10-Day Northern India Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Northern India tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNorthern India travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Northern India Itinerary, incl. Delhi and Shimla

  Seven cities from Delhi to Shimla unfold over 10 days in Northern India. The Golden Temple's spiritual heart, Dharamsala's Tibetan culture, and colonial Shimla captivate visitors, concluding with UNESCO-listed toy train journey through 102 tunnels.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Delhi

    Land in India's capital and take a full day to adjust to the time zone. Visit Karol Bagh market on your first evening if you're not too tired. It's a gentler introduction than Old Delhi. Get an early start on day 2 at Old Delhi around 8:00 AM before the crowds fill the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. You'll need slip-on shoes since you'll take them off often at religious sites. Take a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk instead of walking. The narrow lanes are busy and this is much safer.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Amritsar

    Catch a morning train from Delhi to Amritsar. The journey takes 6-7 hours. The Golden Temple is stunning at sunset when lights sparkle on the water. One visitor shared: "The kitchens at the Golden Temple were fascinating - having a guide helped us access areas we wouldn't have found alone. Make sure to cover your head and remove shoes." The India-Pakistan border ceremony at Wagah is full of energy. Get there by 3:30 PM for good seats.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Dharamshala

    The drive from Amritsar takes 6-7 hours through mountain scenery. Stay in McLeod Ganj, where most of the Tibetan exile community lives. Visit Norbulingka Institute in the morning to see artisans at work. Pack some warm clothes since mountain weather changes quickly. Check out the Kangra Art Museum to learn about local culture, but know that most signs are in Hindi.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Shimla

    Drive 6 hours to reach this old British summer capital. Walk The Mall Road and The Ridge in late afternoon light to see the colonial buildings. Book the Viceregal Lodge tour early. The guided visits of this Neo-Gothic building fill up fast.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Shimla to Delhi

    The historic "toy train" to Kalka winds through 102 tunnels in about 3 hours. But have a backup plan. One traveler noted: "The toy train was cancelled during our visit which was disappointing." Connect to the Shatabdi Express for a 4-hour ride to Delhi. Spend your last day exploring New Delhi's broad streets and government district before you leave.

    

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• 10 Days in North India, incl. Delhi and Himachal Pradesh

  Northern India's 8-city circuit spans 10 days of discovery. Rohtang Pass offers snow adventures, while the Golden Temple radiates spirituality and Shimla charms with colonial architecture. The 1620km route includes Kullu Valley rafting and the Wagah Border ceremony.

  

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  • Day 1

    Delhi

    Begin in Delhi by visiting Old Delhi's main attractions like Red Fort and Jama Masjid during the morning before the crowds get heavy. It's best to book a hotel in Central Delhi near Connaught Place for good Metro connections. Since afternoons get hot, visit indoor sites like Humayun's Tomb later in the day. Finish your day at India Gate during sunset when it's cooler and the lighting is beautiful.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Shimla

    The drive from Delhi to Shimla takes 8 hours through the foothills. Consider taking motion sickness medication if needed. Book accommodation near Mall Road in Shimla for excellent mountain views. Take the heritage toy train to Kufri - it's a 20-minute ride with beautiful valley views. Bring warm clothes since evenings can be cool at 15°C even in summer. Visit the mini-zoo in Kufri and go horseback riding before 11 AM when the trails are quieter.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Manali & Rohtang Pass

    Plan for a 9-hour drive from Shimla to Manali by starting early. Stay in Old Manali for its genuine mountain village atmosphere. Head to Rohtang Pass at 5 AM to avoid traffic - they usually close the pass by 3 PM because of weather. The altitude is 13,050 feet so bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Try paragliding in Kullu Valley during early morning when the winds are gentlest. "The riverside markets in Kullu are perfect for authentic Himachali shawls - I got better prices here than in Manali town," one experienced traveler mentioned.

    
  • Day 6

    Dharamshala

    The 8-hour mountain drive from Manali provides incredible views. Choose the left side of the vehicle for the best scenery. Visit the Dalai Lama's temple in McLeod Ganj early when monks are doing their morning prayers. Bring an umbrella since afternoon rain is common in the mountains.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Amritsar

    Visit the Golden Temple at sunrise for smaller crowds and beautiful morning light. Get to the Wagah Border ceremony 90 minutes early if you want good seats. Bring a hat and water since there's no shade in the viewing area. "The energy at the Golden Temple at 5 AM is incredibly peaceful - worth the early wake-up call. The free kitchen serves amazing dal," shared one visitor.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Chandigarh & Return to Delhi

    Visit Chandigarh's Rock Garden before noon to stay out of the heat. Allow extra time for the 5-hour drive back to Delhi due to city traffic, especially if you have a flight to catch. You'll find good rest stops every hour on the new expressway.

    

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• 10 Days in Pakistan, incl. Islamabad and Hunza Valley

  Three major stops punctuate this 10-day Himalayan adventure. The path from Hoper Valley (2,800m) leads to Rush Peak (5,098m), with nights at Barichkor and Chidin Harai camps. Eight peaks above 7,000m, including Kunyang Chhish, pierce the sky.

  

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  • Day 1

    Islamabad

    Begin in the capital with an early morning visit to Faisal Mosque to beat the heat. Check out the Pakistan Monument and visit Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi after 4 PM when it's cooler and livelier. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll navigate uneven lanes in the bazaar.

    
  • Day 2

    Islamabad to Chilas

    Leave early for an 8-10 hour drive on the Karakoram Highway. You'll stop at Lulusar Lake and Babusar Pass (4,173m). Pack warm clothes as the pass can be 15-20°C cooler than Islamabad. The road gets rough after Naran. Consider motion sickness pills if needed.

    
  • Day 3

    Chilas to Hunza Valley

    A 6-7 hour drive through stunning mountain landscapes. Stop at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint before noon for the clearest views. Have lunch in Gilgit city on your way to Hunza. The Rakaposhi viewpoint offers incredible views of the 7,788m peak.

    
  • Day 4

    Hoper Valley to Barichkor

    Your trek begins. Cross Hoper and Mair glaciers in sturdy boots with good ankle support. The 5-6 hour trek is best started early to avoid afternoon sun on the glaciers.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Rush Lake Trek

    A challenging climb to Rush Lake (4,694m). Day one takes 6-7 hours of steep hiking, stopping at Chidin Harai for lunch. The next day includes an optional climb to Rush Peak (5,098m) for views of K2 and Broad Peak. The altitude is significant so drink plenty of water and pace yourself.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Return Trek

    Two days to descend via Hapakun and White Glacier. The way down is quicker but still technical. Trekking poles will help. Spend the night in Gilgit city with welcome amenities.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Return to Islamabad

    A long drive back on the Karakoram Highway. Your final chance to photograph Pakistan's mountain scenery before spending your last night in Islamabad.

    

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