Golden Temple in Evening with Blue Sky, Punjab India

Experience the essence of North India

11 days | Shimla

Golden Temple in Evening with Blue Sky, Punjab India
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Route distance :

1426 km

Route distance :

1426 km

Begin an enchanting journey to the north

Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich histories of Northern India. This journey begins in the bustling capital city of Delhi and takes you on a scenic road trip to Shimla, famously known as the "Queen of Hills." From Shimla, you'll venture to Kufri, a charming hill station renowned for its adventure sports and breathtaking views, continuing your journey to Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie and Amritsar. Pack your bags for an unforgettable journey that will leave you with cherished memories of India’s beautiful northern landscapes and diverse cultural richness.

A scenic road trip

Day 1
Beautiful panoramic cityscape of Sanjauli suburb of Shimla city, Shimla is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh located amidst Himalayas of India.
  • A trip to the Queen of Hills

  • Highlights

    Delhi airport or railway station, Shimla, Queen of Hills

After arriving at Delhi airport or railway station, a tour representative will meet you and assist you with the transfer to Shimla by road. Once you reach Shimla, check-in at the hotel. You can spend the evening at your leisure. Shimla, fondly referred to as the "Queen of Hills," is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, known for its stunning scenery and relaxed atmosphere.

During your free time, you can explore nearby attractions such as the Mall and the Ridge. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

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Towards the ideal summer retreat

Day 2
Enjoy kufri panoramic view of the surrounding verdant valleys and snow capped peaks
  • Explore the famous Mall Road of Shimla

  • Highlights

    Kufri, Mall Road of Shimla, Scandal Point and Jhakoo Temple

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, embark on a visit to Kufri. The name "Kufri" is derived from "Kufr," meaning lake. This destination is particularly popular among trekkers, offering a salubrious climate and breathtaking natural beauty, making it an ideal summer retreat. Kufri hosts an annual winter sports festival in February and is renowned for adventure activities like skiing and tobogganing, boasting the oldest skiing slopes in Himachal Pradesh. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers will also appreciate the Himalayan Nature Park, home to over 180 varieties of fauna.

Next, explore the famous Mall Road of Shimla. Visit Scandal Point and Jhakoo Temple (note that private vehicles do not have access to Jhakoo Temple due to its location; guests can take a shared taxi available on Mall Road to visit the temple). It's advisable to visit the temple before dark, so start with the temple visit and then enjoy leisure time on Mall Road. After ample shopping, return to your hotel for a mouthwatering dinner. Overnight stay in Shimla.

From one hill station to another

Day 3
Hot balloon air over Manali, beautiful little town in Himalayas in Himachal India.
  • In between the most enchanting hill stations

  • Highlights

    Shimla, Manali

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Manali, one of India's most popular hill stations. Upon arrival, complete the check-in formalities at your hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Manali, surrounded by breathtaking vistas, is a favourite destination for honeymooners and family vacationers alike.

Take this time to relax and soak in the serene atmosphere of this charming hill town. Stay overnight in Manali.

An adventurer’s paradise awaits

Day 4
The beautiful Solang Valley is pictured here with the snowcapped mountains of Himachal Pradesh in the backdrop. It is one of the most visible and picturesque mountain regions to visit in India.
  • The gateway through the rugged mountains

  • Highlights

    Solang Valley, Nehru Kund, Atal Tunnel, Kyelang Village

After an early breakfast, prepare for an excursion to Solang Valley. Located at an altitude of 8500 ft above sea level, Solang Valley is a haven for adventure enthusiasts in Himachal Pradesh. Here, you can partake in various thrilling activities such as parachuting, paragliding, skating, or zorbing (additional cost applies). The valley's lush forests, apple orchards, snow-capped peaks, and rivers add to its charm, attracting visitors from far and wide. En route, make a stop at Nehru Kund before continuing towards the Atal Tunnel.

Stretching for 17 kilometers one way, the Atal Tunnel begins at Solang and ends at SISSU, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to traverse one way. Afterward, proceed to Kyelang Village. On the return journey, there's an opportunity to engage in activities at Solang Valley. By evening, return to your hotel in Manali and relish a delightful dinner. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Manali.

A day for local sightseeing

Day 5
Hidimba Devi Temple or Hadimba or Dhungari Temple is a hindu temple n Manali, Himachal Pradesh in north India
  • This calls for local sightseeing

  • Highlights

    Buddhist Monastery And The Handicraft Centre, Hadimba Devi Temple, Jagatsukh and Vashist Kund

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the charming town of Manali, starting with a visit to the newly constructed Buddhist Monastery and the handicraft centre. Next, explore the historic Hadimba Devi Temple, which dates back 450 years and is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, the wife of Bhima from the Indian epic Mahābhārata. Surrounded by a cedar forest at the base of the Himalayas, this ancient cave temple is a serene and spiritually significant site.

Continue your tour with visits to Jagatsukh and Vashist Kund. Jagatsukh is a quaint village with cultural significance, while Vashist is known for its picturesque setting clinging to the steep hillside. At Vashist, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Vashist hot baths, where natural sulphur springs provide therapeutic bathing experiences in a modern bathhouse.

Return to your hotel by late afternoon, where you can unwind and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel, allowing you to relax and recharge for the adventures ahead.

A tranquil retreat in the mountains

Day 6
View of the city of Dharamsala in the Himalayan mountains
  • Unveil a tapestry of Himalayan beauty

  • Highlights

    Manali, Dharamshala

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Dharamshala, soaking in the refreshing breeze and panoramic views along the way. Upon reaching Dharamshala, check-in at your hotel and take some time to unwind. Dharamshala is a tranquil hill town nestled amidst lush greenery and thick forests. It offers a serene escape with its fresh mountain air and picturesque surroundings.

The evening is yours to spend at leisure, exploring the charming town or simply relaxing at the hotel. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Dharamshala and prepare for an enriching stay. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Immerse in Tibetan culture

Day 7
View at Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, India
  • A drive through the rolling hills, dense forests, and quaint villages

  • Highlights

    St. John church & St. Francis church, Subhash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk

After breakfast and completing the check-out formalities, embark on a scenic drive to Dalhousie, a renowned hill station nestled amidst snow-capped mountains in Himachal Pradesh.

Dalhousie boasts a serene ambiance, attracting visitors with its picturesque landscapes and Tibetan influence. Explore the town's charm, characterized by painted rock carvings of Buddhist deities and British-era churches such as St. John (1863) and St. Francis (1894).

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and unwind. The market areas at Subhash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk offer vibrant shopping experiences, connected by lanes like Thandi Sarak (Cold Rd) and Garam Sarak (Hot Rd).

Enjoy the evening at leisure, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere or indulging in leisurely activities. Relax and rejuvenate amidst the serene surroundings of Dalhousie. Overnight stay at the hotel.

A high-altitude adventure

Day 8
Dalhousie Haven Khajjiar Lake
  • A peaceful retreat steeped in history and natural beauty

  • Highlights

    Khajjiar, Chamba

After breakfast, embark on a journey to Khajjiar, often referred to as India's Switzerland. This picturesque glade is surrounded by thick forests of deodar and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. Khajjiar, situated at an altitude of 1960m, is approximately 5 km in circumference.

Explore the beauty of Khajjiar, where you can visit a 12th-century temple dedicated to Khajji Nag. Within the temple premises, discover life-size wooden images of the five Pandav brothers.

Later, proceed to Chamba and explore its captivating sights before returning to Dalhousie. Enjoy a comfortable night's stay at the hotel, reminiscing about the day's adventures amidst the serene beauty of Dalhousie.

A thrilling journey to the border

Day 9
attari-wagah-border-amritsar-punjab-trip-day9
  • Feel the spirit of India

  • Highlights

    Wagah Border, Golden Temple

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and embark on a road journey to Amritsar. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and then proceed to visit the Indo-Pak Wagah Border to witness the Flag Retreat Ceremony.

Located 30 kilometres from Amritsar, Wagah is an army outpost on the Indo-Pak border where the daily highlight is the evening "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. Soldiers from both countries showcase impeccable drills as they lower their respective national flags. As the sun sets, the patriotic fervour intensifies, and the ceremony concludes amidst thunderous applause.

You have the option to visit the Golden Temple, which remains open 24 hours, at your own cost, even late at night. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Amritsar.

The hidden gems of Amritsar

Day 10
view of pallet marks in jallianwala bagh in Amritsar; Shutterstock ID 1576734301; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -
  • Tracing the footsteps of India's freedom struggle

  • Highlights

    Jallianwala Bagh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Summer Palace Museum

After breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour starting with the blessings of the Golden Temple, the most important Sikh shrine, also known as the Mecca for Sikhs. It stands as a living symbol of the spiritual and historical traditions of the Sikh community. Next, visit Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant historical site where, on April 13, 1919, British and Gurkha soldiers opened fire on an unarmed gathering, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of civilian lives.

Continue your tour with a visit to the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Summer Palace Museum, located in the heart of Ram Bagh. This palace served as the summer residence of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, offering insights into the regal lifestyle of the Sikh ruler. After a day filled with historical and cultural exploration, return to the hotel for an overnight stay, reflecting on the rich heritage of Amritsar.

A serene goodbye

Day 11
Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Punjab, India
  • Bid farewell with gratitude

  • Highlights

    Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar Railway station

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit the Harmandir Sahib, famously known as the Golden Temple. Take in the serene atmosphere and spiritual ambience of this revered Sikh shrine before checking out from the hotel.

Bid farewell to the vibrant city of Amritsar as you depart for your onward journey back home, carrying with you cherished memories of your time spent amidst the rich culture and heritage of Punjab.