(Departures April & May)
The mystical Himalayas have seduced travelers for many years. Free your spirit of adventure and explore this unique region. Explore Delhi and its spectacular sites and head to the cooler climes of the mountains and Shimla, enjoying a heritage walk. Visit Manali, with its forests, streams and colorful markets. Experience charming mountain towns and villages along with the Tibetan center and home to Dali Lama, Dharamsala. See the Tibetan library and Archives and Norbulinka. Travel to Amritsar and tour the exquisite Golden Temple, a spiritual center for the devout Sikhs. Himalaya Spirit guarantees that you will indeed experience the wondrous energy of this spiritual land.
DAYS 1-2: DELHI
Explore Humayan’s Tomb and nearby Tibet House, before the Moghul-era Jama Masjid, passing the India Gate and impressive Parliament buildings on the way. Discover Old Delhi on an exciting rickshaw ride, and visit the impressive new Akshardam Temple.
Hotel: Ashtan Sarovar Portico
DAYS 3-4: SHIMLA
Travel by rail and road to Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj, and ride the famous ‘toy train’ to Khanda Ghat, where you enjoy lunch in the Himalayan meadows, before exploring the colonial buildings and mingling with the locals on The Mall.
Hotel: Oberoi Clarks
DAYS 5-6: MANALI
Head deeper into the Himalayas, passing glacier-fed streams and the tiny mountain settlements of the picturesque Kullu Valley. Explore the temples and wooden houses of Manali on foot, stopping by Naggar Castle, see local markets and the Hadimba Temple.
Hotel: Mayflower
DAYS 7-9: PALAMPUR & DHARAMSALA
Visit the ancient Hindu temple complex at Baijnath and the Norbulingka Institute with its Tibetan crafts and artisans, before continuing on to Dharamsala, centre of Tibetan culture and spirituality in India. Explore its monasteries and bustling market streets.
Hotels: Taragarh Palace Hotel, Glenmoor Estate
DAYS 10-12: AMRITSAR & DELHI
Descend to the fertile plains of Punjab and holy Amritsar. At the nearby Pakistani border, witness a pompous display of patriotic rivalry as guards on both sides lower their flags and close their border posts. The next day, rise before dawn to witness the glorious Golden Temple at sunrise. Explore Amritsar further before boarding your comfortable express train to Delhi. On your last day enjoy free time before your departure transfer. Hotels: 4 Star Hotels
