Journey through the Himalayan Foothills

Resort:	Journey through the Himalayan Foothills
Operator:	Cox and Kings
Destination:	India
Price From:	£2595.00

Overview

Travel to the holy city of Amritsar and McLeod Ganj, home to the Tibetan government-inexile. Continue through the foothills of the Himalaya to Shimla. Along the way, appreciate the cultural diversity of the region through its temples, monasteries and museums.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Amritsar via Delhi

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Amritsar via Delhi with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Amritsar

On arrival, transfer to the Hyatt Amritsar (or similar) for a 2-night stay. Evening visit to the Golden Temple for the auspicious Palki Sahib night ceremony to witness the evening kirtan (devotional prayers). Extravagantly lit at night, the glistening temple leaves a mesmerising reflection in the large water tanks which surround the sanctum. Every evening, drums and hymns fill the air for the Palki Sahib ceremony, adding to the allure and grandeur of the temple. (N)

Day 3: Amritsar Wagah

Revisit the Golden Temple this morning and delve deeper inside the complex to discover the community kitchen called Langar. This humbling assembly provides more than 50,000 free meals each day to visitors of the temple who come from all walks of life. Take a guided heritage walk passing the Gurudwara Saragarhi, dedicated to the heroism of the 21 soldiers of the 36 Sikhs Battalion who lost their lives in 1897 as they defended their posts against Afghan soldiers. Weave your way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with colonial architectural features, before arriving at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon visit to Wagah, situated on the border with Pakistan, for the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony. (B)

Day 4: McLeod Ganj

Travel by road to McLeod Ganj in Dharamsala. McLeod Ganj is home to the Dalai Lama and is the centre of Little Tibet. This afternoon, visit His Holiness the Dalai Lamas monastery, Tsuglag Khang. Continue with a tour of McLeod Ganj, visiting the handicrafts centre. The evening is free to explore McLeod Ganj market. 2 nights at the Pride Surya Resort. (B)

Day 5: Dharamsala

After breakfast, visit the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture and the Thosamling Nunnery. Visit a local family to see the regional Gaddi dress. Later, take a gentle walk through traditional Gaddi settlements to Naddi village, enjoying spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range as the sun sets. (B)

Day 6: Masroor Palampur

Drive to Palampur for an overnight stay at Taragarh Palace. En route, visit the rock-cut temples at Masroor. These monolithic temples date back to the eighth century and have the moniker ‘The Himalayan Pyramid’. (B, D)

Day 7: Pragpur via Kangra Mountain Railway

Today board the Kangra Mountain Railway, a wonderful way to experience life in the sub-Himalayan foothills. The 1.5-hour scenic ride from Baijnath to Nagrota passes rural villages, rice fields and many quaint train stations. Afterwards drive to Kangra to visit the ruins of the impressive fort and on to Pragpur. Stay 2 nights at The Judge’s Court, a delightful old manor house that has been converted into a hotel. (B, D)

Day 8: Pragpur

Pragpur is an idyllic base from which to explore the Kangra Valley and the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Why not take a leisurely walk in the beautiful countryside or explore one of the charming markets. There are also ample opportunities for fishing, bicycle rides or bird watching. Alternatively, visit one of the surrounding villages, like Garli or visit the temples at Jwalamukhi and Chintpurni. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Shimla

Full-day drive through the Himalayan foothills to the former British hill station of Shimla. On arrival, check in for 2 nights at the Oberoi Cecil or upgrade to the Oberoi Wildflower Hall (Deluxe Garden View room) from £235pp. (B)

Day 10: Shimla

Full-day tour of Shimla, including the Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Museum and the Gaiety theatre. Later in the day, enjoy some time at leisure to stroll along the Mall and the Ridge. (B)

Day 11: Chandigarh via toy train

Take the Himalayan Queen toy train from Shimla to Kandaghat (2 hours 15 minutes) to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan scenery. This narrow gauge railway is considered one of the finest engineering feats in India. Continue by road to Chandigarh (2 hours) for an overnight stay at the LaLiT Chandigarh. Evening visit to a local market. (B)