Mountains & Mystics of India - 13 Days

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, India’s capital city known for its Mughal-era architecture and street food scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll get to know your leader and fellow trip members. If you arrive early, why not stop by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb or the iconic 12th-century Qutub Minar. After the meeting tonight, maybe head out with your group to get to know each other (and the delicious local cuisine).

This morning, your leader will take the group for a guided walking tour around Old Delhi. Climb aboard a traditional cycle rickshaw and be driven through Delhi’s lively streets. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest and India’s largest mosque.

Depart Delhi and hop aboard a train journeying across the state of Punjab to Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, you’ll travel by private vehicle to Shimla – the state’s capital, situated in the lower foothills of the Himalayas. When you arrive, you’ll have the chance to explore the town's quiet charm on an orientation walk with your leader. After, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore at your own pace.

Wake up early for a 30-minute scenic ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 'toy train' – for views of the Himalayas and local villages. After, you might like to head out and shop along Mall Road, visit the Jakhu Temple or shop for specialty wooden crafts at Lakkar Bazaar. Later, you’ll visit the Viceregal Lodge. This is a historic location where the partition agreement that separated India from Pakistan and Bangladesh was drawn up. Set among rolling hills, Shimla offers gentle to challenging walking trails for those wanting to stretch their legs. In the evening, film fans might like to visit the cinema to watch a Bollywood blockbuster.

Travel by private transfer to the small town of Mandi. Situated on the Beas River and once part of the salt route to Tibet, Mandi is a town of both historic and religious significance. Your leader will take you on a guided walk where you will explore the town and its huge sunken shopping centre – the only one like it in India. Later, you might like to spend time at the bathing ghats along the river or hike to hilltop temples. In the evening, sit down to dinner with your group and stay in the restored former palace of the Raja of Mandi.

Today, journey through the mountains by private vehicle along bumpy, winding roads to Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj. A mountain town with a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture, you’ll find robed monks strolling between monasteries and prayer flags hung from above. When you arrive, maybe wander the streets and see for yourself. Dharamsala is also known as the home to the Dalai Lama and where the Tibetan government resides in exile. Enjoy an afternoon to explore the town at your own pace, walking through the streets framed by the Himalayas.

Today, visit the fascinating Norbulingka Institute, developed to train Tibetan refugees in skills needed to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Tibet. Its grounds feature an intricate temple and several workshops where you can see woodcarving, painting and needlework in action. Then, make your way to the Tsuglag Khang complex to see the Dalai Lama’s temple. You may also like to visit the Losel Doll Museum to learn about the daily lives and customs of Tibetan people.

Today, travel down the mountains to Amritsar, situated in the heart of the fertile plain known as India's ‘breadbasket.’ Amritsar is the largest city in Punjab and the centre of Sikhism in India. With your group, wander through the rambling streets and bazaars of the Old City on foot before you explore the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), which sits in the middle of a sacred lake. Soak up the soothing sounds of the devout chanting verses from the Sikh holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib.

Journey to the Jallianwala Bagh this morning – the site of the tragic 1919 massacre that played a vital role in India's independence. Then, head out to the India–Pakistan border to watch the daily flag ceremony that has been followed since 1959. This famous military practice garners crowds every day who come to watch as the security forces of India and Pakistan engage in an elaborate ceremony of bowing, chanting, marching and high kicks. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight sleeper train from Amritsar to Haridwar.

Disembark in Haridwar this morning, then drive to Rishikesh and check in to your hotel. Later today, you have the chance to go on an orientation walk with your leader to see the mural-lined walls of Chaurasi Kutia – the ashram made internationally famous when the Beatles visited in the 1960s. In the evening, take a stroll along the holy Ganges River, where you’ll hear the ringing of the temple bells and watch as the nightly fire rituals of Ganga Aarti begin.

You have a free morning to enjoy the calm and tranquil atmosphere of Rishikesh. Maybe take a walk along the Ganges River or relax and unwind in a yoga class – Rishikesh is known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World.' For something more adventurous, there’s also the option to white-water raft down the Ganges! In the afternoon, reunite with your group for a walk through the nearby jungle.

Bid farewell to Rishikesh and take the train back to Delhi. This is a long journey, so get stuck into a good book or reminisce on your incredible adventure with your fellow travellers. The train arrives back in Delhi at around 11 pm and you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your final night.

There are no activities planned for your last day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay an extra couple of days, and it's recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. If you do extend your stay, maybe check out the great range of Urban Adventures – like the Hidden Gems of Delhi tour.