Himalayan Escape - Amritsar, Palampur, Shimla & Delhi

Himalayan Escape - Amritsar, Palampur, Shimla & Delhi

INATQ-HES01 8 Nights / 9 Days Available on request

Tour Highlights

  • Amritsar: Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Partition Museum, Wagah border retreat ceremony
  • Palampur: tea estates of the Kangra Valley, views of the Dhauladhar range
  • Dharamshala: Norbulingka Institute (Tibetan art and crafts), Dalai Lama Temple (Namgyal Monastery)
  • Shimla: Viceroy's Lodge, Himachal State Museum, Mall Road, Christ Church, Jakhu Temple
  • Kalka–Shimla Railway, scenic toy train ride through the Himachal Pradesh hills
  • Delhi: Jama Masjid, cycle rickshaw, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Tour code

INATQ-HES01

Duration

12 days

Starting city

Delhi

Tour type

Private

Best season

March–June, Sep–Oct

Himalayan Escape

This 9-day tour moves through the north of India from the Punjab plains into the Himalayan foothills, closing with a day in Delhi. It takes in four distinct regions: Amritsar, the Kangra Valley, Shimla, and Delhi.

Amritsar is the spiritual centre of Sikhism. The Golden Temple, formally the Harmandir Sahib, is the most visited place in India and one of the most serene. The Wagah border retreat ceremony, held at sunset on the India-Pakistan border 30 kilometres from the city, is a theatrical display of military pageantry that draws thousands of spectators daily.

Palampur sits in the Kangra Valley at roughly 1,500 metres, surrounded by tea gardens against a backdrop of the snow-covered Dhauladhar range. The nearby town of Dharamshala has been the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile since 1960; the Norbulingka Institute preserves Tibetan artistic traditions, and the Namgyal Monastery is the personal monastery of the Dalai Lama.

Shimla was the summer capital of British India from 1864 to 1947. The Viceroy’s Lodge and the colonial streetscape of Mall Road survive largely intact. The Kalka–Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage line, runs through 102 tunnels and across 864 bridges on its way down through the hills.

The hill station of Shimla in the Indian Himalaya Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, nestled in the Himalayan foothills

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Day 1

    Amritsar, Arrival

    Arrive at Amritsar Airport and transfer to your hotel. Explore Amritsar's spiritual and historical highlights, including the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh memorial, and vibrant local markets. Experience the rich Punjabi culture and cuisine as you discover this captivating city. Overnight in Amritsar.

  2. 2
    Day 2

    Amritsar

    Begin with an early visit to the Golden Temple, experiencing its serene atmosphere and sacred pool. Stroll through the old city, exploring its lively markets and historical sites. Visit Jallianwala Bagh to reflect on India's struggle for independence, and explore the Partition Museum to understand the impact of the 1947 Partition. In the late afternoon, witness the retreat ceremony at the Wagah border. Optionally, attend the evening Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple, where the holy scripture is carried in a reverent procession. Overnight in Amritsar.

  3. 3
    Day 3

    Amritsar, Palampur, Dharamshala

    Drive to Palampur, nestled in the Kangra Valley and known for its lush tea gardens and views of the Dhauladhar range. Enjoy the serene trails, ancient temples, and the Neugal Khad river. In the afternoon, visit Dharamshala to explore the Norbulingka Institute, showcasing Tibetan art and crafts, and the Dalai Lama Temple (Namgyal Monastery) to experience Tibetan spirituality and culture. Overnight in Palampur.

  4. 4
    Day 4

    Palampur, Tea Estates

    Tour the tea estates of Palampur, known as the Tea Capital of North India, and experience the process of tea-making amid stunning views of the Dhauladhar range. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or participate in local activities offered by the hotel, such as treks, pottery, weaving, local food, and yoga. Overnight in Palampur.

  5. 5

    Palampur, Shimla

    Drive to Shimla, the charming capital of Himachal Pradesh, known for its colonial architecture and stunning natural beauty. Tour Shimla, starting with the Viceroy's Lodge, now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Visit the Himachal State Museum and Gaiety Theatre. Stroll along Mall Road to see Christ Church, and end with a visit to Jakhu Temple for panoramic mountain views. Overnight in Shimla.

  6. 6
    Day 7

    Shimla, Solan (Toy Train), Chandigarh, Delhi

    After breakfast, board the scenic toy train from Shimla to Solan, offering stunning views of Himachal Pradesh's landscapes. Upon reaching Solan, drive to Chandigarh airport for your flight to Delhi. Transfer to your hotel on arrival. Overnight in Delhi.

  7. 7
    Day 8

    Delhi, City Tour

    Tour Old Delhi, starting with Jama Masjid and a cycle rickshaw ride through its vibrant streets. Taste local street foods including Jalebi and Samosa. Drive past the Red Fort, then explore New Delhi's landmarks: India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and Parliament House. Visit Humayun's Tomb, an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal, and end the day at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, including a visit to the community kitchen. Overnight in Delhi.

  8. 8
    Day 9

    Delhi, Departure

    Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, with assistance provided for check-in and immigration.

Please note: the order of stops and the timings shown are approximate and may change on the day for your safety and the best experience. See our Tour Terms & Conditions.

What's Included

  • Transportation services as per itinerary in air conditioned vehicle
  • Services of English speaking guides during specified sightseeing tours
  • Entry fees to monuments as per itinerary
  • Toy train ride from Shimla to Solan on the Kalka–Shimla Railway
  • Cycle Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
  • Assistance, toll, interstate taxes, Govt. Service Tax
  • Accommodation in well appointed rooms, including buffet breakfast

Not Included

  • Air tickets, Airport Taxes and Visa
  • Items of personal nature: laundry, telephone calls, minibar consumption in hotels, tips to guides, drivers, porters etc.
  • Camera or Video Camera fees applicable at monuments
  • Travel Insurance

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Tour code: INATQ-HES01

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