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HIMALAYAN EXPLORER
Day 1 London Heathrow to Delhi
Fly with Jet Airways non-stop to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi to Amritsar
Arrive Delhi and connect onto the flight to Amritsar.
Day 3 Amritsar
Lose yourself for a morning amidst the serene magnificence of the Golden Temple
complex. In the afternoon visit the 16th Century Durgiana Temple, a small
Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Durga, as well as the Jallianwala Bagh,
a garden and monument commemorating the site of the 1919 massacre of 300 unarmed
Indians by the British under the command of General Dyer. In the afternoon
drive out to the India-Pakistan border at Wagah to view the ceremonial changing
of the guard at dusk. The contrived nightly parade of closing the border and
lowering of the flags is witnessed by crowds of up to 10,000 strong! (B)
Day 4 Amritsar to Dharamsala – 210kms
Today it is an interesting drive to Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama.
Stay at Chonor House, a small Tibetan style hotel. (B/D)
Day 5 Dharamsala
Visit McLeodganj – Upper Dharamsala – the home of the Dalai Lama
and a settlement for Tibetan Buddhists who sought refuge following their exile
from Tibet. Also visit the Norbulingka Institute, a cultural centre set up
to ensure the survival of Tibetan Buddhism’s heritage. (B/D)
Day 6 Dharamsala to Pragpur – 60kms
This morning it is a scenic drive to Pragpur to stay at Judge’s Court,
a small heritage hotel built early in the 17th Century. The village of Pragpur
with its cobbled streets has the distinction of being declared India’s
first heritage village and is one of the best examples of the architecture
of this region. (B/D)
Day 7 Pragpur
At leisure to enjoy the Kangra Valley. This area is ideal for walks, especially
along the River Beas. Explore Pragpur and Garli, with their old houses or
take a trip on the Kangra narrow gauge railway. (B/D)
Day 8 Pragpur to Shimla – 200kms
Leave Pragpur early for the long drive through the Kangra Valley to Shimla
the former summer capital of the Raj. Shimla is a quaintly decaying confection
of Victorian and traditional Indian architecture that still bears the fingerprints
of Kipling and his forefathers. Stay for four nights at the Oberoi Cecil Hotel
or upgrade to the Oberoi Wildflower Hall which is located in the small village
of Mashobra 20kms from Shimla. (B)
Day 9 Shimla
to
Day 11 Shimla
At leisure to explore the old Raj hill station and surrounding area. Places
of interest include Christ Church, partly designed by Kipling’s father,
the Gaiety Theatre and the Tibetan Bazaar. Outside Shimla, a short stiff climb
leads to Jakhu Hill with its Monkey Temple and spectacular mountain views.
(B)
Day 12 Shimla to Chandigarh – 115kms
Chandigarh to Delhi – by train
Morning at leisure. Later this afternoon drive to Chandigarh and join the
Shatabdi Express train for the four hour journey to Delhi. On your arrival
you will be met and transferred to the Taj Mahal Hotel for your two night
stay. (B)
Day 13 Delhi
Today tour Old and New Delhi with your local guide. Go by cycle rickshaw through
the colourful bazaars of Chandni Chowk to the Jama Masjid mosque. Visit the
Red Fort and Rajghat, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Also visit
the Qutb Minar minaret and then drive along the impressive avenues of Sir
Edwin Lutyens’ New Delhi to see Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence
of the Indian President and the imposing India Gate. (B)
Day 14 Delhi to London Heathrow
Fly back to London Heathrow with Jet Airways.
STAYING ON
Sacred Varanasi, India’s holiest city, is only a short flight from Delhi. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is an assault on the senses and, at dawn, a sight to behold.
Wildlife in India is synonymous with the famous Corbett National Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett is a 300kms drive north of Delhi and a four night stay here, with your time divided on the perimeter and inside the park, is an excellent way to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. Corbett National Park is only open from the 15th November to the 15th June.
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both easily reached by air direct from Delhi. With a range of hotels to choose from both locations offer something for everyone and are an excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could also be extended with a cruise on the backwaters.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – HIMALAYAN EXPLORER
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £2,800. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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