Golden Temples and
Himalayas
Duration –
11 Days
Destinations: - Delhi,
Amritsar,
Dharamsala,
Manali,
Shimla.
Day 01: - Arrive Delhi, India
Arrive at Delhi International Airport.
Delhi - Before visiting Golden Temple Amritsar you would
be first visiting Delhi, a bustling metropolis and a city
of 14 million inhabitants, is also India’s capital. A
near perfect blend of the ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting
two parts Old & New Delhi, is a city with something for
everyone. From Forts and monuments that are almost 500 years
old, to modern shopping malls, nightclubs and golf courses,
Delhi truly is India’s crown jewel.
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our
representative who will present you with a welcome pack including
all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer
to your hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today,
since most of the International flights arrive into India
close to midnight only. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
- Amritsar
This morning you are collected from your hotel (Check-out
at 0900 hrs.) for full day tour of Old and New Delhi.
The tour of the 17th-century old city includes the great mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk (“Moonlit Street”). Red Fort, most spectacular pieces of mughal architecture, built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648. Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
The tour of New Delhi includes Qutab Minar, one of the most popular landmarks in Delhi built in 1199. The Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath (“the Kingsway,”) passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President’s House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colourful Hindu temple.
The sightseeing tour is followed by a transfer to New Delhi
railway station, to aboard Shatabdi Express to Amritsar (1630/2215
hrs.) for your Golden Temple Amritsar tour.
Amritsar: Amritsar, a large town in North western Punjab,
bordering Pakistan, literally meaning "holy pool of nectar",
is the home to the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden
Temple, considered the most important Sikh pilgrimage site.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Overnight at hotel..
Day 03: Amritsar
This morning you are collected from your hotel for a half-day
tour of Amritsar.
The tour includes a visit to The Golden Temple - which was
founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed
by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. The Golden Temple, where
Sikhs from all over the world come to pay their reverence
to The Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras
Kund (Pool of Immortality) for spiritual purification is the
major landmark of the place.
Your tour also includes a visit to the Jallian Wala Bagh -
This place noted for its most notorious massacre under British
rule. On 13 April 1919, pilgrims poured into Amritsar to celebrate
the Baisakhi festival, a holiday in the Sikh calendar. This
ground surrounded by high walls on all sides has only a narrow
alley for access. General Dyer personally led the troops to
the sight and ordered his men to open fire without any warning.
It resulted in the death of 379 and injured more than 1200.
At the east end of the garden there is a large memorial built
in memory of those who died here.
Later this afternoon, visit to the Wagha Border - the international
border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry
of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking
distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most
charming spectacle.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Amritsar - Dharamsala
This morning you drive to Dharamsala (200 kms/05 hrs.).
Dharamsala Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar
mountains, Dharamsala is perched on the high slopes in the
upper reaches of Kangra Valley. Today, Dharamsala has become
the synonymous to the Tibetan government in exile and the
home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Even though the Tibetan
community dominates the town, it has still retained the colonial
lifestyle and British fervour.
Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense
pine trees and Deodar forests. A nearby snowline with numerous
streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings
very attractive. Dharamsala is a busy bazaar town and has
established itself as the travelers’ base camp, who
comes to explore the nearby mountains.
Upon arrival in Dharamsala, check in to your hotel and rest
of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Dharamsala
Day at leisure to explore the city on your own. The important
places to visit are the Dalai Lama's Monastery, a Tibetian
village and handicraft centre, Bhagsunag and water fall and
war memorial. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Dharamsala
- Manali
This morning you drive to Manali (265 kms/06 hrs.).
Manali – Situated at the northern end of the Kullu
Valley, Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and
wooded slopes. The Beas river rushes along its rocky course
amid grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers and wagtails
hop along from stone to stone along the stream's edge. There
are marvelous walks too, through dappled orchards and fairy-tale
forests of deodar. Manali's major asset is its proximity to
the snowline. It is a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead
for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for
adventure sport lovers.
Upon arrival in Manali, check in to your hotel. Rest of the
day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Manali
Day at leisure to explore the city on your own. The important
places to visit are Hadimba temple, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley,
Manu Temple, Tibetan Temple etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Manali – Shimla
This morning you drive to Shimla (260 kms/08 hrs).
Shimla – The British called Shimla the "Queen
of Hill Stations". Situated in the north-West Himalayas
and the capital of the mountainous state of Himachal, or the
"abode of snow", Shimla was the summer capital of
India before Independence. Covering an area of 18 sq km at
a height of 7,238 ft, Shimla is surrounded by pine, deodar,
oak and rhododendron forests. Inspite of its modernization,
Shimla still retains a colonial flavour, and is one of Indian's
most popular and biggest hill stations.
Upon arrival in Shimla, check-in to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Shimla
Day at leisure to explore the city on your own. The important
places to visit are Jakhu Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple and
famous shopping place of Shimla town – The Mall &
The Ridge. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Shimla – Delhi
This morning drive back to Delhi (340 kms /8 hrs.). Alternatively,
choose to take the picturesque Toy Train from Shimla to Kalka
, a journey of a 100 kilometers , that takes just over four
hours , and passes through quaint little towns and villages
and over a hundred tunnels.
Upon arrival in Delhi check-in to your hotel. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 11: Depart Delhi
Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to
the Delhi airport in time for your flight home.
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