The Himalayan Foothills Tour
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 centre 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.
- Visit the Golden Temple for the nightly religious ceremony
- Experience the Closing the Border ceremony between India & Pakistan
- Visit the Dalai Lama's residence
- 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 Delhi today starting with Old Delhi in the morning: enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk followed by the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. In the afternoon, drive past Lutyens's New Delhi and visit the tomb of Humayun and the Qutab Minar.
[Optional : Cooking Class experience with a local]
Day 03 - Fly to Amritsar
Morning flight to Amritsar. This evening, head to the Golden Temple to see the impressive ceremony which puts the Holy Book to bed.
Day 04 - In Amritsar
A full day of sightseeing starts with a morning walk through the bustling lanes of the old city followed by a visit to the poignant site of Jallianwala Bagh. Visit the majestic Golden Temple complex, one of the holiest shrines of the Sikh faith. Take part in the communal lunch (langar) where thousands are fed for free every day. In the afternoon drive to the Wagah border to see the indulgent joint ‘retreat’ ceremony of the Indian and Pakistani guard.
Day 05 - Drive to Dharamshala
Heading north, leave the plains of the Punjab and reach the town of Dharamshala (04-05 Hrs), the current residence of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, in the foothills of the Himalaya. It's a particularly scenic drive, and always a wonderful moment the first time you see the Himalaya peeking above the skyline.
Day 06 - In Dharamshala
A morning sightseeing tour through the Tibetan Buddhist enclave of Mcleod Ganj with visits to the Namgyal Monastery, the Kalachakra Temple and the Bhagsunath temple. In the area you will notice the Tibetan population and vibrantly robed monks, making it feel like another country. In the afternoon, relax in one of the many inviting cafes or explore some of the smaller local monasteries.
Day 07 - Drive to Pragpur
Drive down to the heritage village of Pragpur (02-03 Hrs). Late afternoon, enjoy a walk through Pragpur’s intriguing medieval narrow stone-cobbled streets.
Day 08 - Drive to Shimla
Leaving Pragpur, drive through picturesque countryside ending with a steep and spectacular climb through the Shivalik Hills to the hill station of Shimla (04-05 Hrs). On arrival, take some time to relax at your hotel. You might like to head out in the evening as the shops and restaurants stay open late.
Day 09 - In Shimla
The morning’s sightseeing tour of Shimla includes a visit to the Vice Regal Lodge, Mock Tudor Library and, Jakhu Temple as well as a walk down the busy Mall Road to see the Gaiety Theatre and Christ Church. This afternoon you have the opportunity to spend some time on the famous 'Toy Train' to Kandaghat & back.
Day 10 - In Shimla
Full day at leisure to relax or pursue independent activities
[Optional : a day trip to Mashobra for a nature walk]
Day 11 - Train to Delhi
Drive down to Kalka (02-03 Hrs), or alternatively, take a toy train. Onwards, continue journey with the express train back to Delhi.
Day 12 - Departure Transfer
At time transferred to Delhi Airport for your flight back home, or continue with your onward journey with us
Quick Enquiry
Starting from USD 1320 Per Person
Price is based on double occupancy, and is subject to change based on hotels & dates of travel. Price includes daily breakfast, sightseeing, monument entrance fees, private guides, domestic flights, Toy Train Tickets, transfers, chauffeur driven air-conditioned SUV car & All Taxes.
When to Travel?
Amritsar & Himalayan Foothills is best visited between October and November or February to April, when temperatures are comfortable throughout the day, dipping slightly at night when a light jumper should suffice if you're outdoors.
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour. Let us know for more options you may need, we work with a wide range of hotels in India & Beyond.
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
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
The Oberoi Cecil
Shimla
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Why 'Private' Travel?
Full flexibility & Personalized service with your own experienced Private guide
A private Car & Driver at your disposal for your holiday. Set your own pace
Select from Hand-picked hotels; from Luxury Palaces to boutique homestays
Meet the locals & Discover the real 'authentic' experiences of a destination
Our Reviews
Our guests seem happy to tell us about their Indus Bound holidays and we are very happy to share their thoughts with you.
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we missed in our last 6 trips to India, a true Indian experience!! An advise for all those hesitating working with you, 'If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and looking for an authentic travel experience in India, you are at the right place'.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
Tailor-made Central India & Gujarat
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.
You guys were absolutely true to your word, the holiday experience we have been waiting for years. Big thanks for arranging our visit to Ruskin Bond's home, you are certainly more than a holiday provider.
Mr Neil & Mrs Susan Everington, UK
Tailor-made North India & Nepal
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