Day 1 : Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel with free time to explore the markets and bazaars depending on your arrival time. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 2 : Delhi

You will have a full day to explore the capital of India in the company of a knowledgeable local guide and taking in highlights of both Old and New Delhi. The ancient city of Delhi has a long and storied past and famous monuments include the Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutb Minar. Visit all these, see the colonial grandiosity of New Delhi and cap it all off with a madcap cycle rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk- Delhi’s oldest market. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 3 :  Delhi - Amritsar. (approx. hrs drive)

Morning flight direct to Amritsar, the capital of Punjab where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the spectacular Golden Temple and later drive a short distance to the India-Pakistan border at Wagah to watch the nightly border closing ceremony. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 4 :  Amritsar - Dharamshala

This morning you will visit the spectacular Golden Temple- the most sacred site in the Sikh religion, before an afternoon drive to Dharamshala and nearby McLeod Ganj, famous as the seat of the Tibetan Government in Exile, and home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Overnight in McLeod Ganj. Overnight stay at Hotel

 

Day 5 : Dharamshala  (approx. hrs drive)

A full day to explore the town which is home to the Tibetan Government in Exile and His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a large population of Buddhist monks. You can visit several important places of worship and meditation, as well as a poignant museum commemorating the struggle of the Tibetan people over the past 50 years. There is also some wonderful trekking in the area- short walks close to town or a full day with a guide is possible. Overnight in Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj. Overnight in McLeod Ganj. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 6 : Dharamshala -- Pragpur

Descend once more to the plains, down the Kangra Valley to the eponymous Fort and Bajdeshwari temple, and on to the unique heritage village of Pragpur. This small town possesses a charm which is more European than Indian, and at times you may have to remind yourself exactly where you are. Wander the narrow, cobblestoned lanes which begin just a short stroll from your accommodation at the delightful Judge’s Court (almost literary the only hotel in town) and enjoy a slice of India completely different to any other. Overnight in Pragpur. The twin villages of Pragpur and Garli in Himachal Pradesh are a well-preserved memory of days gone by, with old mansions, cobbled streets and more. Pragpur is the smaller and quieter of the two villages—and also, perhaps incongruously, the better known. This is mainly because, in 2002, Pragpur was officially designated India’s first heritage village. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) played an important part in pushing for special status for Pragpur, and has done a fair bit of work (including restoration and conservation) to ensure that Pragpur’s architectural heritage is preserved. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 7 :  Pragpur to Mandi. Garli

Another, slightly less well preserved heritage town is the first stop today before commencing the drive to the market town of Mandi. This important trading post has many unusual temples and a delightful riverside setting. Overnight in Mandi. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 8 :  Mandi - Shimla(approx. hrs drive)

Heading back into the hills the scenery once again becomes the main attraction. You will drive through some wonderful forests of pine and cedar with great views to the rivers below and mountain above, before reaching Shimla in the afternoon. You’ll have time later in the day for a stroll around the town to take the air before retiring to the colonial splendour of your hotel. Overnight in Shimla. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 9 : Shimla

A favourite of the British during the Raj-era, Shimla had, and maintains, a reputation as one of the most picturesque of all the hill stations in northern India. Although there is now a large city adjacent to the old town, it is this historic precinct which draws tourists and where you will spend your time while in Shimla. Places to visit include cemeteries, memorials and government buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries, while there are many pleasant walks around the town as well. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 10 : Shimla - Haridwar. (approx. hrs drive)

Drive back down the hills to the important pilgrimage town of Haridwar. In some ways a less intense and demanding version of Varanasi (and the Ganges is a lot cleaner here too!), Haridwar is a wonderful place for people watching and gaining an understanding of the sense of devotion which is so evident in Hindu pilgrims throughout the country, but particularly in places of great significance like this. In the early evening the daily Aarti ceremony takes place- thousands of tiny oil lamps are lit and set adrift on the waters of the Holy River Ganges. This is an awe-inspiring sight and one of the most memorable events in India. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 11 : Haridwar- Rishikesh (approx. hrs drive)

Just an hour’s drive up the river, Rishikesh is a much smaller and quieter place than Haridwar. Something of a magnet for spiritual seekers from the west and to a lesser extent to Hindu pilgrims, Rishikesh has a relaxed vibe and plenty of interesting sights. A beautiful mountain waterfall just out of town makes a delightful swimming spot, while if you want to get seriously wet there are some great opportunities to go white water rafting on the Ganges. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 12: Rishikesh

Another day to enjoy the town and its various pursuits- earthly or spiritual- at your own pace. Overnight in Rishikesh. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 13 : Rishikesh - Delhi-Departure (approx. hrs drive)

Depart Rishikesh after breakfast and drive back to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, transfer directly to the airport for your flight home or to explore another part of India.