The Hill Stations of North India & Golden Temple Tour

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport assistance & transfer to hotel (hotel check in/ out time 12pm). Rest time free for personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi (B)

City tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.

In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flower-like shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Delhi - Shimla (364km) (B)

Drive to Shimla initially normal followed by the curvy mountain road. We provide necessary stoppage for lunch and tea on route. Arrive Shimla check in at hotel and Rest time free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Shimla (B)

City tour of Shimla, once the summer capital of British India. Visit Jakhoo Temple, an ancient site dedicated to monkey god Hanuman. Set amidst the lush green background of the Shivalik hill ranges on Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla, Temple has the world`s largest Hanuman statue, which is visible from most parts of Shimla. The Christ Church the second oldest church in entire northern India. The church, which took 11 long years to complete, stands as a reminder of the British colonisation in India. Viceregal Lodge, built in 1888, this six story building constructed in Scottish Baronial style once served as the residence of Lord Dufferin, the British Viceroy of India, is a perfect place for history lovers. Today, this lodge houses several articles and pictures that will remind you of the British rule.

Also visit The Ridge a wide open street located on the side of Shimla Mall Road. Best known for shopping it is often the most photographed part of the hill station covered with pine, firs, Himalayan Oak and Rhododendron trees. The Scandal Point, located on the Mall Road. It owes its interesting name to the fact that the King of Patiala abducted the daughter of the Viceroy, because he fell in love with her, from this very place. The Mall an ideal spot for shopping, besides a number of good eating joints. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Shimla (B)

Excursion to visit Chail - a small village situated at a height of 2250 m above sea level known for its salubrious beauty and virgin forests. Surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views from such a great height, Chail is a hiker`s paradise. The Chail Palace built as summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj is well known for its architecture. The cricket ground at an altitude of 2,444 m is the world highest cricket ground.

Next head to Kufri - which offer breathtaking views, stunning locales and tranquil surroundings. Kufri has a Himalayan wildlife zoo which hosts rare antelopes, felines and birds including the Himalayan monal. On the way back to Shimla stop at The Green Valley the beautiful and breathtaking mountain range that falls on the way to Kufri & Shimla. The Green Valley is surrounded by verdant hills on all sides that are covered with thick forests of pine and deodar. It is not uncommon to sight some Yaks wandering and grazing around in the valley. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Shimla - Manali (310kms) (B)

Drive to Manali, via visiting Manikaran a famous pilgrimage destination for Sikhs and Hindus in the Parvati Valley along the banks of river Parvati. A good number of temples, Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib and hot springs forms the religious pattern of the place. There are three hot springs where one can take a bath. The water in these springs contains sulphur which is capable of curing diseases. The hot springs again have religious and spiritual beliefs connected to it. The water is hot enough to prepare food by directly placing the vessels and is served as langar. Visit Lord Shiva Temple, Sri Guru Nanak Devji Gurudwara, Lord Ramachandra Temple, Kulant Pith Temple.

Next stop to visit Roerich Art Gallery at Naggar. Nicholas Roerich a Russian artist arrived in the Himalayas after the revolution of 1917, where he died in the year 1947. The Nicholas Roerich art gallery was founded in 1962 by Svyetoslav Roerich, son of Nicholas Roerich. The building that now houses the gallery once served as the residence of Nicholas Roerich. Paintings of Kullu, Spiti and Lahaul made by the painter have been housed in the ground floor of the gallery. A great number of his works are preserved in museums. Most of the paintings show the beauty of ice covered valleys and peaks during early hours of evening.

Continue drive to Manali check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax and visit the mall. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Manali (B)

City tour of Manali a high-altitude Himalayan resort town. Visit Hidimba Devi Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahabharat. Vashisht Village the premises enclose a pyramid-shaped stone temple dedicated to Sage Vashisht, and the water spring, which believed to possess medicinal values and people take a dip in the holy water to get rid of skin diseases and infections. Tibetan monastery which include Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa. These monasteries serve not only as a place of worship but also as guardians of the rich culture and history of the Tibetan people settled in Kullu and Manali. You can shop for beautiful handicrafts that are made by Tibetan people at these monasteries. Manu Temple a historical Hindu temple, dedicated to Sage Manu, a must-visit place, not only because of its religious significance but also because of its ancient, beautiful architecture and wooden carving.

Also visit Old Manali a charming, laid-back district known for its wooded mountain trails, apple orchards, and scenic spots by the Manaslu River. It’s dotted with quaint backpacker lodgings and bohemian cafes serving global fare, grilled trout, and pancake breakfasts, while souvenir shops sell hand-knitted woolens and dream catchers. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Manali (B)

Excursion to visit Rohtang Pass a high mountain pass at an elevation 3,980 m on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The pass provides a natural divide between the Kullu Valley with a primarily Hindu culture (in the south), and the arid high-altitude Lahaul and Spiti valleys with a Buddhist culture (in the north). The pass lies on the watershed between the Chenab and Beas basins. On the southern side of this pass, the Beas River emerges from underground and flows southward and on its northern side, the Chandra River (flows from the eastern Himalayas), a source stream of the river Chenab, flows westward. After sightseeing drive back to Manali. Rest time free and easy to relax and visit the Mall Road. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Manali - Palampur (180kms) (B)

Drive to Palampur, check in at hotel.

Nestled between the majestic Dhauladhar Ranges, Palampur is known for its tea gardens encircling the town, numerous streams, and pine & deodar forests. Palampur was first noticed by the Englishmen and soon turned into a bustling town as the centre of trade and commerce. Their presence in this town is beautifully reflected in the Victorian style mansions and castles. Visit Tashi Jong Monastery, Baijnath Temple, and the tea gardens. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Palampur - Dharamshala (50kms) (B)

Morning walk in Tea gardens. The tea gardens of Palampur are the perfect place to witness the vast tea gardens and the tea making process in great detail. Stepping into these lush green gardens makes you feel as if you have stepped into a dream world altogether, and the divine fragrance transforms you into heaven. This experience is heightened for tea lovers, for whom this place is like paradise on earth. Palampur Co-operative Tea Factory Limited, which is located downhill from Palampur and is the place to be at if you want to see the complete process of plucking, picking and processing of tea, as well as the commercial production of tea.

Drive to Dharamshala, enroute stop to visit Jwala Devi Temple, one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to the Goddess of Light. There is no idol of any kind the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The temple is count as one of the 51 Shakti-Pitha temples in India. Besides, there are Gorakh Dibbi, Chaturbhuj temple and many small shrines situated in the vicinity of Jwalji temple.

Continue drive to Dharamshala the hill town bestowed by the natural serene beauty and the holistic presence of Buddhist culture. On arrival check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Dharamshala (B)

Visit McLeodganj, home to most of the Tibetan exiles. At McLeodganj, the Tibetans have established many monasteries, schools and temples. The main Buddhist temple is five-minute walk from the main bazaar. The temple is surrounded by red and gold prayer wheels that are set in motion by devotees to scatter prayers in the air. Bhagsunag Temple one of the oldest temple surrounded by lovely pools and lush greenery. The two pools around the temple are believed to be sacred and are considered to contain miraculous powers of healing. Bhagsu Waterfalls a peaceful, serene place recommended by Lonely Planet for nice feel of nature throughout. Dal Lake, surrounded by Deodar trees, with temple of Durgeshwara Mahadev by the lakeside. Church of St. John in the Wilderness, a neo-gothic architecture built in 1852. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Dharamshala - Amritsar (210kms) (B)

Drive to Amritsar check in at hotel.

Later visit Wagah border to attend beating retreat ceremony. Every evening, just before the sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship. During the build-up to the ceremony, the crowd engages in chanting the Indian national anthem, rounds of applause and Bollywood-style dancing on Hindi songs. Every evening, just before the sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship. During the build-up to the ceremony, the crowd engages in chanting the Indian national anthem, rounds of applause and Bollywood-style dancing on Hindi songs. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Amritsar - Departure (B)

City tour of Amritsar. Visit Golden Temple one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs famous for its full golden dome. The central Sikh Museum is atop the Clock Tower. The Guru Ka Langar offer free food to around 20,000 people every day. The number shoot up to 1,00,000 on special occasions. The Durgiana Temple though a Hindu temple, its architecture is similar to the Golden Temple. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum famous for its rare and priceless collections, particularly Paintings, Weapons, Armours, Manuscripts & Coins. Gobindgarh Fort originally built by in the 18th century, it was conquered and enhanced in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who renamed it after the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The fort had five cannons which included the famous two Zamzama cannons. Rickshaw ride and walking tour of old market in Amritsar.

Later transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.