EXPLORE NORTHERN INDIA

19 DAYS & 18 NIGHTS

DELHI I AMRITSAR I DHARMSALA I PRAGPUR I SHIMLA I CHANDIGARH I SRINAGAR I LEH I DELHI I

This tour will takes you to the unique region. From the sumptuous Golden Temple of Amritsar, through the lushly forested hills of Himachal Pradesh, and up into the high plateaux and valleys of Kashmir and Ladakh, this month long itinerary covers them all. On one level this is arguably the most scenic part of India, and yet there is so much more on offer here than just day after day of jaw-dropping mountain vistas. The diverse cultures of this area are beguiling, and the welcome is as warm as the winters are cold. Due to road access issues, this tour can operate only during the summer months, generally early June to mid-September.

Itinerary Details Cost & Inclusions Book This Tour

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01Arrive/Delhi by International flight

Arrive Delhi International Airport

Meet & assistance on arrival by our travel executive

Transfer to your Hotel. Hotel check in time is 12 noon.

Briefing of the tour by the executive

Delhi – discover that India’s capital is sprinkled with glittering gems: captivating ancient monuments, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing-arts scene and some of the subcontinent’s yummiest places to eat.

Overnight at hotel

Day 02Delhi

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for full day guided tour of Old & New Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India comprises of conspicuously contrasting Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 12th and 19th centuries and one can find mosques, monuments and forts related to Muslim history. New Delhi is the imperial city created as India's capital by the British intricately planned and comprises of imposing buildings displaying various modern style of architecture.

Red Fort

Red Fort (Monday closed) (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor famous for its architectural wonders one of which is Taj Mahal - Shah Jahan. Red Fort is famous for its delicately carved inlaid and Royal chambers.

Jama Masjid

Stop at Jama Masjid – the Great Mughal Mosque (It is the largest mosque in India. Located in Old Delhi, the mosque has the capacity to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD and again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is behind this architectural masterpiece. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were occupied in the construction of the mosque) Also enjoy the Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk.
Then visit Raj Ghat (The memorial of the father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi)

Humayun's Tomb

After the visit of Old Delhi you will move ahead to visit Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) - Humayun's tomb is believed to have been designed in 1565 AD by the widow of Mughal emperor Humayun. Its plan is based on the description of Islamic paradise garden and is known to have inspired the Taj Mahal and many later Mughal tombs. This type of garden is known as a charbagh and is based on a grid)

Qutab Minar

Continue your tour with Qutab Minar (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) - Qutab Minar is 73 meters high minaret which tapers from a 15 m diameter base to just 2.5 m at the top. The walls consist of intricately carved quotations from Koran. The tower is one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world). The tour would also include a drive through the Lutyens Delhi and a photo stop at India Gate (The war memorial) as well drive past President's Palace & Parliament House.

Overnight at hotel

Day 03Delhi/Amritsar by 9W – 2791 at 1240/1350hrs

Breakfast in the hotel

Transfer to Delhi airport in time to connect flight to Amritsar

Amritsar city is one of the major cities of the Punjab state in India. This city was founded by HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Ram_Das_ji" \o "Guru Ram Das ji"Guru Ram Das in 1574. Earlier Guru Ram Das had begun building Santokhsar Sarovar, near the village of Sultanwind in 1564 (according to one source in 1570). It could not be completed before 1588. In 1574, Guru Ram Das built his residence and moved to this place. At that time, it was known as Guru Da Chakk. (Later, it came to be known as Chakk Ram Das).

Rest of the day is free to relax. Optional visit to nearby village to see local farmer lifestyle

Overnight at hotel

Day 04Amritsar

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half day tour of Amritsar

Golden Temple also called Sri Harmandir Sahib was laid by Guru Ram Das in the 14th century. It is acclaimed as one of the holiest sites for the Sikh community. It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches. Reflecting influences of both Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance which draws the attention of numerous tourists around the globe. Although principally a pilgrimage spot for the Sikh, it is visited by people of all religions and proves to be one of the greatest tourist attractions in Amritsar on your tour to India.

Jalianwala Bagh

Jalianwala Bagh situated near the Golden Temple, it bears testimony to the disaster called Jallianwala Bagh massacre during the British Raj. A congregation, attended by several Punjabis on the occasion of Baisakhi (New Year) celebrations on 13 April 1919 was set on fire by General Dyer.

Wagah Border

Late afternoon you will be taken to visit The Wagah border often called the "Berlin wall of Asia", is a ceremonial border on India–Pakistan Border, where each evening a retreat ceremony called 'lowering of the flags’ takes place. At that time there is a very energetic and thrilling parade by the Border Security Force (B.S.F), India and the Pakistan Rangers soldiers. It may appear slightly aggressive and even hostile to foreigners, but it really is entertainment for the crowd with grand stands being built on both sides. Troops of each country put on quite an entertaining show in their uniforms with their colorful turbans. Border officials from the two countries sometimes walk over to the offices on the other side for day to day affairs.

Overnight at hotel

Day 05Amritsar/Dharmsala by road (200kms/5-6hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Dharmsala and check in at hotel

The Colonial origin, the Tibetan influence and the Kangra air make an invigorating cocktail with a unique blend. Dharamshala stands out amongst the other hill-stations of India. It is also an archetypal getaway for the jaded city souls with thatched cottages nestling amidst thick coniferous forests. As one looks up, the green fringes merge with the snow-clad mountains and as your eyes shift downwards, the vast panorama of the Kangra Valley embraces you. It is a no holds barred battle of the eye with the scenery and one wonders how much the eyes can behold this quiet rhapsody of the nature

Rest of the day is free to relax.

Overnight at hotel

Day 06Dharmsala

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half day sightseeing tour of McLeod Ganj - H. H. The Dalai Lama resides here.

McLeod Ganj - the Little Lhasa is thick with the Tibetan cultural feel. It is an altogether different World where the crisp breeze is broken by chanting of the hymns along with the tinkling of the prayer wheels. The place was once full of hippies who have since moved out with the crowds inundating the town. For a research scholar, McLeod Ganj offers a host of possibilities and to the not-so-scholarly souls, a cultural bonanza awaits.

Tsuglagkhang Monastery

The Tsuglagkhang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of Buddhist people since this one is the biggest one outside Tibet. This monastery is the home complex for His Holiness Dalia Lama and his devotees, monks and other meditatio nal followers. The monastery is opened for all tourists during day time but the home residence of His Holiness & quarters of other followers are not allowed to visit for tourists. This monastery is the biggest meditation and Mantra Chanting temple for Buddhist people around the country. From outer look the monastery resembles a simple home made of brick & mortar but from inside is beautifully carved with paintings, murals and pictures that provide it a beautiful look of a Buddhist temple. The temple is widely famous for its Kora ritual. A proper screening as well as security check is necessary to pass in order to enter the premises of this holy monastery.

Tibet Museum

The Tibet Museum of the Department of Information and International Relations is located in the main temple complex area, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala. The Tibet Museum or Demton-khang (in Tibetan) was established on 22 June 1998, to serve as a source of permanent memorial and commemoration site for the Tibetans who have died as a result of the Chinese occupation. The Museum features our main and permanent exhibition titled “A Long Look Homeward”, depicting the result of Chinese occupation of Tibet and the situation inside Tibet—then and now. The Tibet Museum also screens various documentaries on Tibet everyday and also invites experts to discuss issues related to Tibet in the lecture hall of the museum. The museum also installs temporary short-term exhibitions on different topics pertaining to special occasions.

The Tibet Museum also has a photographic archive section, preserving large collection of historic and contemporary images of Tibet that cater to writers, researchers and publication worldwide. The museum’s archive section has a collection of more than 30,000 rare photographs in the form of printed copies, slides and negatives.

Overnight at hotel

Day 07Dharmsala/Pragpur by road (90kms/3-4hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Pragpur and check in at hotel

The Kangra Valley, where Heritage Village Pragpur is located, is panoramic and replete with history. It is the home of the famous Kangra school of painting and probably the world's - most certainly India's - oldest ruling lineage comes from here. The area of Pragpur was part of the Principality of Jaswan whose chief, in the late 16th or early 17th Century charged a band of learned men, led by a Kuthiala Sood, to find a suitable place to commemorate Princess 'Prag' of his royal lineage.

Prag in Sanskrit translates to pollen. In a way it aptly describes the area of Pragpur which in spring is afire with blossoms. The core area of Pragpur is notified as a "Heritage Village", and, along with the nearby village of Garli, the surrounding area is a Hertitage Zone. Heritage Village Pragpur is ideal for Village land nature Tourism and is being promoted as an example of community involvement in tourism. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage jointly with the government of Himachal Pradesh is developing and preserving Heritage Village Pragpur.

Overnight at hotel

Day 08Pragpur

Breakfast in the hotel

Full day free to explore the local village

Overnight at hotel

Day 09Pragpur/Shimla by road (240kms/6-7hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Drive to Shimla & check in at hotel

Shimla was the summer capital of India under British rule. Presently, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, with its population around 1.6 lacs (Shimla town only). Shimla has seen many important historical events such as the famous Shimla Pact between India & Pakistan which was signed here. The place is also famous for its natural beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples. Rest of the day is free to relax

Overnight at hotel

Day 10Shimla

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half day tour of Shimla visiting Shimla .

The Mall is the main shopping street of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.

Jakhu Hill

Jakhu Hill: 2 km from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an old temple of Lord Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors.

Shimla State Museum

Shimla State Museum: The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to protect hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region

Kufri

Just 18 Kilometers from Shimla Kufri at an altitude of 2510 m is the most popular tourist spot around Shimla. This place is famous for hiking, skiing, beautiful scenes and a cool environment. The Skiing season spreads between November to February and the tourist inflow is at its peak during winters because everyone lands up here to ski and throw snowballs at each other.

Overnight at hotel

Day 11Shimla/Kalka by 52456 Himalayan Queen at 1035/1610hrs, Kalka/Chandigarh by road

Breakfast in thee hotel

Transfer to Shimla train station in time to board train to Kalka The Toy train offers a grand view of pine covered hill tops, flora and fauna which makes Shimla the queen of hills. It is the best mode of transport to explore and experience the treasuries of great Himalayas. Toy train is listed under the world heritage list of UNESCO. It fascinates the visitors and there is no going back to their native places. You can get mesmerized by the scenic beauty which starts from Kalka to Shimla, it is thrilling and wonderful throughout the route.

Meet/Assist on arrival and drive to Chandigarh

Overnight at hotel

Day 12Chandigarh/Srinagar by SG -130 at 1235/1340hrs

Breakfast at the hotel

Depart for Chandigarh airport en route short orientation tour of Chandigarh Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel/houseboat The evening a memorable Shikara Ride is arranged in famous Dal Lake. An activity not to be missed when in Srinagar. Shikara is a small narrow boat that lets you cruise on the most beautiful lake in the world.

There is floating markets in the Dal Lake, which sells Kashmiri specialties like dry fruits, woollen and Pashmina shawls. There would be other Shikaras selling various knick-knacks, ice creams, fruits, vegetables, pakoras, Maggie and more. While cursing, get dressed like the locals do not forget to click memorable photographs.
Overnight at hotel

Day 13Srinagar

After breakfast, you will be taken on a half day sightseeing tour of Mughal Gardens The list of attractions includes gardens of Srinagar- Mughal Gardens, Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat Bagh (The Garden of pleasure) Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love).

Mughal Gardens

Mughal Gardens – Srinagar is home to some of the most beautiful Mughal Gardens in India. These are a well-maintained group of garden built in Charbaugh structure in Persian style, a favourite of the Mughal rulers. Mughal Garden features fountain, canals and pools. They are also known for their exceptional beauty owing to their spectacular mountainous natural settings which remain unparalleled in all of India. Mughal gardens were commissioned by Emperor Babur and has contributions from his predecessors like Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Visited by tourists in huge numbers, Mughal Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Kashmir. The garden is a combination of three important gardens- namely the Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashm-e-shahi.

Nishat Bagh

Nishat Bagh is the second largest second largest Mughal garden in Kashmir and is also known as a terraced Mughal garden. Lying on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, this garden has 12 terrace levels, rows of flowers, with old chinars and water channels with fountains.

Shalimar Bagh

Shalimar Bagh was made by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahanand around 400 years back. It is popular as the high point of Mughal horticulture. The interior of Shalimar Bagh contain four terraces in which the top most terraces was the beautiful section and was originally reserved for the royal ladies.

Afternoon is free to relax. In the evening enjoy Kashmiri food with Cultural music & dance.

Overnight at hotel

Day 14Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar

Breakfast in the hotel

Today is scheduled for an excursion to Gulmarg, a place that has pristine beauty in abundance. Gulmarg looks like heaven with high-peaked mountains, which are covered with a sheet of lush greenery, colourful flowers and sometimes snow. A visit to Gulmarg will surely be refreshing and memorable. It was known as a holiday resort for the Britishers. The road from Srinagar to Gulmarg is covered with beautiful white and purple flowers. Enjoy the scenery.

As you reach Gulmarg, get ready to explore the place. Gulmarg houses Asia’s highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola, it is the most popular thing to do here. This is two-stage ropeway Cable car that carries around 600 people per hour, Once you reach the top, treat your eyes to the beautiful views of the snow-capped Himalayas. You can also partake in hiking and horse riding to know the place.

Return to the hotel by Evening.

Overnight at hotel

Day 15Srinagar/Leh by AI – 447 at 0925/1020hrs

Breakfast in the hotel

Transfer to Srinagar airport in time to connect flight to Leh

Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel

Leh is the fascinating capital of the Autonomous Hill Council of Ladakh, also known as Little Tibet. The important monasteries to visit in and around Leh are Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Spituk, Samkhar as well as the Shanti Stupa, Stok Palace and main Bazaar. The Leh palace dominating the town was the former home of the Namgyal Dynasty. The monastic festivals are very popular and Hemis, Phyang and Lamayuru festivals in summer are visited by lot of tourists who throng to see the Cham Dances.

Rest of the day is free to relax

Overnight at hotel

Day 16Leh

Breakfast in the hotel

Full day guided tour of Leh.

Leh Palace: The palace is a distinguished monument and a historical building. The nine- storied palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of Ladakh Sengge Namgyal.

Spituk

Spituk: The gompa stands prominently on the top of a hillock, 8 Kms.from Leh, and commands a panoramic view of the Indus Valley for miles. Many icons of Buddha and five thankas are found in 15th century monastery. There is also a collection of ancient masks, antique arms and an awe inspiring image of Mahakal.

Shey Gompa

Shey Gompa which is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17’Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa.

Hemis

Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17’Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls.

Overnight at hotel

Day 17Leh – Khardung La – Leh (40 kms/2.5hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for the full day excursion to Khardung - La Pass – The highest motorable road.

This is the ultimate challenge of the trip. It is the highest motorable road in the world taking you to a dizzy 5,600m! The view from the top is spectacular, stretching from the Indus valley in the South over the endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range to the giants of the Sesser Massif in the North. You can feel proud of a true achievement as you finish the trip with your final satisfying descent.

Overnight at hotel

Day 18Leh/Delhi by AI 447 at 0925/1020hrs

Breakfast in the hotel

Transfer to Leh airport in time to connect flight to Delhi

Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel

Rest of the day is free to relax

Overnight at hotel

Day 19Depart/Delhi by International flight

Today you will be transferred to Delhi International airport in time to connect your onward flight to next destination

COST & INCLUSIONS

	Luxury	Comfort
Summer	US$5242	US$3913	US$3072
Winter	US$5135	US$4102	US$3126
Delhi	Taj Palace	The Lalit	Suryaa Hotel
Amritsar	Taj Swarna	Hyatt Hotel	Holiday Inn
Dharmshala	Fortune Park Moksha	Norling House	Grace Cottage
Paragpur	Judge Court	Judge Court	Judge Court
Shimla	Wildflower Hall	Oberoi Cecil	Clarke Hotel
Chandigarh	Oberoi Sukhvilas	The Lalit	Lemon Tree
Srinagar	Taj Srinagar	The Lalit	ITC Gorkha
Leh	Golden Dragon	Golden Dragon	Saboo Resort

The above rates are valid from

Summer: 16th April 2020 – 30th Sep 2020

Winter: 1st Oct 2020 – 15th April 2021

Based on Minimum 2 persons traveling together.

Note:The above rates are not valid for:-

Christmas & New Year Period: 20th December, 2020 till 10th January, 2021

Tour Includes

Share twin accommodation with breakfast
Transfers & sightseeing by Air Conditioned vehicle
Services of Local English speaking Guide
Cycle Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
Toy Train Joy ride in Shimla
Boat ride on Dal Lake
Present Applicable taxes as on 15th Jan, 2020

Tour Excludes

Entrance tickets to Monuments
International Airfare
Domestic Airfare
Visa fee & Insurance
Items of personal nature i.e. laundry, telephone, camera fee, drinks & tips etc

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