Foothills of Himalayas

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
You’ll fly overnight to Amritsar via Delhi this evening.

Day 2 Amritsar
On arrival in the Punjab, home of the Sikh religion, you’ll transfer to the Ista Hotel for 2 nights. After some time to rest, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers this evening

Meals: Dinner.

Day 3 Amritsar
After breakfast you’ll visit the sacred Golden Temple, one of India’s most spiritual locations, including the Divine Temple and the Pool of Nectar. The temple kitchens provide an amazing 10,000 meals a day for those in need. Later this afternoon you’ll travel to the Wagah border, where India meets Pakistan, and observe the fascinating nightly flag lowering ceremony.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4 Amritsar to Pragpur
Your journey to the medieval hamlet of Pragpur marks your approach to the incredible Himalayas. You’ll stay for 2 nights at Judge’s Court, a family run 1918 heritage property standing in twelve acres of orchard. Late in the afternoon, you’ll get to know Pragpur village with an evening stroll though the cobbled streets.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 Pragpur to Dharamsala to Pragpur
On today’s full day excursion you’ll travel to Dharamsala, set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar ranges and surrounded by pine forests. Founded in 1855, it is one of the eighty hill stations developed by the British to escape the heat of the plains. We visit the Tibetan Monastery in McLeod Ganj, also known as Upper Dharamsala . Its most famous resident is the Dalai Lama who has lived here since fleeing Tibet in 1959. Dharamsala is the centre of the Tibetan exile world in India which is very much apparent in the culture, cuisine and handicrafts, making it a fascinating place to visit.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6 Pragpur to Shimla
You’ll depart from Pragpur after breakfast, reaching Shimla, the former capital of the British Raj in the afternoon. Your home for 3 nights is the Oberoi Clarkes.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7 Shimla
Set at an altitude of 2,130 metres, Shimla was originally a small hill station, now developed into a sizeable centre. You’ll visit Vice Regal Lodge, on the Observatory Hill, built in 1888 in Scottish baronial style. Several rooms have been laid out with a small exhibition of photographs of the Lodge in the 1800s and 1900s and its previous occupants. In Shimla town itself the British flavour of the town is evident in the construction of the buildings, church and theatre.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8 Shimla
Your time is free to explore at your own pace today. Shimla is a wonderful place to shop for souvenirs, particularly the locally produced jewellery, scarves and woodwork. An optional excursion can be arranged to Mashobra on the historic Hindustan-Tibet Road with a visit to the visit the colonial Woodville Palace with its timeless memorabilia of the British Raj (pre-bookable at an extra cost).

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 Shimla to Delhi
You’ll board the train for a scenic journey from the mountains down to Barog. Here you’ll transfer to Kalka and connect with the Shatabdi Express, arriving into Delhi tonight. Local snacks and drinks will be served onboard. Your last night in India will be spent at the Radisson Blu Dwarka.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10 Depart India
You may like to take advantage of our pre-bookable extra nights in Delhi or one of our extensions to Goa or Agra. Alternatively, your return flight departs early this afternoon arriving in Heathrow later the same day.

Meals: Breakfast.

Tour includes:

Local expert guides in resort
All flights specified
Inspirational sightseeing programme
8 breakfasts, 1 dinner

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”