WHY TRAVEL WITH US
explore The Himalayas
A Sacred Journey into the Realms of the Spirit
Area covered: Delhi - Dharamsala - Kangra - Amritsar
Best Time: Throughout the year
Monsoon: July to mid September
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
This unique journey connects three historically important areas of Northern India in one comprehensive arc that beautifully displays different faces of the sub-continent by focusing on the variegated spiritual riches of each area.
Physically, the terrain varies dramatically from the cosmopolitan city of Delhi, old and new, to the open plains of the Punjab and the tea plantations of the hills, from the breath-taking roads and forests of Himachal Pradesh the legendary area with lush and well-watered terrain ringed by the snow-covered peaks of the Western Himalayas.
Spiritually, the area has been nourished by religious influences that have shaped the country over the centuries: Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Sikhism. We shall visit sites specifically chosen for their powerful atmosphere: ancient Hindu Goddess shrines that laud the eternal Feminine in all her forms; the extraordinary baroque and vibrant art that swarms over the walls and ceilings of polychrome Tibetan temples and monasteries, where a living community of exiles lives, works and prays around their hereditary spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama; the unique Golden Temple, the spiritual centre of global Sikhism, that sits amidst its sacred lake, while the whole site is continually charged with the atmospheric chanting of the scriptures.
All these artistic and atmospheric riches are set against a varied backdrop of glorious scenery, with plenty of opportunity for tranquil country walks, village and market visits and living interaction with local life.
All our accommodation will be in hotels carefully chosen to conform to our criteria of:
- being built in local style
- combining charm, comfort and soul
- operating sustainable policies that give employment to local people.
Tour Highlights
- Guided spiritual walking tour of Dharamsala and Kangra
- Lunch with a local family in Dharamsala
- Ride on the heritage narrow-gauge toy train
- Visits to ancient Hindu temples and Tibetan monasteries
- Golden Temple visit by day and night
- Wagah Border flag ceremony
- Tea estate stay with immersive tea tasting and walks
- Meditative Himalayan walks through cedar forests and tribal villages
- Accommodation with charm, comfort, and soul
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
Morning arrival , traditional welcome and transfer to your hotel. Late afternoon visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib via Metro for the evening aarti, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Return by..
Day 2 – Discovering Delhi
Morning tour of New Delhi: Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, and colonial landmarks. Afternoon visit to Old Delhi: Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, and view the Red Fort. Discover how the city has risen again and again under the rule of empires and emblems of faith.
Day 3 – Fly to Dharamsala
Morning flight to Dharamsala. After hotel check-in and light lunch, visit the Dalai Lama’s monastery and stroll through McLeod Ganj bazaar. Explore the spiritual capital of Tibetan Buddhism in exile, framed by pine forests and the snow-capped Dhauladhar.
Day 4 – Culture & Compassion
Visit the Norbulingka Institute, Seat of Happiness Temple, and Losel Doll Museum. Continue to Kangra Fort and Temple Complex, then visit the Tibetan Children’s Village and Kangra Art Museum. Return to your hotel in Dharamsala.
Day 5 – Himalayan Village Walk
Begin in the Gaddi tribal village of Naddi. Walk through cedar forests past secluded meditation huts and arrive at a scenic ridge for a specially arranged Tibetan-style hot lunch. Continue to Bagsu Nag village before returning to the hotel.
Day 6 – To Kangra’s Tea Hills
Transfer to the stunning Wah Tea Estate and check into The Lodge at Wah. Afternoon guided tea estate and factory tour followed by a curated tasting session. Optional outdoor tea ceremony in the garden (weather permitting).
Day 7 – Temples, Trains & Trails
Early birdwatching walk. After breakfast, board the heritage toy train from Patti to Paprola. Visit the ancient Baijnath Temple. Afternoon walk to Vindhyavasini Temple and explore nature trails across the organic tea estate. Overnight at The Lodge.
Day 8 – To Amritsar, Heart of Sikhism
Scenic drive (~5 hrs) to Amritsar. Check in and relax. Evening visit to the Golden Temple, luminous in twilight and filled with continuous sacred chants—a deeply moving experience.
Day 9 – Amritsar Immersion
Sunrise visit to the Golden Temple. After breakfast, explore local Sikh and Hindu temples and lively bazaars on a gentle walking tour. In the afternoon, drive to the Wagah Border to witness the dramatic sunset flag-lowering ceremony. Return for farewell dinner.
Day 10 – Amritsar to Delhi, Fly & Relax
After breakfast, transfer to Amritsar airport for your flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival, you’ll have some free time to either explore Delhi’s markets, enjoy a final Indian meal, or simply relax at the hotel, perhaps with a dip in the pool or a spa treatment. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to the international airport for your return flight home.
Extension:
Mughal Grandeur & Rajput Majesty
Destinations Covered: Amritsar – Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Delhi
Duration: 4 Days / 4 Nights
Style: Private extension with chauffeur-driven vehicle, guided tours, and stays at charming heritage-style hotels
Enhance your spiritual and cultural journey with this specially designed four-day extension through North India’s famed Golden Triangle. Visit the iconic Taj Mahal, experience the palatial romance of Jaipur, and uncover the spellbinding art and architecture of India’s Mughal and Rajput past. This extension offers a seamless blend of timeless heritage, immersive exploration, and restful comfort in handpicked boutique hotels full of soul and local character.
Extension Highlights
- Guided sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, India’s most iconic monument
- Explore the majestic Amber Fort and the royal City Palace in Jaipur
- Stay in boutique hotels and restored heritage homes with distinct local flair
- Visit UNESCO-listed Agra Fort and Mughal-era tombs
- Discover Jaipur’s vibrant bazaars, pink-hued streets, and artisan traditions
- Private car with driver and local expert guides
Detailed Extension Itinerary
Day 10 – Fly Amritsar to Delhi | Drive to Agra
After breakfast, transfer to Amritsar airport for a short flight to Delhi. On arrival, meet your driver and continue the journey to Agra (approx. 3.5–4 hrs drive). Upon arrival, check into your charming hotel—perhaps a boutique haveli or heritage-style villa. Evening at leisure or take an optional visit to Mehtab Bagh for a sunset view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.Overnight in Agra.
Day 11 – Taj Mahal & Mughal Marvels | Drive to Jaipur
Early morning guided visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise—watch how the soft light turns this monument to love into a glowing dream in white marble.Return for breakfast, followed by visits to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, sometimes called the "Baby Taj."After lunch, drive to Jaipur, the rose-hued capital of Rajasthan (approx. 5 hrs). Arrive and check into a lovingly restored boutique hotel or haveli. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 12 – Royal Jaipur Immersion
After breakfast, set out to explore the grandeur of Amber Fort, ascending by jeep to its ramparts for sweeping views and rich murals.Continue with a visit to the City Palace, part-museum, part-residence of the royal family, and marvel at the astronomical genius of Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory.Stroll through the colorful bazaar lanes, stopping to observe artisans at work—block printers, bangle-makers, or spice sellers. Optional: enjoy high tea at a palace café or local cooking demo in the evening. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 13 – Jaipur to Delhi | Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Delhi (approx. 5 hrs). Depending on your departure flight, optional final shopping or short heritage walk in South Delhi may be arranged. Transfer to international airport for your flight home.
