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Step on Beautiful earth
NA
WHEN
September To May
PRICE
From CAD 200 per night
excluding flight tickets
HOW LONG
15 nights
DAY 01
Arrival in Delhi – Welcome to India’s Capital
Touch down in Delhi, India’s dynamic capital, where ancient heritage meets modern vibrance. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide and driver, who will assist you to your hotel for check-in. Take the rest of the day to unwind and recover from your journey. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the hotel and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Delhi is a city of contrasts—Old Delhi, once the seat of Mughal power, still echoes with the calls of street vendors and the scent of spice-filled bazaars, while New Delhi, designed by the British in the 1930s, is a world of grand government buildings, wide boulevards, and stately colonial bungalows. This dual personality is what makes Delhi one of the most fascinating capitals in the world.
Overnight in Delhi.
DAY 02
Delhi to Amritsar – Border Drama and Cultural Insight
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Amritsar, the spiritual heart of Punjab and home to the iconic Golden Temple. On arrival, meet your dedicated driver who will accompany you throughout your journey. After settling into your hotel, relax before an unforgettable evening experience.
Later in the afternoon, embark on a scenic one-hour drive (35 km) to the Wagah Border, the only road crossing between India and Pakistan. Here, you’ll witness the Wagah Border Ceremony, a unique and energetic military display that has become a symbol of both rivalry and camaraderie between the two nations. As the sun sets, watch the soldiers from both sides perform synchronized drills, patriotic chants fill the air, and flags are lowered in perfect unison—an emotionally charged and theatrical spectacle that draws crowds from around the world.
Insider Tips for the Wagah Ceremony:
Arrive at least 1 hour early for good seating.
The show lasts about 45 minutes.
Bring your passport, as it may be required for entry to the viewing stands.
The ceremony is subject to cancellation depending on the diplomatic climate—check local news for updates.
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Return to your hotel for dinner and a restful night.
Overnight in Amritsar.
DAY 03
Sacred Mornings in Amritsar – Into the Himalayas at Dharamshala
Rise early to witness the Golden Temple bathed in the soft glow of dawn—a spiritual experience that resonates deeply with every visitor. Also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and a symbol of universal brotherhood and compassion.
As you step barefoot onto the cool white marble surrounding the Amrit Sarovar (the sacred pool), the temple’s gilded façade reflected in its tranquil waters creates a scene of stunning serenity. Founded by Guru Nanak, the father of Sikhism, and further developed by later Gurus, the site has stood for centuries as a haven for contemplation, music, and prayer. Its rich history includes cycles of destruction and rebirth, culminating in the dazzling temple we see today, graced with Mughal-meets-Rajputana architecture, golden domes, and intricate inlay work.
Inside, sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, echo softly, accompanied by string instruments and flutes, creating an ethereal atmosphere that moves devotees and travellers alike. Watch pilgrims take a dip in the sacred pool, believed to purify the soul, as the fragrance of karah prasad (a sweet offering) fills the air.
After breakfast, begin your scenic 6-hour drive to Dharamshala, nestled in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range. Though the road may be bumpy at times, the journey is beautifully rewarding, passing lush valleys, winding hill roads, and quaint roadside tea stalls. As the snow-kissed peaks of the Himalayas first emerge on the horizon, it's a moment of quiet awe.
Upon arrival in Dharamshala, check into your hotel and unwind. In the late afternoon, visit St. John in the Wilderness, a charming neo-Gothic Anglican church built in 1852 and hidden among towering deodar trees. The church is dedicated to John the Baptist and holds striking Belgian stained-glass windows gifted by Lady Elgin. The grave of Lord Elgin, the British Viceroy of India, lies in the churchyard—a tranquil, timeworn tribute to colonial history.
Fun Fact: The original church bell was destroyed in the 1905 Kangra earthquake, and a replacement was brought from England in 1915, crafted by Mears and Stainbank of London.
Return to your hotel for an early dinner and restful sleep, surrounded by the silence of the pines and the crisp Himalayan air.
Overnight in Dharamshala.
DAY 04
Monasteries, Mountains & Tibetan Echoes in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj
After a relaxed breakfast, set out with your local guide to explore Dharamshala and its upper twin town, McLeod Ganj—a haven for Tibetan culture in exile and the spiritual residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
As you wander uphill into McLeod Ganj, you’ll be struck by the transformation—from colonial hill station to vibrant Little Lhasa, where prayer flags flutter in the breeze and red-robed monks stroll past Himalayan cafés and handicraft shops.
The heart of this spiritual enclave is the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the official residence of the Dalai Lama and an active center of Buddhist learning and practice. Within the complex, explore the Namgyal Monastery, where chanting, meditation, and debate sessions form a continuous rhythm of spiritual life. Take a moment to spin the prayer wheels along the kora path, offering your quiet intentions into the mountain air.
Nearby, if open, visit the Tibet Museum, a deeply moving space that documents Tibet’s struggle and resilience through striking photographs, personal accounts, and rare artifacts. Your guide will provide deep insights into the complex and often painful journey of Tibetan refugees, many of whom settled here after crossing the border following the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
Enjoy a free evening to relax, sip on butter tea, or browse local shops for handwoven shawls, thangka paintings, and incense.
Overnight in Dharamshala.
DAY 05
Himalayan Trekking Adventure & Free Time in Dharamshala
Start the day with an early breakfast, then gear up for a Himalayan trek tailored to your interests and fitness level. Consult with your guide about the best option, but one of the most popular and scenic routes is the Triund Trek, a rewarding 8 km (5-mile) journey through oak, deodar, and rhododendron forests.
Though the trail is steep at parts, each turn reveals sweeping views of the Dhauladhar mountain range, and if you're lucky, the sky will be crystal clear, offering dramatic Himalayan panoramas. Trekking here isn’t just about the destination—it's the serenity, crisp air, and sudden encounters with birdsong or a wandering shepherd that make it unforgettable.
Prefer something more leisurely? Opt for gentler walks around nearby villages, pine forests, or Buddhist monasteries tucked into the hillsides.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure—stroll through McLeod Ganj’s bustling local market, where Tibetan crafts, jewelry, prayer items, and Himalayan spices are on full display.
Dinner and overnight in Dharamshala.
DAY 06
Into Timeless India – The Heritage Charm of Pragpur
After breakfast, leave behind the mountain monasteries of Dharamshala and set off on a scenic drive to Pragpur, nestled in the lush Kangra Valley. Though modest in size, this village is immense in character—designated as India’s first Heritage Village in 1997.
As you wind your way through rural roads, watch for slate-roofed homes, mud-plastered walls, and narrow cobbled lanes that whisper stories of a bygone era. Life here moves to the rhythm of nature and age-old traditions, offering a rare window into the slow, soulful countryside of Himachal Pradesh.
Explore the village in the soft light of late afternoon—greet locals in their ancestral homes, browse a silversmith’s workshop, or simply lose yourself in the quietude that defines Pragpur. The heritage here is not frozen in time—it breathes through daily life, making every corner feel like a living museum.
Your stay tonight is at The Judge’s Court, a beautifully restored Indo-European mansion dating back to the early 20th century. Set amidst sprawling orchards of mango and litchi, this estate blends colonial elegance with rustic simplicity. Its six grand rooms are filled with antique furniture, vintage paintings, and stories passed down generations. Relax in its lush gardens with a cup of chai as birds call from the treetops.
Dinner and overnight at The Judge’s Court, Pragpur.
DAY 07
Scenic Drive to Shimla – Queen of the Hills
After a hearty breakfast surrounded by orchard views, begin your 6-hour drive to Shimla, once the summer capital of British India. The route takes you through picturesque villages like Hamirpur, with rolling hills, terraced farms, and—if you're lucky—a monsoon mist that wraps the landscape in ethereal beauty.
Arrive in Shimla, perched on a ridge at 2,200 meters and crowned by colonial-era buildings, bustling bazaars, and scenic viewpoints. Once checked into your hotel, relax and take in the fresh mountain air.
In the evening, stroll along The Mall Road, Shimla’s iconic pedestrian thoroughfare lined with quaint shops, cafés, and Victorian architecture. Don’t miss the atmospheric Christ Church, the second oldest in North India, beautifully lit in the evening glow.
End your day with a relaxed dinner back at your hotel, ready to explore more of Shimla’s charm tomorrow.
Overnight in Shimla.
DAY 08
Colonial Echoes – A Heritage Walk Through Shimla
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, set off on a 5-hour guided heritage walk through Shimla, India’s iconic hill station and once the British summer capital. Your journey begins near the Vice Regal Lodge or Clark’s Hotel, tracing the colonial spine of the city along the famed Mall Road.
As you stroll through Combermere Bridge, Christ Church, The Ridge, and Scandal Point, your local guide brings alive tales of empire, rebellion, romance, and politics. Admire the Gaiety Theater’s Gothic charm, Grand Hotel’s royal legacy, and Gorton Castle’s Scottish Baronial architecture. Peek into the Town Hall, Kennedy Cottage (the first British dwelling in Shimla), and walk past the Cecil Hotel, once frequented by British officers.
Your walk ends at the Viceregal Lodge, now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, a majestic Jacobethan structure that once housed British Viceroys and later, hosted important meetings in pre-Partition India. You may choose to drive up to the Lodge and walk back, taking in Shimla’s layered past at your own pace.
Afternoon Experience: Hop aboard the famous Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage experience. Ride through scenic pine forests and curved stone bridges as the narrow-gauge line snakes along the mountains—a slow, magical journey with breathtaking views.
Dinner and overnight in Shimla.
DAY 09
Leisure in the Hills – Shimla at Your Own Pace
Today is yours to explore Shimla at leisure. Choose to relax at your hotel, sip hot cocoa while watching the mist roll over the mountains, or dive deeper into the town’s colonial charm.
For something special, consider an excursion to Wildflower Hall, once the residence of Lord Kitchener, now a luxury retreat nestled among cedar forests. Enjoy woodland walks, a soothing spa treatment, or afternoon tea in the elegant dining room with sweeping views of the Himalayas.
Alternatively, shop for handicrafts, woollens, and Himachali souvenirs along the Mall Road or revisit your favorite haunts from yesterday’s walk.
Dinner and overnight in Shimla.
DAY 10
Through the Hills to the Capital – Shimla to Delhi by Rail & Road
After breakfast, embark on a nostalgic journey back to Delhi via Kalka. Depending on your preference, you can take the Toy Train to Kalka or drive directly, followed by a scenic rail ride to the capital. Watch the mountains give way to the plains as you move from the Himalayas into the heart of India.
Upon arrival in Delhi late evening, you’ll be met by our local representative on the platform and transferred to your airport hotel, conveniently located for your departure tomorrow.
Overnight in Delhi.
DAY 11
Farewell to India – Departure from Delhi
After breakfast, embark on a nostalgic journey back to Delhi via Kalka. Depending on your preference, you can take the Toy Train to Kalka or drive directly, followed by a scenic rail ride to the capital. Watch the mountains give way to the plains as you move from the Himalayas into the heart of India.
Upon arrival in Delhi late evening, you’ll be met by our local representative on the platform and transferred to your airport hotel, conveniently located for your departure tomorrow.
Overnight in Delhi.