Foothills of the Himalaya

Discover northern India, where many religions and cultures flourish among energetic cities and emerald hill stations

Foothills of the Himalaya

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Trip Fee

$ 2.580

Single Room Difference

$ 893

Date

18 - 30 September 2026

Trip Information

Where the plains meet the Himalaya, India is at its most vivid and complex, manifested in a profusion of religions and landscapes. Join an expert local tour leader to experience it for yourself: ashrams, monasteries and gurdwaras, Amritsar’s famous Golden Temple, Tibetan culture and the Dalai Lama’s hometown of Dharamsala. Just as fascinating is watching daily life play out, meeting the friendly local people and, of course, eating the world-renowned cuisine.

Activity Areas

Cultural Wonders
Culture
Natural Wonders

Region & Country & City

Asia: India, The Himalaya

Included in the Price

All accommodation: 3 Superior nights (cottages), 9 Classic nights (hotels)
- All breakfasts, three lunches and six dinners
- Immersive itinerary with all transport (air-conditioned private bus and train) and listed activities
- Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
- Arrival and departure transfers

Not Included In The Price

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Map

Itinerary

Day 1 Adventure starts in Delhi

Our adventure begins in Delhi, a colourful and chaotic city full of architectural masterpieces. Around 6pm, say namaste to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a nearby restaurant. Want more time in Delhi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Day 2 Train to the city of Haridwar • To Rishikesh

We have an early start with our train booked for approximately 6.45am. The hotel prepares a light breakfast for us, and we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to New Delhi railway station, where we take the train (4hr 45min) to Haridwar. Upon arrival, we lunch near Har Ki Pauri, the most popular ghat in the city. Local legend says Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu frequented this place during Vedic times and there is a temple nearby believed to be built around a giant footprint of Lord Vishnu. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or, if you’d prefer, your tour leader can take you to Rajgarhia Ashram to experience a sit-down lunch like an Indian pilgrim. After, walk around the Har Ki Pauri area (approximately one hour) to see the bustle of local life and various activities taking place at the ghats. Late afternoon, we continue by road. In Khara, we switch from bus to auto rickshaw to complete the journey to Rishikesh, a spiritual city considered the yoga capital of the world, an adventure hot spot, and a gateway to the Himalaya.

Day 3 Visit ruins of the Beatles’ ashram • Explore Swarg Ashram • Sunset aarti ceremony

This morning, we head to the local ferry boats to cross the river and take a leisurely stroll from Laxman Jhula up to Ram Jhula – the two iconic iron and cable suspension bridges in Rishikesh. From there, we visit what’s left of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in 1968 and wrote songs for the White Album. After years of neglect, the ashram is now a melancholic set of semi-ruined buildings with interesting graffiti, though work is underway to renovate the property. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to wander the local market close to the Ganges before heading to the eastern bank to visit Swarg Ashram. In this complex of ashrams and ancient temples dedicated to Hindu deities, who are depicted through exquisitely carved statues, you can learn about the principles of yoga and spiritual tenets. End your day by attending the evening aarti session at Shatrugan Ghat as the sun sets.

Day 4 Transfer to Shimla • Visit the Gurudwara Paonta Sahib • Lunch at a rural women-run cafe

Drive (eight hours) to Shimla after breakfast. We recommend picking up some light snacks, but we also stop along the way for comfort and tea/coffee breaks. One of those is a visit to the Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, built in memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and last human Sikh Guru. Here, he is said to have written the Dasam Granth, a sacred collection of writings, plus we can see a palki (palanquin) made of gold. After, we head to the She Haat Café in Sarahan for lunch. This vital women-run cooperative serves traditional Pahari food and was created to provide financial stability and independence to women living in rural areas. This afternoon, we continue our drive to Shimla and check into our hotel, where we spend the next three nights. Shimla was once the summer capital of the British Raj, who moved here for relief from the scorching heat of the plains.

Day 5 Sightseeing tour of Shimla with ‘toy’ train ride • Afternoon visit to the Viceregal Lodge

We explore Shimla today. Our first stop is the Sankat Mochan Temple, which is located amid verdant greenery and dedicated to Hindu deity Hanuman. After, we drive to Shimla railway station to take the Viceroy’s Toy Train to Tara Devi station in the town of Kalka. Our 50-minute journey is a memorable one, as the train steadily rolls through pine forests, which open to valley and hill villages. After disembarking, we transfer a little further up the hill to Devi temple for a picturesque view of Shimla. After, we take a short transfer to a local restaurant for lunch before heading to the most impressive monument in Shimla: the Viceregal Lodge, a seat of imperial power and location for crucial talks prior to independence. The building is now called the Indian Institute for Advanced Studies and is used by scholars, though the woodwork inside is kept as it was during British rule. In the afternoon, we visit the Sanat Art Foundation. This gallery and residence for artists has a scenic spot among pine and cedar trees with a view of Chedwick Fall. During our trip, we enjoy tea and see the varied and well-displayed art collection.

Day 6 Optional morning nature walk • Explore bazaars and the Mall Road

Prefer a later start? Take the opportunity to relax at the hotel and linger over breakfast. However, if you’re keen for adventure, join your tour leader for a nature walk in the Shimla Glen, a dense forest of deodar, oak and pine. Returning to the hotel mid-morning, we have time to refresh before driving into Shimla city to visit the Lower and Lakkar bazaars, which cling to the hillside and show Shimla at its most vibrant. We also take a leisurely stroll along the Mall Road (the main thoroughfare in Shimla) to Scandal Point – make sure to ask your tour leader about the name. En route, you can take a look inside the historic Gaiety Theatre or the neo-gothic Christ Church. Alternatively, find a spot for refreshments while viewing snowcapped Himalayan peaks, if the weather is clear.

Day 7 Drive to Palampur at the Himalayan foothills

An early morning drive (seven hours including lunch stop) takes us to Palampur in the Himalayan foothills, which is surrounded by tea estates, pine and deodar forests, and historic temples. This hill station is blessed with a temperate climate and verdant landscape, interspersed by narrow rivulets and streams. Here you can marvel at the snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar range (part of the Himalaya) or take invigorating nature treks through the numerous trails.

Day 8 Explore the spiritual hillside town of Dharamsala

Home of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a spiritual town. Here, we visit the Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple, whose monks have a unique chanting style where they use their throats for amplification, causing an almost hypnotic effect on the listener. After, we visit the Norbulingka Institute, a tranquil space resembling a Japanese garden with neat winding stone paths, plus different workshops dedicated to Tibetan art and craft. Later, we continue to the Tibetan Museum and the Namgyal Monastery (Dalai Lama Temple Complex). We then have a walking tour of Naddi, a forest-wrapped village with views of the Dhauladhar mountains. Walking through the narrow lanes of the village, you can observe the simplicity of the daily life here and admire traditional architecture. We see villagers engaged in farming, tending to their livestock and performing daily chores. Following our visit, we drive (1hr 30min) back to Palampur.

Day 9 Day at leisure; enjoy included activities at the resort

Today is about choosing your own adventure. There are several complimentary activities available, which you can sign-up for at the resort, including an immersive village walk, bird-watching trek, pottery and handloom weaving experience, an authentic Himachali culinary experience, or a guided yoga session – or just enjoy your free time by the pool and relaxing in the property grounds.

Day 10 To Amritsar • Visit a typical Punjabi village

We drive (six hours, not including the comfort stops en route) to Amritsar. Founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, it is now the second-largest city in the Punjab state and important to the Sikh religion. The main attraction is the Golden Temple, one of the most revered sites in the Sikh religion. The city itself is named after the sacred tank (or Amritsar Sarovar) within, which is said to have healing powers. In the afternoon, we visit a local Punjab village for a slow-paced exploration. Our tour starts with a tractor ride to a nearby farm to enjoy a sunset over the fields. We then gain a deeper understanding of the local lifestyle, interacting with the residents and watching (and joining) fun demonstrations.

Day 11 Visit Jallianwala Bagh and the Golden Temple • Visit Ram Tirath Temple

We visit the Jallianwala Bagh memorial park this morning, the site of an infamous massacre, in which hundreds of innocent Indians were killed and wounded by British troops in 1919. After, we head to the Golden Temple. Heavily gilded and beautifully decorated, it is surrounded by a sacred pool and reached by a white marble causeway. Inside is the Guru Granth Sahib, holy book of the Sikhs. Take in the beauty and serenity of this very welcoming temple before visiting the community kitchen, which is manned by volunteers who feed up to 100,000 people every day. After our visit, we have free time to explore the local market. Later we visit Ram Tirath Temple and witness a blessing ceremony by the priest. This temple dates back to the period of Ramayana, Rishi Valmiki's hermitage. A hut marks the site where Mata Sita gave birth to Luv and Kush and there is a well with stairs where Mata Sita took her bath. Around 9pm, there is an option to return to the Golden Temple to witness the Palki Sahib ceremony, in which dozens of devotees act as a human conveyor belt to carry the Granth Sahib (a shrine containing the Adi Granth) from the main shrine to the sanctum, where it is kept until the opening ceremony the following morning. You will get the opportunity to witness this special ceremony attended by numerous devotees daily.

Day 12 Amritsar to Delhi by Vande Bharat Express train

Enjoy a cold breakfast at our hotel before taking the 8.20am Vande Bharat Express train from Amritsar to Delhi. Arriving around 1.50pm, we transfer (30 minutes) to our hotel and have the rest of the afternoon free to relax. If you want to explore, the hotel is close to Connaught Place, a district known for its heritage and commerce. In the late afternoon, there is also an optional tour of Chandni Chowk, a traditional shopping district in Old Delhi, which includes a rickshaw ride and street food tasting.

Day 13 Adventure ends in Delhi

Our adventure through North India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, catch your free transfer to the airport and begin your return journey home – remember to provide your details at least two weeks prior to arrival to secure your seat.

Travel Dates

18 - 30 September 2026 $ 2.580

09 - 21 October 2026 $ 2.280

23 October - 04 November 2026 $ 2.700

27 October - 08 November 2026 $ 2.520

06 - 18 November 2026 $ 2.670

10 - 22 November 2026 $ 2.700

20 November - 02 December 2026 $ 2.220

01 - 13 December 2026 $ 2.520

12 - 24 February 2027 $ 2.475

16 - 28 February 2027 $ 2.580

19 February - 03 March 2027 $ 2.580

26 February - 10 March 2027 $ 2.475

05 - 17 March 2027 $ 2.475

09 - 21 March 2027 $ 2.580

12 - 24 March 2027 $ 2.475

19 - 31 March 2027 $ 2.580

02 - 14 April 2027 $ 2.670

09 - 21 April 2027 $ 2.670

13 - 25 April 2027 $ 2.670

24 September - 06 October 2027 $ 2.670

28 September - 10 October 2027 $ 2.625

08 - 20 October 2027 $ 2.475

15 - 27 October 2027 $ 2.475

19 - 31 October 2027 $ 2.580

22 October - 03 November 2027 $ 2.475

26 October - 07 November 2027 $ 2.475

29 October - 10 November 2027 $ 2.475

05 - 17 November 2027 $ 2.475

12 - 24 November 2027 $ 2.475

19 November - 01 December 2027 $ 2.475

26 November - 08 December 2027 $ 2.475

03 - 15 December 2027 $ 2.475

21 January - 02 February 2028 $ 2.595

28 January - 09 February 2028 $ 2.595

04 - 16 February 2028 $ 2.595

11 - 23 February 2028 $ 2.595

18 February - 01 March 2028 $ 2.595

25 February - 08 March 2028 $ 2.595

03 - 15 March 2028 $ 2.595

10 - 22 March 2028 $ 2.595

17 - 29 March 2028 $ 2.595

24 March - 05 April 2028 $ 2.595

31 March - 12 April 2028 $ 2.595

07 - 19 April 2028 $ 2.700

14 - 26 April 2028 $ 2.700

21 April - 03 May 2028 $ 2.700

28 April - 10 May 2028 $ 2.700

22 September - 04 October 2028 $ 2.700

29 September - 11 October 2028 $ 2.700

06 - 18 October 2028 $ 2.595

13 - 25 October 2028 $ 2.595

20 October - 01 November 2028 $ 2.595

27 October - 08 November 2028 $ 2.595

03 - 15 November 2028 $ 2.595

10 - 22 November 2028 $ 2.595

17 - 29 November 2028 $ 2.595

24 November - 06 December 2028 $ 2.595

01 - 13 December 2028 $ 2.595

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