A breathtaking journey into the hearts of two of the world's major religions.
Journey in Brief: You will travel by train and jeep from the flats of Delhi to the heart of Himachal Pradesh one of the most magnificent and mysterious parts of India, taking in Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama and Amritsar, with the awe inspiring Golden Temple, the holiest of Sikh sites. You will travel from Delhi right out to the border with Pakistan, where you will witness the ceremonial changing of the guard.
The Experience: Travelling across Northern India you will find yourself in some of the holiest places, surrounded by pine forests, snow capped mountains and springs, you really feel as if you have walked into a picture whose beauty and tranquility will stay with you forever.
Have a look at your detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi - Pathankot - Dharmashala.
Travel by train to the railhead of Pathankot, then transfer by car to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama - set against a backdrop of snowy peaks and surrounded by pine, oak, rhododendron and springs of fresh mountain water - these are some of the most breathtaking mountain views imaginable.
Day 2 and Day 3 - Dharmashala.
Enjoy two days exploring this former hill station that has become established both as a traveller's base camp and the refuge and HQ of the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist spiritual leader exiled from Tibet. Split into two parts, the 'upper' and 'lowe' town, you will find stark contrast between the peace and tranquility of the spiritualism associated with the place and the vibrant town life and busy community where the Tibetan influence remains.
Day 4: Dharmashala - Dalhousie.
Travel by road to this hill station built across five hills, Kathlog, Potreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. Dalhousie is the gateway to the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. With its spectacular mountain views, Tibetan street markets and charming architecture, there is plenty to see.
Day 5: Dalhousie
A day trip to the Switzerland of India - Khajjar - to wander its rolling meadows, bubbling streams and visit a 12th century golden domed temple where you’ll find huge, life-sized wooden images of the five Pandava brothers.
Day 6: Dalhousie - Pathankot - Amritsar
A car takes you back to pick up the train at Pathankot for the rest of the journey to Amritsar, the city founded by the fourth Sikh guru Ram Das, and home of one of the Sikhs' most holy places, the Golden Temple.
Day 7: Amritsar
Amritsar (Pool of the Nectar of Immorality) is named after the sacred pool in the Golden Temple. Spend time exploring this haven of peace away from this busy town. You will also visit Jallianwala bagh, and the Wagha border which is the cross over point between India and Pakistan and where the changing of the guard and lowering of the flags is a spectacle not to be missed.
Day 8: Amritsar - Delhi
The last day combines site seeing with a trip to the Harike bird sanctuary, which is at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers and a winter staging post for migratory birds. The evening train returns you to Delhi.
Know your destinations better...
New Delhi, Delhi
Highlights: It's a mega contrast between rich and poor. India's teeming capital city is home to centuries of fine buildings - and unexpected parks. They say over the centuries since the Mughals first invaded seven Delhi's have been built on different hills beside the Yamuna river. It means there's so much to see and to do you can get overwhelmed by the choice - but one thing's for sure, you won't be bored. The building's still going on - a metro is rapidly connecting parts of this sprawling city.
But while traveling through the streets in a cycle- or auto-rickshaw can be slightly hair-raising it's still one of the best ways to see the city - bargain and agree the price before you set off. It's no surprise to find old, older and newest. As befits the country's capital and a rapidly-expanding economy there's no shortage of modern among the ancient. Pizza, Chinese and burger-style fast food are all big in Indian cities but for something a little different how about Murgh Doner (spicy Indian chicken in a kebab-style wrap) from Fusion? - It's near the entrance to Greater Kailash 1 Market, where you can browse the small shops and the market hall.
When to Go: "The best time to visit New Delhi is during the spring seasons of February to April and August to November. Delhi wears a festive look between February and April, the blooming season. Summers in Delhi are very hot and it is not recommended to visit it during May, June or July."
Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights: The Kangra valley of which Palampur (1249 m) is a major station, was the `Trigarta' of old. It was one of the leading hill states and was once a part of the kingdom of Jalandhara. In local parlance, the world for `lots of water' is `pulum' . This is what has given Palampur its name and it is water that has given the valley so much of its character. Countless streams and brooks criss - cross the landscape and in their intricate mesh, hold tea gardens and rice paddies.
When to Go: Throughout Year.
Paragpur, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights: The small gauge 'Kangra Valley Rail System' , with most of its control equipment dating to the first quarter of last century, still traverses the lush countryside, at places skirting the gurgling River Beas, before coming to a halt at Paragpur. At dusk, the signal for the train is still lit manually with an oil lamp the way it was done 75 years ago.
When to Go: October to Mid April.
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights: Blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travelers paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time. It is full of life and yet peaceful . A perfect destination , away from hustles and buckles of the cities.
When to Go: March to June and September to October.
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Highlights: The word Amritsar means the holy pool of nectar. 1573 Work began on digging the holy pool. 1601 Harmandir Sahib completed. 1604 Guru Granth Sahib installed. Alongside people representing 52 professions settled. In Maharaja Ranjit Singh's time Amritsar had superceded Lahore as the pre-eminent city of the Orient.
When to Go: Year Round.
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Testimonials:
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The next day was probably the part of the Himachal trip I had been looking forward to the most, the Golden Temple, and it definitely didn't disappoint. It honestly is such a beautiful place, and in the early morning sunlight and the peaceful waters the place just seems so tranquil. It definitely is a must-see part of India.
Nikunj Lukka
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