Tour Description

The mighty Himalayas are home to some of India’s most spectacular hidden gems. Get off the beaten path with our insider guide, This tour has it all – quaint hill stations, serene tea plantations, heritage villages, Buddhist temples, breathtaking mountain views and a journey into the plains of the Punjab.

You will have the chance to experience two of India’s most diverse stations – Shimla and Dharamsala. Shimla is the picturesque capital of this North Indian state, and offers stunning mountain and valley views as well as fascinating British era architecture. In contrast, Dharamsala is known as ‘Little Lhasa’ as it is the home of the Dalai Lama as well as the Tibetan Government in Exile. Finish the tour with a visit to Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, Sikhism holiest shrine.

Our local guide lives and breathes Himachal Pradesh, you are in safe and capable hands for the duration of the tour. As with all our experiences, we select our hotels and locations with an eye on combining luxury and comfort into one fabulous experience. You will not only discover hidden experiences unique to India, but you can also relax safe in the knowledge that your security is foremost in our minds.

Tour Highlights

Enjoy the many sights and wonders of Delhi
Travel to the hill station of Shimla on the world famous ‘toy train’
Stay in a family owned tea estate with a bespoke tour of the plantation
Visit the heritage village of Pragpur and stay in a palatial country manor
Journey to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile
Day hike in the foothills of the Himalayas, where you will visit a local shepherd family
Experience a visit to the stunning Golden Temple, Sikhism holiest shrine, in Amritsar

Day 1: Arrival Day Delhi

19 April 2020

Welcome to incredible India and to the start of your holiday!
Our tour representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After checking into the hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the local area and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Vikas will be on hand at the hotel if you need any assistance or recommendations.

Day 2: Delhi

20 April 2020
Delhi
This morning Vikas will lead you through the bustling and fascinating streets of Old Delhi. We’ll admire the magnificent Jama Masjid (India’s largest mosque) and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the ancient alley ways of Chandni Chowk bazaar. We’ll pass by the fantastic Red Fort, constructed in 1638 before paying our respects at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. As we continue to weave our way back to New Delhi, we will pass British era landmarks such as India Gate, Rajpath, the President’s House, Parliament House & the Government Secretariat Buildings. We will spend the afternoon shopping at one of Delhi’s many bustling outdoor bazaars. In the evening Vikas will take the group to one of his favourite restaurants in Delhi, specialising in fine Indian cuisine.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 3: Delhi to Kalka

21 April 2020

Rise and shine early and prepare yourself for a quintessential Indian experience – travelling on the world famous Indian Railways.
Your driver will collect you from your hotel in Delhi (at approximately 4am) and you will set off with Vikas for a day of eye opening travel.
You will take a train from North Delhi to Kalka before transferring to the narrow gauge Kalka – Shimla Railway, known affectionately as the ‘toy train’. This route travels along a mountainous track known for its dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. This railway was built in 1898 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system. At the time of construction 107 tunnels and 864 bridges were built throughout the course of the track.
Sit back and enjoy the views and listen as Vikas shares his knowledge of this beautiful part of the world.
We will arrive in Shimla in the early evening in time for us to check into our hotel and go out for dinner.
Overnight: Hotel, Shimla

Day 4: Shimla

22 April 2020

This morning Vikas will take you on a heritage walk, taking in some of the many sights of Shimla. Wander along the Ridge Maidan and Mall Road, pick up some crafts at Lakkar Bazaar, visit the Gaiety Theatre and marvel at the impressive neo-Gothic Christ Church.

Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India – and with its stunning views, wide boulevards and mist covered mountains its not hard to see why. The town is situated at an altitude of 2276 metres and was initially chosen as a sanatorium for invalid European officers, but soon developed into a big hill town and became the summer capital of the country during the British Raj. In the evening enjoy the jovial atmosphere of the town in one of the many Indian or international restaurants.

Overnight: Hotel, Shimla

Day 5: Palampur

23 April 2020

After breakfast we will leave Shimla and travel by car Palampur (approximately 7 hours). Sit back and enjoy the beautiful views as we wind our way through the valleys and foothills of the mighty Himalayas. In the afternoon we will arrive at our unique eco accommodation, the Wah Tea Lodge. After settling in you can relax at the lodge or take a walk through the estate, which has been run by the same family since the 1950s.

Overnight: Tea Estate, Palampur

Day 6: Pragpur

24 April 2020

Pragpur

This morning we will take a bespoke tour of Wah Tea Estate, which was established in 1857 by the British. If you want to learn about the journey from tea shrub to your tea cup, try your hand at tea plucking or learn to taste like a tea sommelier, this tour is designed for you.

In the afternoon we will travel by car to the heritage village of Pragpur (approximately 2 and half hours), arriving in time to check into the palatial Judges Court Hotel. Wander the grounds and soak the atmosphere of this country manor.

Overnight: The Judges Court, Pragpur

Day 7: Sidhpur

25 April 2020

Sidhpur, Dharamsala

Spend the morning relaxing and exploring the heritage village of Pragpur, nestled in the shadows of the Dhauladhar mountains. In the afternoon we will travel by car to Dharamsala, known the world over as home to the Dalai Lama. This scenic drive will take you through the vibrant lower hills of Himachal Pradesh before reaching this fascinating North Indian hill station.

Spend the afternoon exploring – starting with a visit to the temple of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, the Namgyel Monastery. Vikas will then lead the group to the Tibet Museum and the Tibetan Houses of Parliament. In the evening you will once again find plenty of lovely roof top restaurants to choose from; including Japanese, Indian and Tibetan.

Overnight: Norbulingka, Dharamsala

Day 8: Dharamsala

26 April 2020

After breakfast Vikas will take the group to visit his village, Naddi – a beautiful local village with magnificent views of the spectacular Himalayas. You will then travel to the Tibetan Children’s Village which is a thriving educational community for Tibetan children living in exile. Lunch will be enjoyed at the tranquil Norbulingka Institute which is located in the lush valley below McLeod Ganj. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit the arts centre which preserves the work of Tibetan artisans.

Overnight: Norbulingka, Dharamsala

Day 9: Kareri Village Hike

27 April 2020

Optional – Day hike to Balh/Kareri Village or Leisure day

Today we will hike to Balh/Kareri village (1 hour). The gradual hike weaves you through thick pine forests, oak thickets, rhododendron, and rocky overhangs as the peaks of the Dhauladhar tower overhead. When we arrive Vikas will take us to visit a local Gaddi shepherd family. We will enjoy a traditional ‘chai’ (tea) party and cook our own lunch on open fire. In the late afternoon we will return to our hotel.

Overnight: Norbulingka, Dharamsala

Day 10: Amritsar

28 April 2020

We will leave our hotel early this morning for the picturesque drive down to the plains of the Punjab. We will arrive in time to visit to the Wagah border to witness the closing ceremony of the border between India and Pakistan. This ceremony takes place every evening and involves a display of pomp and ceremony by the Indian and Pakistani border guards. After the closing ceremony, head back to Amritsar where the rest of the evening at leisure. Enjoy a tasty dinner in one of the many Punjabi restaurants or take an evening stroll around the holy Sikh Golden Temple, which is open 24 hours a day.

Overnight: Hotel, Amritsar

Day 10: Amritsar to Delhi

29 April 2020

This morning we will visit the Golden Temple to enjoy a quiet stroll through the inner corridors as the priests chant from the Sikh Holy Book. We will visit the langar hall, a massive free community dining room run entirely by volunteers. The Golden Temple langar can serve hot meals to up to 100,000 people a day.

In the early afternoon we will fly back to Delhi. The rest of the afternoon in Delhi is at your leisure to relax or shop for last minute souvenirs.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 11: Departure Day Delhi

30 April 2020

Our tour concludes after breakfast. We will transfer you to the airport for your onward international or domestic flight.

We look forward to seeing you on another Pink Lotus experience soon.
Why not add on one of our extension tours so that you can see another exciting part of India, such as a trip to Udaipur and the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel or to the holy city of Varanasi?

Package Includes

Met at Delhi Airport by our tour representative
Services of your experienced guide for the duration of the trip
11 nights’ accommodation with breakfast
Train from Delhi to Shimla
Flight from Amritsar to Delhi
All transfers by private vehicle
Pickup and drop off to Delhi Airport
Sightseeing in Delhi
Drop off to Delhi Train Station
Pickup from the train station in Shimla
Transfer from Shimla to Palampur
Transfer from Palampur to Pragpur
Transfer from Pragpur to Dharamsala
Sightseeing around Shimla and Dharamsala
Transfer from Dharamsala to Amritsar
Welcome and farewell dinners in Delhi
Lunch in Dharamsala with a local Gaddi family
Himalayan Tea tour and tea tasting in Palampur
Local guides in Delhi, Shimla & Amritsar
Entrance fees to all sights and monuments as per the itinerary

Package Excludes

Return airfares to India
Cost of Indian tourist visa (apply online)
Lunches and dinners unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
Personal expenditure such as drinks (including bottled water), laundry service and souvenirs
Tipping
Camera and video entry charges at local sights and monuments
Occasional optional items not identified in the itinerary description
Compulsory insurance of any kind
Single Supplement USD749