Journey through the Himalayan Foothills

India: Foothills of the Himalaya

Escorted Group Tour – 2025
Meal Key: B – Breakfast | L – Lunch | D – Dinner | N – No meals

Overview

Explore the spiritual and cultural heart of northern India on this journey through the foothills of the Himalaya. Begin in the sacred Sikh city of Amritsar and continue to McLeod Ganj, home of the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Dalai Lama. Discover traditional hill towns, scenic mountain railways, British colonial history in Shimla, and ancient temples as you travel through a diverse and fascinating region.

Day 1: Fly to Amritsar via Delhi

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

Day 2: Amritsar

On arrival, transfer to Hyatt Amritsar for a 2-night stay.
Evening visit to the Golden Temple to witness the Palki Sahib night ceremony and evening kirtan, with the temple lights reflecting over the sacred water tank.
Meals: N

Day 3: Amritsar • Wagah Border

Morning guided visit to the Golden Temple and the Langar (community kitchen).
Heritage walk through the old city, stopping at:

• Gurudwara Saragarhi
• Qila Ahluwalia
• Jalebiwala Chowk

Late afternoon excursion to Wagah Border for the dramatic Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Meals: B

Day 4: McLeod Ganj (Dharamsala)

Drive to McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Visit:

• Tsuglag Khang Monastery
• Tibetan handicrafts centre
  Evening free to explore the lively local market.
  Accommodation: Pride Surya Resort (2 nights)
  Meals: B

Day 5: Dharamsala

Morning visit to the Norbulingka Institute and Thosamling Nunnery.
Visit a local family to learn about Gaddi culture and dress.
Enjoy a gentle walk through rural villages to Naddi, with views of the Dhauladhar range at sunset.
Meals: B

Day 6: Masroor • Palampur

Drive to Palampur. En route, visit the rock-cut temples of Masroor, also known as the “Himalayan Pyramids”.
Accommodation: Taragarh Palace (1 night)
Meals: B, D

Day 7: Kangra Railway • Pragpur

Drive to Baijnath to board the scenic Kangra Mountain Railway to Nagrota (1.5 hours).
Visit the Kangra Fort, then continue to Pragpur.
Accommodation: The Judge’s Court (2 nights)
Meals: B, D

Day 8: Pragpur

Day at leisure to enjoy village walks or visit the sacred temples of Jwalamukhi and Chintpurni.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9: Shimla

Full-day drive to Shimla, the former British summer capital in the Himalayan foothills.
Accommodation: Oberoi Cecil (2 nights)
Upgrade option: Oberoi Wildflower Hall (Deluxe Garden View Room) from £235pp
Meals: B

Day 10: Shimla

Full-day guided tour of Shimla:

• Viceregal Lodge
• Himachal State Museum
• Gaiety Theatre
  Afternoon at leisure to stroll along the Mall and the Ridge.
  Meals: B

Day 11: Toy Train • Chandigarh

Board the Himalayan Queen toy train to Kandaghat (2 hrs 15 min) to enjoy scenic views.
Continue by road to Chandigarh (2 hours).
Evening visit to a local market.
Accommodation: LaLiT Chandigarh (1 night)
Meals: B

Day 12: Chandigarh • Delhi

Morning visit to the quirky and iconic Rock Garden.
Board the train to Delhi (4 hours).
Accommodation: Oberoi Maidens (1 night)
Meals: B

Day 13: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London with British Airways.
Meals: B