Foothills of the Himalayas
An 8 night tour to Amritsar, Dharamshala and the Kangra Valley
from £995
Day 1: London/Amritsar
Scheduled flight from London to Amritsar.
Day 2: Amritsar
Arrive into Amritsar, the largest city in the Punjab and the heartland of the Sikh religion. Transfer to the Ritz Plaza Hotel for a 2 night stay. This afternoon we 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 we visit the Golden Temple. This breathtaking monument, drawing on several architectural styles, 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 for you to explore the city on your own or simply relax at the hotel. In the evening there is the option to return to the Golden Temple to witness the Palki Ceremony - where the Sikh Holy book, the Guru Granth Saheb, is transferred from the main temple to the Akal Takth for the night. Prices from £10 per person.
Day 4: Amritsar/Pragpur
After breakfast take a 5 ½ hour road 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.
Day 5: Pragpur
A morning walk around the cobbled streets of this heritage village, visiting local houses, the ornamental water tank and other places of interest. In the afternoon we visit a local palmist, where you have the opportunity for a hand and face reading.
Day 6: Pragpur
A full day tour to the town of Dharamsala, 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. You can 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.
Day 7-8: Pragpur
At leisure to relax and enjoy the peacful surroundings of the hotel or alternatively walks in the surrounding countryside can be easily arranged.
Day 9: Pragpur/Amritsar
Drive back to Amritsar for your final night before the return flight back to London.
Day 10: Amritsar/London
Fly back to London direct from Amritsar.
» Accommodation
IN BRIEF...
Day 1:London to Amritsar
Day 2:Amritsar
Day 3:Amritsar
Day 4:Amritsar to Pragpur
Day 5:Pragpur
Day 6:Pragpur
Day 7-8: Pragpur
Day 9:Pragpur to Amritsar
Day 10:Amritsar to London
Alternatives
Day 9-13: Shimla
Carry on to the hill station of Shimla - the summer seat of government during the days of the Raj - for a 3 night stay.
(from £275 extra)
Day 9-13: Agra
Take an express train to Delhi for an overnight stay. The following morning drive to Agra the home of the incomparable Taj Mahal. Stay in Agra for 2 nights before returning to Delhi for your final night.
(from £275 extra)
