Golden Temple & the Himalaya Special - Tour Itinerary

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.

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 or similar 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 elegant Radisson- located amidst beautiful cedar forests for three nights.

The next two days are free to soak up the historical atmosphere and vistas of Shimla.

Day at leisure.

Board the exciting narrow-gauge hill train from Shimla to Kalka. In Kalka connect with another fast train to Delhi. Arrive and stay at Banyan Tree – the name lent by a magnificent old banyan tree.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.