Western Himalaya

This morning after breakfast transfer to Delhi airport to board a flight to Amritsar. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Late evening visit the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) for the Palki Sahib Darshan ceremony. The Aarti (ritual prayers) brings the daily services to an end. A palanquin gilded with gold and silver is prepared for bringing the Holy Book from the Golden Temple to the Akal Takht. Fresh silk brocade, coverings and cushions are laid in the Palki, and it is decorated with flowers on the top. Hymns accompanied by nagaras, and drums, fill the air with rhythm, music and piousness. Overnight at Amritsar.

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Amritsar. Amritsar was founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Ram Das and was built on a site donated by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is today the spiritual centre for Sikhs. Located in the heart of the city is the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a water tank, the Amrit Sarovar, from which Amritsar gets its name. Believed to have healing powers, you can see pilgrims who have often travelled many miles bathing in the lake. The city is known for its rich cuisine and culture, and the tragic incident of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 under British Rule. You also visit the Partition Museum, Durgiana Temple & Katra cloths market during the tour. In the afternoon, drive to Wagah to experience the Flag lowering ceremony at the India-Pakistan Atari Border. Atari Wagah, an Army Joint Check Post on India- Pakistan border 30 Kms from Amritsar where the daily highlight is the evening "Beating Retreat" ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. Overnight at Amritsar.

Drive from Amritsar to Dharamshala today, which takes about 5-6 hrs. It's a particularly scenic drive, and always a wonderful moment, the first time you see the Himalaya peeking above the skyline. A quaint little Himalayan village, Dharamsala is now home to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Overnight at Dharamsala.

This morning, you will go on a guided tour of Dharamshala. Begin your day with a meditative walk along the Kora Circuit, where pilgrims spin prayer wheels and chant mantras around the Dalai Lama Temple. Visit the sacred Namgyal Monastery, followed by the serene Norbulingka Institute, where traditional Tibetan arts and crafts are lovingly preserved. Later, explore regional highlights including the Bhagsu Nag temples, the forest-fringed Dal Lake, and St. John in the Wilderness, a hauntingly beautiful colonial-era church. Overnight at Dharamsala.

This morning, set out on a guided forest and village walk from Dharamkot to Naddi Village, a scenic 4–5 km journey taking approximately 2 hours at a relaxed pace. Following easy to moderate trails through cedar, pine, and oak forests, enjoy spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountains and the tranquillity of the Himalayan countryside. The walk concludes in Naddi Village, a charming settlement renowned for its sweeping mountain panoramas. Home to the Gaddi community, traditionally known for sheep and goat herding, the village offers an authentic glimpse into rural Himalayan life. Stroll through quiet lanes lined with traditional homes and terraced fields while learning about local customs and the unique blend of Himachali and Tibetan cultures that characterise the region. Overnight at Dharamsala.

This Morning drive to Palampur (2 hrs). This delightful town is situated in Kangra Valley, surrounded by lush tea estates, refreshing pine forests, and glistening streams, all with a picturesque view of snow capped Dhauladhar mountains. The area is well-known for its scenic landscapes, water bodies, and locally produced teas. Overnight at Palampur.

After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic 5 hour drive to Shimla, nestled on a high ridge in the Himalayan foothills. This charming hill station, once a British summer retreat, offers stunning views and a cool escape from the heat of the Indian plateaus. Overnight at Shimla.

On today's tour, you will visit the mock Tudor library, the famous Gaiety Theatre, the Vice Regal Lodge, Jaku Temple. You will also have time to explore the Mall road. Overnight at Shimla.

This morning you will be transferred to Shimla railway station to board the toy train to Kalka. Upon arrival at Kalka railway station, you will be transferred to Chandigarh Airport (1.5 hrs) for your flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel in Delhi. Overnight at Delhi.

This day transfer to Delhi airport for your onward journey.