Overview:

This 11-day itinerary is a wonderful private tour for someone who is revisiting India and wish to explore slightly off the beaten track and want to experience glorious mountain scenery, charming hill stations and key spiritual centres in the Himalayan foothills. Start your journey from the holy city of Amritsar and continue through the foothills of Himalayas to the colourful Tibetan enclave Dharamshala, home of exiled Dalai Lama. Take a train ride through the stunning Kangra Valley to the quaint heritage village of Pragpur before travelling to the hill station of Shimla, the summer capital of British India that was once considered the ‘Queen of the Hills’. This wonderful trip concludes with a train ride on the famous Himalayan Queen toy train, a UNESCO world heritage site that connects the ‘Queen of Hills’ to the Indian plains.

Day 01

Amritsar

On arrival at Amritsar Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Stay for two nights at Ranjit’s Svaasa, a welcoming family run haveli. In the evening, you will visit the Golden Temple to see “Palki Ceremony” also known as putting to bed ceremony.

Day 02

Amritsar

After breakfast, proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Amritsar, an excellent introduction to world's most important Sikh cities and an important pilgrimage site. You will visit the iconic Golden Temple, Memorial of Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Durgiana Temple & Katra cloths market. Late in the afternoon, you will drive to the Atari (Wagah) Border, to witness the Flag Retreat ceremony, a fascinating experience where, every evening, the dramatic ceremony of the changing of the guards and the lowering of the flags is carried out.

Day 03

Amritsar - Dharamshala

After breakfast, a 4 - 5 hour drive takes you through scenic mountainous territory to Dharamshala. Here you can enjoy the magnificent views of the snow covered Dhauladhar peaks. On arrival, check-in to Chonor House for two nights, a first-class mansion in Tibetan theme overlooking the Kangra Valley.

Day 04

Dharamshala

Today's activities include an early morning walk to McLeod Ganj to see the pilgrims and worshippers engrossed in their morning prayer. After breakfast visit the Namgyal Monastery, where the Dalai Lama has his residence, Bhagsu Nag Hindu Temples, Dal Lake and the Norbulinka Institute.

Day 05

Dharamshala – Kangra - Pragpur

This morning we take the drive to Kangra with the opportunity to explore Kangra Fort. Later take a scenic train ride from Kangra railway station enjoying the beautiful sub-Himalayan terrain. You will get down at Haripur Guler railway station and drive to the wonderfully quaint village of Pragpur where you will stay for two nights at the Judge’s Court, a colonial style country manor.

Day 06

Pragpur

Today you will walk around this heritage village with its cobbled streets and slate roofed houses and visit the 300-year-old ancestral home of the Kuthiala Soods. You can also explore the nearby Garli village, a little-known place offering beautiful architecture.

Day 07

Pragpur - Shimla

After breakfast it’s a long but beautiful 6-hour scenic drive ascending to Shimla, which straddles a high ridge in the foothills of the Himalayas. This popular tourist destination was made famous as the summer retreat for the British in India, escaping the high temperatures of the Indian plateaus. On arrival check-in to the Clarkes Hotel for three nights, a colonial style heritage hotel.

Day 08

Shimla

On this morning’s tour you will visit the mock Tudor library, the famous Gaiety Theatre and the Viceregal Lodge. You will also have time to explore the long, winding main street, The Mall, runs east and west just below the spine of the hill.

Day 09

Shimla

Today is a day of leisure or if you wish there are some optional extra activities which can be arranged. Perhaps explore Shimla on a nature walk from the house where Rudyard Kipling wrote Plain Tales from The Hills. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Oberoi Wildflower Hall or visit the princely state of Dhami to spend the day with the noble family, birdwatching and enjoying their stories over lunch.

Day 10

Shimla – Kalka - Delhi

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Shimla railway station to board the Himalayan Queen narrow gauge train for the spectacular ride to Kalka. At Kalka station you will then board the Shatabdi Express train to Delhi, arriving in Delhi around 10pm. At Delhi station, you will be met by your driver for a private car transfer to your hotel. Stay at Hotel Claridges for the night, a first-class period hotel.

Day 11

Transfer to Delhi Airport

In plenty of time you will be transferred to Delhi International airport to board your flight.