India Discovery: Golden Triangle & Himalayan Highlights - 15 Days

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Trip Snapshot

Age range

12 - 100

Start / End

  • New Delhi
  • Amritsar

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

8

Highlights

  • Golden Triangle Grandeur: Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of India's Golden Triangle. Explore Delhi's bustling Old City with a youth-led walk, stand in awe before the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and discover the majestic palaces and pink-hued streets of Jaipur, including the iconic Amber Fort.
  • Rural Rajasthani Immersion: Journey off the beaten path to Dhula Village, where you'll experience authentic rural life in Rajasthan. Enjoy a unique camp stay under a starry night sky, offering a glimpse into local traditions and the peaceful countryside.
  • Himalayan Serenity in Chamba: Ascend to the tranquil Himalayan foothills to Chamba. Here, embrace morning yoga and meditation, explore ancient temples, participate in an embroidery workshop, and enjoy a memorable cooking class and feast with your farm-stay host family.
  • Tibetan Spirit of Dharamshala: Discover the spiritual heart of the Tibetan exile community in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. Explore bustling markets, visit the revered Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Complex), and connect with local initiatives like the Tenacious Honey Bee Collective.
  • Amritsar's Golden Splendour: Experience the profound spirituality of Amritsar with a visit to the magnificent Golden Temple, arguably the most important Sikh temple in the world, marveling at its golden brilliance, especially during the sacred palaki ceremony.
  • Wagah Border Ceremony: Witness the captivating and intensely patriotic Wagah Border ceremony, a symbolic daily flag-lowering event between India and Pakistan, showcasing discipline, rivalry, and a powerful display of national pride.
  • Majestic Golden Triangle Discovery: Begin your adventure in the bustling capital of Delhi with a meaningful youth-led City Walk. Then, prepare to be awestruck by the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra, explore the grandeur of Agra Fort, and delve into Jaipur's 'Pink City' charm, including the magnificent Amber Fort and the iconic Hawa Mahal. Don't miss the chance to try your hand at traditional block printing with local women.
  • Himalayan Foothills Homestay & Heritage: Journey north into the serene Western Himalayas to Chamba. Here, immerse yourself in local life with a welcoming farm-stay, enjoy traditional meals, and participate in a hands-on cooking class. Discover ancient temples, vibrant artistry, and local embroidery, all while surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes and the option for a picturesque hike.
  • Spiritual Heart of Dharamshala: Experience the rich Tibetan culture in Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama. Explore the significant Tsuglagkhang Complex, browse the lively McLeodganj Market, and gain unique insight into ethical honeybee keeping with the local Tenacious Honey Bee Collective, complete with honey sampling and an 'apidomik' experience.
  • Amritsar's Golden Glow & Patriotic Spectacle: Witness the spiritual splendor of Amritsar's Golden Temple, a shimmering beacon of Sikh faith, first at sunset during the poignant palaki ceremony, and then again at dawn. Cap off your journey with the unforgettable Wagah Border Ceremony, a captivating display of national pride and a hopeful exchange between India and Pakistan.
  • Authentic Local Connections: Throughout your journey, engage deeply with local communities. From supporting at-risk youth in Delhi to learning traditional crafts with women in Jaipur and sharing meals and stories with your homestay family in Chamba, these immersive experiences offer genuine insights into India's vibrant culture and heartfelt hospitality.
  • A Tapestry of Northern India's Landscapes: Traverse the diverse landscapes of Northern India, from the bustling plains of the Golden Triangle with its historic cities and rural villages, to the majestic peaks and tranquil valleys of the Himalayan foothills. Travel by comfortable train and private vehicle, ensuring you soak in every panoramic view and cultural nuance along this incredible 15-day odyssey.
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  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
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Summary

From the iconic Golden Triangle to the serene Himalayan foothills, this 15-day journey shows you two incredible sides of northern India. Wander Delhi’s lively bazaars, stand in awe before the Taj Mahal, and explore Jaipur’s palaces and pink-hued streets. Then head north to Dharamshala and Amritsar, where Tibetan culture, mountain landscapes, and the golden glow of the sacred temple await. With a mix of must-see highlights and local connections, this adventure blends history, spirituality, and culture into one unforgettable trip.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Delhi

    Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the the tour operator-supported Women With Wheels project. Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.

  • Day 2

    Delhi/Agra

    Enjoy a youth-led walk through the backstreets of Delhi with the tour operator-supported project, City Walk. Observe a different perspective of Delhi while supporting at-risk youth in the community. Later, explore Old Delhi and travel onward to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

  • Day 3

    Agra

    Set eyes on the sparkling Taj Mahal at sunrise before exploring more of this famous landmark. In the afternoon, visit the I'timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) and the Agra Fort.

  • Day 4

    Agra/Dhula Village

    Stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the now-deserted former capital of the Mughals, and a stunningly preserved UNESCO site. Visit the Abhaneri Stepwell and marvel at this uniquely Indian water harvesting system. In the afternoon, travel to Dhula Village and get a closer look at rural life in Rajasthan. Tonight, settle in to your cozy tent then opt to relax by the fire and take in the starry night sky. At Dhula Village you will have the opportunity to learn about local life, play a fun game of cricket, relax in the peaceful atmosphere, or take a cycle to explore the surroundings.

    Tonight's accommodation is in spacious and comfortable tents outfitted with beds, lamps, and simple en suite bathrooms.

  • Day 5

    Dhula Village/Jaipur

    Continue to the pink city of Jaipur. Along the way, try your hand at block printing with the women of the Anoothi Project before arriving at your hotel. Built according to Hindu architectural principles, Jaipur utilizes a unique organization unlike anywhere else in India.

  • Day 6

    Jaipur

    Enjoy a visit to the Amber Fort, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. After, visit the City Palace and have a photo opportunity at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family.

  • Day 7

    Jaipur/Delhi

    If you aren't afraid of heights, opt for a morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur. Return to Delhi in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore more of the bustling city. Admire the Pink City from above by pre-booking the morning Jaipur Balloon Ride when booking your tour.

  • Day 8

    Delhi

    Today is yours to explore the city of Delhi! The options are seemingly endless so enjoy it on your terms. Connect with India's incredible food scene by pre-booking the Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi.

  • Day 9

    Delhi/Chamba

    Today is a long travel day, but well worth the trek. We'll take a train from Delhi to Pathankot and transfer to a private vehicle. Pathankot is located at the foothills of the Himalayas, so our drive will get even more beautiful as we travel deeper into Himachal through the Western Himalayas. We'll arrive to Chamba in the evening and walk to our farm-stay. Enjoy a traditional welcome with the family followed by a local dinner. Sit back and relax as you get comfortable in your incredible farm-stay tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains.

  • Day 10

    Chamba

    Start the day off right with a morning yoga and meditation session before a delicious breakfast. Today we explore the picturesque town of Chamba, tucked away in the Himalayas. Visit ancient temples, vibrant paintings and an embroidery workshop to experience Chamba's rich cultural heritage.

  • Day 11

    Chamba

    Spend the morning on an beautiful hike accessible for all levels of hikers. Make sure to bring your camera to take in the incredible beauty of the Himalayas along the way. This evening, join your farm-stay host family for a well deserved feast! Together we'll learn to cook local favorites and then sit down together to dig in!

  • Day 12

    Chamba/Dharamsala

    Say goodbye to our amazing Himalayan farm-stay hosts and drive toward Dharamshala, where the exiled Tibetan government has lived since 1960. Stop in the town of Jia for an amazing experience with the tour operator-supported Tenacious Honey Bee Collective - a chance to learn about ethical honeybee keeping in the Himalayas. After some honey sampling and an apidomik experience, finish the drive to Dharamshala. Visit the Mcleodganj Market and feel the strong connection this town has to Tibet. Then visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple. This temple was built shortly after the Dalai Lama's exile from Tibet and now serves as the political centre of Tibet for the community-in-exile. Take time to explore the temple and visit the Tibet Museum as well. The rest of the day is yours to wander the markets and Dharamshala as you wish.

  • Day 13

    Dharamsala

    Today is yours to see the incredible town of Dharamshala how you'd like. Feel free to relax or get out and visit the Norbulingka Institute or see the Bhagsu Nag Waterfall.

  • Day 14

    Dharamsala/Amritsar

    Depart for Amritsar early this morning to make the nearby evening Wagah Border Ceremony. Every night, just before the sun sets on the border of Pakistan and India, the two sides simultaneously lower their flags as a sign of peace, discipline and hope for the future between these two countries with a long history of rivalry. Afterwards, head to the Golden Temple-arguably the most important Sikh temple in the world-in hopes to witness the palaki ceremony, which symbolizes putting the holy book to rest for the night.

  • Day 15

    Amritsar

    Return to the Golden Temple early this morning for a chance to admire this incredible pilgrimage destination in the daylight. Afterwards, return to the hotel. Your tour concludes upon return to the hotel. Please book onward travel no earlier than 15:00 pm on your departure day to ensure you have ample time after the Golden Temple Visit.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Simple hotel (twin-share): 10 nights. Homestay: 3 nights, Camp site: 1 night

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 4, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 2

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Airport Transfers

    Arrival Only

    An airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Nov 2026

    from £1,286
  • Apr 2027

    from £1,286
  • May 2027

    from £1,286
  • Jun 2027

    from £1,286
  • Sep 2027

    from £1,286
  • Nov 2027

    from £1,286
  • Save 1%
    Sunday 4 Apr 2027to Sunday 18 Apr 2027
    6+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £1,299£1,286
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Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour includes 10 nights in simple hotels (twin-share), 3 nights in a homestay, and 1 night at a camp site. Please note that accommodation standards may vary from Western expectations, and power cuts can be a regular occurrence in India. Hotels with only two stories may not have elevators.
  • Are international flights included in the trip price?

    No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.
  • Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

    All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. Please be aware that a baggage limit of 15kgs per piece applies to internal flights, with potential additional charges for extra weight at check-in.
  • What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

    We utilize a combination of private vehicles, trains, and walking. Train travel in India can be an odyssey, using AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, sleeper class, or AC Chair car. Road travel may involve varying standards compared to Western countries, with drivers frequently using horns and roads sometimes being poorly maintained.
  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. India is vegetarian heaven, so a huge range of vegetarian options will be available.
  • Is tipping customary in India?

    Yes, tipping service providers like waiters (approx. 10%) is customary. For local guides or drivers, a recommendation of $4-5 USD per person per day is suggested. Tipping your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) at the end of the trip is also appreciated, with a guideline of $8-10 USD per person per day.
  • What is the recommended dress code for this tour?

    India is very conservative. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed as it will restrict entry into religious buildings and family homes. A light water and windproof jacket is useful, and a hat is essential. It can be very cold in the hills from December to February.
  • What currency should I use, and are credit cards accepted?

    The local currency is Indian Rupees (INR). ATM machines accepting Visa and Mastercard are limited to major cities. USD cash is also recommended. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.
  • Is travel insurance required for this trip?

    Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.
  • What are the visa and entry requirements for India?

    All travelers must have a valid Indian visa (with a minimum of 6 months passport validity) prior to the start of their tour. E-Visas are available for some nationalities. Additionally, all non-Indian nationals entering India by air, land, or sea must complete an e-Arrival Card online within 3 days of arrival. It is your responsibility to check the most up-to-date requirements.
  • What cultural aspects should I be aware of in India?

    India offers a vastly different experience from Western countries. Expect potential culture shock due to pollution, poverty, crowds, and different attitudes towards timekeeping, public cleanliness, privacy, and service. Patience and a healthy sense of humor will greatly enhance your travel experience.
  • What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers.
  • Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

    We believe single travelers should not have to pay more. Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex, so no single supplement is charged.
  • What optional activities are available on this tour?

    Optional activities include a Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi, a Jaipur Cycle Tour, a Jaipur Cooking Class with a local family, visits to Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), Jantar Mantar, a movie at Raj Mandir, a Jaipur Balloon Ride, a visit to the Norbulingka Institute, and the Bhagsu Nag Waterfall.
  • Who will be leading the group?

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO), who will provide information, suggestions, and recommendations. We also utilize local guides for more specific knowledge in certain areas.
  • Should I bring emergency money on this trip?

    Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used if circumstances outside our control require a change to our planned route.
  • Is laundry available during the trip?

    Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.
  • What support is provided for LGBTQ+ travelers?

    The safety and well-being of all our travelers is a priority. We encourage LGBTQ+ travelers to visit our dedicated LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
  • How old must I be to join this trip?

    You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on this tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
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