The Indian mountain ranges with lush valleys and fresh air is where you begin a journey inwards. From stunning peaks to glacier streams, you can soak in the universe beneath the clear starry skies.
We have curated an itinerary to inspire you as you discover quaint towns, cities and culture nestled inside the stunning mountains of North India.
Begin your tour in Delhi to enjoy the amazing contrast between modernity and traditionalism. Take a peek inside the marvellous architecture and the monuments in Delhi before you head to Dharamshala, an enchanting hill station enveloped by the Dauladhar ranges. The home of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a perfect alchemy of nature and healing.
Enter the quaint town of Shimla also known as the Queen of Hills. The nip in air is enough to get you all mushy, and the charming hills and vistas await your attention. The next stop is Amritsar which holds the holiest place for the Sikh community - the serene Golden temple. Witness the temple illuminated in the evenings making it a magical sight.
And then it is time to explore Ladakh, a mystery being unfolded each day. Often known as the ‘Little Tibet’ - this little corner of India is a raw and awe-inspiring ancient land with some the best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist traditions and culture.
Experience all this and more, as you traverse the vibrant cultural landscape of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh along with some bold and beautiful sights.
Welcome to India! You will arrive in Delhi, India’s capital city, with around 17 million inhabitants. The city is divided into two parts including Old Delhi, located near the River Yamuna, and New Delhi, the imperial city created by the British Raj. This city is a fusion of the ancient and the modern and is rich with culture, architecture, human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries and gardens.
You will be met on arrival at the airport by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
This morning, we take an escorted tour of Old Delhi. We will start the day traveling by rickshaw past colorful bazaars, sacred temples, and colonial monuments through the winding streets of Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. Visit India's largest mosque, the white marble Jama Masjid or “Friday Mosque.” Rising from between the crowded medieval streets of Old Delhi, the Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Enjoy a photo opportunity of the iconic Red Fort (drive past), built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan before leaving Old Delhi.
Also visit to the Gandhi Smriti formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan, is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. It is the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on January 30, 1948.
Later our guide will take you on a tour of New Delhi. The city was designed and built by the British in the 1920s and is made up of well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautiful trees and beautiful colonial government buildings. As you navigate the city in your private air-conditioned car, you will drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.
You will also see Humayun's Tomb, which was built by the wife of Mughal Emperor Humayun, Haji Begum, in the mid-16th century. This red sandstone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal and one of the best examples of Mughal architecture.
Today after a leisurely breakfast fly to Dharamshala, the seat of his holiness the Dalai Lama. On arrival check in at the hotel.
In the afternoon, take a serene kora (circumambulation) of the Dalai Lama Temple and Namgyal Monastery, strolling with the monks as they chant and learning about the various deities and forms of the Buddha. Within the complex is Kalchakra Temple, whose empowerment ceremonies are believed to contribute to world harmony.
This morning, you’ll visit the Tibetan Parliament, home of the Tibetan government-in-exile, followed by a stop at the Tibetan Traditional Medicine and Wellness Centre, where you’ll meet a traditional Tibetan Healer (time permitting).
Next, travel to Gyuto monastery, famous for its Tantric rituals. Listen to the monks chant and - if we’re lucky - have an audience with the Karmapa (King of the Lamas).
After lunch at the Norbulingka Institute, explore the workshops where craftsmen are practicing traditional Tibetan painting and woodcarving.
End your remarkable day with an exclusive guided tour of the Zen-inspired Dolma Ling Nunnery, where the nuns spend three years in solitude!
Today morning drive to Shimla. Learn about the colonial history of the British Empire during your visit to Shimla, the summer capital of British India. Stroll through the town and see how life in Shimla revolves around the busy mall road in the center of town.
You are in Shimla - known as the “Queen of Mountains”, and the summer capital of the erstwhile British Raj. This beautiful town is as picturesque as it can go, and you’re going to fall in love with the colorful people and the culture. Today you will see the highlights of the town during your visit to the Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre and the Vice Regal Lodge.
Afternoon is free to explore the town on your own.
Today we will fly to Amritsar and on arrival check in to our hotel.
A special highlight this afternoon is a visit to the Wagah border for VIP access to the extraordinary sundown flag ceremony. The sight of soldiers from Pakistan and India, dressed in fantastically ornate uniforms and good-naturedly trying to outdo each other in pomp and pageantry, is one you’ll never forget. We return to Amritsar for a quick photo stop at the Golden Temple, spectacularly lit at night.
This morning, we’ll tour the magnificent Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest temple of the Sikh faith. We’ll visit the inner sanctum, climb to the roof for an amazing view of the city, and see the world’s largest kitchen, which offers free meals to some 50,000 people each day, regardless of caste or religion. Next, take a short rickshaw ride through the lanes of the old town, filled with tea and spice traders.
Enjoy a day of independent activities before transferring to the airport and your flight to Delhi. On arrival transferred to hotel.
Today we will fly to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, situated at a height of 11800 ft above sea level (our local escort will provide this ticket).
We will be met on arrival at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport and are transferred to our hotel. We will have time to acclimatize and in the late afternoon, visit Shanti stupa, a true Buddhist architectural gem. This evening is at leisure to explore the local markets.
Today is the day for a cultural immersion in and around Leh. We start with a visit to Shey the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue, built in the memory of King Singee Namgyal by his son Deldan Namgyal in 1633 A.D. It is the only kind of statue made of Gold, Gilt and copper in all of Ladakh. Then we visit Thiksey Gompa an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future is one of the most beautiful monasteries of Ladakh. We will drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa. It was built during early 17th century and is the largest monastic foundation of the Tibetan Drukpa Kagyu Order.
Today we will visit Spituk Monastery, built during the 11th century and was founded by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub. It is home to 100 monks as well as a giant statue of goddess Kali, which is shown to the public during the annual Spituk festival. Although founded in the form of a Red Hat institution, it was taken over by the Yellow Hat sect during the 15th century.
Today an exciting drive takes us to Lamayuru, which is home to one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, dating back to the 10th century. Local legend has it that the place was once a lake that dried up. Also known as Yung-Drung, this monastery is home to more than 150 monks and houses a rich collection of artifacts, wall paintings, thangas, statues, carpets and an impressive 11-headed, 1000 eyed image of Chenzing. Apart from the monastery, Lamayuru also attracts tourists for its beautiful lunar landscape.
Today we’ll fly back to Delhi. We will be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure to reflect on our amazing journey.
Later this evening, transfer to the Airport for your flight departure home on next day early morning.
