Western Himalaya Explored

13 days
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Private Guided
A country by name, but a continent in scale, India in one word is diversity. To guide you where to go when faced with such rich variety, our India specialists use the experience of their own travels to create your tailor-made holiday to India. The north is banded by the snow-crowned peaks of the Himalaya. Moving south, you pass through Rajasthan, a microcosm...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    A country by name, but a continent in scale, India in one word is diversity. To guide you where to go when faced with such rich variety, our India specialists use the experience of their own travels to create your tailor-made holiday to India. The north is banded by the snow-crowned peaks of the Himalaya. Moving south, you pass through Rajasthan, a microcosm of India with its forts, palaces and temples, as well as the Taj Mahal. Central India shelters leopards, elephants and the Bengal tiger. In India’s northeast corner, Calcutta still exudes its colonial heritage in a landscape of Bengali mansions and neo-Gothic architecture. West-coast Mumbai is an improbable proposition — a hub of manufacturing where you can wander among Art Deco architecture or through a teeming bazaar. Down in India’s south, cruising Kerala’s backwaters on a converted rice barge is a suitably relaxed way to embrace this region’s laid-back approach to life.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityDelhi
End CityDelhi

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Delhi.

Day 2 : Delhi

Arrive in Delhi where you'll be met by an Audley representative and introduced to your private driver who will stay with you for the remainder of your trip. They will transfer you to your homestay where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.You might like ...

Day 3 : Shimla

An early start this morning to drive to the train station for your journey into the hills. Firstly, catch the train which travels north to Kalka, taking four hours. At noon, you'll arrive in Kalka and be met by your guide to help you connect with the well-known 'toy t...

Day 4 : Shimla

Enjoy a guided walk around Shimla this morning, including a visit to Christ Church on the pedestrianised Mall Road. The Viceregal Lodge is also significant in British history and is fascinating to look around. Relax this afternoon, wander at your own pace or head to Wildflower Hall to visit the gardens and enjoy a cup of tea.

Day 5 : Pragpur

Drive five hours to Pragpur this morning, continuing your journey north. You might be able to see the snow-capped Himalaya along the way. You can easily explore Pragpur on foot by yourselves - it's a small village, but a great way to see rural life in the Himalayan foothills.

Day 6 : Dharamshala

Continue further north, driving two hours higher in altitude today up to Dharamshala and McLeodganj, home to the Dalai Lama. This busy hill town is home to a huge Tibetan community which makes it feel like a different country. With the rest of the day free, you might like to explore some of the local shops around your hotel which sell a range of Tibetan products.

Day 7 : Dharamshala

Visit the Norbulinka Institute with your guide today, where Tibetian skills and ways of life are preserved. Some of the craftsmen will be working, which is fascinating to watch. Visit the Buddhist Monastery too and if you'd like, the Mountaineering Institute.

Day 8 : Amritsar

Travel west for seven hours to Amritsar today, in the heart of Punjab. Your driver and local guide accompany you to the Wagah Border, 45 minutes away from the city on the Pakistan border, to watch the border closing ceremony. It's an elaborate affair which occurs every day.

Day 9 : Amritsar

Visit the incredible Sikh Golden Temple along with pilgrims and families from all over the country on a private tour today. Witness the incredible kitchens which churn out thousands of meals each day for free. After dinner and some time to relax, head back to the temple with your local guide to see the putting to bed ceremony of the holy book.

Day 10 : Haridwar

Take the train to Haridwar this morning. Taking seven hours, it's a long journey but passes some stunning scenery. You'll be put on the train, and met at the other end by your guides who know the stations well. Porters are available at all stations to assist with lugg...

Day 11 : Haridwar

Relax this morning, soaking up the Gagnes views from the hotel terrace or wander off to explore. This afternoon enjoy a private guided tour of Rishikesh to explore its temples, ashrams and surroundings before the aarti ceremony. An hour's drive away, you'll see contrasts between the Haridwar ceremony, which your guide can also explain.

Day 12 : Delhi

Take the train back to Delhi today which takes approximately five hours. There is a 6:00am train or a 6:00pm train, depending on your preference. Upon arrival back in Delhi, drive back to your hotel by private transfer which is near the airport - ideal for your homeward journey tomorrow.

Day 13 : International return flight

Today you're driven to the airport by private driver to catch your onwards flight from Delhi Airport. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,447
Price per day$265
Last Updated: 1/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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