Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrival. Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax.

Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Dwarka – 5 Star, Delhi (2 Nights)

Day 02: Delhi

The capital of India is truly a tantalizing mixture of old and new. We start our morning tour with an exploration of New Delhi and a visit to Birla House, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, take in the famous India Gate, followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun’s Tomb*, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Experience the stunning ancient minaret of Qutb Minar* before venturing in to Old Delhi. Here, our afternoon visits start with the famous Red Fort*, built by Shah Jehan as one of the most opulent forts in the Mughal Empire. We also experience monumental Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, as well as Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at a famous Indian restaurant. (B, D)

Please Note: Red Fort and Birla House are closed on Monday, while Chandni Chowk is closed on Sunday.

Day 03: Delhi/Amritsar (Train)

Today we are transferred to the railway station for our morning train to Amritsar, taking in interesting rural Punjab scenery en route. As the spiritual centre for the Sikh religion, Amritsar is best known for its Golden Temple, Sri Harimandir Sahib, one of the most breathtaking temples in all of India. This monument is Sikhism’s holiest shrine, and we will have the opportunity to experience it on our tour today. The temple was intended to be a place where men and women from all walks of life and all religions can come and worship God equally. Housed inside is the Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest text of Sikhism. This visit to the temple is a major highlight of tours to India. Here we witness readings from the Holy Scripture, which is brought to the temple every day in a vivid procession from the Akal Takhat (the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs).

In the afternoon, we visit the border between India and Pakistan and watch the spectacular Retreat Ceremony, put on by India's Border Security Force and on the other side by the Pakistan's Sutlej Rangers. This border is the only land route open between India and Pakistan. Every day, when the border closes, border guards from both sides put on a spectacular display. Bugles are sounded, flags of the two nations are ceremoniously retrieved and lights are switched on, marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause by supporters from both sides. This event has been captured by many news channels including the BBC and CNN.

Overnight: Holiday Inn – 4 Star, Amritsar (1 night) (B, D)

Day 04: Amritsar/Dharamshala (Drive)

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and proceed to Dharamshala, the famous town where His Holiness the Dalai Lama lives in exile. Upon arrival and check in, the rest of our day is free to explore this sacred area.

Overnight: The Pride Surya – 4 Star, Dharamshala (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05: Dharamshala

A half day local tour of Dharamshala as we discover the Tibetan Medical Center and the Church of St. John, as well as meditation courses and local monasteries. The rest of the day is free. (B, D)

Day 06: Dharamshala/Manali (Drive)

We journey on to Manali today, enjoying the exhilarating scenery of Himachal Pradesh en route. Take in snowy peaks, stunning valleys and more. Upon arrival in Manali, the rest of our day is at leisure. Nestled in majestic mountains, Manali is a serene hill station known for its beautiful scenery and abundance of outdoor activities.

Overnight: Club Mahindra White Meadows- 4 Star, Manali (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Manali

Following breakfast, we explore the town, visiting the Jagatsukh Nagar Art Gallery, Hadimba Devi Temple and the Tibetan Monastery. Next, we embark on a trip to Vashisht village, just outside Manali and across the river Beas. Vashisht is known for its hot sulphur springs, with water said to have curative properties. Evening is free. (B, D)

Day 08: Manali/Rohtang Pass/Manali (Drive)

Embrace the unequalled mountain panoramas as we take an excursion to Rohtang Pass (3,978 meters high), which was the gateway to the trading routes that led to Lhe, Ladakh and Central Asia for centuries. From the crest of the pass, we can take in a sweeping panorama of mountain ranges, pinnacles, precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and deep ravines. Evening, we return to our hotel for dinner. (B, D)

Day 09: Manali/Kullu/Shimla (Drive)

Morning we drive to Shimla, once the Summer Capital of India during the British Raj. Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, Shimla is perhaps the most famous of India’s hill stations. En route, we explore the famous Kullu Valley and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Kullu Shawl Industry. Upon arrival in Shimla, the rest of the day is free.

Overnight: Clarkes Hotel – Heritage, Shimla (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Shimla

We experience serene Shimla today, visiting Jakhu Temple, which provides an excellent view of the hill station. We then discover Viceregal Lodge, which once served as the seat of power. The remainder of the day is free to explore Shimla’s famous Mall road, the main shopping centre of Shimla. People here walk slowly up and down the streets, often stopping to gossip, as this is the main meeting place of the town. (B, D)

Day 11: Shimla/Chail/Kufri/Nalderha/Shimla (Drive)

A full-day exploration of Shimla’s surrounds. Our first stop is the Kufri Valley, which offers a commanding panoramic view of the unforgettable Himalayas. Later in the afternoon, we visit Naldehra, a serene and green escape framed by a skyline filled with conifers. Naldehra offers a well-groomed nine-hole golf course dating from the early 1900s. Evening, we return to our hotel. (B, D)

Day 12: Shimla/Chandigarh (Drive)

We continue our journey as we head to Chandigarh, the best-planned city in India, designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier. The Capitol Complex of Chandigarh* is a World Heritage Site. After checking in to our hotel, we embark on a local tour, visiting the Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, Sector 17 market and more. We also experience the Rock Garden, consisting of art objects, fashioned from industrial and urban waste created by Nek Chand, a former road inspector. Artists and connoisseurs from all over the world flock to see this unique and amazing creation.

Overnight: WelcomHotel Bella – 4 Star, Chandigarh (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 13: Chandigarh

Our day is free in Chandigarh to explore, experience some of the city’s cultural attractions or just relax. (B, D)

Day 14: Chandigarh/Delhi (Drive)

We make our way back to Delhi, checking in to our hotel upon arrival.

Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Dwarka – 5 Star, Delhi (1 night) (B, D)

Day 15: Depart Delhi

After an exhilarating journey through the incredible scenery and culture of the Indian Himalayas, we are transferred to the airport in time for our departure flight. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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