Depart the UK in the evening on a direct overnight flight to Delhi.
Change in Delhi for an onward flight to Amritsar where you are met and transferred to the luxury Ista Hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is free to relax after the flight.
This morning we visit the beautiful Golden Temple, followed by the historically significant site of Jalianwala Bagh. The day is rounded off witnessing the indulgent joint "retreat" ceremony of the Indian and Pakistani guard at the Wagah border.
Day 4
Amritsar, Dharamsala
Heading north this morning we leave the plains of the Punjab and reach the foothills of the Himalaya and the town of Dharamsala, current residence of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Stay two nights at the Blossoms Village Resort which offers spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. In the afternoon visit the nearby Norbulingka Institute, built in the style of the Dalai Lamas' former summer residence in Lhasa (Tibet) and now maintained as a sanctuary to preserve Tibetan culture and art.
Visit the Tibetan Buddhist enclave of Mcleodganj with visits to the Namgyal Monastery, the Kalachakra Temple and the Bhagsunath temple. In the afternoon you can relax in one of the many inviting cafes where it is easy to strike up a conversation with one of the locals and explore some of the smaller local monasteries.
Drive down to the heritage village of Pragpur today with the option of a ride on the Kangra heritage railway line. Two nights are spent at the inviting colonial Judges Court residence.
A free day for relaxation and exploration of Pragpur's intriguing medieval narrow stone-cobbled streets.
Leaving Pragpur we drive through picturesque countryside ending with a steep and spectacular climb through the Shivalik Hills to the hill station of Shimla. Stay at the comfortable period style Oberoi Cecil hotel for three nights.
The next two days are free to soak up the historical atmosphere and vistas of Shimla. There is the option to ride on the affectionately named 'toy train' to Kandaghat.
We have a long drive through stunning hill country to the outskirts of Dehradun where we holt for the night at the remote Vishranti Resort; located in the midst of wilderness, it's an ideal place to relax for an evening.
A short drive this morning brings us to the holy city and pilgrimage site of Haridwar. The charming Haveli Hari Ganga, which sits on the banks of the River Ganges, is our hotel for the next two nights and is favourably located for exploring the vibrant and colourful ghats.
The morning is at leisure to explore the Ghats. Being one of the holiest sites in India sadhus (holy men) can often be seen here, adding a real sense of mysticism to the river and surrounds. In the afternoon we visit the nearby town of Rishikesh for the spectacular "Ganga Aarti" in the evening.
Take the morning train to Delhi, staying at the centrally located Shangri La Hotel where the afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel's luxury facilities.
