Journey Through Foothills of India's Himalaya - 13 Days

drive 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

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

 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

After breakfast, you will drive to Delhi and enjoy the rest of the evening in Delhi

After breakfast commence a morning tour of Old Delhi with your guide to explore the area's dense network of bustling alleyways, homes, bazaars and mosques visiting famous Chandni Chowk market, the beautiful Jama Masjid, the Red Fort and Rajghat. In the afternoon continue to New Delhi which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is today home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India Gate. 

Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the your flight