Himachal with Golden Temple Tour Package

WELCOME TO Himachal Pradesh, the ‘land of snow”, whose proximity to the heaven also makes it referred to as the ‘land of the gods’. This, as the Himalaya raises its mighty head to gossip with the clouds, is easy to believe. The soft, natural beauty of the land is uplifting regardless of the face it reveals, the mood it is in.

This itinerary takes you to Shimla, the stately summer capital of the Raj, with its resplendent Viceregal lodge, the Christ Church and other Raj buildings. From there to Paragpur, the only listed ‘heritage’ village in the country and the orchards and tea gardens of Palampur framed against the mighty Dauladhar mountain range.

Nearby is the Andretta, a potter’s village which was the home of the famous studio potter, Sir Shobha Singh. His son lives in Andretta today and the place has acquired a reputation as an artists’ colony. Dharamshala is the current home of Dalai Lama (his headquarters are in nearby McLeodgunj) and has a sizable Tibetan community. Coming down the hills you stop at Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple, which is the holiest of the Sikh shrines.

The tour has an old world charm to it that not only has to do with the ambience of places visited but is accentuated by the picturesque heritage homes and palaces where you will be staying.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL DELHI

Reception and welcome at Delhi airport followed by transfer to your hotel.

DAY 02: DELHI

A whole day to get to know the capital city.

DAY 03: DELHI / SHIMLA BY TRAIN

Your train to Kalka connects to the famed Toy Train to Shimla.

DAY 04: SHIMLA

Take a heritage walk of Shimla or visit Naldhera for a round of golf.

DAY 05: SHIMLA

Day free to explore Shimla and independent activities.

DAY 06: SHIMLA / PALAMPUR BY SURFACE

Drive to Palampur for two days of relaxation. You could visit Andretta.

DAY 07: PALAMPUR

Day free to explore Palampur and independent activities.

DAY 08: PALAMPUR / PARAGPUR BY SURFACE

A scenic drive takes you to Paragpur and an afternoon exploring the heritage village.

DAY 09: PARAGPUR / DHARAMSHALA BY SURFACE

On the way to Dharamshala there are many opportunities to enjoy the distinctive sights of the Kangra valley.

DAY 10: DHARAMSHALA

Spend the day visiting the Buddhist learning centres and other places of interest at McLeodgunj, home to the Dalai Lama.

DAY 11: DHARAMSHALA / AMRITSAR BY SURFACE

The 200 Km journey takes six to seven hours so it is best t leave after early breakfast.

DAY 12: AMRITSAR / DELHI BY TRAIN

Visit the Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh and also the Wagah border with Pakistan. You could revisit special places of interest or relax until it is time take the evening train to Delhi.

DAY 13: DEPARTURE DELHI

The day is at leisure. Transfer to the airport in time for your flight out.