Itinerary
- Day 1
Delhi
You'll land in Delhi and have a welcome meeting with your leader and group at 6 pm. If you get there early, there's time to check out Humayun's Tomb or the 12th-century Qutub Minar before everyone gathers. After the meeting, you might grab dinner with the group and explore some local food spots.
Optional Activities
- Visit Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Visit Qutub Minar (12th-century monument)
Landmarks/POIs Humayun's Tomb Qutub Minar - Day 2
Delhi
Start the morning with a guided walk through Old Delhi. You'll ride in a traditional cycle rickshaw through busy streets and stop at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara to learn about Sikhism. In the afternoon, head to the Jama Masjid, which is Delhi's oldest mosque and the largest in India.
Included Activities
- Leader-led Old Delhi walking tour
- Cycle rickshaw ride through Delhi's streets
- Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) visit
- Jama Masjid visit
Landmarks/POIs Sheeshganj Gurudwara Jama Masjid - Day 3
Delhi to Shimla
Take a train across Punjab to Chandigarh, then drive by private vehicle to Shimla in the lower Himalayan foothills. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk when you arrive to get a feel for the town's quieter vibe. The rest of your afternoon and evening is open for exploring on your own.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk in Shimla
- Day 4
Shimla
Rise early for a 30-minute ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway toy train, a UNESCO site with views of the Himalayas and villages below. The day is yours to spend however you like: shop on Mall Road, visit Jakhu Temple, browse wooden crafts at Lakkar Bazaar, or check out the historic Viceregal Lodge. Walking trails, more shopping, or catching a Bollywood film are all options too.
Included Activities
- Kalka-Shimla Railway scenic ride
- Viceregal Lodge visit
Optional Activities
- Shop along Mall Road
- Visit Jakhu Temple
- Shop for specialty wooden crafts at Lakkar Bazaar
- Explore gentle to challenging walking trails
- Watch a Bollywood film at the cinema
Landmarks/POIs Kalka-Shimla Railway Jakhu Temple Lakkar Bazaar Viceregal Lodge - Day 5
Shimla to Mandi
Drive by private vehicle to Mandi, a historic town on the Beas River that was once part of the salt route to Tibet. Walk around with your leader to see the town and its unique sunken shopping centre, the only one of its kind in India. You can relax by the river's bathing ghats, hike up to hilltop temples, and enjoy dinner with your group. You'll stay in a restored former palace of the Raja of Mandi.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Leader-led guided walk in Mandi
- Dinner with the group
Optional Activities
- Spend time at the bathing ghats along the Beas River
- Hike to hilltop temples
Landmarks/POIs Beas River - Day 6
Mandi to Dharamsala
Travel through winding mountain roads to Dharamsala, also called McLeod Ganj, a town with strong Tibetan Buddhist culture. You'll see robed monks walking between monasteries and prayer flags hung above the streets. This is where the Dalai Lama lives and the Tibetan government in exile operates. Spend the day wandering around at your own pace with Himalayan views framing everything.
Optional Activities
- Wander the streets of Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj
- Day 7
Dharamsala
Visit the Norbulingka Institute, which trains Tibetan refugees in traditional arts like woodcarving, painting, and needlework. You'll see artisans working in their workshops and explore the intricate temple on the grounds. Then head to the Tsuglag Khang complex to see the Dalai Lama's temple. If you want more cultural context, the Losel Doll Museum shows Tibetan daily life and customs.
Included Activities
- Norbulingka Institute visit
- Tsuglag Khang complex and Dalai Lama's temple visit
Optional Activities
- Visit Losel Doll Museum
Landmarks/POIs Norbulingka Institute Tsuglag Khang complex Losel Doll Museum - Day 8
Dharamsala to Amritsar
Drive down from the mountains to Amritsar, Punjab's largest city and the centre of Sikhism. Walk through the rambling streets and bazaars of the Old City on foot, then reach the Golden Temple, which sits in the middle of a sacred lake. You'll hear devout chanting of verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, echoing around you.
Included Activities
- Old City walking tour
- Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) visit
Landmarks/POIs Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) - Day 9
Amritsar
This morning, visit the Jallianwala Bagh, the site of the 1919 massacre that helped spark India's independence movement. After that, head out to the India-Pakistan border to watch the daily flag ceremony, a tradition since 1959 with security forces doing an elaborate show of bowing, chanting, marching, and high kicks. In the evening, board an overnight sleeper train heading to Haridwar.
Included Activities
- Jallianwala Bagh visit
- Wagah Border flag ceremony
Landmarks/POIs Jallianwala Bagh Wagah Border - Day 10
Haridwar to Rishikesh
You'll arrive in Haridwar this morning and drive to Rishikesh to check into your hotel. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk to see the mural-covered walls of Chaurasi Kutia, the ashram the Beatles famously visited in the 1960s. In the evening, walk along the holy Ganges River and watch the nightly Ganga Aarti fire rituals with temple bells ringing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk to Chaurasi Kutia (The Beatles Ashram)
- Ganga Aarti (nightly fire ritual) at the Ganges River
Landmarks/POIs Chaurasi Kutia Ganges River - Day 11
Rishikesh
The morning is free so you can soak in the calm atmosphere of Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Take a walk by the Ganges, join a yoga class, or for something more active, white-water raft down the river. In the afternoon, meet up with your group for a leader-led walk through the nearby jungle.
Included Activities
- Leader-led jungle walk
Optional Activities
- Walk along the Ganges River
- Participate in a yoga class
- White-water raft down the Ganges
- Day 12
Rishikesh to Delhi
Leave Rishikesh and take the train back to Delhi. It's a long journey, so bring a book to read or spend time talking with other travelers about what you've experienced. The train pulls in around 11 pm and you'll be taken to your hotel for your final night.
- Day 13
Delhi
Your last day has no activities scheduled, so you can leave whenever you're ready. If you want to stay extra days (which many people do), contact your booking agent beforehand. Extensions can include Urban Adventures tours like Hidden Gems of Delhi.
Optional Activities
- Extend stay and explore Hidden Gems of Delhi tour (optional extension)
