Foothills of the Himalayas, India - A Journey from Amritsar to Shimla

Foothills of the Himalayas - A Journey from Amritsar to Shimla

15 days from £3550 per person

Route: Delhi – Amritsar – Dharamsala – Palampur – Pragpur – Shimla – Delhi

From the magnificent Golden Temple of Amritsar, heart of the Sikh religion, to the quintessentially British hill station of Shimla, this tour incorporates the best of northern India's beautiful and evocative Himalayan foothills. Stop en-route in the colourful Tibetan enclave of Dharamsala, home of the exiled Dalai Lama, nearby Palampur and Pragpur, a small heritage village located close to the Kangra Valley. Ample time is included to enjoy Shimla and the surrounding valleys before returning by train to Delhi for an exploration of both historic Old Delhi and Lutyens planned Raj-era capital.

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight to Delhi. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where the remainder of your day will be at leisure to relax and recuperate after your journey. (N)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Mahal Hotel

Day 3 Delhi to Amritsar – by air

Today fly to Amritsar, capital of the Punjab. Founded in the late 16th century, Amritsar is the centre of the Sikh religion and is best known for the spectacular Golden Temple complex. The temple acquired its distinctive golden exterior in 1830 after Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 100kg of gold to be applied to the roof and walls and since that date the complex has changed little. In the evening visit the Golden Temple and witness the Palki Ceremony. (B)
Accommodation in Amritsar: Ranjit's Svaasa Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Swarna Hotel

Day 4 Amritsar

The Golden Temple is a highlight of any visit to Amritsar and this morning return to visit this magnificent complex. Later visit the small 16th century Durgiana Temple dedicated to the goddess Durga and the Jallianwala Bagh garden and memorial which commemorates the site of the 1919 massacre. In the late afternoon drive outside of the city to the Indo-Pakistan Wagah Border to experience the daily colourful, but chaotic, border closing ceremony. (B)
Accommodation in Amritsar: Ranjit's Svaasa Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Swarna Hotel

Day 5 Amritsar to Dharamsala – 210kms

This morning it is a scenic drive to Dharamsala which occupies a stunning setting atop a spur of the Dhauladhar Range. Established by the British in 1815, Dharamsala is best known for being the home of the Dalai Lama and today the atmosphere has a decidedly Tibetan flavour which is strongly felt in the upper part of Dharamsala known as McLeodganj where the Dalai Lama resides. (B)
Accommodation in Dharamsala: Norling Guesthouse
Alternative option: Chonor House

Day 6 Dharamsala

Today explore Dharamsala and McLeodganj. Places of interest include the Namgyal Monastery which resembles the original in Lhasa, the Kalachakra Temple with its interesting murals and the fascinating Norbulingka Institute, a major centre for Buddhist teaching opened to safeguard the survival of Tibetan Buddhism's cultural heritage. (B)
Accommodation in Dharamsala: Norling Guesthouse
Alternative option: Chonor House

Day 7 Dharamsala to Palampur– 50kms

After breakfast leave Dharamsala and drive to Palampur for an overnight stay at Norwood Green, a collection of four comfortable cottages, set within the lush green tea gardens of Palampur. (B/D)
Accommodation in Palampur: Norwood Green

Day 8 Palampur to Pragpur – 90kms

This morning it is a scenic drive to Pragpur. Indo-European in design, Judge's Court has ten comfortable bedrooms and is set within a large orchard of mango, lychee, plum, citrus, clove and cardamom. (B/D)
Accommodation in Pragpur: Judge's Court

Day 9 Pragpur

At leisure to enjoy Pragpur and the Kangra Valley. This area is ideal for walks, especially along the River Beas. The medieval hamlet of Pragpur with its cobbled streets has the distinction of being declared India's first heritage village and has one of the finest remaining collections of traditional regional architecture. (B/D)
Accommodation in Pragpur: Judge's Court

Day 10 Pragpur to Shimla – 200kms

Leave Pragpur and drive through the beautiful Kangra Valley to the charming hill station of Shimla, summer capital of the British Raj. With its wooden bungalows, gardens of gladioli and hydrangea and stone churches, this quaint town has retained much of its bygone atmosphere. (B)
Accommodation in Shimla: Oberoi Cecil Hotel
Upgrade option: Oberoi Wildflower Hall

Days 11 - 12 Shimla

Over the next two days explore the town and surrounding area. Places of interest include Christ Church where the original chancel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard's father, nearby Gaiety Theatre and Town Hall which were both built at the turn of the 20th century in the ‘arts and crafts’ style. Also of interest is the Tibetan Bazar and the grand Viceregal Lodge. In addition there are many walks in and around the town including the climb up Jakhu Hill from where there are excellent mountain views. (B)
Accommodation in Shimla: Oberoi Cecil Hotel
Upgrade option: Oberoi Wildflower Hall

Day 13 Shimla to Chandigarh – 140kms/ Chandigarh to Delhi – by air

This morning leave Shimla and take the famous ‘toy train’ down to Kandaghat. Here you will be met and driven on to Chandigarh, India's first planned city, to visit the extraordinary Rock Garden which comprises of a collection of stones and domestic rubbish sculpted into models of people and animals. Later transfer to Chandigarh Airport in time to catch your onward flight to Delhi. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Mahal Hotel

Day 14 Delhi

This morning take a tour of Old Delhi with your guide. Explore the area's dense network of bustling alleyways, homes, bazaars and mosques and make visits to the Red Fort, Rajghat and Chandni Chowk market. In the afternoon continue to New Delhi which is still the epicentre of India's political power. See Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, and the impressive India Gate landmark. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Mahal Hotel

Day 15 Delhi to the UK

Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Foothills of the Himalayas - A Journey from Amritsar to Shimla

15 days from £3550 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £3550 per person

Itinerary: Foothills of the Himalayas - A Journey from Amritsar to Shimla

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