Day 1 Arrive Delhi
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel in Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama of fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 Train Delhi to Amritsar (1630/2215)
A busy day of Delhi sightseeing that includes the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi and Raj Ghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi) The Hindu temple of Birla Mandir, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President's House), Qutab Minar and The Bahai Temple in New Delhi. Later, transfer to Delhi Railway Station for the 4.30pm train to Amritsar - Home to the Harmandir Sahib, known as the Golden Temple and considered the most important Sikh pilgrimage site. Overnight in Amritsar
Day 3 In Amritsar
Your sightseeing begins early with a visit to The Golden Temple - founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. It is here that people from all over the world come to pay their reverence to The Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund (Pool of Immortality) for spiritual purification. Also in Amritsar is the Jallian Wala Bagh - notorious for the massacre that took place here under British rule. In 1919 General Dyer personally led the troops to this walled ground and ordered his men open fire on a group of peaceful protestors. At the east end of the garden there is a large memorial built in memory of those who died here. Later this afternoon, visit the Wagha Border - the international border between India and Pakistan where the pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat & Change of Guard ceremonies make for a most charming spectacle. Overnight in Amritsar.
Day 4 Drive Amritsar to Dharamshala (200kms/5 hours)
Morning drive to Dharamshala - home of the Tibetan leader The Dalai Lama and set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar Mountains. Dharamshala is a busy bazaar town and has established itself as a base camp for those who wish to explore the nearby mountains. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the surroundings on your own. Overnight at Chonor house in Dharamshala
Day 5 In Dharamshala
Day at leisure to explore Dharamshala.
Day 6 Drive Dharamshala to Manali (265kms/6 hours)
This morning depart for Manali, with its spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and wooded slopes, Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It is a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as great countryside for those with a passion for adventure sports. Overnight in Manali
Day 7 In Manali
Depending on the weather and your mood you might like to head out skiing, hang gliding, river rafting, take a short hike, visit the Mountaineering Institute and the apple orchards or just relax in scenic surrounds.
Day 8 Drive Manali to Shimla (260kms/8 hours)
Drive to Shimla, the British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations" and it is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. In spite of its modernization, it still retains a colonial flavour, and is one of Indian's most popular and biggest hill stations. Overnight in Shimla
Day 9 In Shimla
A day to stroll the mall, rummage in the bazaars, visit smaller local towns and enjoy the mountain scenery. Overnight in Shimla.
Day 10 Drive Shimla to Delhi (340kms/8 hours)
Drive to Delhi or alternatively, choose to take the picturesque Toy Train from Shimla to Kalka, a journey of 100 kilometres that takes just over four hours, and passes through quaint little towns and villages and over a hundred tunnels. Overnight in Delhi
Day 11 Depart Delhi
You will be transferred to the International airport in time to board your flight home.
