Himalayan Odyssey

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Delhi

(N)

Day 2: Delhi

Transfer to the Oberoi Maidens for 2 nights. The Maidens has retained its old world charm and is surrounded by emerald green lawns. (N)

Day 3: Delhi

Morning tour of Old Delhi, including a drive past the Red Fort, a visit to the Jama Masjid, and a walking tour of Old Delhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi including a drive past India Gate and the viceregal residence before visiting Qutb Minar and the tomb of the Mughal Emperor, Humayun. (B)

Day 4: Amritsar

Take the train to Amritsar for 2 nights at RanjitVilas. Visit the spectacular Golden Temple for the evening Palki Sahib ceremony. The ceremony involves a procession of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Holy Book) from the main shrine to the inner sanctum, against the backdrop of the beautiful lit temple and to the accompaniment of drums and hymns. (B, D)

Day 5: Amritsar

Explore local markets and temples on a heritage walk visiting the Jallianwala Bagh memorial. In the early evening, head to the Indo-Pakistan border for the pomp of the Wagah border-closing ceremony. The quirky experience is a carefully choreographed and immaculately turned out display of synchronised marching and bellowed military commands. (B, D)

Day 6: Pragpur

Travel to the wonderfully quaint village of Pragpur defined by its cobbled streets and slate-roofed houses. Spend 2 nights at the delightful Judges Court, a colonial-style country manor that was built at the turn of the 20th century (B, D)

Day 7: Pragpur

At leisure. Alternatively visit Kangra fort or hop on the scenic Kangra Valley Railway. The Kangra Mountain Railway, also known as the Kangra Toy Train, travels across beautiful sub-Himalayan terrain, known for its natural beauty and ancient Hindu shrines. (B, D)

Day 8: Dharamsala

Head to the home of the Tibetan Government
in exile for 2 nights at the quirky Chonor
House. Learn how to cook the local speciality,
stuffed momos (dumplings). (B, D)

Day 9: Dharamsala

Take a gentle hike through traditional Gaddi villages to Naddi which offers spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. You are likely to pass many rhododendron and pine forests and see people going about their daily routines. Later, visit McLeod Ganj with its Buddhist temples and markets. (B, D)

Day 10: Manali

Morning tour of the Norbulingka Institute
before driving to Manali with views of Kullu
valley en route. Stay 3 nights at ShivAdya
Resort & Spa. (B, D)

Days 11-12: Manali

Discover the beauty of the area visiting Naggar, which was once the capital of the Kullu kingdom and is considered to be the most charming village in the valley. You will also visit the 450 year old temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi, which has some excellent woodcarvings, before having the opportunity to bathe at the Vashisht hot springs. (B)

Day 13: Shimla

Depart for the former summer capital of the British Raj, which was selected by the British as a retreat from the blistering heat of the plains. Spend 2 nights at the Oberoi Cecil, which offers beautiful vistas of the snow-capped Himalaya and the evergreen valleys. (B)

Day 14: Shimla

Experience Shimla’s Toy Train with a 45 minute journey to Taradvei. Afternoon tour of Shimla, including the Viceregal Lodge and a stroll along the Mall and the Ridge. (B)

Day 15: Haridwar

Drive to Haridwar for an overnight stay at Haveli Hari Ganga. Witness the evening aarti ceremony, where prayers are led by priests while musicians play and flaming torches light up the sky. (B)

Day 16: Haridwar

See the ashrams of Rishikesh before taking the evening train to Delhi. Overnight at the Pride. (B)

Day 17: Fly home

(B)