spiritual atmosphere at the evening Ganga Aarti where lamps are floated in the river and chants fill the air.
Day 10 – Follow the pilgrims to Haridwar
Your next stop on this special Himalayan journey is Haridwar, which is also located on the Ganges. The town is an important place of pilgrimage in Hinduism, and a special ritual takes place every evening at the Har-ki-Pauri Ghat. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges, float candlelit offerings down the river and pray together. Your driver can take you close to Har-ki-Pauri, where you can walk through the narrow lanes and watch the ritual and, if you like, let a flower basket with your wishes float down the river. Alternatively, your hotel has its own (smaller) aarti ritual right outside, on the banks of the river, where you can enjoy a more serene experience.
Day 11 – Journey to Corbett National Park
Today you’ll head away from the Ganges to Corbett National Park. Named after the legendary hunter Jim Corbett, it is one of India’s oldest and most scenic national parks. It’s famous for its tigers (though they’re pretty shy here). But there’s plenty of other wildlife to spot too including elephants, crocodiles, deer, monkeys and over 600 species of birds. You’ll be staying in a laid-back lodge conveniently located close to the park’s main gate. The property has cosy cottages, large gardens that lead down to the river and a swimming pool that’s perfect for a refreshing dip between safaris.
Day 12 – Wildlife spotting in Corbett National Park
We’ve included a jeep safari and a canter safari in your stay. These will typically take place in the early morning and the late afternoon to maximise your wildlife spotting opportunities and avoid the heat of the day. The jeep safaris are accompanied by a naturalist and usually take place in the Bijrani zone of the National Park. The canter safari is in a purpose-built, 16-seat safari vehicle and visits the park’s central Dhikala zone, with the on-board naturalist pointing out the wildlife. Fingers crossed for a tiger sighting!
Days 13 & 14 – Discover Delhi
It’s time to depart the Himalayan foothills and drive to Delhi (approximately 5 hours drive). You’ll spend two nights in a comfortable hotel, that’s well located on a quiet street in New Delhi.
The following day we’ll arrange a guide in the morning and together you will explore Old Delhi. You’ll travel like the locals, taking the metro, an auto-rickshaw and a cycle-rickshaw. This way, you’ll get to know the real Delhi. During the morning you’ll visit Jama Masjid Mosque and the Red Fort and pass through the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk, the heart of the Old Town. The tour ends at modern Connaught Place, where you can plan your free afternoon with a lunch break in one of the restaurants.
Day 15 – Depart India
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your homebound flight.
Accommodation
