Foothills of the Himalayas

Overlooked by the high peaks of the Himalayas, northern India is an area of spectacular beauty and peaceful tranquility. Few places offer such a relaxing break whilst still providing all the colour and vibrancy of Indian culture.

Essential Experiences:

• Visit the spectacular Golden Temple in Amritsar

• Enjoy the stunning Himalayan scenery

• Travel on the historic toy train from Shimla

The Tour: Our North India tour starts in Amritsar, home to the Sikh religion and the legendary Golden Temple. From here we move to Pragpur, to stay in an unique country hotel set against the backdrop of the Himalayas. We continue to Dharamsala - home to the Tibetan government-in-exile and His Holiness the Dalai Lama - then onwards to the hill station of Shimla, summer capital of the British Raj.

Accommodation: Travelling outside India's main tourist areas, the choice of accommodation is a little more limited. However, we have still been able to choose good, comfortable hotels. One of the highlights of the tour is a stay in the Judge's Court, a heritage property in the small village of Pragpur and a firm favourite with our clients.

» Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO AMRITSAR

Overnight flight from London to Amritsar, the largest city in the Punjab and the heartland of the Sikh religion. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a 2 night stay. This afternoon visit the Wagah Border separating India from Pakistan, where the respective national flags are lowered each day in the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony.

» Day 3: AMRITSAR

Today visit the Golden Temple. This beautiful monument draws on several architectural styles and is also the home of unsurpassed hospitality - the temple kitchens feed up to 10,000 basic meals a day free of charge. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city on your own or simply relax at the hotel. (B)

» Day 4: AMRITSAR TO PRAGPUR

After breakfast transfer to the heritage village of Pragpur. Climbing up from the dusty plains into the lush foothills of the Himalayas, you reach the Judge's Court Hotel for a 3 night stay. (B)

» Day 5 to Day 6: PRAGPUR

A morning walk around the cobbled streets introduces you to this heritage village, visiting local houses, the ornamental water tank and other places of interest. The remainder of the time is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful setting, take leisurely walks and get a taste of local life. (B)

» Day 7: DHARAMSHALA
Transfer to the town of Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Consequently, the town has strong Tibetan influences from the architecture to the food and culture. We spend the day exploring the narrow streets, where you will find shops selling traditional Tibetan handicrafts, colourful temples and a moving museum on the Tibetan struggle with China. Overnight outside of the town. (B)

» Day 8 to Day 9: SHIMLA

Continue by road for 2 nights in Shimla, former capital of the British Raj. During the stay we include an introductory tour visiting the Viceregal Lodge and the Mall. (B)

» Day 10: SHIMLA TO DELHI

Transfer to Shimla's railway station to board the toy train for the scenic train ride down from the mountains to Kalka, where we connect with the Shatabdi express to Delhi. On arrival transfer to hotel. (B)

» Day 11: DELHI TO LONDON

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London. (B)