Himalayan Foothills with Amritsar
This tour takes you to the spiritual journey where you visit the Golden Temple of Amritsar. Heading to the Himalayas, you visit Dharamshala, again a spiritual center for Buddhism with beautiful landscapes. Visit Shimla - the summer capital of the British India, before taking the famous Shimla Toy train back to Delhi. A little of Himalayan surprise awaits you in a rural village.
Journey Highlights
Walk through the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk Bazaar in Old Delhi
Visit the Golden Temple and witness its nightly ceremony, followed by a glimpse into the temple’s community kitchen
See the closing the Border ceremony between India & Pakistan
Visit the Dalai Lama's residence
Stay in a charming heritage tea estate bungalow in Palampur, surrounded by lush tea gardens and the tranquil landscapes of the Kangra Valley.
Ride on the 'Toy Train' to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shimla
Get a taste of British Raj in Shimla
Itinerary
DAY 01
Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood later.
DAY 02
In Delhi
Explore the contrasts of Delhi, beginning in Old Delhi with a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and a visit to Jama Masjid. Continue to New Delhi to see Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, where you can experience the community kitchen.
DAY 03
Fly to Amritsar
Take a morning flight to Amritsar. This evening, visit the Golden Temple to witness the moving nightly ceremony, as the Holy Book is ceremonially carried to its resting place.
DAY 04
In Amritsar
Explore Amritsar's Old City and visit poignant Jallianwala Bagh before discovering the magnificent Golden Temple and its communal langar. In the afternoon, drive to the Wagah Border to witness the spirited retreat ceremony performed by Indian and Pakistani guards.
DAY 05
Drive to Dharamshala
Head north from the plains of Punjab to Dharamshala (4–5 hours), home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and nestled in the Himalayan foothills. Enjoy a scenic drive, with your first glimpse of the majestic Himalaya rising above the horizon.
DAY 06
In Dharamshala
Explore the Tibetan Buddhist enclave of McLeod Ganj, visiting Namgyal Monastery, Kalachakra Temple and Bhagsunath Temple. Experience the area's distinctive Tibetan atmosphere and vibrant monastic life, then spend the afternoon relaxing in a local café or discovering smaller monasteries.
DAY 07
Drive to Palampur
Drive to Palampur (2–3 hours) and stay at the charming Lodge at Wah, surrounded by the region's lush tea country. Explore the beautiful tea estate and discover the tranquil landscapes of the Kangra Valley.
DAY 08
Drive to Shimla
Leaving Palampur, drive through picturesque countryside before ascending the Shivalik Hills to Shimla (4–5 hours). On arrival, relax at your hotel or head out to explore the lively shops, cafés and restaurants in the evening.
DAY 09
In Shimla
Explore Shimla this morning, visiting the Viceregal Lodge, Mock Tudor Library and Jakhu Temple, followed by a walk along Mall Road to see the Gaiety Theatre and Christ Church. This afternoon, enjoy a ride on the famous Toy Train to Kandaghat and back.
DAY 10
In Shimla
Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax at your hotel or pursue independent activities and explore Shimla at your own pace.
DAY 11
Drive to Chandigarh & Fly to Delhi
Drive to Chandigarh Airport (2–3 hours), or alternatively, enjoy a scenic journey by Toy Train. Continue your onward journey with a short flight back to Delhi.
DAY 12
Departure
At an appropriate time, transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight back home, or continue your onward journey with us.
Enquiry
Starting from USD 1320 Per Person*
* lean season and based on comfortable hotels
Price is based on double occupancy and is subject to change depending on the hotels selected and travel dates.
Your tour includes daily breakfast, all monument entrance fees, expert local guides, domestic flights, toy train tickets, airport transfers, a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned SUV, and all applicable taxes.
“Amritsar is where faith, history and humanity come together in a city that welcomes every traveller with an open heart.”
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour
The Imperial
New Delhi
OPULENT, HERITAGE
The Claridges
New Delhi
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Colonels Retreat
New Delhi
BASIC, B&B
Taj Swarna
Amritsar
FIRST CLASS
Chonor House
Dharamshala
MID RANGE, HERITAGE
Lodge at Wah
Palampur
FIRST CLASS, TEA ESTATE
The Wildflower Hall
Shimla
OPULENT, HERITAGE
The Oberoi Cecil
Shimla
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
"An incredible trip to India"
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we had been missing during our last six trips to India—a truly authentic Indian experience! Every part of the journey felt thoughtfully planned, allowing us to connect with the culture, people, and destinations in a much more meaningful way. A piece of advice for anyone hesitating to work with you: If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and are looking for an authentic, personalised travel experience in India, you are absolutely in the right place. Thank you for creating memories that we will cherish for years to come.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
"Nothing Short of Extraordinary"
We have had the most amazing time, great hotels and great experiences. Our drivers and guides have been excellent, in particular Govinder Raj who has been our driver and companion for the last ten days. Govinder has been extremely obliging and has made sure we have been safe and where we should be, on time, with all our belongings and with a stack of goodies and water. He has kept the car immaculate both inside and out, and has driven us with care and skill on all our journeys. Your planning of all the inclusions such are the ceremonies at temples, boat rides and the Everest Flight made the whole trip one never to forget.
Mr & Mrs Davies-Webb, UK
"Highly Recommended"
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
Ms Gayle Rawes & Mr Andrew Slatford, UK
"Superb Service"
The outcome of this trip far exceeded our expectations and we would recommend your agency without any reservation. Our sincerest thanks for a well planned and executed tour.
Mr Eugene & Ms Mirasol Johnson, USA
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